CA1121802A - Heat exchanger construction - Google Patents
Heat exchanger constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA1121802A CA1121802A CA000333988A CA333988A CA1121802A CA 1121802 A CA1121802 A CA 1121802A CA 000333988 A CA000333988 A CA 000333988A CA 333988 A CA333988 A CA 333988A CA 1121802 A CA1121802 A CA 1121802A
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- heat exchanger
- members
- base member
- spaced
- secured
- Prior art date
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Abstract
HEAT EXCHANGER CONSTRUCTION
Abstract of the Disclosure There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger of the multiple pass counterflow fin and tube type having an improved return bend construction. The return bend construction comprises a base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof which define openings extending therethrough. These projections telescopically engage ends of the fluid conducting conduits or tubes. A cover member is provided which is secured to the base member and has a plurality of localized embossments provided thereon which are arranged so as to provide a passageway placing two or more openings in the base plate in mutual fluid communication. The base member also operates as part of a surrounding frame for the heat exchanger and may include mounting points for securing the heat exchanger in the equip-ment with which it is to be utilized.
Abstract of the Disclosure There is disclosed herein a heat exchanger of the multiple pass counterflow fin and tube type having an improved return bend construction. The return bend construction comprises a base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof which define openings extending therethrough. These projections telescopically engage ends of the fluid conducting conduits or tubes. A cover member is provided which is secured to the base member and has a plurality of localized embossments provided thereon which are arranged so as to provide a passageway placing two or more openings in the base plate in mutual fluid communication. The base member also operates as part of a surrounding frame for the heat exchanger and may include mounting points for securing the heat exchanger in the equip-ment with which it is to be utilized.
Description
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BACKGROUND AND SUM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to heat exchangers and more specifically to a return bend assembly for use in a multiple pass counterflow heat exchanger of the fin and tube type construction.
Heat exchangers of the fin 2nd tube type construction are employed in a wide variety of applications in which it is desired to transfer heat between two fluids such as for example between a liquid flowing through the tubes and a gas directed across the fins thereof. In order to insure sufficient heat dissipation or transfer to the gaseous fluid flowing across the fins, it is often desirable to cause the fluid to make several passes `- cg/ ~' :
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through the finned tubes rather than a single pass. Such tech-niques may be employed for various reasons, one being to enable the heat exchanger to be contained within a relatively small envelope or overall size while still providing a sufficient heat dissipation for the intended use. These heat exchangers are gen-erally referred to as multiple pass counterflow types.
In a typical construction of a multiple pass counterflow fin and tube heat exchanger a plurality of fluid conducting conduits are provided generally arranged in multiple rows, each conduit being surrounded by a plurality of substantially parallel spaced fins along its length. An inlet header is connected in fluid com-munication to one end of each of a series of fluid conduits defin-ing a first row and an outlet header similarly connected to one end of another row of fluid conduits. Assuming for example the heat exchanger is a two pass counterflow type having only two rows of fluid conduits, the other ends of the first and second row must be interconnected so as to conduct the fluid from the inlet header to the outlet header. One manner which has been employed for interconnecting these fluid conduits is by providing a separate return bend assembly for each pair of conduits. Such a construc-tion is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,420,692. While this type of return bend construction is effective in interconnecting the separate conduits, it is relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble requiring each return bend assembly to be separately manufactured and assembled to the heat exchanger core. Further, in order to protect the return bend members as well as to provide a frame for the heat exchanger such as to provide attachment points for securing the heat exchanger to equipment with which it is to be used, a separate frame member must be fabricated and assembled thereto.
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11'~1~()2 The present invention resides in a heat exchanger of the type including a heat exchanger core assembly having a plurality of fluid conducting conduit members surrounded by heat radiating fins, an inlet header connected to one end of each of a first group of the conduit members,an outlet header connected to one end of each of the second group of the conduit members and means interconnecting the other endsof the first group of conduit members with the other ends of the second group of conduit members. The interconnecting means according to the present invention includes a base member overlyingend portions of the conduit members, the base member having a plurality of openings defined by tapered tubular projections on one side of the base member, each of the projections being secured in fluid con-ducting telescopic relation with one of the other ends of the fluid conduit members. An elongated cover member is provided which has a plurality of raised spaced embossments, each of the raised embossments being positioned so as to overlie and extend between at least first and second ones of the plurality of openings whereby the raised portion and the base` member define a fluid passageway interconnecting the one of the other ends of the first group with the one of the other ends of the second group of fluid conduit members.
Means secures the cover member directly to another side of the base member at a plurality of spaced locations, and sealing means is disposed between the base member and the cover member and is operative to create a substantially fluid tight sealing relationship therebetween.
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Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying dr~wings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a heat exchanger in accordance with the present invention having portions thereof broken away;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view o~ the heat exchanger of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of the upper end of the heat exchanger of Figure 1 shown in section, the section being taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 3A is a fragmentary view of a portion of the lower end of the heat exchanger of Figure 1 similar to that of Figure 3 with the section also being taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger in accordance with the present invention with portions thereof being broken away;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view similar to that of Figures 1 and 4 but showing yet another embodiment of the present inven-tion with portions thereof broken away;
Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the heat exchanger of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of a heat exchanger in accordance with the presentinvention in which the return bend assembly includes an integral mounting flange;
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Figures ~ ~nd 9 are fragmentary side and front clevational views respectively of a hcat exchangcr in accordance with thc prcscnt invention in which mounting means are incorporated into the return bend assembly;
Figure 10 is a Iragmentary side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention; and ~igure 11 is a Iragmcntary plan view of the cml~odin)cnt of Figure 10.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 through 3A, there is shown a heat exchanger 10 in accordance with the present invention comprising an inlet header 12, an outlet header 14, a core . assembly 16, an upper return bend assembly 18, a lower return bend assembly 20, a surrounding framework including elongated side members 22 and 24, and upper and lower return bend assemblies 18 and 20 and mounting channel brackets 26 and 28.
Core assembly 16 is of the fin and tube type having a plurality of fluid conducting conduits 30 arranged in multiple rows 32, 34, and 36, each row having any desired number of such fluid conduits 30. A plurality of heat radiating fins 38 are provided being arranged in surrounding spaced substantially parallel relationship to conduit members 30. Preferably, core 16 will be fabricated from a plurality of sheets each having a plurality of tapered tubular projections defining openings extending therethrough which sheets are arranged in a stacked nested relationship. Such a construction is discloscd in U. S. Patent 3, 601, 878.
Inlet header 12 comprises a generally cylindrically shaped elongated tubular member 40 having a female nipple 42 provided at one end to which a Eluid supply line may be connected. Inlet header 12 is connected in fluid communication with one end 44 of each of the fluid conducting conduits 30 disposed in row 32 of heat exchanger core 16.
Outlet header 14 is substantially identical to inlet header 12 also comprising a generally cylindrically shaped elongated tubular member 46 having a female nipple 48 provided on one end thereof to which a fluid supply line may be connected. Also, outlet header 14 is connected in fluid communication with one end 50 of each of the fluid conduit members 30 disposed in row 36 of heat exchanger core 16.
As shown, rows 32 and 36 of fluid conducting members 30 are slightly shorter than row 34 so as to enable inlet and out-let headers 12 and 14 to be accommodated within the generally rectangular perimeter of heat exchanger core 16.
As best seen with reference to Figure 3, upper return bend assembly 18 comprises a base member 52 of a generally rectangular shape having a plurality of openings 54 extending therethrough defined by outwardly divergingly tapered tubular projections 56 extending outwardly from surface 57 thereof. Openings 54 are arranged in two rows and are spaced in such a manner as to tele-scopically receive respective ends 58 and 60 of fluid conduit members 30 disposed within rows 34 and 36 of heat exchanger core 16. Base member 52 also has a laterally extending planar flange portion 62 extending laterally outwardly from one side thereof which is designed to overlie inlet header 12.
A cover member 64 also of a generally rectangular shape cg/i~' 11;~1802 is also provided being of a length substantially equal to base member 52 and of a width less than base member 52 and having a plurality of arcuate shaped transversely elongated embossments 66 provided thereon arranged in substantially parallel spaced relationship along the length thereof. Cover member 64 is designed to be secured to base member 52 with respective embossments 66 being positioned in overlying relationship to respective later-ally adjacent openings 54. Thus, embossments 66, in cooperation with base member 52, will define a fluid passageway 68 inter-connecting respective fluid conducting conduits 30 disposed inadjacent rows 34 and 36. As shown, cover member 64 has a relatively wide planar surface area surrounding each of the embossments 66 which mates with and is sealingly secured to upper surface 67 of base member 52.
Lower return bend assembly 20 is of a similar construction to upper return bend assembly 18 and comprises a base member 70 of a generally rectangular shape having a plurality of openings 72 extending therethrough defined by outwardly converging tapered tubular projections 74 extending outwardly from surface 76 thereof.
Openings 72 are also arranged in two rows and are sized and spaced in such a manner as to be telescopically received in respective ends 78 and 80 of fluid conducting members 30 disposed within rows 32 and 34 of heat exchanger core 16. Base member 70 also has a laterally extending planar flange portion 82 extending outwardly from one side thereof which is designed to overlie outlet header 14. A cover member 64' is also provided which is sub-stantially identical to cover member 64 and hence corresponding portions thereof are indicated by like numerals primed. Thus, embossments 66' of cover member 64' define fluid passageways 84' cg/~
interconnecting respective fluid conducting conduits 30 disposed in adjacent rows 32 and 34.
Base members 52 and 70, as well as cover members 64 and 64', may each be easily fabricated of sheet stock in a suitable manner such as through the use of progressive dies. Thereafter, corresponding base and cover members are assembled and are pre-ferably initially secured by a plurality of spot welds 86 so as to form separate subassemblies. Return bend assembly 18 is then preferably assembled to the core after which brazing rods may be inserted into each of the fluid conduits. Thereafter, return bend assembly 20 may be assembled to the core. The completed assembly will then be passed through a brazing oven during which brazing material 88 will flow between mutually engaging surfaces of the cover members and base members thereby creating a sealing rela-tionship therebetween. The spot welds operate to retain the mating surfaces of the respective cover members and base members in close proximity so as to assure the brazing material will completely fill and seal the joints therebetween.
Base members 52 and 70 are also secured to side members 22 and 24 such as by welding or brazing so as to provide a framework surrounding heat exchanger core 16. Mounting channel members 26 and 28 are each secured to side members 22 and 24 and each have a pair of spaced substantially parallel outwardly extending flange portions 89, 90, 92, and 94 respectively which provide means for mounting heat exchanger 10 to equipment with which it is to be used. It should be noted however that if desired, and preferably with regard to smaller sized heat exchangers, side members 22 and 24 may be provided with flange portions similar to those provided on channel members 26 and 28 thereby eliminating these separate channel members.
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While heat exchanger 10 is illustrated as having each adjacent row of fluid conducting conduits 30 connected in series so that each row conducts fluid in an opposite direction, in some cases it is desirable to provide a group of rows of fluid conducting members connected for parallel flow with respective groups being connected in series. The return bend assembly of the present invention may be easily adapted to accommodate such a design. As shown in Figure 4, a heat exchanger core assembly 96 has four rows 98, 100, 102, and 104 of fluid conducting members interconnected by a return bend assembly 106. Return bend assembly 106 is similar in construction to either return bend assembly 18 or 20 except base member 108 has four rows of projections 110 designed to accom-odate rows 98, 100, 102 and 104 of fluid conducting members and cover member 112 is provided with elongated arcuate embossments 114 of a length sufficient to place all four laterally adjacent conduit members in fluid communication. Thus, rows 98 and 100 may conduct fluid into the passageway defined by embossments 114 and rows 102 and 104 will conduct fluid outwardly thereof. Heat exchanger core assembly 96 is preferably of the same construction as core assembly 16 described above.
Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, another embodiment of a heat exchanger 116 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and comprises inlet and outlet headers 118, 120, a core assembly 122 having rows 124, 126, 128, and 130 of fluid con-ducting conduit members with each laterally adjacent conduit member being connected in series by upper and lower return bend assemblies 132 and 134 respectively.
Upper return bend assembly 132 is substantially identical to both upper and lower return bend assemblies 18 and 20 described above comprising a row of embossments defining fluid passageways g _ cg/
1.802 each having a single inlet fluid conduit member and a single outlet fluid conduit member connected thereto. However, lower return bend assembly 134 provides a double return bend arrangement and comprises a base member 136 having four rows of openings defined by outwardly extending projections 137 spaced so as to mate with respective rows 124 through 130 of fluid conducting conduit members. A cover member 138 is provided having two rows of substantially parallel spaced embossments 140, each embossment being of a length so as to provide a fluid passageway intercon-necting laterally adjacent fluid conduit members disposed in rows 124, 126 and 128, 130. Thus, a single return bend assembly is provided which when secured to core assembly 122 provides a four pass counterflow heat exchanger configuration.
In each of the embGdiments of Figures 4 through 6, base members 108, 122 and 136 are designed to be secured to side frame members so as to serve not only as part of the return bend assembly but also as a part of the heat exchanger frame assembly.
In each of these embodiments, mounting means are provided on the side members of the frame assembly.
An alternative mounting arrangement is illustrated in Figure 7 in which heat exchanger 142 is provided with a return bend assembly 144 comprising a cover member 146 having embossments 147 provided thereon which is secured to a base member 148. In this embodiment, base member 148 has a plurality of tubular projections 151 each connected in fluid conducting relationship to a conduit member 30'. Base member 148 is generally L-shaped and includes integral mounting means in the form of a flange portion 150 extending at substantially a right angle to portion 152 thereof. Flange portion 150 may be provided with suitable cg/ ~
openings 153 so as to enable heat exchanger 142 to be secured in operative relationship to equipment for which it is designed.
Yet another combination return bend assembly and mounting means is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, heat exchanger core 154 has a return bend assembly 156 provided thereon comprising a base member 158 having a central portion 160 provided with outwardly extending tubular projections 162 similar to those described above and a cover member 164 having appropriately positioned embossments 166 provided thereon which is secured to portion 160 thereof. Cover member 16~ is substan- ¦
tially identical to cover member 66 described above. However, in this embodiment, base member 158 is generally U-shaped having a pair of substantially parallel longitudinally extending spaced opposed flange portions 166 and 168 integrally formed thereon.
A pair of generally U-shaped members 170, 172 each having a central portion 174, 176 respectively and a pair of substantially parallel spaced leg portions 178, 180 and 182, 184 respectively extend between and are secured in spaced apart relationship to flange portions 166 and 168. Central portions 174 and 176 each have an opening extending therethrough and a nut 186 secured to the respective inner surfaces 190, 192 thereof. Nuts 186 are designed to receive a threaded fastener extending through suit-able frame members provided on the equipment to which the heat exchanger is to be mounted. Thus, return bend assembly 156 also provides mounting means integral therewith.
Yet another embodiment of a return bend assembly including mounting means is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 in which a return bend assembly 194, which is substantially identical to return bend asserbly 134, is llustrated and accordingly has cg/~
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portions corresponding to portions of return bend assembly 134 indicated by like numerals primed. However, as shown therein, base member 136' is provided with outwardly diverging tapered tubular projections 137' as opposed to the outwardly converging tapered tubular projections 137 provided on base member 136. In this embodiment a generally L-shaped mounting bracket 196 is secured directly to cover member 138' in any suitable manner such as by welding or the like. Mounting bracket 196 has a pair of leg portions 198 and 200 disposed at generally right angles with upstanding leg portion 198 having a suitable opening 202 therein for accommodating a bolt or the like. Leg portion 200 has a generally U-shaped notch 204 provided therein so as to enable it to partially surround an embossment 140' provided on cover member 138'. Preferably, a plurality of such brackets will be secured to cover member 138' so as to enable heat exchanger 116' to be firmly secured to the operating equipment for which it is designed.
While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to provide the advantages and features above states, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.
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BACKGROUND AND SUM~RY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to heat exchangers and more specifically to a return bend assembly for use in a multiple pass counterflow heat exchanger of the fin and tube type construction.
Heat exchangers of the fin 2nd tube type construction are employed in a wide variety of applications in which it is desired to transfer heat between two fluids such as for example between a liquid flowing through the tubes and a gas directed across the fins thereof. In order to insure sufficient heat dissipation or transfer to the gaseous fluid flowing across the fins, it is often desirable to cause the fluid to make several passes `- cg/ ~' :
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through the finned tubes rather than a single pass. Such tech-niques may be employed for various reasons, one being to enable the heat exchanger to be contained within a relatively small envelope or overall size while still providing a sufficient heat dissipation for the intended use. These heat exchangers are gen-erally referred to as multiple pass counterflow types.
In a typical construction of a multiple pass counterflow fin and tube heat exchanger a plurality of fluid conducting conduits are provided generally arranged in multiple rows, each conduit being surrounded by a plurality of substantially parallel spaced fins along its length. An inlet header is connected in fluid com-munication to one end of each of a series of fluid conduits defin-ing a first row and an outlet header similarly connected to one end of another row of fluid conduits. Assuming for example the heat exchanger is a two pass counterflow type having only two rows of fluid conduits, the other ends of the first and second row must be interconnected so as to conduct the fluid from the inlet header to the outlet header. One manner which has been employed for interconnecting these fluid conduits is by providing a separate return bend assembly for each pair of conduits. Such a construc-tion is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 3,420,692. While this type of return bend construction is effective in interconnecting the separate conduits, it is relatively expensive to manufacture and assemble requiring each return bend assembly to be separately manufactured and assembled to the heat exchanger core. Further, in order to protect the return bend members as well as to provide a frame for the heat exchanger such as to provide attachment points for securing the heat exchanger to equipment with which it is to be used, a separate frame member must be fabricated and assembled thereto.
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11'~1~()2 The present invention resides in a heat exchanger of the type including a heat exchanger core assembly having a plurality of fluid conducting conduit members surrounded by heat radiating fins, an inlet header connected to one end of each of a first group of the conduit members,an outlet header connected to one end of each of the second group of the conduit members and means interconnecting the other endsof the first group of conduit members with the other ends of the second group of conduit members. The interconnecting means according to the present invention includes a base member overlyingend portions of the conduit members, the base member having a plurality of openings defined by tapered tubular projections on one side of the base member, each of the projections being secured in fluid con-ducting telescopic relation with one of the other ends of the fluid conduit members. An elongated cover member is provided which has a plurality of raised spaced embossments, each of the raised embossments being positioned so as to overlie and extend between at least first and second ones of the plurality of openings whereby the raised portion and the base` member define a fluid passageway interconnecting the one of the other ends of the first group with the one of the other ends of the second group of fluid conduit members.
Means secures the cover member directly to another side of the base member at a plurality of spaced locations, and sealing means is disposed between the base member and the cover member and is operative to create a substantially fluid tight sealing relationship therebetween.
~1~180Z
Additional advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the subsequent description and the appended claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying dr~wings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a side elevational view of a heat exchanger in accordance with the present invention having portions thereof broken away;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view o~ the heat exchanger of Figure l;
Figure 3 is a fragmentary view of the upper end of the heat exchanger of Figure 1 shown in section, the section being taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 3A is a fragmentary view of a portion of the lower end of the heat exchanger of Figure 1 similar to that of Figure 3 with the section also being taken along line 3-3 of Figure 2;
Figure 4 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of a heat exchanger in accordance with the present invention with portions thereof being broken away;
Figure 5 is a side elevational view similar to that of Figures 1 and 4 but showing yet another embodiment of the present inven-tion with portions thereof broken away;
Figure 6 is a bottom plan view of the heat exchanger of Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a fragmentary view of a heat exchanger in accordance with the presentinvention in which the return bend assembly includes an integral mounting flange;
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Figures ~ ~nd 9 are fragmentary side and front clevational views respectively of a hcat exchangcr in accordance with thc prcscnt invention in which mounting means are incorporated into the return bend assembly;
Figure 10 is a Iragmentary side elevational view of another embodiment of the present invention; and ~igure 11 is a Iragmcntary plan view of the cml~odin)cnt of Figure 10.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments Referring now to the drawings and in particular to Figures 1 through 3A, there is shown a heat exchanger 10 in accordance with the present invention comprising an inlet header 12, an outlet header 14, a core . assembly 16, an upper return bend assembly 18, a lower return bend assembly 20, a surrounding framework including elongated side members 22 and 24, and upper and lower return bend assemblies 18 and 20 and mounting channel brackets 26 and 28.
Core assembly 16 is of the fin and tube type having a plurality of fluid conducting conduits 30 arranged in multiple rows 32, 34, and 36, each row having any desired number of such fluid conduits 30. A plurality of heat radiating fins 38 are provided being arranged in surrounding spaced substantially parallel relationship to conduit members 30. Preferably, core 16 will be fabricated from a plurality of sheets each having a plurality of tapered tubular projections defining openings extending therethrough which sheets are arranged in a stacked nested relationship. Such a construction is discloscd in U. S. Patent 3, 601, 878.
Inlet header 12 comprises a generally cylindrically shaped elongated tubular member 40 having a female nipple 42 provided at one end to which a Eluid supply line may be connected. Inlet header 12 is connected in fluid communication with one end 44 of each of the fluid conducting conduits 30 disposed in row 32 of heat exchanger core 16.
Outlet header 14 is substantially identical to inlet header 12 also comprising a generally cylindrically shaped elongated tubular member 46 having a female nipple 48 provided on one end thereof to which a fluid supply line may be connected. Also, outlet header 14 is connected in fluid communication with one end 50 of each of the fluid conduit members 30 disposed in row 36 of heat exchanger core 16.
As shown, rows 32 and 36 of fluid conducting members 30 are slightly shorter than row 34 so as to enable inlet and out-let headers 12 and 14 to be accommodated within the generally rectangular perimeter of heat exchanger core 16.
As best seen with reference to Figure 3, upper return bend assembly 18 comprises a base member 52 of a generally rectangular shape having a plurality of openings 54 extending therethrough defined by outwardly divergingly tapered tubular projections 56 extending outwardly from surface 57 thereof. Openings 54 are arranged in two rows and are spaced in such a manner as to tele-scopically receive respective ends 58 and 60 of fluid conduit members 30 disposed within rows 34 and 36 of heat exchanger core 16. Base member 52 also has a laterally extending planar flange portion 62 extending laterally outwardly from one side thereof which is designed to overlie inlet header 12.
A cover member 64 also of a generally rectangular shape cg/i~' 11;~1802 is also provided being of a length substantially equal to base member 52 and of a width less than base member 52 and having a plurality of arcuate shaped transversely elongated embossments 66 provided thereon arranged in substantially parallel spaced relationship along the length thereof. Cover member 64 is designed to be secured to base member 52 with respective embossments 66 being positioned in overlying relationship to respective later-ally adjacent openings 54. Thus, embossments 66, in cooperation with base member 52, will define a fluid passageway 68 inter-connecting respective fluid conducting conduits 30 disposed inadjacent rows 34 and 36. As shown, cover member 64 has a relatively wide planar surface area surrounding each of the embossments 66 which mates with and is sealingly secured to upper surface 67 of base member 52.
Lower return bend assembly 20 is of a similar construction to upper return bend assembly 18 and comprises a base member 70 of a generally rectangular shape having a plurality of openings 72 extending therethrough defined by outwardly converging tapered tubular projections 74 extending outwardly from surface 76 thereof.
Openings 72 are also arranged in two rows and are sized and spaced in such a manner as to be telescopically received in respective ends 78 and 80 of fluid conducting members 30 disposed within rows 32 and 34 of heat exchanger core 16. Base member 70 also has a laterally extending planar flange portion 82 extending outwardly from one side thereof which is designed to overlie outlet header 14. A cover member 64' is also provided which is sub-stantially identical to cover member 64 and hence corresponding portions thereof are indicated by like numerals primed. Thus, embossments 66' of cover member 64' define fluid passageways 84' cg/~
interconnecting respective fluid conducting conduits 30 disposed in adjacent rows 32 and 34.
Base members 52 and 70, as well as cover members 64 and 64', may each be easily fabricated of sheet stock in a suitable manner such as through the use of progressive dies. Thereafter, corresponding base and cover members are assembled and are pre-ferably initially secured by a plurality of spot welds 86 so as to form separate subassemblies. Return bend assembly 18 is then preferably assembled to the core after which brazing rods may be inserted into each of the fluid conduits. Thereafter, return bend assembly 20 may be assembled to the core. The completed assembly will then be passed through a brazing oven during which brazing material 88 will flow between mutually engaging surfaces of the cover members and base members thereby creating a sealing rela-tionship therebetween. The spot welds operate to retain the mating surfaces of the respective cover members and base members in close proximity so as to assure the brazing material will completely fill and seal the joints therebetween.
Base members 52 and 70 are also secured to side members 22 and 24 such as by welding or brazing so as to provide a framework surrounding heat exchanger core 16. Mounting channel members 26 and 28 are each secured to side members 22 and 24 and each have a pair of spaced substantially parallel outwardly extending flange portions 89, 90, 92, and 94 respectively which provide means for mounting heat exchanger 10 to equipment with which it is to be used. It should be noted however that if desired, and preferably with regard to smaller sized heat exchangers, side members 22 and 24 may be provided with flange portions similar to those provided on channel members 26 and 28 thereby eliminating these separate channel members.
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While heat exchanger 10 is illustrated as having each adjacent row of fluid conducting conduits 30 connected in series so that each row conducts fluid in an opposite direction, in some cases it is desirable to provide a group of rows of fluid conducting members connected for parallel flow with respective groups being connected in series. The return bend assembly of the present invention may be easily adapted to accommodate such a design. As shown in Figure 4, a heat exchanger core assembly 96 has four rows 98, 100, 102, and 104 of fluid conducting members interconnected by a return bend assembly 106. Return bend assembly 106 is similar in construction to either return bend assembly 18 or 20 except base member 108 has four rows of projections 110 designed to accom-odate rows 98, 100, 102 and 104 of fluid conducting members and cover member 112 is provided with elongated arcuate embossments 114 of a length sufficient to place all four laterally adjacent conduit members in fluid communication. Thus, rows 98 and 100 may conduct fluid into the passageway defined by embossments 114 and rows 102 and 104 will conduct fluid outwardly thereof. Heat exchanger core assembly 96 is preferably of the same construction as core assembly 16 described above.
Referring now to Figures 5 and 6, another embodiment of a heat exchanger 116 in accordance with the present invention is illustrated and comprises inlet and outlet headers 118, 120, a core assembly 122 having rows 124, 126, 128, and 130 of fluid con-ducting conduit members with each laterally adjacent conduit member being connected in series by upper and lower return bend assemblies 132 and 134 respectively.
Upper return bend assembly 132 is substantially identical to both upper and lower return bend assemblies 18 and 20 described above comprising a row of embossments defining fluid passageways g _ cg/
1.802 each having a single inlet fluid conduit member and a single outlet fluid conduit member connected thereto. However, lower return bend assembly 134 provides a double return bend arrangement and comprises a base member 136 having four rows of openings defined by outwardly extending projections 137 spaced so as to mate with respective rows 124 through 130 of fluid conducting conduit members. A cover member 138 is provided having two rows of substantially parallel spaced embossments 140, each embossment being of a length so as to provide a fluid passageway intercon-necting laterally adjacent fluid conduit members disposed in rows 124, 126 and 128, 130. Thus, a single return bend assembly is provided which when secured to core assembly 122 provides a four pass counterflow heat exchanger configuration.
In each of the embGdiments of Figures 4 through 6, base members 108, 122 and 136 are designed to be secured to side frame members so as to serve not only as part of the return bend assembly but also as a part of the heat exchanger frame assembly.
In each of these embodiments, mounting means are provided on the side members of the frame assembly.
An alternative mounting arrangement is illustrated in Figure 7 in which heat exchanger 142 is provided with a return bend assembly 144 comprising a cover member 146 having embossments 147 provided thereon which is secured to a base member 148. In this embodiment, base member 148 has a plurality of tubular projections 151 each connected in fluid conducting relationship to a conduit member 30'. Base member 148 is generally L-shaped and includes integral mounting means in the form of a flange portion 150 extending at substantially a right angle to portion 152 thereof. Flange portion 150 may be provided with suitable cg/ ~
openings 153 so as to enable heat exchanger 142 to be secured in operative relationship to equipment for which it is designed.
Yet another combination return bend assembly and mounting means is illustrated in Figures 8 and 9. In this embodiment, heat exchanger core 154 has a return bend assembly 156 provided thereon comprising a base member 158 having a central portion 160 provided with outwardly extending tubular projections 162 similar to those described above and a cover member 164 having appropriately positioned embossments 166 provided thereon which is secured to portion 160 thereof. Cover member 16~ is substan- ¦
tially identical to cover member 66 described above. However, in this embodiment, base member 158 is generally U-shaped having a pair of substantially parallel longitudinally extending spaced opposed flange portions 166 and 168 integrally formed thereon.
A pair of generally U-shaped members 170, 172 each having a central portion 174, 176 respectively and a pair of substantially parallel spaced leg portions 178, 180 and 182, 184 respectively extend between and are secured in spaced apart relationship to flange portions 166 and 168. Central portions 174 and 176 each have an opening extending therethrough and a nut 186 secured to the respective inner surfaces 190, 192 thereof. Nuts 186 are designed to receive a threaded fastener extending through suit-able frame members provided on the equipment to which the heat exchanger is to be mounted. Thus, return bend assembly 156 also provides mounting means integral therewith.
Yet another embodiment of a return bend assembly including mounting means is illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 in which a return bend assembly 194, which is substantially identical to return bend asserbly 134, is llustrated and accordingly has cg/~
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portions corresponding to portions of return bend assembly 134 indicated by like numerals primed. However, as shown therein, base member 136' is provided with outwardly diverging tapered tubular projections 137' as opposed to the outwardly converging tapered tubular projections 137 provided on base member 136. In this embodiment a generally L-shaped mounting bracket 196 is secured directly to cover member 138' in any suitable manner such as by welding or the like. Mounting bracket 196 has a pair of leg portions 198 and 200 disposed at generally right angles with upstanding leg portion 198 having a suitable opening 202 therein for accommodating a bolt or the like. Leg portion 200 has a generally U-shaped notch 204 provided therein so as to enable it to partially surround an embossment 140' provided on cover member 138'. Preferably, a plurality of such brackets will be secured to cover member 138' so as to enable heat exchanger 116' to be firmly secured to the operating equipment for which it is designed.
While it will be apparent that the preferred embodiments of the invention disclosed are well calculated to provide the advantages and features above states, it will be appreciated that the invention is susceptible to modification, variation and change without departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoined claims.
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Claims (16)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. In a heat exchanger of the type comprising a heat exchanging core assembly having a plurality of fluid conducting conduit member surrounded by heat radiating fins, an inlet header connected to one end of each of a first group of said conduit members, an outlet header connected to one end of each of a second group of said conduit members and means interconnecting the other ends of said first group of conduit members with the other ends of said second group of conduit members, the improvement wherein said interconnecting means comprises:
a base member overlying end portions of said conduit members, said base member having a plurality of openings defined-by tapered tubular projections on one side of said base member, each of said projections being secured in fluid conducting telescopic relationship with one of said other ends of said fluid conduit members;
an elongated cover member having a plurality of raise spaced embossments, each of said raised embossments being positioned so as to overlie and extend between at least first and second ones of said plurality of openings whereby said raised portion and said base member define a fluid passageway interconnecting said one of said other ends of said first group with said one of said other ends of said second group of fluid conduit members;
means securing said cover member directly to another side of said base member at a plurality of spaced locations; and sealing means disposed between said base member and said cover member operative to create a substantially fluid tight sealing relationship therebetween.
sealing means disposed between said cover member and said base member operative to create a secure sealing relationship therebetween.
a base member overlying end portions of said conduit members, said base member having a plurality of openings defined-by tapered tubular projections on one side of said base member, each of said projections being secured in fluid conducting telescopic relationship with one of said other ends of said fluid conduit members;
an elongated cover member having a plurality of raise spaced embossments, each of said raised embossments being positioned so as to overlie and extend between at least first and second ones of said plurality of openings whereby said raised portion and said base member define a fluid passageway interconnecting said one of said other ends of said first group with said one of said other ends of said second group of fluid conduit members;
means securing said cover member directly to another side of said base member at a plurality of spaced locations; and sealing means disposed between said base member and said cover member operative to create a substantially fluid tight sealing relationship therebetween.
sealing means disposed between said cover member and said base member operative to create a secure sealing relationship therebetween.
2. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said first group of conduit members comprises a first row and said second group of conduit members comprises a second row of conduit members disposed in spaced parallel relationship to said first row and said embossments extend transversely of said cover member in spaced substantially parallel relationship.
3. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 2 wherein said base member has a length greater than said cover member and said heat exchanger includes side frame members secured to opposite end portions of said base member, said side frame members extending in parallel relationship to said conduit members.
4. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 1 wherein said embossment is elongated and has a length substantially equal to the sum of the diameters of said first and second ones of said conduit members and the distance between said first and second ones of said conduit members.
5. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 1 wherein each of said embossments overlies and interconnects a multiple pair of adjacent fluid conducting members.
6. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 5 wherein said multiple pairs of fluid conducting members are laterally disposed in said heat exchanger core.
7. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 1 further comprising mounting means provided on said base members.
8. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 7 wherein said mounting means comprises a flange portion extending generally perpendicular outwardly from said another surface, said flange portion having openings provided therein to accommodate fasteners for securing said heat exchanger to said equipment.
9. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 7 wherein said mounting means includes a pair of flange portions extending generally perpendicularly outward from opposite longitudinal sides of said base member and a bracket member extending between and secured to said flange portions.
10. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 9 wherein one said first and second cover members is secured to said one base member between said flange portions and said bracket member is disposed in spaced overlying relationship thereto.
11. In a heat exchanger of the type comprising a heat exchanger core having a plurality of elongated fluid conducting conduits arranged in spaced, substantially parallel rows, each of said conduits being surrounded by heat radiating fins, an inlet header connected to a first row of said conduits, an outlet header secured to a second row of said conduits, and means interconnecting said first and second rows of conduit members and intermediate rows of said conduit members in fluid communication, said interconnecting means comprising:
a first base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof, said tubular projections being arranged in substantially parallel spaced rows, each of said projections being secured in telescopic relationship with an end of one of said conduit members, said first base member being secured to one end of said heat exchanger core;
a second base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof, said tubular projections being arranged in substantially parallel spaced rows, each of said projections being secured in telescopic relationship with an end of one of said conduit members, said second base member being secured to the other end of said heat exchanger core;
a first cover member having a plurality of transversely extending embossed portions arranged in substantially parallel spaced relationship, each of said embossed portions being of a length to place a pair of transversely spaced tubular projections in fluid communication;
a second cover member having a plurality of transversely extending embossed portions arranged in substantially parallel (Claim 11 cont'd...) spaced relationship, each of said embossed portions being of a length to place a pair of transversely spaced tubular projections in fluid communication;
means securing said first cover member directly to the other side of said first base member and said second cover member directly to another side of said second base member at a plurality of spaced locations; and sealing means disposed between said first cover and base member and between said second cover and base member, said sealing means being operative to create a sealing relationship therebetween.
a first base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof, said tubular projections being arranged in substantially parallel spaced rows, each of said projections being secured in telescopic relationship with an end of one of said conduit members, said first base member being secured to one end of said heat exchanger core;
a second base member having a plurality of tapered tubular projections extending outward from one side thereof, said tubular projections being arranged in substantially parallel spaced rows, each of said projections being secured in telescopic relationship with an end of one of said conduit members, said second base member being secured to the other end of said heat exchanger core;
a first cover member having a plurality of transversely extending embossed portions arranged in substantially parallel spaced relationship, each of said embossed portions being of a length to place a pair of transversely spaced tubular projections in fluid communication;
a second cover member having a plurality of transversely extending embossed portions arranged in substantially parallel (Claim 11 cont'd...) spaced relationship, each of said embossed portions being of a length to place a pair of transversely spaced tubular projections in fluid communication;
means securing said first cover member directly to the other side of said first base member and said second cover member directly to another side of said second base member at a plurality of spaced locations; and sealing means disposed between said first cover and base member and between said second cover and base member, said sealing means being operative to create a sealing relationship therebetween.
12. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 11 further comprising first and second side members extending between and secured to opposite ends of said first and second base members, said first and second base members and said first and second side members cooperating to provide a frame surrounding said heat exchanger core.
13. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 11 wherein one of said first and second base members has multiple pairs of rows of tubular projections provided thereon.
14. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 13 wherein one of said first and second cover members has multiple spaced rows of embossed portions, said one of said first and second cover members being secured to said one of said first and second base members with each of said embossed portions of a first of said multiple spaced rows of embossed portions interconnecting first pairs of laterally adjacent tubular projections of said multiple pairs of rows of tubular projections and each of said embossed portions of successive of said multiple spaced rows of embossed portions interconnecting a successive laterally spaced pairs of tubular projections of said multiple pairs of rows of tubular projections.
15. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 12 wherein said interconnecting means further include mounting means for securing said heat exchanger to equipment for use in conjunction therewith.
16. A heat exchanger as set forth in Claim 10 wherein said mounting means comprises a bracket secured to said cover member intermediate said embossed portions.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US667879A | 1979-01-26 | 1979-01-26 | |
| US6,678 | 1979-01-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1121802A true CA1121802A (en) | 1982-04-13 |
Family
ID=21722059
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000333988A Expired CA1121802A (en) | 1979-01-26 | 1979-08-17 | Heat exchanger construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1121802A (en) |
-
1979
- 1979-08-17 CA CA000333988A patent/CA1121802A/en not_active Expired
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| MKEX | Expiry |