Heat exchanger tube support
US7028765B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 23, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28F9/0135
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A tube support device is presented. The present invention includes at least two first plates and at least two second plates each having a plurality of slots mutually arranged and aligned so as to allow four or more plates to interlock and form a grid of depth-wise planar extent thereby providing at least one square-shaped opening. Each first plate and each second plate have a plurality of u-shaped nodules. At least one u-shaped nodule along each first plate and along each second plate extends into each square-shaped opening. U-shaped nodules are disposed parallel to and contacting a tube passing through each square-shaped opening. The grid is surrounded by a fluid with a flow field parallel to each tube and may include a secondary flow field crosswise disposed with respect to each tube. In yet another embodiments, the present invention is positioned within a shell and tube heat exchanger so as to support a plurality of tubes passing there through.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.