High reliability multi-tube thermal exchange structure
US6804976B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 12, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 19, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 12, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28D2021/0078
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
For high reliability through redundancy, in a thermal chamber, heat exchange tubes are configured in multiple parallel runs. Typically three tubes are attached side-by-side in a strip which is formed into folded-back horizontal rows to be built into or attached to the walls of the chamber. In a freezer, each tube can serve independently as an evaporator when connected to a compressor/condenser source. Versatile source interfacing is provided by two valve-manifold routing units, one at each end of the multi-tube strip, enabling easy tube substitution in case of failure, as well as facilitating source-swapping, networking, defrosting and refrigerant operations such as purging, flushing, replenishing, changing or replacement, all without interrupting the required cooling process or affecting the chamber temperature. The multi-tube strip and valve-manifolds enhance the reliability of thermal systems such as ultra-low temperature biomedical freezers entrusted with critical at-risk payloads, and assist owner-operators in maintaining such systems fully operational with minimal need for outside repair expertise.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.