GB1382263A - Apparatus for the manufacture of heat-exchange elements - Google Patents

Abstract

1382263 Manufacturing heat exchangers JOHN HENNING (ENG) Ltd 1 Nov 1972 [19 Nov 1971] 53968/71 Heading B3A Apparatus for manufacturing heat exchanger elements comprises a jig 10 having a rectangular base member (12), Figs. 1, 3 (not shown), with a bed of upstanding plates 17 arranged in a series of transverse rows at one end of the member, at least one passage 18 defined in the bed longitudinally of the base member, and actuating means at the other end of the member movable towards the bed of plates. A top member (14), hinged to the base member, is counterbalanced with a weight (16). A pneumatic lock (34) is provided to secure the members during use. Fins 19 can be placed between adjacent rows of plates, which plates may be shaped to allow easy entry of each fin between two rows. The actuating means comprises a positioning block 20 carried by wheels 21 on rails 22. A stationary guide member 23 straddles the base member and has grooved passageways 24 in its upper surface; each passageway being aligned with a passage 18 in the bed of plates 17. A pneumatic ram, operated by a pneumatic/solenoid circuit, is mounted under the jig and on its retraction moves block 20 towards the plates until it abuts guide member 23. A series of pairs of microswitches (33) are provided on the jig to automatically set the length of stroke of a piston (27) of the ram. The lock 34 only renders the ram operational when closed, for safety purposes, and top member (14) may be provided with a glass inspection panel (not shown). In operation, fins 19 are located in the bed and three U-tubes 30 are located in the actuating means with their outer ends fitting in passageways 24 and curved ends in recesses 32. Rods (not shown) are located in outer passages 18 overlying the fins to restrain movement of the latter. The top and base members are secured and the jig set in motion. The ram moves block 20 along member 12 and forces the longitudinal portions of tubes 30 into and through apertures (36), Fig. 4 (not shown), of the fins. The structure is then removed from the jig and U-bends are located and crimped on to the outer ends of the U-tubes so as to form a continuous tubing system. The U-bends each have peripheral internal grooves adjacent their ends, each groove accommodating a plastics "O"-ring. Composite elements may be formed by joining two different sized structures. The rows of plates 17 may be formed separately or as an elongate, integral unit with vertical slots forming separations.