Abstract: A condensing furnace which includes an outdoor coil of the type having aluminum fins pressed to copper tubes through which a refrigerant is conducted. Heat is generated, preferably from a flame, and the relatively intense temperature (approximately 2200.degree. F.) is de-intensified before reaching the aluminum fins by generally sinusoidal de-intensifier tubes positioned between the flames and the fins of the coil. Since the de-intensifier tubes reduce the temperature of the flue of gases virtually instantly to approximately 50.degree. F., condensation forms not only upon the de-intensifier tubes but also upon the aluminum fins of the coil which prevents acidic deterioration and corrosion thereof, while at the same time maintaining extremely high Btu absorption.

Abstract: An outdoor unit includes at least a compressor and an outdoor heat exchanger coupled to the compressor. Each of a plurality of indoor units includes at least an indoor heat exchanger. A distribution unit couples the outdoor unit in parallel with the plurality of indoor units to constitute respective refrigeration cycles. The distribution unit has a plurality of refrigeration flow regulating members corresponding to the respective refrigeration cycles. A dew formation preventive member acts on the distribution unit to heat air in the distribution unit, thereby suppressing dew formation in the distribution unit.

Abstract: A unit to enhance heat transferring through a tube in a condenser-type heat exchanger comprises a series of elements. The elements engage a surface of the tube in contact with a high temperature condensable medium flowing through the exchanger. The elements are spaced apart, positioned parallel and have ring-like configurations. The elements are positioned on an angle so that when the unit is secured to a vertical tube, each element has a low point. These low points align and connect with a vertical riser. In use the tube is one of a set forming a tube bundle fitted into a vessel of the heat exchanger. As heat transfers from the high temperature medium, for example steam flowing through the vessel to a lower temperature medium, for example cooling water flowing through the tubes, the steam condenses on the tube. The condensed steam builds into a thickening film that then flows down the tube. This downward condensate flow is diverted by the elements of the unit and runs to the low point of each element.

Abstract: A stack type evaporator according to the invention comprises a plurality of plate-shaped tubular elements stacked in a direction of their width with a fin member interposed between two of such tubular elements which have inlet header portions at their ends and outlet header portions at their further ends so that coolant can flow straight within said tubular elements, a pair of dish-shaped core plates which constitute each tubular element having inner surfaces provided with ribs arranged at regular intervals in a direction of coolant flow, wherein an end surface of each rib protruding from one core plate is alternately bonded to a flat body of the other core plate whereby the coolant paths within each tubular element are formed parallel with each other and straight from the inlet header portion toward the outlet header portion.

Abstract: A condenser for vaporous materials, in which at least two pipes are assigned to one another in a series arrangement and are circumflowed by a cooling medium. A separation device is provided at the discharge port of every pipe. This separation device causes the residual vapor to separate from the condensation product. The separation devices are connected via collectors to a pair of collecting chambers from which the condensation product is withdrawn.

Abstract: A system for cooling flue gases from a fossil fuel boiler plant, and removing pollutants from the flue gas, is disclosed. In a first section of the apparatus, heat exchange cools the flue gas to just above the condensation point of water, and condensed H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 is collected. In a second section, the gas is cooled further and an acid-containing condensate is collected.

Abstract: A plate fin (12) for a plate fin and tube heat exchanger (10) used in an application in which the tubes run generally horizontally and in which condensation of a vapor entrained in the air flowing over and around the plate fins and tubes is likely to occur. The plate fin is configured to promote efficient and effective drainage of condensate that forms on the fin during heat exchanger operation. The fin is sinusoidally corrugated and has raised lance elements. There is a corrugated drainage channel section (32) between each vertical pair of adjacent fin collars (17). The drainage channel sections provide a path for condensate to run down the vertical plate fin to the bottom of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for the denitrification and desulfurization of hot waste gases, particularly from furnaces. A crude gas flow is initially conducted through a denitrification plant and through the endothermic part of a heat-utilizing plant. Subsequently, the flow is conducted into a desulfurization plant. The purified gas flow discharged from the desulfurization plant is conducted through the exothermic part of the heat-utilizing plant and is subsequently transferred to ambient. By means of a cooling trap, a portion of the heat contained in the crude gas flow before the contact with the heat-utilizing plant is removed while precipitating sulfuric acid in the form of vapor, and this heat is then added to the purified gas flow before the contact thereof with the heat-utilizing plant.

Abstract: Dehumidifying heat exchanger apparatuses are disclosed in several variations which may economically condense and separate a potable water product from a humid air stream. Water product extraction yields may be substantially enhanced by new uses of electrostatic and magnetic fields. Liquid water droplets are electrostatically collected on grounded or charged heat transfer tubes in the heat exchanger apparatuses. In one variation, charged or grounded horizontally-declined heat transfer tubes with attached drainage wicks attract liquid droplets and accelerate condensing heat transfer by continuous absorption and transfer of condensate. Both cascading liquid droplets and aerosol injection of fine liquid droplets may be used to provide convenient seed nuclei for condensing attachment of water vapor molecules in other variations.

Abstract: A device for condensing steam, the device including a bundle of long heat-exchange tubes extending from first and lower header means to second and upper header means defining paths for the steam as it moves from the lower header means toward the upper header means and for effecting a flow of steam upwardly and a flow of steam condensate downwardly within the tubes, and new baffling installed inside some of the tubes of the bundle to channel and separate the upward bulk flow of stream and the downward bulk flow of condensate so as to prevent interaction between the two fluids that disrupts normal flow and heat transfer.

Abstract: A vapor is condensed onto a condensor whose upper portion promotes film-wise condensation and whose lower portion promotes drop-wise condensation. One embodiment of this invention uses a plastic condensing tube which has a metal condensor pipe inserted into the tube in its upper end. Grooves and aperatures in the wall of the pipe encourage the flow of condensate between the pipe and plastic tube to facilitate heat conduction between the two. Heat conduction between the plastic tube and metal pipe is facilitated by a liquid such as heat-sink grease. An alternate embodiment features a plastic-only heat condensor whose upper portion is treated to make it condense the vapor as a film and whose lower portion is untreated so as to condense the vapor as drops.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of the thermal section of a large scale power plant heat generator in which combustible fuels such as fossil fuels, refuse or other materials are burned are described. Flue gas generated in the heat generators and combustion air are passed in heat exchanger relationship at diametrically opposite sides of a rotary type air preheater. The heat exchanger relationship is selected so that it causes removal of a substantial amount of heat from the flue gas whose temperature is consequently lowered to a level where a corrosive pollutant such as SO.sub.3 in the form H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 condenses out. During operation the rotor is rotated at a slow speed while a strong localized stream of wash liquid is applied onto a portion of the rotor in the air preheater along a zone selected to enable a drain down of wash liquid before the wetted portion reenters the air flow side.

Abstract: A vertically situated head exchanger is mounted externally of a building and insulated relative to the ambient air. Fan units are situated within the building preferably between adjacent joists and in the basement and in alignment with the connections to the heat exchanger. One fan unit draws fresh air from outside the building, through the heat exchanger and into the building. Another fan unit draws exhaust air from the building and passes this through the heat exchanger thus giving up heat to the cool incoming air and is then exhausted externally of the building. A controlled duct may draw warm air from the building and pass it through the heat exchanger to defrost same when necessary.

Abstract: A heat pipe is formed of two elongated tubular members each having an open end and a closed end and joined at their open ends in gas-tight relationship by means of an annular collar. The annular collar is adapted at one end to fit over the open end of one of the elongated tubular members and at its other end to fit over the open end of other of the elongated tubular members, with the ends of the annular collar being sealably secured, such as by welding, bonding, threading or otherwise, to their respective tubular members thereby providing a gas-tight enclosure within the interconnected tubular which constitutes the working chamber of the heat pipe. Advantageously, the two elongated tubular members may be formed of dissimilar materials. For example, one tubular member may be formed of a more expensive material having a relatively high corrosion resistance and the other tubular member may be formed of a less expensive material having a relatively low corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A heat recovery system for at least partially cooling and at least partially cleaning an exhaust stream of hot air from a heating operation which is contaminated with vaporized, condensable liquids and with finely divided particulate solids comprising (a) a first indirect heat exchange means for partially cooling the hot exhaust stream with a fresh stream of cold air to a temperature not significantly above the dew point of vaporized liquids entrained in the hot air stream and for partially heating the fresh stream of air, (b) solids collecting means for centrifugally separating a substantial portion of the finely divided solids from the partially cooled exhaust stream and (c) second indirect heat exchange means for further cooling the exhaust stream to a temperature below the dew point of vaporized liquids initially contained therein to thereby liquefy a significant portion of the vaporized liquids and to further heat the stream of fresh air.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for using an evaporator of an automotive air conditioner comprises a plurality of tube units and a plurality of corrugated fins. A pair of plates are connected each other for forming the tube unit. The plate has an elongating portion at an outer peripheral of the connecting portion at which one plate is connected to another plate. The elongating portion elongates from the connecting portion to the corrugated fin, but there exists some gap between the elongating portion and the corrugated fin. So that a draining space is formed within the connecting portion and the elongating portion of the plate and the corrugate fin. Since no surface tension is occurred between the elongating portion and the corrugated fin, the condensed water introduced into the drawing space can be drained effectively.

Abstract: A process for condensing vapor or mist material onto a thin first liquid film surface, which liquid film is generated and supported on the outer surface of a porous structure. A moving condensable vapor contacts the thin liquid film and is condensed onto the liquid surface. The condensed vapor drains by gravity action into a collection zone, together with a portion of the liquid film material being entrained therein. The vapor or mist material can be either substantially immiscible or miscible in the liquid film. The first liquid is preferably provided in a closed system and is recycled at near ambient temperature and at pressure conditions sufficient to produce the thin liquid film external to the porous structure, which has a porosity of 20-80%. An apparatus including the porous structure and liquid handling system for condensing an upflowing condensable vapor is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the efficiency of the thermal section of a large scale power plant heat generator in which combustible fuels such as fossil fuels, refuse or other materials are burned are described. Flue gas generated in the heat generator and combustion air are passed in heat exchange relationship at diametrally opposite sides of a rotary type air preheater. The heat exchange relationship is selected so that it causes removal of a substantial amount of heat from the flue gas whose temperature is consequently lowered to a level where a corrosive pollutant such as SO.sub.3 in the form H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 condenses out. The heat exchange elements of the rotor are sized so that the cross-sectional area of the passages therebetween are small enough to prevent the formation of aerosols of sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A heat exchanger particularly intended for condensing vapor from a gaseous stream in which there are provided fins so disposed that condensate forming on the fins drips onto one side only of the fins below it. This reduces the deleterious effect of the build-up of a liquid layer on fins which liquid layer reduces the thermal effectiveness of the fins.

Abstract: An improved conduit assembly for coupling a heat pipe evaporator with a Stirling engine heat exchanger. The conduit assembly features a cylindrical main tube section connected to a flared shell joining the heat exchanger of the Stirling engine. The flared shell provides an increasing cross-sectional area which reduces the velocity of vaporized heat pipe working fluid flowing from the heat pipe evaporator to the heat exchanger. Such reduced velocity has been found to minimize entrainment of liquid within the transmitted vapor. The conduit assembly further includes an internal small diameter liquid return duct which provides additional isolation of the liquid and vapor phases of the heat pipe working fluid as a means of further reducing entrainment. Surface tension breakers are provided which communicate the heat exchanger to the inlet end of the liquid return duct to wick away liquid working fluid from the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an evaporator for an automotive air conditioning refrigeration circuit. The evaporator includes a serpentined tube through which refrigerant fluid flows, and a corrugated metal fin unit fixedly disposed between parallel planar portions of the serpentined tube. A plurality of louvers are formed through the parallel surfaces of the corrugated metal fin units. The side ends of the louvers terminate a predetermined distance away from the surfaces of the parallel planar portions of the tube. The distance is selected from a range of from over 0.5 mm to under 1.0 mm.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube for evaporation or condensation, comprising:projected parts having cavities and provided on at least one of the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of a tubular body, andplain parts formed on the same surface as the projected parts so that the projected parts and the plain parts mingle together.

Abstract: A compact and maintenance-free means and method of regenerating the sensible heat from flue gases of fossil fuel furnaces by heat exchange through two circular layers of rock beds rotating under two semi-circular mantles with the first mantle applying hot flue gases to the beds and the second withdrawing preheated ambient air needed for combustion by said furnaces. When used for power plant flue gas treatment, layers of acid-resistant pipes containing boiler feedwater are sandwiched between the two rock bed layers to usefully recover the heat units arising from moisture condensation. The enormous water of condensation collects flyash and sulphur dioxide thus removing these pollutants from the stack gases. The heavy rock beds rotate slowly beneath the fixed mantles in a circular, pan-shaped, steel vessel floating on and cooled by a circular pond of water. Friction of rotation is minimal and gas leakage principally prevented by liquid seals. When flue gas temperature rises, as above 600 degrees F.

Abstract: A vacuum condensor with condensate catch, consisting of a horizontal cylindrical housing with neck, the both bottoms of which are closed by covers, and inside the housing there are mounted heat-exchange bodies, while externally to it there are connected a deaeration device and a condensate pump. The heat-exchange bodies can be either pipes or plates.

Abstract: A system for automatically controlling the buoyancy of a lighter-than-air craft by condensing water ballast from engine exhaust gases.

Abstract: Space heating and cooling and potable water heating are provided by a single appliance. The housing appliance is divided into four sections: a lower water storage section, a middle hardware section, an upper internal air handling section and a side external air handling section which may protrude through a building wall. A heating medium from a single burner heat exchanger may be directed to either a liquid to air heat exchanger for space heating or to a hot water storage tank for heating potable water. The storage tank contains a heat exchanger for heat transfer from the heating medium to the potable water. A single thermostatic flow control maintains a constant temperature of heating medium directed to either the liquid to air heat exchanger or the storage tank to provide condensation of products of combustion during the space heating mode of operation and part of the water heating mode of operation and yet preclude overheating of the heating medium.

Abstract: A heat exchanger tube for evaporation or condensation, comprising:projected parts having cavities and provided on at least one of the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of a tubular body, and plain parts formed on the same surface as the projected parts so that the projected parts and the plain parts mingle together.

Abstract: An exhaust gas containing sulfur trioxide is passed through a first heat exchanger which cools the gas to a temperature which is above the sulfur trioxide dewpoint, so that condensation of sulfur trioxide does not occur in the first heat exchanger, but below a material limit operating temperature of a second heat exchanger, which further cools the gas below the sulfur trioxide dewpoint, whereby the first heat exchanger is protected against corrosion and the second heat exchanger is protected against thermal damage.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of perforated and regularly corrugated heat transfer plates arranged in a ridge-to-ridge and furrow-to-furrow arrangement, so as to form primary fluid passages each consisting of alternate expanded sections and narrowed sections arranged along the direction of flow of a primary fluid, and a plurality of pipes for passing a secondary fluid therethrough, the pipes penetrating through and across the heat transfer plates. Oblique guide grooves are formed in the surfaces of each heat transfer plates to facilitate the downward flow of the condensate condensed over the surfaces of the heat transfer plates, the grooves being inclined closer to the vertical than to the horizontal to facilitate downward flow of any vapor condensed on the plates from the primary fluid whereby the heat transfer plates dry quickly for efficient heat exchange between the primary and secondary fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus in the form of an air preheater for preheating air for combustion for a combustion process by acting upon the air with hot, NO.sub.x -containing flue gases from the same or an independent combustion process. At the same time, the NO.sub.x contained in the flue gases is reduced. A regenerative or recuperative type air preheater is used, with those surfaces of the heat exchange elements which are exposed to the flue gas being provided with a coating which acts as a catalyst for the NO.sub.x reduction. The heat exchange elements are coated only in a region which has a flue gas temperature greater than the condensation temperature of the reaction products of the materials contained in the flue gas and of the added reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat exchanger for use as a reboiler-condenser which increases the efficiency of heat transfer between boiling and condensing fluids such as cryogens, e.g. oxygen and nitrogen in an air separation unit. The exchanger has enhanced boiling and condensing surfaces and slightly inclined condensing passages built up from individually extruded passageway elements.

Abstract: The invention is a reboiler-condenser which increases the efficiency of heat transfer between boiling and condensing fluids, such as oxygen and nitrogen in air separation or similar cryogenic applications. The exchanger is built up from individual plates, the opposite sides of which have enhanced condensing and boiling surfaces. The condensing channels are inclined slightly downward so that condensate can be removed at many elevations in the exchanger.

Abstract: Flue gas is passed through a first heat exchanger, a wet scrubber, and a second heat exchanger. The first heat exchanger supplies heated liquid to the second heat exchanger to reheat the flue gas. The first heat exchanger comprises, and the second heat exchanger ideally comprises, a plurality of fluoroplastic-covered metal tubes extending through a fluoroplastic-lined gas passage.

Abstract: A compact and maintenance-free means and method of regenerating the sensible heat from flue gases of fossil fuel furnaces by heat exchange through two circular layers of rock beds rotating under two semi-circular mantles with the first mantle applying hot flue gases to the beds and the second withdrawing preheated ambient air needed for combustion by said furnaces. When used for power plant flue gas treatment, layers of acid-resistant pipes containing boiler feedwater are sandwiched between the two rock bed layers to usefully recover the heat units arising from moisture condensation. The enormous water of condensation collects flyash and sulphur dioxide thus removing these pollutants from the stack gases. The heavy rock beds rotate slowly beneath the fixed mantles in a circular, pan-shaped, steel vessel floating on and cooled by a circular pond of water. Friction of rotation is minimal and gas leakage principally prevented by liquid seals. When flue gas temperature rises, as above 600 degrees F.

Abstract: An air-conditioning unit which can be converted from a horizontal air flow configuration to a vertical air flow configuration (or vice-versa) at the installation site without any additional parts or special tools. A reversible drain pan and return (intake) air panel forms part of the air-conditioning unit adjacent to a slant-mounted cooling coil, and may be demounted, reoriented and remounted so as to move the return (intake) air panel from one end of the unit to one side of the unit (or vice-versa). The air-conditioning unit is then tilted 90.degree. so as to position the drain pan under the cooling coil.

Abstract: Ventilation and heat exchanging system for premises housing animals, especially poultry, the system having one or more fans, one or more ducts for outgoing air which extends through an inner ceiling to a general collecting air flue, on the sides of which connect two vertically spaced sheets the space between which are connected to the collecting air flue, and behind the outer sheet which functions as a heat exchange sheet there opens one or more ducts for air intake (7) through an inner ceiling. Of the mentioned sheets the lower surface of the inner sheet is equipped by a heat insulating layer (4), the heat insulating ability of which at least in the vicinity of the ducts for incoming and outgoing air (1 and 7) in essence corresponds with the heat insulating ability normally required by an inner ceiling.

Abstract: A fin for a heat exchanger which is highly hydrophilic and rustproof comprises a substrate of aluminum or an aluminum alloy having thereon a hydrophilic coat including therein a proteinaceous substance having a peptide bond, e.g., gelatin. Further enhancement of the fin's affinity for water is obtained by using a hydrophilic coat prepared by mixing a water soluble coating material, such as acrylic paint, with the proteinaceous substance. The coat is made by applying a water-based coating composition including the proteinaceous substance to a substrate and drying it in the temperature range of 100.degree. to 250.degree. C., and preferably 180.degree. to 220.degree. C.

Abstract: A reaction tube system of a steam reformer, more generally referred to as tubular cracking furnace, for the indirect heating of cracking feedstock, such as the catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons, includes a plurality of reaction tubes and headers, the reaction tubes penetrating through the bottom of the steam reformer and being extended to the associated header by low-alloy tube sections attached to the tubes by circumferential welds. The reaction tubes are surrounded in the area of the weld(s) by a coaxial protective tube having one open end and defining a free annular space around the reaction tube. The protective tube prevents deterioration by corrosion of the weld(s) joining the tube sections of high-alloy steel with low-alloy extension sections with unalloyed steel extension section.

Abstract: A heat exchanger of the shell and tube type particularly suitable as an intercooler between compression stages of a compressor is disclosed. The heat exchanger includes a generally cylindrical shell having first and second coil banks disposed therein. The banks are spaced from each other and from the wall of the shell. The incoming fluid flows between the heat exchange coil banks and outwardly therethrough, passing in heat exchange relationship with a fluid flowing through the coils. The fluid velocity is reduced, substantially minimizing carryover of liquid in the fluid, and directional changes in the fluid flow causes disentrainment of liquid. A sump is provided in the bottom of the heat exchanger for removing the condensed liquids, and separate demistors or separators are not required. Access to the coils for cleaning and/or servicing may be had through a manway disposed in the shell, or through an openable end of the shell.

Abstract: Condensable fractions of a saturated gaseous stream condense onto the outer surfaces of horizontally-declined tubes of a heat exchanger. The upper wick portion of one or more elongate absorbent wicks are longitudinally disposed adjacent the lower outer surface of each horizontally-declined tube, while the lower wick appendage of each wick extends to a lower point away from the tubular heating surface. Condensate runs down the outer surfaces of the horizontally-declined tubes into interstitial passages of the absorbent wicks, and flows to their lower discharge ends. Absorbed condensate is confined to the wick drainage conduits by capillary action. Condensate flow through each wick drainage conduit is substantially accelerated by hydrostatic pressure over the average wicking distance.