US3896873A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Heat exchanger with a removable tube section
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1972-05-01
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Granted: 1975-07-29
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Expires: 1992-05-01
Abstract
Abstract A heat exchanger in which the tube sheet is secured against primary liquid pressure, but which allows for easy removal of the tube section. The tube section is supported by a flange which is secured by a number of shear blocks, each of which extends into a slot which is immovable with respect to the outer shell of the heat exchanger.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter Wolowodiuk
- 👤 John Anelli
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:06
CPC Classifications
F; F28; F28F; F28F9/00; F28F9/02; F28F9/0219; F22; F22B; F22B1/00; F22B1/02; F22B1/06; F22B1/063; F22B37/00; F22B37/02; F22B37/10; F22B37/20; F22B37/207; F22B37/24; F22B37/246; F22B37/248; F28F2280/00; F28F2280/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
201 words
A heat exchanger comprising: an outer shell of circular cross-section; a fluid inlet in said outer shell; a fluid outlet in said outer shell below said fluid inlet; an annular slot extending around the inside of said shell adjacent to the top of said shell; an inner core positioned within said shell, said inner core comprising a tube sheet, a plurality of tubes extending down from said tube sheet so that fluid from said inlet flows over the outside of said tubes and out through said outlet, and an annular bearing surface immovable with respect to said tube sheet, facing upward and disposed adjacent to said slot; and a plurality of shear blocks disposed in a circle with a portion of each block engaging said bearing surface and a portion of each block extending into said slot and the inner edges of said blocks being free of engagement with any structure so that each of said blocks can be moved inward and out of said slot; whereby said shear blocks prevent said inner core from moving upward but can be moved inward and out of engagement with said slot so that said inner core can be lifted out of said shell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
201 words
A heat exchanger comprising: an outer shell of circular cross-section; a fluid inlet in said outer shell; a fluid outlet in said outer shell below said fluid inlet; an annular slot extending around the inside of said shell adjacent to the top of said shell; an inner core positioned within said shell, said inner core comprising a tube sheet, a plurality of tubes extending down from said tube sheet so that fluid from said inlet flows over the outside of said tubes and out through said outlet, and an annular bearing surface immovable with respect to said tube sheet, facing upward and disposed adjacent to said slot; and a plurality of shear blocks disposed in a circle with a portion of each block engaging said bearing surface and a portion of each block extending into said slot and the inner edges of said blocks being free of engagement with any structure so that each of said blocks can be moved inward and out of said slot; whereby said shear blocks prevent said inner core from moving upward but can be moved inward and out of engagement with said slot so that said inner core can be lifted out of said shell.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
91 words
A heat exchanger defined in claim 1 wherein said shear blocks are of two types, said two types being alternately positioned along said surface, one of said types being wider at the inner edge than the outer edge, the other of said types being wider at the outer edge than at the inner edge, whereby each of said one type may be moved inwardly and subsequently the blocks of the other type may be moved inwardly to permit said inner core to be moved axially and out of said outer shell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The heat exchanger defined in claim 1 further comprising a ring bridging said blocks and connected with said bearing surface and said shell to prevent relative rotation between said inner core and said outer shell.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
The heat exchanger defined in claim 1 further comprising an omega seal extending between said bearing surface and said shell.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
54 words
The heat exchanger defined in claim 1 wherein each of said blocks has an upwardly extending projection on the inner portion thereof so that a force can be exerted on said projection to move said blocks out of said slot to allow for subsequent movement of said inner core out of said outer shell.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-07-28 | 1979-01-27 | 1979-07-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-07-28 | 1983-01-27 | 1983-07-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-07-28 | 1987-01-27 | 1987-07-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |