Abstract: A perforated plastic baffle for a shell-and-tube heat exchanger includes pressure actuated tube seals. Heat exchanger tubes run lengthwise through a cylindrical shell, and baffles traverse the tubes. The pressure actuated seals line each baffle perforation through which the tubes extend. Each seal includes a flexible annular lip that surrounds the tube and extends upstream from the baffle. Fluid flowing through the shell and being redirected by the baffles provides a pressure differential that forces the seals' lips tightly against and around the tubes. In the absence of the fluid pressure differential, the sealing force is greatly reduced which enables the tubes to be easily inserted through the baffle perforations during assembly of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel tubes in the form of at least a first plurality of parallel tube rows and a second plurality of parallel tube rows are supported by a baffle comprising an outer ring capable of surrounding the tubes and a plurality of parallel rods which form a plurality of parallel chords with the outer ring wherein the rods are capable of passing in the spaces between the tubes forming adjacent parallel tube rows of one plurality of parallel tube rows and wherein the number of rods in the baffle is substantially less than the total number of rods which could be positioned in the spaces between the tube rows in the plurality of parallel tube rows.

Abstract: A device for fixing loops in a component (1) of a heat exchanger constituted by tubes (10) in which a fluid flows, the loops being situated in the plane of the heat exchanger and being formed by bends and by mutually parallel vertical lengths (11), at least one tube forms an additional loop (12, 14) leaving the plane of the heat exchanger component and surrounding the vertical lengths (11), the device being characterized in that a notched flat (2) is installed level with the additional loop, said flat being provided with semicircular openings each of which receives a vertical length.

Abstract: The tubes in a tube bundle through which heat exchange medium flows transversely are supported by rods arranged at a substantial angle with respect to the direction of fluid flow. In a preferred embodiment, tube bundles supported by rods are positioned in a stirred vessel for heat exchange with the fluid in the stirred vessel. In a further preferred embodiment, the stirred vessel is a fermentor for the production of bacteria or yeast.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an apparatus for substantially eliminating flow induced vibrations of the flow tubes of a steam generator in the U-bend region. Antivibration bars are provided between columns of flow tubes in the U-bend region which are contoured on one side to correspond with the exact as-built and as-bent diameter of the tubes as located within the tube bundle. Measurements of the actual flow tube diameters are made and recorded and stored either on tape or in a computer which is then used to control a numerically operated machine which configures or machines cutouts in the antivibration bars to precisely correspond with the respective measured diameters of the flow tubes. Only one side of the antivibration bars need to be machined because of the flexibility of the flow tubes which allow the positioning of the other side of the flow tubes along a flat plane.

Abstract: In a falling film evaporator of the vertical-tube type in which liquid to be evaporated is supplied at the top on the outer surface of vertical heat exchanger tubes and the heat medium is supplied to the heat exchanger tubes at the bottom for flow inside the same, at least one larger tube element than the heat exchanger tubes is disposed between and fixed to tube plates at the both ends of the group of tubes to stabilize the group of tubes against tension and especially compression stresses.

Abstract: The tubes in a tube bundle which is laid out in an alternating array of tubes and empty lanes are supported by corrugated slats positioned in the empty lanes, separating adjacent rows of tubes, the corrugations of each of the slats extending along the length or circumference of the slat to support the tubes and generate turbulence.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus in which a plurality of heat exchange tubes are disposed in a enclosure and are supported relative to two opposed upright walls of the enclosure. Each tube is formed in a serpentine manner with adjacent tube sections extending in a vertically spaced parallel relationship between the upright walls. Adjacent tube sections are connected at a distance from each of the walls of between one-fourth and one-third the distance between the two walls.

Abstract: A tube spacing grid for the guidance of tubes such as in steam generators includes mutually intersecting grid rods disposed in two planes and surrounded as a frame by an outer ring. The outer ring has a circling groove on its interior face and the grid rods are inserted in seating slots formed in an interior face of a one-piece inner ring (B). A tongue and groove connection is provided between the grid rods and the inner ring. The inner ring, with the grid rods inserted in the slots and retained at a radial and axial distance from each other, is encircled by a multiple-part, particularly a two-part in axial direction, outer ring.

Abstract: A method of forming and installing anti-vibration bars into a tube bundle of a steam generator is disclosed. The tube bundle comprises rows of tubes, each tube carrying a high temperature coolant. Each of the resultant anti-vibration bars has a tubular configuration and is disposed between adjacent rows of the tube bundle for stabilizing the tubes against vibration caused by fluids recirculating at high velocities through the steam generator. The method of this invention comprises the steps of inserting at least one anti-vibration bar between adjacent rows of the tube bundle and applying a pressurized fluid in the anti-vibration, thus expanding the anti-vibration bar to contact the tubes of the adjacent rows and to make a series of indentations therein. Typically, the pressure of the fluid is increased incrementally up to a maximum level set such that the configuration of the steam genrator tubes is not deformed.

Abstract: Rod type supports or baffles are disclosed for arrays of tubes, especially those arranged in the form of a tube bundle. Each baffle comprises a pair of arcuate surfaces with a plurality of rods extending therebetween and each rod being non-normally disposed with respect to the axis of a tube bundle. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of baffles are employed in a tube bundle so as to cause shell side fluid to sweep across the tubes in a spiral pattern, such as a double helical pattern. The invention provides an improvement in the mixing of shell side fluid in a rod baffle heat exchanger.

Abstract: The heat exchanger is constructed in various embodiments such that the crevice duct between the outermost coil of tubes and the jacket defining the crevice duct is maintained at a constant width during operation. In some embodiments, the outermost coil tubes is carried on the jacket to maintain a constant width of the crevice duct. In other embodiments, a separate set of cooling tubes in provided to maintain the jacket cool. In other embodiments, the amount of heat drawn off through the outermost coil of tubes is increased.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pipe spacing grate for guidance of pipes in heat exchangers, for example, steam generators, whereby the grate is formed of intersecting grate rods, arranged in more than one plane and encircled by a frame. The frame has a groove running about the inside for accommodation of the ends of the grate rods. The grate rods (3) in the frame (2) are kept at a definite spacing from each other by distance bolts (1). The distance bolts (1) have a cross slot (5) to receive the grate rod (3), and also a projecting piece (6) in the cross slot (5), which engages a corresponding recess (7) of the grate rod (3). The distance bolts (1) are secured against falling out by a surrounding cover ring (4). A pastelike plastic can be introduced into a lengthwise boring (8) of the distance bolt (1), fixing the grate upon hardening.

Abstract: Slots are provided in the wrapper of a nuclear steam generator to increase the local flexibility of the wrapper to allow for the difference in thermal expansion between the carbon steel wrapper and the high corrosion resistant alloy tube support members. The radial structural load paths between the tube support members, the wrapper, and the outer shell provided by the radial support means, about which the expansion slots are provided, are not affected by the addition of the expansion slots. Since the slots are preferably provided by means of a high speed industrial laser, they are very thin and do not permit substantial commingling of cooler downcomer water and the boiling mixture in the tube bundle region. The expansion slots may be vertically or horizontally oriented and may be cut into the wrapper on more than one side of the radial support means. The slots may end in small curved portions to decrease stress concentrations and increase fatigue life.

Abstract: A moisture separator reheater (10) tube support where the tubes are resiliently supported on curve-shaped metal spring members (46 or 58-64) in a manner permitting differential thermal radial and axial growth between the tube runs (26) and the support and spacer plate (30). The moisture separator reheater (10) units are used in nuclear pressurized water reactor systems.

Abstract: The corners of the walls of a vessel in which fuel is burnt in the fluidized bed of a PFBC power plant are articulately connected to a supporting framework. The forces arising on the bed vessel walls are taken up by the framework and are transmitted to the framework by means of a plurality of links. At each corner the construction of links allows the corner to be displaced in relation to the framework. This corner-connection includes auxiliary beams which are substantially parallel to the walls and are at one of their ends articulately connected to the framework.

Abstract: Heat exchanging device wherein plural number of support plates are provided at a required distance from one another, a plurality of through holes are formed on these support plates, a plurality of spirally corrugated heating tubes of a fluorocarbon resin are put in each of the through holes independently from one another and these heating tubes are held by elastic bushings in the support plates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for substantially eliminating flow induced vibrations of the flow tubes of a steam generator in the U-bend region. Antivibration bars are provided between columns of flow tubes in the U-bend region which are contoured on one side to correspond with the exact as-built and as-bent diameter of the tubes as located within the tube bundle. Measurements of the actual flow tube diameters are made and recorded and stored either on tape or in a computer which is then used to control a numerically operated machine which configures or machines cutouts in the antivibration bars to precisely correspond with the respective measured diameters of the flow tubes. Only one side of the antivibration bars need to be machined because of the flexibility of the flow tubes which allow the positioning of the other side of the flow tubes along a flat plane.

Abstract: A glass tube heat exchanger including a sealing sleeve comprising at least one hydraulic sealing section, an intermediate sealing section and an interior sealing section is disclosed. The hydraulic sealing section has a triangular cross section including one obtuse angle formed by two legs, one of which extends radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the seal. The intermediate sealing section comprises a generally cylindrical shaped body and at least one, and preferably two, toroidal belts. The interior sealing section comprises a lip adapted to seal tightly against the glass tube and a flange adapted to seal against the tube sheet. Preferably, the interior sealing section is a mirror image of the hydraulic sealing section.

Abstract: A device for cooling hot, compressed, dust-laden gases. The device consists of an inner structure made out of cooled tubes, positioned inside a pressurized container. The device contains several straight partitions made out of tubes. The partitions parallel the longitudinal axis of the inner structure. The object is to redesign the heat-emitting surfaces of the device in order to make it more compact. At least one of the straight partitions is bent out into a nest of tubes. The nest extends through the cross-section of the inner structure. The tubes that the nest is made out of extend through and are supported by the rest of the partitions.

Abstract: Device for injecting a liquid into a tube and steam generator incorporating this device.The cannula has a divergent portion, means located on the bottom part of the cannula for centering the same and immobilizing it in translation relative to the tube, together with a sleeve surrounding the cannula. The means for centering and immobilizing the cannula in translation on the tube are constituted by a centering part, at least one slot and an inner cone formed in the sleeve, an outer cone formed on the bottom part of the cannula, said cones cooperating with one another, means being provided for elastically applying the outer cone to the inner cone.

Abstract: A steam generator for nuclear power plant applications. U-shaped heat exchanger tubes within said steam generator are provided with compliant antivibration bars at the U-shaped portion of the tubes. Flexible plates located at opposite sides of the antivibration bars are placed in contact with the opposite sides of the rows of tubes. Support ribs spaced along the length of the compliant bars limit the deflection of the flexible plates and establish the effective length of the flexible plates. The ribs in successive columns of antivibration bars are located between the ribs of the bars of each preceding and following row.

Abstract: A vibration and shock resistant finned tube counter-flow heat exchanger crising a rigid support member wound about the inner wall of the heat exchanger shell at the same pitch as the finned tube windings, and a radial bumper support, affixed to the unsupported end of the heat exchanger shell and providing a radial space between the concentric shells of the heat exchanger and an anterior insulating shell.

Abstract: Mechanical attachment apparatus is disclosed whereby antivibration bars are attached to a retaining ring at the location of the bent or curbed portion of the flow tube bundle of a stream generator adapted for use with a nuclear power plant. The mechanical attachment apparatus can be used with passive or expandable antivibration bars. A cylindrical member having a relatively long hook member attached thereto is connected to the ends of the antivibration bars. The hook member allows for wide variations in positioning when attaching the antivibration bars to a retaining ring located at and conforming to the periphery of the tube bundle. Latch apparatus secures the ring within the hook member. The attachment apparatus and the installation procedure are adapted to be performed under water using long-handled tools.

Abstract: A retainer clip is provided for maintaining the relative relationship of tube portions in a condensing system. The condensing system for which use of the inventive clip is contemplated comprises first and second tube portions extending in spaced, substantially parallel relationship and a third tube portion extending transversely to the first and second tube portions. The clip is engaged with and turned relative to the first and second tube portions to effect assembly of one portion of the clip. Another portion of the clip is snap-fit to the third tube portion and thereby prevents disassembly of the one clip portion.

Abstract: A tube support plate is disclosed for supporting a plurality of tubes with reduced vibration in a nuclear steam generator. The support plate has a plurality of holes disposed therethrough in a regular array. Each hole has an axis, an interior surface and a plurality of lands supported on the interior surface and extending towards the axis. The support plate has a given thickness as taken along the hole axis, and each of the lands has a tapered surface for facilitating tube insertion. The method of forming the tube support plate comprises a first step of forming each of the holes through the support plate with a first cylindrical portion of a first diameter and a second cylindrical portion of a second diameter less than the first diameter. Next, portions of the second cylindrical portion are removed in a second step to form a plurality of lands having exposed ends supporting a tube within the hole.

Abstract: For assembling together a bundle of parallel tubes (1) recourse is had to flexible and sealed pipes (2) inserted jointingly between the successive layers of these tubes, said pipes having sufficient elasticity for being successively flattened by evacuation of their inner volume, which allows positioning thereof in the bundle, then resuming their initial tubular shape by suppression of the vacuum, and said pipes are made from a partially crystalline plastic material, such as a polyamide 11, which allows them to be positioned in the bundle by simply pushing from their portion not engaged in the bundle.

Abstract: Rod type supports or baffles are disclosed for arrays of tubes, especially those arranged in the form of a tube bundle. Each baffle comprises a pair of arcuate surfaces with a plurality of rods extending therebetween and each rod being non-normally disposed with respect to the axis of a tube bundle. In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of baffles are employed in a tube bundle so as to cause shell side fluid to sweep across the tubes in a spiral pattern, such as a double helical pattern. The invention provides an improvement in the mixing of shell side fluid in a rod baffle heat exchanger.

Abstract: A steam generator wrapper barrel/tube support plate connection assembly and method for assembling same which prevents interference due to thermal interaction between a wrapper barrel with a first coefficient to thermal expansion and a tube support plate with a second, relatively higher coefficient of thermal expansion. Interference is prevented by radially tuning the wrapper barrel, i.e., locally introducing preload via increased stud thread engagement in the jacking assembly to deform the wrapper barrel during assembly. During subsequent heat-up and operation the preload is relieved through outer shell expansion. In addition, heat and/or pressure dissolvable-surfaced or spring-surfaced shims or wedges are fit between the wrapper barrel and the tube support plate to further compensate for tube support plate thermal expansion.

Abstract: The heat exchanger is constructed with an expansion zone between the two groups of support plates for the helical tubes. In addition, the upper group of support plates is connected at the upper ends to a cross. A lower group of support plates is connected to a lower part of a displacement member which slides in an upper part of the displacement member. Links are also provided to secure the lower support plates to the bottom of the pressure vessel. The inlet and outlet connections for the secondary medium are provided at opposite ends of the coiled tubes.

Abstract: A tube support for U-shaped tubes of a moisture separator reheater is disclosed. The tube supports in the proximity of U-bend of the U-shaped tubes being divided into an upper movable tube support member and a lower immovable tube support member, whereby the U-shaped tube members are permitted to expand without binding.

Abstract: A device for mounting a conduit in an opening of a plate, especially for mounting a heat-exchanger tube in a support plate of a high-temperature heat exchanger. The tube is mounted in the opening of the support plate via the interposition of at least one sleeve-like wear-protection element, with the positioning of the tube being secured by welding. To guarantee a reliable connection between the plate and the tube that can be tested and can also be utilized at high temperatures, at least one build-up weld is provided on the tube. This build-up weld is in frictional and/or positive engagement with the inner surface of the at least two-part wear-protection element.

Abstract: Heat exchanging device wherein plural number of support plates are provided at a required distance from one another, a plurality of through holes are formed on these support plates, a plurality of heating tubes of a fluorocarbon resin are put in each of the through holes independently from one another and these heating tubes are held by the support plates.

Abstract: A coil tube bundle for a heat exchanger wherein substantially rigid strips are formed with substantially equally spaced slots inwardly along a front edge thereof with each slot defining a seat opening through a narrower funnel throat, and flexible tubes of resilient circular cross section disposed across aligned rows of said strips and embraced within the seats of the slots to form an interconnected grid of rigid strips and flexible tubes, the grid being coiled to a bundle with the strips parallel to a central axis and the tubes forming spirals with convolutions contacting and spaced apart by edges of the strips opposite the slotted front edges and with the tubes supported at substantially equally intervals throughout their lengths, the plastic material of the tubes and strips being non-brittle at water-freezing temperatures. The strips and tubes are preferably of slippery plastic which is non-brittle at water-freezing temperatures.

Abstract: An improved, grid-type flow distribution baffle for both providing lateral support for an array of heat exchange tubes and for generating a sludge-sweeping water current within a steam generator is disclosed herein. Generally, the improved baffle comprises a plurality of grid members for defining an array of square, tube-capturing cells, wherein each wall of the cell is closely adjacent and contactable with the side of the tube. Each of the cells is circumscribed by a flange at one of its ends which includes a substantially circular opening for allowing the tube to extend through the cell. The flange includes four flat portions spaced 90.degree. apart for rendering the flange flush with the center portion of each of the square walls which form the cells of the baffle. These flat portions allow the flange to closely circumscribe the tube without coming into contact with it, thereby avoiding "point contact" between the flange and the tube.

Abstract: A novel apparatus comprising a plurality of parallel, spaced apart tubes and an expanded closed, flattened, elongated tube extending laterally between the spaced apart tubes and in firm contact with them. The novel process comprises inserting the closed, flattened elongated tube laterally between the spaced apart tubes and then expanding the elongated tube until it comes into firm engagement with the spaced apart tubes.

Abstract: A baffle is mounted in a ring having a beveled edge to facilitate movement in a direction normal to the plane of the baffle.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, in particular a radiator for the cooling circuit of a motor vehicle engine. The invention relates to a heat exchanger having a bundle (10) of finned tubes which is built up from at least two assemblies (20, 22) of finned tubes which are independent and juxtaposed, each assembly of tubes including a rigid plate (36) interposed between two fins, the rigid plates (26) being urged against one another by means of cross-members (39) and draw bars (40).

Abstract: In a tube-shell heat exchanger containing finned tubes, the support rod baffle contains rods having longitudinal fins and a serrated cross-section, which provide more positive contact with the finned tubes than conventional smooth rods.

Abstract: A steam generator incorporating a tube bundle (2) arranged in a bundle casing (5), in which the wall of bundle casing (5) incorporates openings each corresponding to a supporting component (20), openings along the edge of which are fixed sleeves (15) projecting radially into the space between the casing (5) and the outer wall (3) of the heat exchanger. Each of the supporting components (20) incorporates two cylindrical parts situated in extension of one another, a large-diameter part (20a) welded by its side surface inside the sleeve (15) and a small-diameter part (20b) abutting against the casing (3). Wedges (23) are inserted between the part (20a) of the supporting component (20) and a spacer plate (8) of the heat exchanger. The invention applies, in particular, to steam generators of pressurized water nuclear reactors.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of coil units to form a substantially rectangular prism. Each of the coil units is supported by a pair of supporting frame members through a pair of electrically insulating spacers without direct contact with the supporting frame members.

Abstract: A steam generator for use with a nuclear power plant is provided with expandable antivibration bars. The antivibration bars are positioned between columns of tubes in the steam generator and are attached to retaining rings surrounding the bundle of tubes. The antivibration bars are provided with upper and lower bars having mating surfaces comprising series connected inclined planes which allow for relative motion between the upper and lower bars and provide a means to increase the overall thickness across the two bars. Take-up means are provided to guide and assure proper relative motion. The antivibration bars are divided into two elongated lengths each of which forms one of the legs of the "U" shape which the antivibration bar assumes at installation. A double pivot is provided at the connection between the two legs to allow side-by-side positioning of the legs which facilitates installation into an already built steam generator.

Abstract: A stake of U-shaped cross-section which, when inserted in a tube bundle between parallel rows of tubes, dampens vibrations and provides support. One stake end is arcuately shaped for engagement with the end tube in a tube row and in one embodiment an aperture is provided to accommodate a restraint which retains the stakes in series in their engagement mode.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus including a generally cylindrical hollow housing having an upper end and a lower end, and a heating device disposed in the lower portion of the housing. A heating coil assembly is disposed within the housing over the heating device, and includes a radially inner coil bank and a radially outer coil bank adjacent the inner wall of the housing. An intermediate coil bank is connected between the inner and outer coil bank and includes a plurality of helical convolutions of increasing diameter as they successively occur in an axial direction from the lower end of the housing toward the upper end thereof. A baffle frame assembly interconnects and spacially orients the inner and intermediate coil banks, and radially outwardly deflects heated gases from the heating device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger baffle plate having a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of longitudinally-extending tubes, is disposed within a shell and is constructed of a vibration-damping material.

Abstract: A heat exchanger panel having vertical tubes (1, 2) which form loops between an inlet (1A) and an outlet (1B) via which they are suspended from a rigid structure (3, 4), and intended to come into contact via their outer surfaces with a soot-laden gas characterized in that its tubes are separated from one another at a pitch which is a little greater than their diameter, in that the tubes of the central portion are interconnected by fins, and in that the end tubes directly connected to the suspension structure are fixed to one another and to the nearest adjacent tube by short members (14, 15) welded on either side to adjacent tubes (21, 22, 23) at a level below that of the top loops of the panel, and are connected to one another and to the adjacent tube below the fixing members by fins (26).

Abstract: A hot support rack (46) for supporting an in-bed heat exchanger (44) of a fluidized bed furnace (22) is comprised of a plurality of support bars (54, 56) disposed diagonally between spaced vertical support posts (58). The support bars (54, 56) form a criss-cross array of quadrangular openings through which the tubes (44) of in-bed heat exchanger (44) pass with each tube (44) passing through a quadrangular opening being supported by the upper surface of the lower bars (54, 56) forming the quadrangular opening.

Abstract: In a nuclear steam generating vessel, a baffle plate disposed a slight distance above the tube sheet has a plurality of openings therethrough for respectively receiving the heat exchanger tubes. Each opening has a circular central portion and eight equally spaced peripheral lobe portions alternating with eight lands. The inner end of the lands lie on a circle have a diameter slightly greater than that of the associated tube. The upper and/or lower surface of the baffle plate is mechanically deformed adjacent to each lobe portion of each opening to displace material into the lobe portions and constrict the cross sectional areas thereof to limit liquid flow therethrough. The lands are dimensioned and arranged so that one or two at a time can contact the associated tube, while the constriction of the lobe portion flow areas limits liquid flow therethrough sufficiently to insure proper baffling operation of the baffle plate.

Abstract: The tubes in a U-tube bundle are supported by rod baffles characterized by inner and outer arcuate rod support members. Methods and apparatus for assemblint the components of the heat exchanger are also provided.

Abstract: In a shell and tube type heat exchanger, flattened tubes (50) are inserted between each layer of tubes (36) in the tube bend region thereof. The flattened tubes are then pressurized, to expand them in the region below the tube bends (60), so that they lock the batwing support plates (41) into place, thus preventing them from vibrating and causing damage to the tubes in the first few rows of the tube bundle.