Tubular heat exchanger

Abstract

A tubular heat exchanger preferably of a multi-pass design, has a cylindrical shell with open ends that are releasable covered and sealed by preferably two end caps. Located removably in the shell and axially between the end caps is a core having a plurality of outer tubes and preferably a plurality of inner tubes with each one of the inner tubes extending through a respective one of the outer tubes. A plurality of perforated plates disposed in the shell are sealed releasably to respective ends of the inner and outer tubes thereby forming a plurality of liquid tight chambers for the flow of a plurality of segregated mediums and the transfer of heat therebetween.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a tubular heat exchanger, and more particularly to a multi-pass, tubular, heat exchanger with a servicable core for marine applications.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Tubular heat exchangers are known to flow two fluid mediums of different temperatures to transfer heat from one fluid to the other. Such heat exchangers generally have an outer shell that houses a central core having a plurality of tubes for transferring heat. The first ends of the tubes are supported by a perforated first plate sealed continuously to an inward face of the shell. The opposite second ends of the tubes are supported by a perforated second plate also sealed continuously to the inward face of the shell, thus defining a mid chamber between the plates for the flow of a first fluid medium. An inlet chamber for the flow of a second fluid is defined by the first plate and a first end of the shell, and an outlet chamber is defined by the second plate...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007]Objects, features and advantages of the present invention include a heat exchanger capable of operating with a wide and versatile range of heat transfer profiles and that has a removable core for maintenance and easy replacement of individual tubes and other components. Other advantages include the omission of expensive manufacturing processes such as brazing, the ability to use non-corrosive, light weight and relatively inexpensive components such as plastic, a relatively simple and robust design and a long and useful life.

Problems solved by technology

Traditionally, this seal is created by an expensive brazing procedure between the copper tubes and the plates.

During operation of the heat exchanger, thermal expansion and contraction is known to cause stress cracks between various brazed seals causing a loss of seal integrity.

Moreover, known assembly methods limit the ability to feasibly manufacture a multi-pass, tubular, heat exchanger having multiple inlet and outlet chambers, thus the ability to control cooling or heating rates as a function of multiple fluid temperatures is limited.

Yet further, known brazing techniques limit or prevent cost effective maintenance and replacement of individual parts of the heat exchanger core.

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