US3610328A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Prevention of crevice coking in heat exchangers
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
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Filing: 1969-09-25
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Granted: 1971-10-05
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Expires: 1989-09-25
Abstract
Abstract In a shell-and-tube sheet exchanger, a masking blanket of steam is provided in the space between the outlet conduit for the shell fluid and the tube sheet, at one end of the heat exchanger. This steam blanket serves as a barrier, to prevent the hot hydrocarbon fluid which is flowing through the shell from coming into contact with the tube sheet at this end of the exchanger.
Inventors
- 👤 Jerry M Larue
- 👤 Bartlett A Lloyd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 00:05
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28F; F28F9/00; F28F9/02; F28F9/04; F28F9/16; F28F19/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
129 words
In a shell-and-tube heat exchanger: a tube sheet of appreciable thickness located at one end of the shell and within the same, a plurality of tubes mounted in individual holes in said tube sheet, each tube being sealed into said tube sheet at only one side of the sheet to leave a crevice around each tube at the other side of the sheet; an outlet conduit for the fluid flowing through the shell, said conduit being located adjacent to said other side of said tube sheet but spaced therefrom; and means providing a masking blanket of an inorganic vapor in the space between said conduit and said tube sheet and in said crevices, thereby to prevent said fluid from coming into contact with said tube sheet at said crevices.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
129 words
In a shell-and-tube heat exchanger: a tube sheet of appreciable thickness located at one end of the shell and within the same, a plurality of tubes mounted in individual holes in said tube sheet, each tube being sealed into said tube sheet at only one side of the sheet to leave a crevice around each tube at the other side of the sheet; an outlet conduit for the fluid flowing through the shell, said conduit being located adjacent to said other side of said tube sheet but spaced therefrom; and means providing a masking blanket of an inorganic vapor in the space between said conduit and said tube sheet and in said crevices, thereby to prevent said fluid from coming into contact with said tube sheet at said crevices.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Structure of claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis of said shell extends vertically, and wherein said fluid absorbs heat upon flowing through said shell to said outlet conduit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
Structure of claim 1, wherein the pressure of said inorganic vapor blanket is in excess of the pressure of said fluid.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Structure of claim 1, wherein said fluid is a hydrocarbon, and wherein such hydrocarbon absorbs heat upon flowing through said shell to said outlet conduit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
Structure according to claim 4, wherein the longitudinal axis of said shell extends vertically.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
Structure according to claim 4, wherein the pressure of said inorganic vapor blanket is in excess of the pressure of said hydrocarbon fluid.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
30 words
Structure as defined in claim 1, including also a baffle plate within said shell and immediately adjacent to said outlet conduit, said baffle plate providing one boundary for said space.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
Structure according to claim 7, wherein said baffle plate is positioned substantially horizontally within said shell, and is provided with apertures through which said tubes extend.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
39 words
Structure set forth in claim 8, wherein said apertures are sized for a minimum flow of inorganic vapor therethrough, thereby to permit maintaining the pressure of said blanket of inorganic vapor in excess of the pressure of said fluid.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
30 words
Structure set forth in claim 8, wherein the longitudinal axis of said shell extends vertically, and wherein said fluid absorbs heat uPon flowing through said shell to said outlet conduit.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
Structure according to claim 7, wherein said fluid is a hydrocarbon, and wherein such hydrocarbon absorbs heat upon flowing through said shell to said outlet conduit.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-10-04 | 1975-04-05 | 1975-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-04 | 1979-04-05 | 1979-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-04 | 1983-04-05 | 1983-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |