With Leakage Collector Patents (Class 165/70)
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Patent number: 5226471Abstract: The invention relates to leak isolating apparatus for multiple liquid cooled units in a coolant circulation system. The leak sensing portion of the apparatus comprises a supply flow meter and a return flow meter associated with each unit. The flow meters produce two variable electrical outputs proportional to the flow rates, and which are coupled to control logic for operating the isolating valves for the unit. The control logic compares the difference between the electrical outputs of the flow meters, and if the differences exceed a threshold, indicating a leak, operates the isolating valves. In the event of a sensed leak in a system having serially connected units, two serial valves are operated to prevent coolant flow to and from the leaking unit and a bypass valve is generated to allow coolant to flow around the leaking unit thus preserving the flow of coolant to the other units.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 1991Date of Patent: July 13, 1993Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Gary G. Stefani
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Patent number: 5193612Abstract: A heat exchanger using a stack of plates with sealed flow spaces between them utilizes a multiplicity of plates that fit flush together at their perimeters and are provided with profiling by stamping. They are essentially the same in shape and are alternately rotated, in the planes of the respective plates, by 180.degree. with respect to each other for stacking. Before they are compressed into a stack, sealing profile members are inserted which fit into grooves for providing a perimeter seal. The flow spaces between the plates serve alternately for a first and a second fluid medium, which are guided in parallel counter-current through the stack, passing through perforations in the corners of the plates. At least part of the plates are thus releasably stacked with removable sealing profile members. The removable perimeter seals between plates are constituted as multiple seals having at least two profile members at a substantially constant distance from each other.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 1991Date of Patent: March 16, 1993Assignee: W. Schmidt-Bretten GmbHInventor: Ulrich Stirnkorb
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Patent number: 5178207Abstract: In a plate heat exchanger a stack of double-wall elements (23-26) is included, which between themselves form flow passages (32-34), and each one of which comprises two heat exchange plates, each having a heat exchange portion and a sealing portion surrounding the same and via said portions abutting directly against corresponding portions of the other heat exchange plate. Sealing members (28-31) abut sealingly against adjacent double-wall elements (23-26) along the sealing portions and delimit the flow passages (32-34). Joining means press the double-wall elements against each other. To enable a quick indication of a possible leakage through a heat exchange plate at least one channel (40, 41) is arranged between the plates in each double-wall element. The channel (40, 41) is designed between opposite parts of sealing portions of the respective heat exchange plates and extends across the latter.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 1991Date of Patent: January 12, 1993Assignee: Alfa-Laval Thermal ABInventors: Jan-Ove Bergqvist, Ralf Blomgren
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Patent number: 5143147Abstract: This process is intended to remove at least a part of the heat produced in at least one reaction and/or purification operation involving anhydrous HF, the cooling being performed by heat exchange with a cooling fluid circulating in a circuit which comprises at least one exchange zone (9; 10; 11) presenting a risk of leakage of HF into the cooling fluid. The fluid of this kind which is employed is an aqueous solution of at least one compound chosen from (a) strong bases, (b) the salts resulting from the combination of a strong base and of an organic or inorganic acid whose pKa is >3.5, (c) the salts of amphoteric oxides with bases, (d) compounds which, in contact with water, are converted into one of the abovementioned compounds; the said cooling fluid is circulated in a closed circuit, and the operation is carried out with a cooling fluid pressure which is lower than the pressure at which the reaction and/or the purification operation is conducted.Type: GrantFiled: May 2, 1991Date of Patent: September 1, 1992Assignee: Elf Atochem S.A.Inventors: Daniel Cauvy, Francis Couget, Raymond Slota, Bernard Villemin
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Patent number: 5135047Abstract: The manufacturing of high temperature superconducting crystals and high quality crystals in general requires a furnace design with very precise process control to minimize the crystal defects. A furnace design of this type can be realized by growing crystals in the cavity of the evaporator section of a specially designed heat pipe, since the temperature of the working fluid in the heat pipe, and thus in the cavity and crystal, can be maintained very accurately by the control of the evaporating pressure of the heat pipe's working fluid. The crystals are grown from the melt from the bottom of a cooled and rotating crucible which is placed into the heat pipe evaporator cavity. The growth of high temperature superconducting crystals requires high furnace temperatures and an oxygen atmosphere. The high temperature furnace condition is achieved with sodium and potasium heat pipes.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 1989Date of Patent: August 4, 1992Assignee: Flavio DobranInventor: Flavio Dobran
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Patent number: 5102533Abstract: A heat or material exchanger is provided which comprises a cylindrical housing having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, an assembly of heat or material-exchange tubes in the housing, partitions securing the opposed ends of the assembly to the housing in a fluid tight seal to partition the housing interior into a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet and a second fluid chamber defined in the assembly, a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber, an independent space defined by the inner wall of the housing and one partition and extending the entire circumference of the housing, but not in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers, and a vent in the housing for communicating the space to the ambient atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1991Date of Patent: April 7, 1992Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Oshiyama
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Patent number: 5086829Abstract: A liquid cooling apparatus includes a heat exchanger, a tank, leakage sensors, first and second level sensors, a timer counter, and a control section. The heat exchanger cools a coolant to be supplied to a heat generating portion in an electronic device. The tank temporarily stores the coolant cooled by the heat exchanger before the coolant is supplied to the electronic device. The leakage sensors detect leakage of the coolant in a circulation path for repeatedly performing cooling and heat absorbing operations. The first and second level sensors detect a decrease in amount of the coolant in the tank. The timer counter counts a time interval between the instant at which a leakage detection output is output from one of the leakage sensors and the instant at which a coolant decrease detection output is output from one of the first and second level sensors. The control section stops an operation of the electronic device when a value of the timer counter is a predetermined value or less.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 1991Date of Patent: February 11, 1992Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Kyoichi Asakawa
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Patent number: 5058661Abstract: A heat or material exchanger is provided which comprises a cylindrical housing having a first fluid inlet and a first fluid outlet, an assembly of heat or material-exchange tubes in the housing, partitions securing the opposed ends of the assembly to the housing in a fluid tight seal to partition the housing interior into a first fluid chamber in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and the first fluid outlet and a second fluid chamber defined in the assembly, a second fluid inlet and a second fluid outlet in fluid communication with the second fluid chamber, an independent spaced defined by the inner wall of the housing and one partition and extending the entire circumference of the housing, but not in fluid communication with the first and second fluid chambers, and a vent in the housing for communicating the space to the ambient atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 1988Date of Patent: October 22, 1991Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Hiroaki Oshiyama
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Patent number: 5048597Abstract: In a heat exchanger system wherein a primary conditioning fluid is reactive with a fluid to be conditioned, a leak safe arrangement of concentric tubes disposed across the conditioned fluid flow path having the reactive primary fluid in a central duct surrounded by inert fluid in an outer duct so that single failure leak of primary conditioning fluid or inert fluid presents no risk of harmful reaction with conditioned fluid. The heat exchanger system is used in an air collection and enrichment system in a hypersmic vehicle propulsion system.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 1989Date of Patent: September 17, 1991Assignee: Rockwell International CorporationInventor: William H. Bond
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Patent number: 4976313Abstract: In a series of heat exchange plates (5, 6), each being rectangular with ports (7, 8, 9, 10) in its corner portions, alternate plates (6) are fully sealed and coact with intermediate plates (5) to define two groups of elongated passages through which the respective heat exchanging fluids (A, B) flow. Each intermediate plate (5) is only partially sealed and defines with one of the two adjacent fully-sealed plates (6) an area communicating directly with the atmosphere, the partial sealing consisting of port sealing means (7a, 8a, 9a, 10a) interconnecting respective pairs of opposing ports to form channels through which the two fluids (A, B) flow without entering said area. The areas form paths through which any leakage of either fluid (A, B) can escape to the atmosphere, thus preventing contamination of either fluid by the other.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 1989Date of Patent: December 11, 1990Assignee: Alfa-Laval Thermal ABInventors: Arthur Dahlgren, Magnus Kallrot, Mats Stromblad
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Patent number: 4972902Abstract: A shell-and-tube exchanger for generating steam, comprising triple-wall tubes, each trible-wall tube including an inner tube, an outer tube and an intermediate porous layer of practically same length. The porous layer is connected to a leak detector for detecting leakage in the triple-wall tube. The triple-wall tubes penetrate and are welded to four tube sheets which define in the shell, steam outlet plenum, upper gas plenum, sodium plenum, lower gas plenum and water inlet plenum. The outer tubes have side holes in the gas plena, which communicate the gas plena to the intermediate porous layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 1989Date of Patent: November 27, 1990Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Susuma Ninomiya
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Patent number: 4923003Abstract: A heat exchanger for the exchange of heat between two media (Ma, Mb), each of which flows through a respective one of two chambers (A, B) mutually separated by a medium-impervious partition wall (5) made of thermal conductive material. The interior of each of the flow chambers, or at least of one flow chamber, is divided into a large number of medium-flow passages, which are connected in parallel with respect to the flow of medium passing therethrough. The flow passages (13, and 17) have a substantially rectangular cross-section having a flow area which is so adapted in respect of the medium flowing therethrough that the flow in the passages is substantially laminar throughout the whole length of the passages, without a central turbulent zone. The passage walls defining the flow passages comprise a highly thermal-conductive material and are formed integrally with, or in good heat-conducting contact with the partition wall (5) located between the two flow chambers (A, B).Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1986Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Assignee: Hypeco ABInventor: Stig G. Stenlund
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Patent number: 4922999Abstract: A radiator is provided including a tube core having opposite ends opening into and from which corresponding end tanks are supported. The tube core is divided into a plurality of discrete tube core sections and the end tanks each include a plurality of discrete secondary compartments into which the corresponding ends of the tube core sections open. The end tanks also include primary compartments therein into and from which heat transfer liquid is received and discharged and communication structure is provided communicating each of the secondary compartments with the corresponding primary compartment for liquid coolant flow there between.Type: GrantFiled: May 4, 1989Date of Patent: May 8, 1990Inventors: Bennie J. Stokes, Dyrell K. Stokes
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Patent number: 4909316Abstract: Herein disclosed is a dual-tube heat pipe type heat exchanger comprising a heat pipe confined with a working fluid for transferring a heat as a latent heat by repeating evaporations and condensations. The heat pipe includes an outer tube which is disposed within a hot fluid such that its axis is generally horizontal. Further included is an inner tube which is inserted in the outer tube and radially offset upward to substantially contact with the top portion of the inner face of the outer tube and to confine a space between the inner circumference of the outer tube and the outer circumference of the inner tube, thus forming the heat pipe.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 1988Date of Patent: March 20, 1990Assignees: Doryokuro Kakunenryo Kaihatsu Jigyodan, Fujikura Ltd.Inventors: Mitsuru Kamei, Takao Sakai, Shinichi Sugihara, Motoharu Yatsuhashi, Ryuichi Okiai, Masataka Mochizuki
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Patent number: 4903758Abstract: A plate heat exchanger has a number of adjacent plates with vents arranged to vent material from transfer bridge zones to atmosphere. An electrode extending lengthwise of the apparatus and through apertures of the plates contacts the vented material when an unacceptable level of accumulation of vented material occurs in dead spaces adjacent the apertures. A detectable change of effective electrical capacitance or resistance caused by the accumulated material approaching or touching the electrode is used to generate a warning signal.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 1988Date of Patent: February 27, 1990Assignee: Baker Perkins plcInventor: Colin T. Cowan
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Patent number: 4886111Abstract: A heat pipe type heat exchanger, such as a steam generator for use in combination with a fast breeder reactor, comprises two double walls consisting of an outer wall and an inner wall and of an outer wall and an inner wall, respectively, and a plurality of double tubes each consisting of an inner tube and an outer tube coaxially receiving the inner tube therethrough. A heating fluid flows through spaces between the outer tubes and the inner walls of the double walls, while a heated fluid flows through the inner tubes. A heat transfer medium is contained in evaporating spaces each defined by the inner surface of the outer tube and the outer surface of the inner tube. The heat transfer medium is evaporated by the heat of the heating fluid, condenses over the surfaces of the inner tubes to transfer heat to the heated fluid flowing through the inner tubes. Each evaporating space is partitioned into many sections by baffle plates to enhance the heat flux in the evaporating space.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 1988Date of Patent: December 12, 1989Assignee: Power Reactor and Nuclear Fuel Development CorporationInventors: Satoru Nakai, Mitsuru Kamei
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Patent number: 4858681Abstract: A tube and shell type heat exchanger providing multi-pass contraflow of two heat exchange fluids includes a cylindrical outer shell, a modular baffle assembly guiding a shell fluid, a plurality of multi-wall tube sets and a pair of opposed end assemblies. A fixed end assembly fixedly receives one end of the tube sets and provides manifolding for directing multi-pass tube fluid flow through the tube sets. An opposite, floating end assembly slidably receives and seals floating tube ends to accommodate temperature induced expansion and contraction. The floating end assembly also provides manifolding for directing the multi-pass tube fluid flow through the tube sets. A triple wall tube set may be employed to provide extra protection against contamination of heat exchange fluids.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 1988Date of Patent: August 22, 1989Assignee: TUI IndustriesInventor: Kevin J. Sulzberger
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Patent number: 4842053Abstract: Herein disclosed is a heat pipe type heat exchanger which comprises: a container for containing a first heating medium therein or causing the same to flow therethrough; at least one heat pipe extending liquid-tight with a substantially horizontal axis through the container; and a tube extending gas-tight and axially through the heat pipe for causing a second heating medium to flow therethrough, whereby the heat exchange is effected between the first and second heating mediums through the walls of the heat pipe and the tube. In case a plurality of heat pipes are provided, the individual tubes extending axially through the corresponding heat pipes are connected at their ends to each other by means of bends such that they make a zigzag or meandering piping. This retains a wide heat exchanging area.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 1987Date of Patent: June 27, 1989Assignees: Fujikura Ltd., Doryokuro Kakunenryo Kaihatsu JigyodanInventors: Motoharu Yatsuhashi, Masataka Mochizuki, Shinich Sugihara
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Patent number: 4836274Abstract: A proportion of the liquid metal flow passing through a fast reactor steam generator unit (SGU) is diverted past the outlet to a quiescent zone in the region of immersed tube-to-tubeplate welds at the water entry ends of the tubes, into which zone are given off any hydrogen bubbles which may result from a water leak into the liquid metal. The liquid metal in this zone is caused to flow through a weir system above which there is a gas space for collection of hydrogen, suitable means being provided for detection of hydrogen in this space. The hydrogen is entrained at the water inlet tube plate, the invention making use of the slow solution rate of hydrogen in sodium at lower temperatures prevailing in the quiescent zone at the water inlet end.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 1987Date of Patent: June 6, 1989Assignee: National Nuclear Corporation LimitedInventors: George F. Firth, Owen Hayden
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Patent number: 4825937Abstract: A sealing apparatus for isolating a ruptured motor vehicle radiator tube connected between two fluid reservoirs consisting of a valve positioned to seal at least one end of the tube and a bar of impact shatterable material disposed within the tube arranged to bias the valve apart from the end of the tube.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 1988Date of Patent: May 2, 1989Inventor: Harvey Z. Kertzman
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Patent number: 4747447Abstract: A very simple and inexpensive heat exchanger comprises a closed vessel having thermally conducting walls and helium gas within the vessel. The helium gas is a heat transfer medium between a source of heat or cold and the vessel walls and the vessel walls are a heat transfer medium between the helium gas and a fluid in contact with the walls to be heated or cooled.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 1983Date of Patent: May 31, 1988Assignees: Leif Liljegren, Harry J. ScanlanInventors: Harry J. Scanlan, Leif Liljegren
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Patent number: 4744412Abstract: A heat exchanger utilizes a double walled heat transfer tube wherein the inner tube has a knurled external surface engaging the inner surface of an outer tube to provide multiple interconnected leak paths. The inner and outer tubes are attached to inner and outer tube sheets by roller expansion.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 1986Date of Patent: May 17, 1988Assignee: ITT CorporationInventors: Sung C. Kim, Marvin P. Schwartz, Howard Y. Yoon
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Patent number: 4738304Abstract: Cost and weight of a heat transfer structure for a space vehicle can be reduced by an arrangement of redundant channels for the flow of coolant to heat radiating panels, micrometeroid resisting bumpers located adjacent the channels for preventing penetration by all but the most energetic micrometeroids, and a sensing and control arrangement for sensing the penetration of a coolant channel for shutting off that channel to prevent loss of coolant.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1986Date of Patent: April 19, 1988Assignee: RCA CorporationInventors: Douglas R. Chalmers, John J. Pustay
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Patent number: 4737337Abstract: A nuclear reactor is provided characterized by a circulating liquid metal cooling system comprising a heat exchanger having a closed intermediate heat transfer fluid circuit in the form of a helical coil juxtaposed with the liquid metal coolant system, which effectively transfers heat through the intermediate circuit to a secondary fluid circuit. The intermediate heat transfer fluid circuit, which completely separates the liquid metal cooling system from the secondary fluid circuit, prevents potentially dangerous reactions between the primary liquid metal coolant and the secondary fluid (e.g., water).The efficiency, reliability and safety of the heat exchanger features eliminates the need for many secondary heat removal and emergency components in the design of the nuclear reactor.Type: GrantFiled: February 27, 1986Date of Patent: April 12, 1988Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering CorporationInventors: George Garabedian, Robert A. DeLuca
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Patent number: 4724799Abstract: A steam generator in which the heat-carrying fluid is a liquid metal and the detection of leakages is carried out by sampling the liquid metal. The end of the steam generator through which the liquid metal enters comprises a tube plate (2), a thermal protection plate (10) and a hollow flow sill (22) constituting the end part of the bundle case (4). Tubes (20) for protecting the tubes (3) of the bundle are placed around each of the tubes (3) between the protection plate (10) and the tube plate (2), the space (17) between these two plates being closed on its periphery by a sleeve (15). The hollow sill (22) communicates with the space (17) through tubes (27) and with the inner volume or the bundle case (4). A liquid metal take-off device (31, 32) is placed in the hollow sill (22). The invention applies in particular to steam generators of fast neutron nuclear reactors cooled with liquid sodium.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1986Date of Patent: February 16, 1988Assignee: NovatomeInventors: Rene Traiteur, Jean-Pierre Fabregue, Jean-Luc Minguet
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Patent number: 4723602Abstract: A heat exchanger having a housing with one or more tubes therein for the transportation of a first fluid through the tubes and a second fluid through the housing and at least partially around the tube or tubes, in which each tube includes two concentric walls with a thin layer or thin layers of a relatively soft material between them applied to the outer surface of the inner wall and to the inner surface of the outer wall.Type: GrantFiled: June 26, 1980Date of Patent: February 9, 1988Assignee: B.V. NeratoomInventors: Johannes H. Huigen, Theodoor J. Tromp, Jan Vrijen, Johan K. van Westenbrugge
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Patent number: 4705662Abstract: Fast neutron nuclear reactor of the type comprising a primary circuit integrated into a liquid metal-filled vessel and containing the reactor core, as well as means for circulating the said liquid metal and means for transferring the heat carried by the liquid metal to the water circulating in a water/steam circuit, wherein the heat transfer means comprise at least one steam generator located in the reactor vessel and having at least one group of inner tubes in which circulates the water of the water/steam circuit, at least one group of outer tubes immersed in the primary liquid metal, the outer tube surrounding each of the inner tubes in order to define therewith an annular space under a neutral gas pressure, connected to secondary circuit with a low thermal power having means for circulating this pressurized neutral gas, such as helium in said annular space and ensure the heat exchange.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 1985Date of Patent: November 10, 1987Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventor: Zephyr Tilliette
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Patent number: 4698728Abstract: A leak tolerant cooling system, for cooling electrical components with a liquid comprises: a frame holding a plurality of printed circuit boards, each of which have electrical components attached thereto; a top reservoir, mounted on the frame above the boards, for holding the liquid at atmospheric pressure; a conduit, coupled to the top reservoir and the boards, for conveying the liquid in a downward direction from the top reservoir over the components, the conduit being airtight in the absence of a leak therein; a bottom reservoir, coupled to the conduit below the boards, for receiving the liquid plus any air due to leaks from the conduit, the bottom reservoir being airtight except for a valve which opens in response to a valve control signal; a pump, coupled to the bottom reservoir, for sucking the liquid and air through the conduit at subatmospheric pressures in response to a pump control signal, and for simultaneously returning the liquid to the top reservoir; and a control circuit for generating the pumpType: GrantFiled: October 14, 1986Date of Patent: October 6, 1987Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventors: Jerry I. Tustaniwskyj, Kyle G. Halkola
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Patent number: 4678027Abstract: A dual-walled coiled plate heat exchanger with vented interface includes four plates of stainless steeel welded together and inflated to form a refrigerant passage between two of the plates, a water passage between another two of the plates, and a vented interface between the two passages such that leakage from either of the passages into the interface is vented to the atmosphere and not to the other passage.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 1984Date of Patent: July 7, 1987Assignee: Paul Mueller CompanyInventors: Phillip G. Shirey, David W. Rowe, William R. Waynick
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Patent number: 4640343Abstract: A tube-in-shell heat exchanger has double sealing joints between the tubes and a tube plate of the heat exchanger constituted by the provision of a secondary tube plate spaced from the normal tube plate and through which each tube extends with sealing in addition to the normal tube to tube plate sealing joints, there being a bellows enveloping the tubes and sealed to both the normal and the secondary tube plates. The space between these tube plates can be monitored for leakage.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 1984Date of Patent: February 3, 1987Assignee: National Nuclear Corporation LimitedInventors: Guy L. Dearden, Owen Hayden
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Patent number: 4635711Abstract: In a heat exchanger employing double wall tubing comprising concentric inner and outer tubes, the inner and outer tubes are disposed within apertures of spaced tube sheets and connected thereto by roller expansion of the tubes. To maintain venting of the air space between the tubes, a split wall ferrule is located over the inner tube and within the outer tube in the region of the tube sheet to which the outer tube is connected. The ferrule, which has a length sufficient to traverse the thickness of the tube sheet, transmits expansion forces exerted on the interior of the inner tube to the outer tube so as to expand the outer tube to connect it to the tube sheet. The split in the ferrule wall forms a passageway that connects the air space between the tubes to the space between the tube sheets.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 1985Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Assignee: Harsco CorporationInventor: John A. Clark, Jr.
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Patent number: 4635712Abstract: A high pressure heat exchanger assembly for a compressor having a shell and tube-type design. An elongated bundle assembly is received within the shell. The bundle assembly has a plurality of elongated tubes extending generally longitudinally through the shell. The tubes are securely affixed to fixed and floating tube sheet assemblies positioned at opposite ends of the shell. The fixed tube sheet assembly is securely attached to one end of the shell and the floating tube sheet assembly is allowed to float with respect to the other end of the shell. A seal between the floating tube sheet assembly and the end of the shell prevents the escape of internal fluids. Each tube sheet assembly is provided with an inner and outer tube sheet member separated by a plurality of spacers to create a vented space therebetween open to the outside atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 1985Date of Patent: January 13, 1987Inventors: Robert L. Baker, Diane E. Glauber
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Patent number: 4632180Abstract: This indirectly heated potable water tank makes available an appliance meeting all the requirements for safe potable water and gives the consumer a device with a high continuous output of hot water, even when demand is high. The improved device contains the following improvements:(1) vented double sided metal sheet heat exchangers which result in a significant increase in the temperature of the water,(2) vented heat exhanger tubes as a further means to heat the water,(3) a corrugated metal heat exhange sheet in the vent space to transfer heat through its surface to the water, and(4) a vented potable water temporary storage reservoir where the heated reservoir walls additionally heat the stored water.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 1986Date of Patent: December 30, 1986Inventor: Robert J. Lauderdale
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Patent number: 4625789Abstract: The present invention relates to a double barrier heat exchanger between a radioactive primary fluid and a secondary fluid making it possible to detect a possible primary fluid leak in the exchanger. The primary fluid circulates in a primary duct and the secondary fluid circulates in a secondary duct, a junction matrix being positioned between the primary and secondary ducts and in contact with the latter. The matrix is in the form of a compact metallic mass incorporating at least one element, e.g. silver, which can be made raidoactive when it diffuses into the primary fluid. Application is to sampling circuits in nuclear reactors.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 1982Date of Patent: December 2, 1986Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie AtomiqueInventors: Jean E. Chaix, Jean C. Chaix, Jean L. Chaix
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Patent number: 4612976Abstract: A steam generator for a nuclear reactor cooled with liquid metal, comprising a bundle consisting of double-walled tubes (20) arranged inside an enclosure in which the liquid metal circulates. The tubes (20) which are substantially straight and directed in the axial direction of the steam generator enclosure are each formed by at least two successive sections (20a and 20b) in the axial direction. Each section (20a or 20b) comprises an outer tube (27a or 27b) welded at one of its ends to at least one leakage collecting chamber (25) arranged wholly inside the enclosure. The adjacent sections of the outer tubes (27a, 27b) are not joined together. Each section also comprises an inner tube (28a or 28b) welded to the adjacent inner tube, inside the chamber (25). The leakage space between the tubes (27 and 28) communicates solely with the inner space of at least one collecting chamber (25). The invention applies in particular to fast neutron nuclear reactors cooled with liquid sodium.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1984Date of Patent: September 23, 1986Assignee: NovatomeInventors: Michel Soucille, Laurent Castelnau, Rene M. Traiteur
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Patent number: 4607684Abstract: A plate and fin type heat exchanger in which different flowing fluids are placed in a segregated heat transfer relation and in which provision is made to deny opportunity for a leaked fluid from one flow or circuit to join or mix with fluid of another flow or circuit. A concept of vented buffer zones is used to protect against leakage through plate elements and through defined joints between plate and spacer elements. The concept allows and provides for relatively simple manifolding and for fabrication to conventional configurations using for the most part standard easily manufactured parts.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 1985Date of Patent: August 26, 1986Assignee: United Aircraft Products, Inc.Inventors: Maxwell R. Wiard, Kenneth L. Michael
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Patent number: 4602674Abstract: A two-circuit heat exchanger is characterized in that the heat exchange tube(s) of each circuit is/are formed with non-circular cross-section to exhibit at least partially plane side surfaces, said side surfaces of the tubes in the two circuits being in heat-exchange relationship with one another.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 1983Date of Patent: July 29, 1986Assignee: AB Elge-VerkenInventor: Rune Eriksson
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Patent number: 4569312Abstract: An electrical overflow warning system for a hot water tank. There is provided a cavity within an overflow line leading from the tank. Within the cavity is located an electrical probe. When an overflow occurs the probe comes in contact with water causing an electrical circuit to be completed to an alarm.Type: GrantFiled: February 13, 1984Date of Patent: February 11, 1986Inventors: George Riddell, Edward J. Grispino
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Patent number: 4560533Abstract: The invention relates to a pool-type fission reactor power plant design having a reactor vessel containing a primary coolant (such as liquid sodium), and a steam expansion device powered by a pressurized water/steam coolant system. Heat pipe means are disposed between the primary and water coolants to complete the heat transfer therebetween. The heat pipes are vertically oriented, penetrating the reactor deck and being directly submerged in the primary coolant. A U-tube or line passes through each heat pipe, extended over most of the length of the heat pipe and having its walls spaced from but closely proximate to and generally facing the surrounding walls of the heat pipe. The water/steam coolant loop includes each U-tube and the steam expansion device. A heat transfer medium (such as mercury) fills each of the heat pipes.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 1984Date of Patent: December 24, 1985Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of EnergyInventors: Paul R. Huebotter, George A. McLennan
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Patent number: 4559996Abstract: A modular bundle of tubes for a steam condenser comprises two perforated plates (24, 25), a series of tubes (22) interconnecting the perforated plates, and a set of intermediate supporting plates (23) distributed between the two perforated plates. The improvement wherein both perforated plates are the same size, each being surrounded by a reinforcing frame (24, 25) which is thicker than the perforated plate, and wherein drawbars (26) fitted with length-adjusting means (27) interconnect the perforated plates, said drawbars being fixed to said frames and being distributed along the said frames.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 1984Date of Patent: December 24, 1985Assignee: Societe Anonyme Dite-Delas-WeirInventor: Bernard Andrieux
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Patent number: 4554969Abstract: A coaxial finned tube heat exchanger is disclosed. The heat exchanger comprises a hollow shell (10), a tube (14) mounted coaxially within such shell and having radially extending outer fins (16) of substantially large radial dimension in relation to the tube diameter. A first heat exchange fluid is passed in the tube and means (12) are provided for passing a second heat exchanger fluid through the shell. A plurality of segmental cut baffles (18) are mounted between adjacent fins at a predetermined spacing within the shell so as to achieve a cross-flow pattern for the second fluid between the fins of the tube, and a pair of bypass flow blockers (22) are mounted longitudinally on the tip of the fins to block circumferential flow of the second fluid between the shell and the tips of the fins and so force the fluid flow between the fins.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 1984Date of Patent: November 26, 1985Assignee: Noranda Metal Industries, Inc.Inventor: Theodore C. Carnavos
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Patent number: 4550771Abstract: Waste water heat transfer apparatus is disclosed in which the waste water from residential or commercial uses such as washing, etc., is passed into a separate drain and then into a heat exchanger which includes a waste water conduit therein, and then to the sewer drain. A supply water conduit extends through the heat exchanger generally paralleling the waste water conduit and has fresh water run therethrough in a direction opposite to that of the flow of waste water to an outlet end, after which the supply water is provided to a water heater. The heat exchanger interior is filled with a heat transfer liquid, and is so divided by baffles that a temperature gradient is formed in the heat transfer liquid adjacent to the waste water conduit, with the liquid being warmest adjacent the inlet of the waste water conduit and decreasing in temperature toward the outlet of the conduit.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 1984Date of Patent: November 5, 1985Inventor: Morteza Arbabian
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Patent number: 4546819Abstract: A double wall heat exchanger for use in solar heaters and the like. An outer drawn copper tube of predetermined thickness and inside diameter is slid over a second drawn copper tube also of a predetermined thickness and outside diameter. A small axial groove, which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second or inner tube, is located in the surface of the inner tube and extends the entire length of the inner tube. The tubes are then placed in a furnace and annealed for a specified time and temperature. The double wall tubes are placed in a finning machine. Under a specified pressure and at a specified feed rate, integral fins are formed on the outside tube. While the fins are being formed on the outside tube, internal pressure is being applied forcing the inner tube to expand and conform to the inside diameter of the outer tube. The mating surfaces form a helical passageway which serves as part of the path of leakage.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 1984Date of Patent: October 15, 1985Assignee: Amtrol Inc.Inventor: Robert E. O'Connor
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Patent number: 4546818Abstract: A multiple source energy recovery system incorporating a finned heat exchanger having a plurality of primary fluid circuits, at least some of which are connected to waste heat sources. A heated medium in a secondary fluid circuit is stored in a tank and then circulated to a second heat exchanger where the waste heat is recovered and utilized.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 1982Date of Patent: October 15, 1985Assignee: Halstead Industries, Inc.Inventor: Otto J. Nussbaum
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Patent number: 4538674Abstract: An heat exchanger including a shell for flow of a first fluid and a plurality of tubes for flow of a second fluid in heat exchange relation therewith. A tubular member is concentric with at least a portion of a tube to define a space between the tube and tubular member. The tubular member includes at least one radially outwardly longitudinally extending projection portion for effecting flexing of the tubular member radially outwardly so that a minimum clearance between the tube and tubular member may be provided, and so that the tube may be inserted in and removed from the tubular member to provide greater accessibility for welding tubular members to tube sheets during assembly. Oxygen may be introduced into the space between the tubular member and tube to combine with tritium which may diffuse through the tubular member wall to prevent diffusion of the tritium through the tube wall.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1982Date of Patent: September 3, 1985Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox CompanyInventor: Donald C. Schluderberg
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Patent number: 4529033Abstract: A system for heating a hot tub or spa from an existing potable hot water supply is disclosed. The system uses a heat exchanger element which isolates the potable hot water supply from the hot tub water. A failure in the heat exchanger does not cause intermixing of the potable and hot tub water and thus the system meets local plumbing codes. The heat exchanger consists of a center pipe surrounded by two concentric tubular sleeves. The center pipe carries the potable hot water from the hot water system. Surrounding the center pipe is an annular sleeve which has a plurality of longitudinal slots located on the inner surface adjacent to the center pipe. The sleeve is, in turn, surrounded by an outer jacket through which the hot tub water flows. A failure in the center pipe or the sleeve causes water to flow out through the slots, alerting the owner of the heating system that a failure has occurred.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 1984Date of Patent: July 16, 1985Inventor: Stephen E. Blum
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Patent number: 4524822Abstract: A heat-transmitting device for transmitting heat between first and second fluids respectively flowing through first and second containers has a heat transmitter which is secured to at least one of the containers. The heat transmitter includes at least one heat pipe which extends into each container, such that one end of the heat pipe is disposed in the first fluid and the other end is disposed in the second fluid. The containers are separated by a double wall construction, and the heat pipe extends through such double wall. Heat from the first liquid is transferred to and through the heat pipe and into the second liquid.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 1983Date of Patent: June 25, 1985Assignee: Wieland-Werke AGInventors: Manfred Hage, Otto Junker
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Patent number: 4505261Abstract: A modular passive solar energy storage system comprises a plurality of heat tubes which are arranged to form a flat plate solar collector and are releasably connected to a water reservoir by, and are part of, double-walled heat exchangers which penetrate to the water reservoir and enhance the heat transfer characteristics between the collector and the reservoir. The flat plate collector-heat exchanger disassembly, the collector housing, and the reservoir are integrated into a relatively light weight, unitary structural system in which the reservoir is a primary structural element. In addition to light weight, the system features high efficiency and ease of assembly and maintenance.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 1983Date of Patent: March 19, 1985Inventor: Billy D. Hunter
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Patent number: 4495987Abstract: A tube and tube sheet assembly for a heat exchange device includes a plurality of heat exchanger tubes extending through a first and second tube sheet to provide a fluid-type passageway therebetween to enable a cooling fluid to be passed between the first and second tube sheets to reduce flashing of fluid introduced to the tubes. The fluid may be introduced into the tubes through the first tube sheet without turbulence or flashing because a smooth, continuous transition is provided therebetween by explosively forming the tubes within the tube sheet and providing openings communicating with each of the holes which are defined by the surface of revolution of an arc extending outwardly from the circumference of each hole to prevent formation of a Vena Contracta.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 1983Date of Patent: January 29, 1985Assignee: Occidental Research CorporationInventor: Marshall N. Finnan
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Patent number: 4480683Abstract: Arrangement for heat and/or mass transfer between a minimum of two liquids, effected by means of hollow fibers, the open ends of which are imbedded in a casting compound and which hollow fibers are located in the form of hollow fiber modules within a housing, wherein an intermediate ring and gaskets are provided between the housing and the casting compound beds of the hollow fiber module. A bore in the housing allows in case of a defective gasket that leaking liquid may drain to the outside, whereby short circuiting between the different liquid chambers of the housing will be prevented. The intermediate ring may be present as lose component or may, also, be fixedly connected to the face plates of the housing or the housing jacket. A plurality of hollow fiber modules may be arranged within a common housing. The hollow fiber module may be surrounded by a perforated supporting tube. The arrangement is particularly suitable for cross-flow filtration.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 1981Date of Patent: November 6, 1984Assignee: Akzo NVInventors: Rudi Wollbeck, Thomas Zang