Plate type heat exchanger

Claim 1

A plate type heat exchanger for transferring heat between two fluids of differing temperature comprising (a) first means for defining a plurality of flow passages through the heat exchanger for one of said fluids, said flow passages being configured in a plurality of generally planar layers; (b) second means for defining a plurality of flow passages through the heat exchanger for the other of said fluids, said flow passages being configured in a plurality of generally planar layers in alternating relationship with the generally planar layers of flow passages defined by said first means, and which on at least one end, extend substantially beyond the flow passages defined by said first means, said first and second means separating said fluids one from the other in heat exchange relationship; (c) distribution manifold means for distributing the one of said fluids into the flow passages defined by said first means; (d) collection manifold means for collecting the one of said fluids exiting the flow passages defined by said first means; (e) inlet means for channeling the other of said fluids into the flow passages defined by said second means at the one end extending substantially beyond the flow passages defined by said first means; said inlet means including means for sealing the extending ends of the flow passages of adjacent generally planar layers defined by said second means, such that any leak occuring in the extending ends or in said inlet means does not result in the mixing of said fluids, and wherein said sealing means include filler bar means having a rounded surface in contact with the other of said fluids, for reducing flow turbulence in said inlet means; and (f) outlet means for collecting the other of said fluids exiting the flow passages defined by said second means.