Abstract: A heat exchanger is provided including a first aluminum extruded header spaced apart and arranged essentially parallel to a second aluminum extruded header. The first and second headers include a plurality of parallel passageways extending therethrough along a longitudinal axis thereof. The passageways are fluidly interconnected by at least one transverse cross-drilled bore extending essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis. A core assembly is secured between the first and second headers including a plurality of fluid conduits and heat radiating fins surrounding the fluid conduits. A by-pass valve assembly fluidly communicates with the headers and core assembly while providing an alternate pathway independent thereof. Preferably, the by-pass assembly is responsive to fluid temperature and/or pressure for directing fluid flow either into or exterior of the heat exchanger core assembly.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is disclosed which is designed to be fabricated from sheet material. The heat exchanger core assembly comprises a plurality of stacked substantially identical strips of formed sheet members each having a plurality of troughs formed therein. The troughs are positioned in nested relationship so as to define fluid flowpaths through the core assembly and between headers secured to opposite ends of the core assembly. Each of the troughs includes a bottom portion having a plurality of openings therein through which fluid may flow. In one embodiment the openings are in the form of louvers. In another embodiment, the openings are rectangularly shaped and offset between successive strips in the stack so as to impart a mixing action to the fluid flowing through the core. Heat radiating fin portions separate the respective fluid flowpath defining troughs and may include louvered-like openings therein. A method of fabricating the heat exchanger is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved header construction for use with fin and tube type heat exchangers which includes a base member having a plurality of tubular projections extending outward from a center interconnecting portion and a pair of oppositely extending substantially parallel spaced apart flange portions extending generally perpendicular to the interconnecting portion. A cover member is also included which has an interconnecting portion with a pair of similarly generally perpendicularly outwardly projecting subtantially parallel flange portions which are spaced apart a distance slightly less than the distance between the flange portions provided on the base member so as to be received between and adjacent to respective of the base member flange portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger of the multiple pass counterflow fin and tube type having an improved return bend construction. The return bend construction comprises a base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof which define openings extending therethrough. These projections telescopically engage ends of the fluid conducting conduits or tubes. A cover member is provided which is secured to the base member and has a plurality of localized embossments provided thereon which are arranged so as to provide a passageway placing two or more openings in the base plate in mutual fluid communication. The base member also operates as part of a surrounding frame for the heat exchanger and may include mounting points for securing the heat exchanger in the equipment with which it is to be utilized.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved header construction for use with fin and tube type heat exchangers which allows for an increased number of radiating fins to be incorporated into a heat exchanger of any predetermined size. This header construction includes a base member having a plurality of tubular projections extending outward from a center interconnecting portion and a pair of oppositely extending substantially parallel spaced apart flange portions extending generally perpendicular to the interconnecting portions. A cover member is also included which has an interconnecting portion with a pair of similarly generally perpendicularly outwardly projecting substantially parallel flange portions which are spaced apart a distance slightly less than the distance between the flange portions provided on the base member so as to be received between and adjacent to respective of the base member flange portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger construction of the finned fluid conduit type which includes an integral pressure actuated by-pass fluid assembly adapted to enable fluid being circulated through the heat exchanger to by-pass the core portion thereof when header pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. The heat exchanger of the present invention comprises an inlet header, outlet header, and interconnecting heat exchanger core assembly and a continuous by-pass fluid conduit member extending therebetween in which is disposed a pressure responsive valve adapted to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet headers. The continuous fluid by-pass conduit is designed to have a pressure relief valve removably positioned internally thereof and preferably will have one end extending completely through one of the headers which end may be provided with a suitable removable closure member to facilitate installation and/or replacement of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved multipass condenser construction having provisions therein which allow the condensate formed from each pass through the core portion thereof to by-pass substantially all of the remaining core portions thereby promoting maximum efficiency of the condenser. The condenser comprises a pair of vertically extending headers each having a plurality of baffles provided therein and an interconnecting core structure. The baffles are arranged so as to cause a gaseous fluid to flow through the core structure in alternating directions so as to be cooled and condensed to a liquid state. Each of the baffles is provided with a small aperture which allows condensate formed from each pass of the gaseous fluid through the core structure to by-pass the remaining portions of the core and flow directly to the lower end of the headers.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger construction of the finned fluid conduit type which includes an integral pressure actuated by-pass fluid assembly adapted to enable fluid being circulated through the heat exchanger to by-pass the core portion thereof when header pressure exceeds a predetermined pressure. The heat exchanger of the present invention comprises an inlet header, outlet header, and interconnecting heat exchanger core assembly and a continuous by-pass fluid conduit member extending therebetween in which is disposed a pressure responsive valve adapted to control fluid flow between the inlet and outlet headers. The continuous fluid by-pass conduit is designed to have a pressure relief valve removably positioned internally thereof and preferably will have one end extending completely through one of the headers which end may be provided with a suitable removable closure member to facilitate installation and/or replacement of the pressure relief valve.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved multipass condenser construction having provisions therein which allow the condensate formed from each pass through the core portion thereof to by-pass substantially all of the remaining core portions thereby promoting maximum efficiency of the condenser. The condenser comprises a pair of vertically extending headers each having a plurality of baffles provided therein and an interconnecting core structure. The baffles are arranged so as to cause a gaseous fluid to flow through the core structure in alternating directions so as to be cooled and condensed to a liquid state. Each of the baffles is provided with a small aperture which allows condensate formed from each pass of the gaseous fluid through the core structure to by-pass the remaining portions of the core and flow directly to the lower end of the headers.