GB1286519A - Tube support structures for heat exchangers - Google Patents

Abstract

1286519 Tube supports for heat exchangers COMBUSTION ENG Inc 10 Dec 1969 [13 Dec 1968] 60296/69 Headings F4A and F4S A tube support structure, Fig. 12, comprises elongate plates 82 having at each of their side edges spacer bars 90 interposed between tubes 38, the spacer bars 90 having surfaces 92 for engaging the tubes. The tube structure is used in a heat exchanger 10, Fig. 1, for supporting the horizontal portions 68 of a bundle of inverted "U"-tubes 38. Heating fluid such as water, petroleum or gas, enters through an inlet 50 and after circulation through tubes 38 passes through an outlet 52. Feedwater enters through an inlet 54 and after distribution by a a ring header 56 and discharge ports 58 flows down an annular downcomer passage 32. The feedwater then flows up a chamber 30 in heat exchange relation with the tubes 38, the resultant steam/water mixture passing through a collection chamber 60 to separators 62 and contact dryers 64. Separated water returns along downcomer passage 32 to be recirculated and the separated steam discharges through an outlet 22. The centres of tubes 38 are arranged on a triangular pitch, Fig. 10 (not shown), to present a large heating surface to the flow of feedwater. Each of the tube support structures is suspended by mounting assemblies 94 formed by a suspension plate (98), Fig. 3 (not shown), slidably secured by angle members (100) and threaded connectors (102) to an I beam 96 which is secured to an annular baffle plate 26. The lower ends of the plates 82 of tube support structures 80 are connected in pairs to sleeves (108), Fig. 9 (not shown), which pass freely through openings (110), Fig. 7 (not shown), in an anchor member 112 to allow for expansion. The ends of members 82 of the central structure 80<SP>1</SP> engage in slots (118), Fig. 4 (not shown), in an anchor member 114. The legs 66 of tubes 38 are supported by plates 70 having openings (72), Fig. 8 (not shown), for the tubes 38 and openings (74) to permit flow of the steam/water mixture. The plates 70 and members 112 are additionally supported by tie rods 76. The tubes 38 may have their centres disposed on a square pitch.