Abstract: A fluid flow channel for a heat exchanger, the channel comprising an elongate tubular channel body extending along an axis A from a first end to a second end, the channel body having walls, the interior surface of which define an interior channel through which heat exchanger fluid flows from the first end to the second end, and wherein the channel body comprises two or more straight sections having a constant cross section in which the interior channel has a rectangular, square or triangular cross-section, and a twisted section between the or each pair of adjacent straight sections, in the axial direction, the twisted section being a section resulting from one of the straight sections twisted about the axis A with respect to an adjacent straight section.

Abstract: A method of forming fluid flow channels for a heat exchanger core includes additively manufacturing the channels such that each channel includes a straight axial fluid path portion (A) extending from one end of the channel to the other and that the cross-sectional shape of the channel varies along its length to form curved contact surfaces for the fluid as it flows along the channel, while keeping the cross-sectional area constant along each channel.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a shell having a first inlet and a first outlet for a first fluid (H) and a second inlet and a second outlet for a second fluid (C), and a screw element. The screw element has a core and first and second nested helical flights mounted to the core. The helical flights define first and second helical fluid passages along the shell. The first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first inlet and the first outlet and the second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second inlet and the second outlet. The heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of tubes mounted between adjacent turns of the first and second helical flights and extending across the fluid flow passage formed between the helical flights for conducting the first and or second fluid.

Abstract: An actuator release mechanism comprising a longitudinal member, e.g. a piston, which is moveable axially to permit or prevent axial movement of the lock bolt and hence deployment of the actuator. Movement of the piston is due to the force of the lock bolt, under a spring force, on the one hand, and to the position and force of a linkage assembly on the other hand. The linkage assembly comprises a first link fixed, at one end, e.g. by means of a piston lock pin, to the piston and fixed at a pivot point to a second link. The second link is fixed to a rotational drive means, here a rotary solenoid or stepper motor, so as to rotate about a centre of rotation.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a shell having a first inlet and a first outlet for a first fluid (H) and a second inlet and a second outlet for a second fluid (C), and a screw element. The screw element has a core and first and second nested helical flights mounted to the core. The helical flights define first and second helical fluid passages along the shell. The first fluid passage is in fluid communication with the first inlet and the first outlet and the second fluid passage is in fluid communication with the second inlet and the second outlet. The heat exchanger further comprises a plurality of tubes mounted between adjacent turns of the first and second helical flights and extending across the fluid flow passage formed between the helical flights for conducting the first and or second fluid.

Abstract: An actuator release mechanism comprising a longitudinal member, e.g. a piston, which is moveable axially to permit or prevent axial movement of the lock bolt and hence deployment of the actuator. Movement of the piston is due to the force of the lock bolt, under a spring force, on the one hand, and to the position and force of a linkage assembly on the other hand. The linkage assembly comprises a first link fixed, at one end, e.g. by means of a piston lock pin, to the piston and fixed at a pivot point to a second link. The second link is fixed to a rotational drive means, here a rotary solenoid or stepper motor, so as to rotate about a centre of rotation.

Abstract: A baffle for a shell and tube heat exchanger comprises a one piece helical flight extending from a central core. The helical flight has a plurality of aligned openings for receiving tubes of the heat exchanger. The helical flight may be made by machining from a casting or solid block of material, or by an additive manufacturing process.