Abstract: A tube-type heat exchanger has a low wear support and drive for a whip rod that orbits over the inner surface of the heat transfer tube to spread a process liquid into a thin falling film. The support and drive includes a conical thrust bearing near the upper end of the rod. An edge of the thrust bearing engages and rolls over a circular rim bearing surface. A stem pin axially aligned with the rod extends upwardly over the rod and through a circular hole in an orbiting drive plate. In one form, the rim bearing surface is formed on the upper edge of the tube, or on the upper edge of a generally cylindrical bearing secured on or over the tube. The thrust bearing is secured between the rod and the stem. A stop disc carried on the stem pin limits the fall of the rod in the tube when the orbiting stops.

Abstract: A thermoelectric system (10) having a thermoelectric module (12) having first and second opposed outer faces, that first outer face being relatively cool and the second outer face being relatively hot in use, a manifold (22) defining a volume being attached to at least one outer facts of the thermoelectric module (12), the manifold (22) having a liquid inlet (30) and a liquid outlet (32) so that, in use, liquid flows through the manifold (22) wherein the manifold (22) contains a non-static means such as an impeller (40) for increasing turbulence in the liquid flowing therethrough so as to increase efficiency of heat transfer between the thermoelectric module (12) and the liquid.

Abstract: An improved refrigerated mixing chamber for the food and beverage industry and associated method of manufacture is provided. The chamber is manufactured from a pre-formed piece of stainless steel that has been cold pressed into shape so that it has no axial welds. The device further includes an outer sleeve that is shrink fitted around the chamber. The sleeve has an advancing helically groove formed on its inside surface. The combination of the helical groove and the outer surface of the chamber forms a helical passageway through which refrigerant flows. The method of manufacture causes the grooves in the outer sleeve to interfere with the outer surface of the chamber such that an advancing helical rib is formed around the chamber. This rib aids in strengthening the chamber.

Abstract: An orbital rod drive arrangement for an orbital tube whip rod heat exchanger includes a single drive plate driving a plurality of countercranks, each countercrank supporting a whip rod from its upper end within a tube and from a radially extending slot therein as it is driven in an orbital manner. The countercrank provides for balancing the whip rods within the tubes by mounting them in an offset manner. Furthermore, the whip rod is suspended as well as driven at its upper end to thereby leave the lower ends of the tubes unobstructed for the free flow of process fluid out the bottom of the tube. The countercrank includes an upper peripheral lip for supporting a single drive plate and the countercrank may be supported by the tube sheet which mounts the uniformly spaced tubes in the heat exchanger vessel. The radially extending slot accommodates migration of the whip rod in a radial direction in response to any buildup of material along the sidewall of its associated tube.

Abstract: An orbital rod drive arrangement for an orbital tube whip rod heat exchanger includes a single drive plate driving a plurality of countercranks, each countercrank supporting a whip rod from its upper end within a tube as it is driven in an orbital manner. The countercrank provides for balancing the whip rods within the tubes by mounting them in an offset manner. Furthermore, the whip rod is suspended as well as driven at its upper end to thereby leave the lower ends of the tubes unobstructed for the free flow of process fluid out the bottom of the tube. The countercrank includes an upper peripheral lip for supporting a single drive plate and the countercrank may be supported by the tube sheet which mounts the uniformly spaced tubes in the heat exchanger vessel. Variations are disclosed for the countercrank including providing different numbers of holes in the countercrank for balancing the whip rod mass about the circumference of the countercrank.