GB824209A - Heat exchange apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

824,209. Heat exchangers. MARSTON EXCELSIOR Ltd., DE HAVILLAND PROPELLERS Ltd., BERGWERK, W., and GOODWIN, L. Feb. 28, 1958 [March 13, 1957], No. 8246/57. Class 64(3) In a heat exchanger matrix 1 in which the passages 7 of at least one of two passage systems extend between two header tanks 17, 19, a vapour outlet passage 27 extends outwardly from the central region of the matrix, and at least one cross passage 25 connects (e.g. by way of further passages 21, 23 as shown) that end of the vapour outlet passage 27 which is in the central region of the matrix with the two header tanks. In operation, in the position shown, air to be cooled is caused to flow through the other set of passages 5, and a water level is maintained in the passages 7 up to a static level less than halfway up the passages 21, 23 and 25. Any steam generated in cooling the air passes to header tank 19, and thence by way of passages 21 and/or 23 and 25 to the vapour outlet 27. The small amount of condensate which may form in the upper part of the matrix drains to the lower part by way of tubes 29. The matrix is particularly intended for use in aircraft, the arrangement being such that when water not in excess of a predetermined amount is present in the passages 7, any steam generated may escape by way of the passage 27 without spillage of water, irrespective of the position of the aircraft. In a modification (Fig. 3, not shown), each of the ends of the passages 21, 23 is provided with a vapour receiving chamber having openings at spaced points leading into the header tanks. The passages 5, 7 in the apparatus shown are defined by parallel spaced plates 3 and the air makes two passes in flowing through the matrix from an inlet header 11 to a return header 15 and thence to an outlet header 13. Secondary heating surface may be provided in the matrix passages.