Abstract: A helical coil of tubing is disposed in a cylindrical tank in spaced relation thereto so as to act as a baffle for the products of combustion introduced thereinto by creating a tortuous passageway in said tank. The helical coil has its end portions arranged in spaced parallel sections defining supporting skids extending longitudinally of the helical coil and thereby supporting the same in said tank. The tank is positioned in a secondary larger cylindrical tank and the fluid to be heated, such as oil, is circulated through the helical coil, the skid-like parallel communicating portions thereof forming the supports and in the area between the tanks to obtain a highly efficient heat transfer.

Abstract: An improved heat exchanger in which the tube bundle therein comprises a plurality of tubes supported intermediate their ends by at least one annular enlargement disposed around and frictionally secured to the outer surface of at least one of the tubes with the annular enlargement contacting the outer surface of each tube next adjacent thereto. Means are also provided for encircling and maintaining the tubes in spaced relation in contact with the annular enlargements. Method of constructing the tube bundle for the heat exchanger is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal receiver assembly comprising a base member and a support structure affixed to said base member and extending vertically therefrom. The thermal receiver assembly further includes at least one thermal heat collecting assembly which is supported by the base member. The heat collecting assembly comprises a plurality of vertically extending, parallel, spaced-apart conduit members having inlet and outlet ends. The inlet ends terminate in an inlet manifold for receiving a coolant, and the outlet ends terminate in an outlet manifold for removal of heated coolant. The heat collecting assembly further includes a plurality of substantially horizontally extending and vertically flexible attachment members having an end affixed to the support structure and another end affixed to individual conduit members to permit vertical movement of individual conduit members while restraining said conduit members from any substantial horizontal movement.

Abstract: A support structure for a bundle of tubes includes a plurality of parallel grid strips having indentations, wherein the strips are fixed in pairs and are attached by fasteners to other pairs to define a support grid. The indentations of adjacent pairs of grid strips are in alignment to receive the tubes and maintain them in a spaced arrangement. The support grid is reinforced by key strips which extend along opposite sides of the support grids. The grids are prevented from moving along the tubes by collars secured to selected tubes adjacent to the sides of the support grid. The bundle may be arranged in sections wherein a support grid is provided for each section, in which case keeper bars having flanges are inserted between adjacent sections to support the sections with respect to one another and to prevent the shifting of one section with respect to another.

Abstract: A supporting grid for tubes comprising a central reticular structure formed of main and secondary intersecting strips, an inner annular frame formed in the same material as the strips and so designed as to receive with a tight fit the ends of said strip therein, said inner frame being higher than the reticular structure so that upper and lower projecting portions are created together with cleaning ducts, and an external annular frame formed of a different material and consisting of an external box ring and of an external cover ring capable of receiving and containing therein said projecting portions of the inner frame, axially extending and inwardly facing dogs being provided at the inner portion of said external frame; the inner frame and the external frame being assembled so that at room temperature said dogs of the external frame fit tightly to the inner cylindrical surface of said projecting portions while play exists between the external cylindrical surface of the inner frame and the internal cylindrical

Abstract: Elements and tube-type heat exchanger employing such elements include a hollow core and a spiral baffle formed integrally with the core and extending axially thereof. The spiral baffle includes openings for receiving pipe bundles extending axially of the core. The core of each of the elements is stepped and recessed such that a plurality of the elements may be fitted together to form the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A steam generator tube support structure having three sets of mutually parallel strips each set extending in a different direction oriented sixty degrees from the other two. One set of strips is slotted at both edges. The other two sets of strips are slotted on one edge. The strips engage to form hexagonal cells for supporting and aligning a triangular array of tubes. Dimples in the strips provide point tube support.

Abstract: Rows of heat exchange tubes are supported by transversely disposed support strips having a plurality of U-shaped members interconnected end to end in a manner so that said strips act as a structural member supporting the weight of the tubes and additional support elements from all rows above a given row. Each leg of each U-shaped member converges upwardly or downwardly at an angle of about 8.degree. to 15.degree. with the vertical.

Abstract: The reactor for the production of CO and H.sub.2 containing gases by means of a partial oxidation of powdery or liquid high ash fuels in a carburation fluid including free oxygen, at high temperatures and increased pressure, includes a pressure vessel enclosing a gas-tight housing whereby an interspace is formed between the inner wall of the vessel and the outer surface of the housing. Within the housing is arranged a cooling wall enclosing the reaction chamber proper. The cooling wall includes a coil of cooling pipes embedded in a mass of refractory material such as silicium carbide. The pipes are partially supported on web sections projecting from the inner surface of the housing into the refractory lining. The web sections prevent propagation of leaking hot gas from the reaction chamber along the inner surface of the housing.

Abstract: In a rod baffled tube and shell heat exchanger a rod having non-circular (e.g., elliptical) cross section allows easy assembly and firm engagement of the rods and the tubes by simple rotation of the rods around their axes.

Abstract: A tube support structure for a helically coiled fluid heat exchanger including a plurality of support strips interconnected by a plurality of support members. Two tubes are nested between support members against a support strip, a spring plate is placed over the tubes and a second strip is pressed on the assembly to the desired spring pressure and affixed.

Abstract: A tube-in-shell heat exchanger wherein the tube bundle has a central spine which carries a series of bracing grids for the tubes. The grids are resiliently mounted on the spine so that differential thermal expansion of one group of tubes relative to other groups of tubes and structure can be accommodated without inducing severe thermal stress.

Abstract: A heat exchanger is retrofitted by removing old heat exchange tubes. If there is no access passage into the shell, an access hole is cut in a wall of the shell. Modules preformed from zig-zag elements are introduced through the access passage and assembled into a tube support panel within the shell between adjacent support plates. The heat exchanger is retubed so as to support the new tubes by the existing support plates and by said panels.

Abstract: The heat transfer coefficient of a tube bundle is improved by providing the bundle with at least one transverse vortex generating member.

Abstract: A support arrangement for horizontal tubes (14) located in a gas pass. Vertical hanger tubes (20) have longitudinal fins (30) on opposite sides thereof, and a U strap (32) is arranged to surround the horizontal tube to be supported with the U strap welded only to the longitudinal fin.

Abstract: Intermediate exchanger comprising a vertically axed cylindrical internal ferrule, an external ferrule coaxial to the internal ferrule, two plates with annular horizontal tubes located in the vicinity of the upper and lower ends of said ferrules, a bundle of straight tubes extending between the tubed plates in the form of cylindrical layers coaxial to the ferrules, said layers being mutually reinforced by transverse belts formed by horizontal bands carrying hollow members located between the tubes of the layers and in contact with the latter, collectors for the admission and discharge of the secondary fluid circulating within the said tubes being respectively provided beneath the lower plate and above the upper plate, the inner ferrule forming a pipe for the supply of the secondary fluid to the admission collector, while the outer ferrule is upwardly extended by a pipe for the discharge of the same secondary fluid collected in the discharge collector after passing through the tubes, and inlet and outlet ports

Abstract: A slide guide 22 for a tube-type heat exchanger has a tubular geometry and comprises saddle 28 and slots 26 interposed one each between fingers 24. Saddle 28 positions slide guide 22 within tube support sheet port 30 while fingers 24 are biased so as to conform to the ovality of tube 12 and dissipate dynamic loads across a relatively large tube surface area.

Abstract: A heat exchanger, especially recuperator for high temperature reactors, comprising a prismatic extending jacket and a multiplicity of elongated hexagonal elements arranged within the jacket and essentially parallel to the primary direction or extent thereof. Each hexagonal element has a central tube and heat transfer surfaces arranged about each central tube and extending axially up to the outer contour or outline of the corresponding hexagonal element. Both ends of the heat transfer surfaces are connected to collectors seated upon the central tube. Each hexagonal element is connected by spacers with its neighboring elements and with analogous spacers spatially fixedly arranged at the region of the jacket laterally bounding the heat exchanger. The spacers have play so that the spacing between the elements and between the elements and the spatially fixedly arranged spacers can alter by the amount of such play.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has the tube sections supported by one or more units comprising a cylinder section surrounding the bundle of tube sections and having rods forming a rod baffle attached to each of its two opposing faces. In another embodiment, the tube sections are surrounded along a substantial porton of their length by a shroud cylinder having a plurality of rod baffles attached thereto. The shroud cylinder can be composed of a plurality of cylinder sections having recesses in their opposing faces so that abutting faces of adjacent shroud cylinder sections have facing pairs of recesses which correspond in shape essentially to the shape of the end of the rods of a rod baffle.

Abstract: A vapor generator is described wherein cross-over loops joining two different tube bundles are positioned in a stagnant area out of the flow of the heating fluid, thus reducing the tube metal temperatures in a highly stressed area. Tube anchor devices are provided to reduce expansion movement and stresses while permitting some relative movement and providing support during seismic disturbances.

Abstract: An improved rod-baffled heat exchanger in which the tube bundle thereof comprises a plurality of tubes supported intermediate their ends by at least one outer support ring and a plurality of baffle rods carried by the outer ring and extending between parallel tube rows. The baffle rods are movable from a first position wherein the tubes adjacent thereto are loosely supported by the rods to facilitate assembly, to a second position wherein the tubes are firmly engaged and radially supported by the rods. Various novel forms of baffle rods are disclosed along with a novel method of construction of the improved heat exchanger.

Abstract: A U-tube heat exchanger for the heat transfer from a primary gas circuit to a secondary gas circuit in a high temperature reactor. At the high temperatures of approximately 950.degree. C., the additionally permissible stresses on the used materials are low. The cold gas collector is therefore flexibly attached at the housing. The arrangement permits complete and also remote-controlled testing from the secondary gas-side of all parts of the primary gas circuit which are stressed by pressure. The flexible elements are neither stressed by the weight of the heat exchanger nor endangered by high temperatures.

Abstract: A system for supporting a bundle of tubes against lateral movement in a heat exchanger, such as a nuclear power plant steam generator, wherein spring collar devices positioned at intervals along the tubes permit lateral movement of the tubes but prevent any relative movement between the tube and its associated spring collar device. Any lateral movement is between adjacent spring collar devices. With this arrangement, fretting and corrosion between the outer surfaces of the tubes and their lateral support members are substantially eliminated.

Abstract: The tube nest has several groups of approximately horizontal tubes arranged vertically one above the other. The tubes of each group are welded together through ribs which are arranged eccentric in relation to the tubes in such a way that the outer faces of each rib are approximately in alignment with the outermost generatrix of the tubes. The bending stress of the tubes is considerably reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising in combination (a) an elongated bundle of flexible, relatively small diameter, thin walled hollow polymeric tubular elements of various lengths, in a twist configuration having a length greater than the housing and a lateral dimension securing means at both ends, (b) a housing means for said bundle wherein said bundle extending entirely within said housing means with said bundle anchored to said housing means in said twisted configuration, (c) means for securing in fluid tight arrangement said housing means to said lateral dimension securing means and (d) circular spacers for the tubes, the longer length of said bundle when secured within said housing means causing a bowing of said tubes that permits flexing and moving of the tubular elements in said bundle.

Abstract: A fluid heat transfer apparatus having an expandable housing defining an enclosed interior space including fluid inlet and outlet manifolds communicating with said interior space and the exterior of said housing. The apparatus including heat transfer modules stackable in said interior space and each module comprising a flat supporting structure including upstanding elongated posts extending from one side thereof and lengths of flexible plastic tubing wound about the posts in basket-weave fashion with the ends of the tubing being connected to said inlet and outlet manifolds to provide conduction of fluid flow from said inlet to said outlet manifold. The housing being expandable to receive pluralities of said modules to selectively increase fluid heat transfer characteristic of said apparatus. The interior space being filled with a heat transfer fluid heated by a controlled heat producing medium such as electric heating elements.

Abstract: A fluidized bed heat exchanger in which a grid plate is supported in a housing for receiving a bed of particulate material, at least a portion of which is combustible. At least one perforated support pier projects from the surface of the grid plate and air is passed through the grid plate, the support pier and the material to fluidize the material. One or more heat exchange tubes extend within the housing and are supported by the support pier so that the air passing through the pier also passes over the tubes. Each tube extends in a serpentine relation to form a plurality of spaced parallel sections and a support structure is provided for supporting the sections relative to each other.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the shell and tube type having a floating tube sheet to accommodate differential thermal expansion and contraction between the shell and the tubes. The cross-sectional area of sliding joint means between the floating tube sheet and the shell, and the total external and internal cross-sectional areas of the tubes, are selected to minimize axial forces on the tubes. A novel tube support system including hollow support members engaged between the adjacent tubes enables a true counterflow heat exchange relationship to be established between the shell side fluid and the tube side fluid.

Abstract: A means for supporting a heat exchanger formed of spaced apart headers with finned tubes extending therebetween, the headers being supported between parallel opposed structural members, the support means including brackets having horizontal portions on which each of the headers rests and clip affixed to the headers adjacent each bracket, each clip having a horizontal portion extending below and parallel the brackets, and stops adjacent the clips to limit the horizontal movement of the headers.

Abstract: A catalytic vapor phase oxidation reactor which comprises a fixed-bed shell and tube heat exchange apparatus in which a bundle of a multiplicity of tubes filled with at least one type of oxidizing catalyst are disposed in a shell and these tubes are passed through the apertures formed in at least one perforated shield plate to partition the inside of the shell into at least two heat transfer medium feed zones and in such a manner that each of the tubes passing through the perforated shield plate is not in direct contaction with the shield plate but the outer surface of the tube and the inner surface of the aperture are spaced apart by a distance of between 0.2-5 mm, supplying feed gas to the tubes of the reactor, and conducting exothermic catalytic vapor phase oxidation while controlling the temperatures for the heat transfer medium in each of the zones so that the temperature difference between each of the zones can be maintained between 0.degree.-100.degree. C.

Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger having a plurality of individually removable tube bundle modules. A lattice of structural steel forming rectangular openings therein is placed at each end of a cylindrical shell. Longitudinal structural members are placed in the shell between corners of the rectangular openings situated on opposite ends of the shell. Intermediate support members interconnect the longitudinal supports so as to increase the longitudinal supports rigidity. Rectangular parallelpiped tube bundle moldules occupy the space defined by the longitudinal supports and end supports and each include a rectangular tube sheet situated on each end of a plurality of tubes extending therethrough, a plurality of rectangular tube supports located between the tube sheets, and a tube bundle module stiffening structure disposed about the bundle's periphery and being attached to the tube sheets and tube supports.

Abstract: In a counterflow non-contact heat exchanger, tube bundles carry fluid back and forth across a hot gas path. As the fluid in the tubes flows vertically downward the temperature of the fluid rises. As the gas rises in the heat exchanger it loses heat due to the heat exchange process. This means that the temperature profile of a tube bundle will show a greater thermal expansion in the lower tubes. The present invention seeks to provide an efficient and improved support arrangement for heat exchanger tubes to accommodate this phenomenon by supplying a pivotally mounted tube support plate which will rotate and translate slightly from a substantially vertical plane to accommodate thermal expansion. Further, if there are multiple tube bundles, additional tube support plate sections will allow a tube support plate to articulate in sections to accommodate thermal movement.

Abstract: The air cooler section of a steam condenser which is normally untubed is provided with tubes thereby increasing the capacity and/or efficiency of the condenser without interfering with the longitudinal flow of vapor.

Abstract: A heat exchange apparatus for transferring heat from a reactor gas coolant to a secondary fluid medium. The heat exchange apparatus comprises an elongated vertically extending hole in a concrete shield. Supported within the hole in spaced relation to the wall thereof is an elongated vertical extending tubular shroud which shroud has a gas entry at its lower end and a gas exit at its upper end. Means are provided for dividing the annular space between the shroud 16 and the wall of the hole into an upper and a lower region. Disposed in the shield is an inlet for reactor coolant which communicates with the lower region and is positioned vertically so as to be spaced above the gas entry to the shroud to thereby suppress natural convection during non-operating standby conditions of the apparatus. An outlet for reactor coolant, which is disposed in the shield, communicates with the upper region.

Abstract: A heat-exchanger composed of a body of ceramic sponge defining randomly located interconnected walls bounding a plurality of randomly located interconnected cavities and a plurality of elongate heat-conductive members embedded in the body and having a surface in heat-exchanging relation with the body and an end zone at the surface of the body and another opposite end zone which is located depthwise in the body, so that, heat may be conducted between the interior of the body and the surface of the body along the heat-conductive members. The heat-conductive members may be of suitable material, such as silicon carbide or metallic glass. In another case a silicon carbide rod is attached to a ceramic plate so as to conduct heat directly from one side of the plate to the other. A method of increasing the efficiency of a tube heat exchanger with sponge baffles is described. A method of resistance heating of an auto catalytic converter is detailed.

Abstract: A plate tube spacer structure operable for concomitantly effecting both the spacing and the supporting of the individual tubes of a tube bundle, the latter commonly constituting one of the components of a conventionally constructed heat exchanger. The subject plate tube spacer structure includes a plurality of elongated plates that are suitably disposed in stacked, spaced relation so as to allow for a layer of tubes to be interposed between each pair of adjacent plates. The plates each have a multiplicity of tube engaging means formed along each longitudinally extending side edge thereof. The multiplicity of tube engaging means are suitably disposed so as to effectively provide each plate with two parallel rows thereof. The arrangement of the rows of tube engaging means of each plate is such that the multiplicity of tube engaging means of one row thereof are aligned with, but face in a direction opposite to that of the multiplicity of tube engaging means of the other row thereof.

Abstract: A plate type condenser comprising a plurality of heat transmitting plates which are assembled in side-by-side contacted relation and enclosed in a container or shell, with a gasket disposed between adjacent heat transmitting plates in such a manner that suitably opened steam passages and closed cooling liquid passages are alternately defined in the internal clearances of the plate assembly. The plate type condenser is constructed to improve the heat transmitting performance in that the pressure loss of steam at the steam inlet opening in the side-by-side contacted plates is reduced and the gaskets for preventing leakage of cooling liquid are fixed; that short pass between the plates and the shell is prevented to limit the flow of steam to a given direction; and that the influences of uncondensable gases contained in the steam on the heat transmitting performance of the condenser are minimized with due consideration given thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grate for supporting tube plates for assembling in a steam generator or the like. The grate is characterized in that the ends of the plates forming the grating penetrate into and are received, at least partially, without any longitudinal gap or clearance in grooves in the frame body, which frame is preferably formed by three rings, at least partially superimposed, of which the intermediate ring has said grooves, while the other two upper and lower rings are secured to said intermediate ring and enclose therebetween the ends of the individual plates threaded in the grooves of the intermediate ring; a diametrical stiffening device secured by welding is also provided. It is the object of the invention to provide an economical and efficient grate allowing to avoid welding of the plates to one another and between said plates and frame, while ensuring the greatest reliability.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for promoting selective shell-side flow distribution between and providing structural support for modular straight tube bundles in a heat exchanger or the like, wherein a plurality of flow guides, each of which includes three axi-symmetrically-located radial panels, are connected along their outer radial edges to form a polygonal array establishing mutually shared partitions between modular tube bundles. Various flow guide configurations permit gaps in the mutually shared partitions to promote uniform shell-side communication between the modules, and accommodate individual tube bundle support grids in assembled relation with the flow guides.

Abstract: Rows of heat exchange tubes are supported by transversely disposed support strips having a plurality of V-shaped members interconnected end to end in a manner so that said strips act as a structural member supporting the weight of the tubes and additional support elements from all rows above a given row. Each leg of each V-shaped member has a generally triangular tab bendable out of the plane of its associated leg.

Abstract: A tube spacer is provided for use in a tube bundle including a plurality of spaced apart rows of tube sections. The spacer comprises an elongated member having a contour defining a helix, is adapted to extend through the spaces defined between adjacent tube sections of the rows of tube sections and to contact the outside surfaces of the tube sections, and is adapted to be removed from the tube bundle in the direction in which it extends into the tube bundle.

Abstract: There is disclosed a solar water glass lined tank in which a copper tubing heat exchanger coil is installed and connected across inlet and outlet fittings of the tank. The circuit for circulation of a fluid which is to be heated or cooled is connected to these fittings for thermal exchange with fluid in the tank. Legs are secured to the tubing coil by flexible fasteners, such as plastic or plastic coated wire ties, and the tubing coil is installed in the tank prior to welding a head wall in place. The legs are spaced about the coil formation and extend from a sidewall, top-head corner junction of the tank. The legs are preferably of the same metal material as the coil and are cushioned at their ends with rubber or plastic bumpers. The head wall is welded in place and the tank is assembled for shipment and use.

Abstract: The disclosure illustrates a water to air aftercooler assembly in which an elongated coolant tube bundle is supported by plates spaced between heat exchange fins to form an aftercooler core. The support plates are secured to opposed walls forming a part of the aftercooler housing. This arrangement permits a simplified and economical aftercooler core. In addition it provides an improved support for the aftercooler core and structurally reinforces the aftercooler housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the heat flux in a localized area of a heat exchange tube, by placing a sleeve inside of the tube, creating a gap, or dead space, which fills with stagnant water, between the sleeve and inner tube wall. This reduced heat transfer will considerably reduce or prevent steaming on the outer side of the tube, thereby minimizing or preventing any solids from separating out at this location.

Abstract: The heat exchanger is constructed with an axial guide such that the tube bunch can move axially within a cylindrical jacket in order to compensate for vibrations due, for example, to horizontal earthquake waves. Shoes are secured to the support plates to the tube coils and are slideably mounted within elongated slots in the jacket or vice versa. Should a vertical motion occur, the shoes are able to slide within the slots while the tube coils and their support plates remain supported within the jacket.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for exchanging heat with liquid material and particularly liquid material under superatmospheric pressure. A preferred embodiment of the apparatus comprises a pressure vessel for holding a body of the liquid material, and having an inlet and an outlet for the liquid material. Inside the vessel is an integral tube assembly for conducting heat exchange fluid into, through and out of a body of the liquid material in the vessel. The tube assembly comprises a heat exchange fluid feed header, a heat exchange fluid discharge header, and a plurality of heat transfer tubes from the feed header to the discharge header. In a preferred embodiment of the apparatus, the headers are coaxially aligned with a normally vertical axis, and are vertically spaced apart. The headers are joined to conduits passing through the top and bottom of the vessel. These conduits in combination with the vessel support the tube assembly.

Abstract: A gas conveying duct-type heat exchanger is shown and described having two gases passing therethrough, preferably in counterflow relationship. An easily assembled, sectioned gas separator is provided to divide the duct into separate gas conduits. The separator sections are designed to fit with each other and to support heat pipes extending between adjacent conduits for transferring heat from one conduit to the next. The structure is adapted for ready on-site assembly and modification, thus providing facility in relating the constructed device to the heat load in a given installation and permitting shipment of a unit in disassembled condition.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a combination tube support for supporting tubes within a shell and tube type heat exchanger and baffle for directing fluid flow within the heat exchanger. A baffle lip is mounted on a baffle body to provide a seal with the interior surface of the heat exchanger shell. A foot having support surfaces of varying heights is used to support the baffle body to prevent the weight of the baffle body and the tubes contained therein as well as other forces from collapsing a portion of the baffle lip.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the type in which multiple layers of helically coiled tubes surround a core tube, has spacers between the layers which are constituted by elongated bodies provided with seats receiving successive tubes of each layer and having dovetail formations enabling the bodies of each layer to be connected to those of the adjoining layers. The bodies thus act as spacers for the successive turns in each layer and for the successive layers and retain the turns specifically at the ends of the coils to facilitate positioning thereof with respect to the core tube and/or the housing.

Abstract: The spacer grid is formed of metal strips which are bent to have alternating long angular sides and short flat sides. The strips are secured to each other at alternating flat sides to form a series of hexagonal spaces to receive the heat exchanger tubes. In addition, pairs of spring tabs are bent out of each of the angular sides in alternating manner to effect support of the tube in a space. The angular sides form an included angle of 135.degree. with the flat sides.