Abstract: A separator has a first inlet arranged to receive a fluid stream, and first and second separation stages coupled together in series; A pump coupled to the second separation stage generates an area of reduced pressure to draw the fluid stream through the first and second separation stages. One of the stages includes a variable impactor separator comprising a first chamber arranged to receive the fluid stream, and a second chamber coupled to the first chamber through an aperture to accelerate the first fluid stream. The stream is incident upon an impaction surface to separate contaminants from the fluid stream. An actuator adjusts the open area of the aperture according to a pressure differential between fluid pressure in the first chamber and a reference fluid pressure in a third chamber. The other of the separation stages is a second variable impactor separator or a filter media.

Abstract: A separator has a first inlet arranged to receive a fluid stream, and first and second separation stages coupled together in series; A pump coupled to the second separation stage generates an area of reduced pressure to draw the fluid stream through the first and second separation stages. One of the stages includes a variable impactor separator comprising a first chamber arranged to receive the fluid stream, and a second chamber coupled to the first chamber through an aperture to accelerate the first fluid stream. The stream is incident upon an impaction surface to separate contaminants from the fluid stream. An actuator adjusts the open area of the aperture according to a pressure differential between fluid pressure in the first chamber and a reference fluid pressure in a third chamber. The other of the separation stages is a second variable impactor separator or a filter media.

Abstract: A regulator (108) comprising a first chamber (132), and second chamber (134) and an actuator (130). The second chamber (134) is coupled to the first chamber (132) through an aperture (156). The actuator (130) is arranged to the adjust the size of the aperture (156) according to a pressure differential between fluid pressure in the first chamber (132) and a pressure reference (36). The rate of change of the cross sectional area of the aperture (156) is arranged to have a non-linear response to a change in the pressure differential.

Abstract: A regulator (108) comprising a first chamber (132), and second chamber (134) and an actuator (130). The second chamber (134) is coupled to the first chamber (132) through an aperture (156). The actuator (130) is arranged to the adjust the size of the aperture (156) according to a pressure differential between fluid pressure in the first chamber (132) and a pressure reference (36). The rate of change of the cross sectional area of the aperture (156) is arranged to have a non-linear response to a change in the pressure differential.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a header plate with a plurality of openings and a plurality of tubes each having an end portion inserted into one of the plurality of openings in the header plate. Each of the plurality of tubes has a generally rectangular cross-section and a longitudinal axis. An end portion of at least some of the plurality of tubes is stiffened by a respective stiffening part. Each stiffening part includes two reinforcing elements positioned opposite each other abutting an inner surface of the tubes. Each reinforcing element also includes a back portion and two side portions extending from the back portion and a connecting member connecting the side portions of the reinforcing elements.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a header plate with a plurality of openings and a plurality of tubes each having an end portion inserted into one of the plurality of openings in the header plate. Each of the plurality of tubes has a generally rectangular cross-section and a longitudinal axis. An end portion of at least some of the plurality of tubes is stiffened by a respective stiffening part. Each stiffening part includes two reinforcing elements positioned opposite each other abutting an inner surface of the tubes. Each reinforcing element also includes a back portion and two side portions extending from the back portion and a connecting member connecting the side portions of the reinforcing elements.