Plate-fin heat exchanger

Claim 2

A heat exchanger of the plate-fin type comprising, in combination, a housing; a convoluted plate disposed in the housing in a manner so as to define separate flow passages between convolutions for the fluids between which heat is to be transferred; a plurality of corrugated fins juxtaposed between and in heat conducting contact with the convolutions of the plate in a manner such that the corrugations thereof run lengthwise of the convolutions of the plate; means for partially closing off both ends of each flow passage to prevent cross leakage of the fluids, while allowing the entrance and exit of the fluids at the ends of the passages; separating means adjacent to the closure means to direct the fluids to the proper flow passages so that flow will proceed along the entire surface of the convoluted plate; and openings in the housing for inflow and outflow of the fluids.

Claim 3

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 1, in which corrugated fins are disposed between the end convolutions of the plate and the walls of the housing, to provide additional heat transfer surface area.

Claim 4

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 1, in which the corrugations of the fins and the convolutions of the plate together define a plurality of flow passages which are interconnected so as collectively to form a Passage extending substantially over the entire length and width of each convolution.

Claim 5

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 1, in which the convolutions of the plate have substantially parallel sides and right-angled corners.

Claim 6

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 1, in which the peaks of the corrugations of the fins are bonded to the sides of the convolutions of the plate to provide structural rigidity and ensure complete heat-conducting contact between the plate and the fins.

Claim 7

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 1, in which the convolutions of the plate are spaced wider apart on one side, to allow the installation of greater fin surface area for one fluid.

Claim 8

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 1, in which the convolutions of the plate are spaced equally on both sides.

Claim 9

A plate-fin heat exchanger comprising, in combination, a channel-shaped housing; a convoluted plate disposed within the housing so as to separate the fluids between which heat is to be transferred, and define flow passages therefor between the convolutions; corrugated fins juxtaposed between and in heat conducting contact with the convolutions of the plate, and between the end convolutions of the plate and the walls of the housing, said fins being set back from the open ends of the convolutions of the plate; channellike closure means at the apex of each convolution, to partially close off both ends of each flow passage; flanges extending from the end convolutions of the said plate captured between the sides of the said channel-shaped housing and a flat bottom closure, and bonded therebetween along the entire length of the housing, to prevent external leakage and cross leakage of the fluid; a flat separator plate parallel to the bottom closure, extending across both open ends of the housing and bonded to the ends of each channellike closure means, separating the fluids between which heat is to be transferred, and directing the fluid to the proper flow passage, such that the hot fluid will enter and leave on one side of the separator plate, and cold fluid will enter and leave on the other side thereof; and a flange containing mounting holes bonded to the outer periphery of the separator plate for connection to the fluid lines.

Claim 10

A plate-fin heat exchanger comprising, in combination, a channel-shaped housing; a convoluted plate disposed within the housing so as to separate the fluids between which heat is to be transferred, and define flow passages therefor between the convolutions; corrugated fins juxtaposed between and in heat conducting contact with the convolutions of the plate, and between the end convolutions of the plate and the walls of the housing, said fins being set back from the open ends of the convolutions of the plate; channellike closure means at the apex of each convolution, to partially close off both ends of each flow passage; flanges extending from the end convolutions of the said plate captured between the sides of the said channel-shaped housing and a flat bottom closure, and bonded therebetween along the entire length of the housing, to prevent external leakage and cross leakage of the fluid; a flat separator plate parallel to the bottom closure, extending across both open ends of the housing and bonded to the ends of each channellike closure means, separating the fluids between which heat is to be transferred, and directing the fluid to the proper flow passage, such that the hot fluid will enter and leave on one side of the separator plate, and cold fluid will enter and leave on the other side thereof; and a flange containing mounting holes bonded to the outer periphery of the separator plate for connection to the fluid lines.

Claim 11

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 8, in which the channellike closure means for sealing the open ends of each flow passage are a plurality of channels having an angled cross section extending along a portion of the convolutions from the apex to some midpoint with the open side of the channel facing away from the corrugated fins; the top portions of the said closure means being bonded to the apices of the convolutions of the plate, and the sides of the angled portions of the said closure means being bonded to the sides of the convolutions, so that alternate segments of each convolution are thereby closed off.

Claim 12

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 8, in which all joints are brazed.

Claim 13

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 8, in which the separator plate disposed within the housing forms separate chambers for the entrance and exit of each fluid at both ends of the convoluted plate, so that flow will proceed along the entire surface of the convoluted plate.

Claim 14

A plate-fin heat exchanger in accordance with claim 11, in which separate tubes communicate with each chamber, and provide a means for connection to the fluid lines.