Abstract: Counterflow heat exchanger with a floating plate, which comprises a casing made of a pair of rectangular parallel-spaced wall members and four pieces of bar members connecting the corresponding corners of the pair of wall members, a pair of seal strips located inside said bar members through elastic members diagonally with regard to a line connecting the centers of the wall members, being extended so as to cover and seal a pair of the sides formed by a longer side of the wall members and the bar members, leaving a part of the sides uncovered. More than two sheets of floating plates are spaced apart from each other contained in a space formed by the seal strips and wall members. A spacer in a channel is formed between the floating plates, and a structure for controlling the flow of fluids within the channels is included. By making fluids having different temperatures flow countercurrently to each other through the channels, efficiency of heat exchange of the heat exchanger can be improved.

Abstract: A heat recuperator comprises a cross-flow ceramic core within a housing. Of the six faces on the core, four have openings for gas flow therethrough and two faces are solid. Means are provided to apply compressive force to the solid faces, the means being disposed within the housing.

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: Individual elongated radiant heat panel modules are secured together along their side edges to form a panel; and a plurality of transverse spaced-apart stiffeners are connected at a plurality of connection sites across the panel back to stiffen the panel and hold it fast. Each stiffener is fixedly connected to the panel at only one fixed connection site whereby to block relative movement between the stiffener and panel at said site; and each stiffener is additionally connected to the panel at a plurality of connection sites by spring clamps which hold the panel and modules thereof flat against the stiffener while permitting limited relative movement thereat between said stiffener and said panel. The connection sites on the stiffener are spaced therealong while the connections to the panels are at or adjacent the side edges of the individual modules. Adjacent individual modules are fixed to each other.

Abstract: A casing for a shell- and tube-type heat exchanger is produced by deforming two axially spaced portions of a length of tubing to make their integral peripheries either larger than or smaller than the internal periphery of an intermediate portion of the casing which is interposed between the end portions. A tubestack comprising tube elements supported by tubeplates is received within the casing, with the tubeplates being disposed at least partially within the end portions respectively. In the case where the natural bore of the tubing (which forms the internal periphery of the intermediate casing portion) is accurately sized and one of the end portions has a larger internal periphery than said bore, transverse baffles of the tubestack can have external peripheries which are accurately sized to engage the internal periphery of the intermediate casing portion. Otherwise, the baffles can have flexible tires mounted on their peripheries to engage the internal periphery of the intermediate casing portion.

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: An attachment arrangement for attaching a boiler casing to a membrane tube wall utilizes an extension plate which is connected to and extends beyond an edge of the casing. The extension plate and the surface of the casing adjacent its edge define an attachment area which is attached to the tube wall. A slot extends in the casing and through part of the extension plate. The slot is covered by an expansion element having a termination covering the end of the slot. The termination is on the extension plate. The termination of the expansion element extending over the extension plate provides compensation for expansion in the attachment area which avoids deformation and tearing of the casing in this area.

Abstract: In a recuperator having a ceramic core within a housing, a layer of intumescent material is disposed between a solid face of the core and the housing to aid in securing the core within the housing.

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: Heat exchanger comprising a casing and tubular or plate-type exchange surfaces mounted inside the casing. The exchange surfaces (15) are joined together in the form of at least one module (14) comprising two end plates (16, 17) between which the exchange surfaces (15) are disposed, said plates (16, 17) being mounted slidingly after the style of drawers in rails (8, 9) of the casing (1). Application: particularly in low-temperature recuperative heat exchangers.

Abstract: A support structure for multiple adjacent parallel vertical tubes of a solar flux receiver panel, so as to provide for universal independent thermal expansion and contraction of the tubes. Each adjacent tube is attached by a lug located at an intermediate point along the tube length to a rigid horizontal steel support bar, each attachment lug being separated from the adjacent lug by a cylindrical spacer located therebetween. The support bar is attached to tie links and a truss attached to support collars located on the bar at appropriate end and central locations, the tie links and truss being pivotally attached at their other ends to a vertical support frame structure. The support structure for the vertical tubes of the solar panel provides reliable support, accommodates differences thermal expansion and contraction of the tubes, and resists transverse wind and seismic loads for the vertically-oriented solar heated panel.

Abstract: An expansion joint is provided between the bottom supported tube walls and the top supported tube walls of a fluidized bed boiler furnace. The expansion joint includes an upwardly open trough having one side and a floor defined by bent portions of the bottom supported tube wall, and another side wall defined by a refractory lined steel plate. A knife edge or sealing projection is connected to an outwardly bent portion of the top supported tube wall and extends downwardly through the upward opening of the trough and into the spaced defined by the trough. The trough is filled with sand or other inert granular material which partially covers the knife edge. The knife edge is in the form of a tube wall with tubes having lower perforations. Fluidizing gas can be supplied into the knife edge to fluidize the sand around the lower end of the knife edge to permit movement of the knife edge in the sand as the top and bottom supported tube walls expand.

Abstract: A support assembly for the air distributor in the catalyst regenerator vessel of a fluid catalytic cracking apparatus is revealed. The support assembly comprises a primary support which fixedly connects the air distributor to the catalyst regenerator and a plurality of secondary rigid supports. The secondary rigid supports connect to both the air distributor and catalyst regenerator vessel with ball and socket joints.The support assembly allows for unrestricted multi directional thermal expansion of the air distributor without causing twisting or warping.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A joint structure for at least one tube and a header, wherein the header comprises a gas chamber, a sand chamber filled with a sealing sand and a partition plate dividing the gas chamber and the sand chamber, and the tube extends from the exterior of the header through the sand chamber and has its one end open in the gas chamber.

Abstract: An improved frame assembly for holding radiator heat exchanger core units required for cooling engines such as the locomotive engine. There are specially designed side frames on each side of the cooling core with special push-pad units between the side rail and the core. The push-pads include fixed sections which are fixed with respect to the side frame and movable sections which are movable therewith to provide for unequal expansion of the side frame and the core.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a vapor generator each wall of which has spaced lower and an upper portions to accommodate relative movement there between. The seal assembly includes a trough containing water and connected to one of the portions of each wall. A dip skirt extends into the trough and divides same into an inner chamber and outer chamber, and a partition extends from the dip skirt, across the space between the wall portions, and to the other wall portion to expose the water in the inner chamber to the boiler pressure and the water in the outer chamber to atmosphere. As a result, relative movement between the wall portions is accommodated by corresponding movement of the dip skirt in the water trough while maintaining an airtight seal.

Abstract: A cross flow heat exchanger for heat exchange between two fluids. The heat exchanger is of the type having a stack of spaced, parallel rectangular plates; a frame enclosing the plates and having generally rectangular end walls parallel to the plates and corner posts extending between corners of the end walls; and corner supports extending between the end walls and sealingly engaging respective aligned plate corners. The heat exchanger is characterized by including a plurality of leaf springs, each having a plurality of nested but individually resilient leaves elongated parallel to the corner posts and having a generally arcuate transverse cross-section providing spaced surfaces bearing respectively against a corner post and a corner support to resiliently seal the corner post to the corner support.

Abstract: A plunger element which slides axially in a bore in a dashpot element secured to the internals of a steam generator is biased against the shell of the pressure vessel by a series of Belleville springs. The plunger and dashpot element form a chamber having a volume which varies as the width of the gap between the pressure vessel shell and internals changes due to differential thermal expansion, and pressure expansion of the shell. A collapsible reservoir provides an incompressible fluid to the variable volume chamber under urging of the ambient pressure in the pressure vessel through a metering passageway to maintain the chamber full of fluid.

Abstract: An annular heat exchanger assembly includes a plurality of low thermal growth ceramic heat exchange members with inlet and exit flow ports on distinct faces. A mounting member locates each ceramic member in a near-annular array and seals the flow ports on the distinct faces into the separate flow paths of the heat exchanger. The mounting member adjusts for the temperature gradient in the assembly and the different coefficients of thermal expansion of the members of the assembly during all operating temperatures.

Abstract: Steam generator including a combustion chamber having a combustion chamber wall being formed of welded-together tubes and having an outer surface, cross beams disposed on the outer surface of the wall, a partition beam being longitudinally movably supported at one of the cross beam and being extended across the combustion chamber, a partition suspended from the partition beam in the combustion chamber, and support bands being attached to the cross beams and having upper ends being fastened to the outer surface of the combustion chamber wall.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing an acid compound wherein an aqueous medium is pumped through a first reactor into which ammonia is injected. The first reactor comprises a venturi with a mixing deflector in the throat of the venturi. The ammonia is introduced to the first reactor via an inclined fitting proximate to the deflector. The aqueous ammonia medium is caused to flow through a second reactor downstream from the first reactor wherein sulfuric acid is injected and mixed with the aqueous ammonia medium resulting in an exothermic reaction between the ammonia and sulfuric acid under high temperatures and pressures. The sulfuric acid inlet of the second reactor comprises an inclined fitting which extends into the second reactor to form a baffle to facilitate mixing of the sulfuric acid and the aqueous ammonia mixture. The ammonia/sulfuric acid mixture then flows into a vat wherein the temperature and pressure of the compound are reduced.

Abstract: A recuperative tubular heat exchanger comprised of a plurality of tube-bundle heat exchange modules (20) stacked in a spaced array and interconnected by U-shaped, open-end header conduits (30) to form a serpentine flowpath through which a fluid to be heated is passed in heat exchange relationship with a heating fluid passing in cross flow over the tube bundle modules. The interconnected modules together with the header conduits form an integral assembly which is free to slide on support beams (26) so as to float within the housing (12) of the heat exchanger in response to the thermal deformation of the tube bundle modules.

Abstract: A boiler (10) made up of three separate sections consisting of (1) a bottom supported fluidized bed (12); (2) a top supported upper furnace portion (14); and (3) a vertical boiler section (24) in fluid communication with the furnace outlet. Seals (34, 36) are located between each of the three sections, so they can expand thermally relative to each other while preventing the surrounding atmosphere from exposure to the hot combustion gases. The seals consist of fluid cooled (48, 70) troughs (38, 60) containing sand (40, 62), with fluid cooled (48, 70) plates (42, 64) extending down into the sand.

Abstract: A heat recuperator comprises a triple pass cross flow ceramic core within a six sided metal housing. The four sides of the housing through which air or gas flows have cast ceramic material thereat with landed surfaces thereon which are in gasket-sealing engagement with a respective face of the core. Disposed between the closed sides of the housing and the solid faces of the core are spring means for exerting compressive force to the solid faces.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a heat recuperator, a ribbed layered cross-flow ceramic core is inserted into a metal housing. The core has divider ribs in the air-flow layers to provide triple pass air flow through the core. There are triple pass gaskets on the air-in and air-out faces of the core, between said faces and cast ceramic landed surfaces of the housing.

Abstract: Desublimator for isolating sublimation products from reaction gases, which consists of a closed housing and a plurality of rows of finned tubes accommodated horizontally and superposedly therein, successive superposed finned tubes being supported, and mutually spaced, with limited adjustability, by means of cage-like perforated sliding shoes surrounding them in a box-like manner, the sliding shoes of the individual finned tubes being directly stacked one above the other and resting loosely on common supporting girders anchored to the housing, and the supporting girders having, in cross-section, the outline of a triangle with its apex pointing downward.

Abstract: A system for recovering waste heat from a stream of heated gas is disclosed. The system includes a convection heat transfer chamber, a boiler tank, and a plurality of heat pipes thermally interconnecting the convection heat transfer chamber with the boiler tank. Each of the heat pipes includes an evaporator section which is disposed in heat transfer relation with a stream of heated gas flowing through the convection heat transfer chamber, and a condenser section disposed in heat transfer relation with a volume of water contained within the boiler tank. The boiler tank is provided with a header plate having an array of heat pipe openings through which the heat pipes project. A heat support sleeve is received in each heat pipe opening in sealed engagement with the header plate, with the heat pipes projecting through the support sleeves and thermally interconnecting the convection heat transfer chamber with the boiler tank.

Abstract: A system for recovering waste heat from a stream of heated gas is disclosed. The system includes a convection heat transfer chamber, a boiler tank, and a plurality of heat pipes thermally interconnecting the convection heat transfer chamber with the boiler tank. Each of the heat pipes includes an evaporator section which is disposed in heat transfer relation with a stream of heated gas flowing through the convection heat transfer chamber, and a condenser section disposed in heat transfer relation with a volume of water contained within the boiler tank. The boiler tank is provided with a header plate having an array of heat pipe openings through which the heat pipes project. A heat pipe support sleeve is received in each heat pipe opening in sealed engagement with the header plate, with the heat pipes projecting through the support sleeves and thermally interconnecting the convection heat transfer chamber with the boiler tank.

Abstract: A multiple module heat exchanger having a serpentine path for one fluid to flow transversely through adjacent modules while a second fluid flows longitudinally therethrough. A guide pin carried by one module and a mating receptacle carried by a module adjacent thereto cooperate to permit relative longitudinal movement between modules while precluding relative transverse movement therebetween. The mating guide pin and receptacle are located at the central axis of adjacent modules whereby there may be a limited amount of pivotal movement between adjacent modules.

Abstract: A heat exchange comprises a battery of rectilinear tubes of synthetic plastic material connected at their respective ends to headers. At least one of the headers is fixed to the wall of the tower and the remainder of the exchanger is mounted by suspension members to allow free expansion of the tubes of the battery.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for high temperature operation has a ceramic-walled chamber traversed by ceramic tubes and is capable of use inter alia in fluidised bed applications. The tubes are arranged in series of successive banks and to give a compact arrangement the successive banks of tubes at different levels are disposed transversely to each other. The tubes may have internal and external reinforcing means to allow them to withstand the loads imposed by the fluidised bed and generally to allow longer tubes to be used in ceramic constructions. The internal reinforcing means may also provide restrictions that in fluidised bed applications can function to minimise the effects of tube wall fracture by reducing carry-over of bed particles seeping into the tubes. For improved end sealing, means can be provided to hold resilient ceramic seals compressed against the tube ends while permitting axial thermal movement of the tubes.

Abstract: An expansion joint for heat exchangers, reactors, steam boilers and the like to compensate for differential displacements. Differential axis expansion occurs when the pressure within the tubes or outside the tubes is raised or when a thermal expansion of the tubes and shells are different. The invention comprises a multi-layer flexible connection between the tube sheet to shell junction. The thin layers can bend parallel and accommodate large axial displacements between the shell and tubes without excessive stresses in the tube sheets. The fully penetrated but-weld of a central layer can be easily inspected by X-ray and provide the required seal between the shell and tube sheets. Other layers increase the strength of the joint.

Abstract: A cooler and filter assembly (2) is disclosed including a cooler housing (4) containing an elongated internal cavity (14) opening into generally planar end faces (16 and 18) of the cooler housing (4) and further including a support structure (6) for mounting the cooler housing (4) on an internal combustion engine and for providing internal supply and return passages (104, 106, 108 and 110) for both engine coolant and lubrication oil through only one of the planar end faces (16) of the cooler housing (4). A thermostatically controlled valve (118) and an oil pressure responsive valve means (80) control the flow of oil through the cooler and filter assembly (2) to insure efficient and safe operation of the assembly (2). A heat exchange means (24) includes a fixed plate-like member (30) for mounting one end of each of a plurality of elongated tubes (26) and also contains oil supply and return apertures (54 and 56) which allow for simplification of the arrangement of flow passages within the assembly (2).

Abstract: A system for recovering waste heat from a stream of heated gas is disclosed. The system includes a convection heat transfer chamber, a boiler tank, and a plurality of heat pipes thermally interconnecting the convection heat transfer chamber with the boiler tank. Each of the heat pipes includes an evaporator section which is disposed in heat transfer relation with a stream of heated gas flowing through the convection heat transfer chamber, and a condenser section disposed in heat transfer relation with a volume of water contained within the boiler tank. The boiler tank is provided with a header plate having an array of heat pipe openings through which the heat pipes project. A heat pipe support sleeve is received in each heat pipe opening in sealed engagement with the header plate, with the heat pipes projecting through the support sleeves and thermally interconnecting the convection heat transfer chamber with the boiler tank.

Abstract: The invention concerns a vaulted cover to close a vertical recess in a pressure vessel with a plurality of fittings welded to the cover for the passage of steam pipes and with heat insulation applied to the inside of the cover consisting of a thermally insulating material and a plurality of rectangular cover plates arranged on the thermally insulating material, wherein the cover plates are fastened to the cover by means of holding bolts penetrating the entire insulation.

Abstract: A structural support for a module of a concentric tube type recuperative heat exchanger. A plurality of support beams 18 extend laterally across each module to support upper and lower tube sheets 22-24 independent from surrounding housing structure. The support beams are attached to the tube sheets by pivotal hangers 26 that permit relative movement therebetween, while said support beams are themselves supported at their ends on lateral shelf units affixed to the housing that surrounds each module.

Abstract: A high temperature tube and shell vertically positioned heat exchanger including a plurality of tube sheets dividing the interior of the shell into three consecutive chambers. Ceramic tubes are vertically hung from hemispherical seats in an upper tube sheet and extend downwardly through loose fitting porous inserts which line perforations in the lower tube sheets. A hot fluid flows from the bottom chamber upwardly through the ceramic tubes, a cool fluid flows through the upper chamber across the tubes, and a third fluid is injected into the intermediate chamber at a pressure higher than that of the fluid mediums in the upper and lower chambers. The third, high pressure fluid flows through the porous inserts and into the other chambers forming a dynamic seal which also allows unrestricted axial motion of the tubes and limited laterial motion of the bottom of the tubes.

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: The invention provides a protective casing for a cube-shaped modular ceramic heat exchanger core, in which the core can easily be installed without danger of leakage between the fluid paths of the core. To this end the core rests in the casing with the edges of one face engaged with a suitable ceramic fibre composition gasket; the opposite face of the same flow path is engaged by another such gasket and the gasket is in turn engaged by a gasket compression member. The compression member is urged into this engagement by strong springs which thereby hold the gaskets in the necessary sealing engagement. In one aspect of the invention the casing is readily changed to provide single or multi-pass of one of the flow paths through the core; such a casing consists of a central portion of the thickness dimension of the core and replaceable end portions which provide the inlet, outlet and respective plenums.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for indirect recooling of a heat transfer medium, such as water, by air. The heat transfer medium has a relatively high heat transfer coefficient compared to that of air. The heat exchanger has two substantially parallel end walls or plates which are provided with holes. Associated with these end walls are side walls which are provided with inlet and outlet means for the heat transfer medium. Nonfinned tubes with air flowing therethrough are disposed between the end walls and are sealed thereagainst.

Abstract: Lattice-type supporting structures with girders on which heat exchanger elements of rectangular or square cross section are supported. Typically air/tube dry cooling elements for cooling towers are disclosed. The heat exchanger elements are supported by stilts on the girders at a distance thereabove, with the stilts extending perpendicular to the supporting surface of girders. The stilts are mounted on girders in a manner making them immovable in a direction perpendicular to their longitudinal axis. The stilts have a high flexibility in bending permitting free expansion or contraction of each heat exchanger element or each heat exchanger element group with a plurality of elements combined into an integral unit under conditions of changing temperatures.

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: 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 method for the production of a tubular heat exchanger which comprises introducing the end portions of a plurality of tubes into a corresponding plurality of holes provided in troughs, substantially filling said troughs with a liquid casting resin whereupon the liquid casting resin enters the annular gaps between the holes and the tube end portions due to capillary action, to form, upon solidification of the casting resin, a tube bundle, inserting at least one tube bundle into a housing to form a tubular heat exchanger, the sidewalls of the troughs of the tube bundle forming a gap with the housing, and filling said gap with the casting resin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for top-supporting a steam generator from a frame which is connected to a base. A plurality of dampers are connected between upstanding frame members and the steam generator, acting to absorb a portion of the energy resulting from dynamic loads imparted between the frame and the steam generator.

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.