U.S. patent application number 12/775999 was filed with the patent office on 2011-02-03 for heat exchanger with accessible core.
This patent application is currently assigned to Tranter, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sanjay Harishchandra Bharne, Rhorn Jacob Virgil John, Martin Kolbe, Cesar M. Romero.
Application Number | 20110024082 12/775999 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 43085507 |
Filed Date | 2011-02-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110024082 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bharne; Sanjay Harishchandra ;
et al. |
February 3, 2011 |
HEAT EXCHANGER WITH ACCESSIBLE CORE
Abstract
A heat exchanger may include a core control assembly movable
between compressed and uncompressed positions, and a core. The core
may have a plurality of layers with a plurality of passages
interleaved therebetween, a portion of the passages extending and
open to the periphery of the layers. The core control assembly may
be operably coupled to the core to compress the core when the core
control assembly is in its compressed position and to permit the
core to expand from its compressed state when the core control
assembly is moved away from its compressed position. The expansion
of the core increases a cross-sectional area of the passages at the
periphery of the core.
Inventors: |
Bharne; Sanjay Harishchandra;
(Maharashtra, IN) ; John; Rhorn Jacob Virgil;
(Wichita Falls, TX) ; Romero; Cesar M.; (Wichita
Falls, TX) ; Kolbe; Martin; (Schonewerda,
DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
REISING ETHINGTON P.C.
P O BOX 4390
TROY
MI
48099-4390
US
|
Assignee: |
Tranter, Inc.
Wichita Falls
TX
|
Family ID: |
43085507 |
Appl. No.: |
12/775999 |
Filed: |
May 7, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61176893 |
May 9, 2009 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/95 ; 165/170;
165/185 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F28F 3/083 20130101;
F28D 9/0012 20130101; F28F 3/046 20130101; F28F 2240/00 20130101;
F28F 2280/02 20130101; F28F 9/005 20130101; F28D 9/0043 20130101;
F28F 2275/205 20130101; F28G 13/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/95 ; 165/170;
165/185 |
International
Class: |
F28G 13/00 20060101
F28G013/00; F28F 3/00 20060101 F28F003/00 |
Claims
1. A heat exchanger, comprising: a core control assembly movable
between compressed and uncompressed positions, and a core having a
plurality of layers with a plurality of passages interleaved
therebetween, a portion of the passages extending and open to the
periphery of the layers, wherein the core control assembly is
operably coupled to the core to compress the core when the core
control assembly is in its compressed position and to permit the
core to expand from its compressed state when the core control
assembly is moved away from its compressed position, and expansion
of the core increases a cross-sectional area of the passages at the
periphery of the core.
2. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising a housing
having a shell and at least one cover mounted to the shell, and
wherein the core and the core control assembly are disposed within
the housing.
3. The heat exchanger of claim 1, further comprising a drive
releasably carried by the core control assembly to move the ram
between the compressed and uncompressed positions.
4. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the core control assembly
includes at least one ram movable relative to the core to compress
the core and permit the core to be expanded from its compressed
state.
5. The heat exchanger of claim 4 which also includes a base
positioned adjacent to the core opposite the ram, and wherein the
core control assembly includes one or more intermediate members
that interconnect the ram and the base to control movement between
the ram and the base.
6. The heat exchanger of claim 5 wherein the intermediate members
include one or more first connectors carried by the ram, one or
more second connectors carried by the base and one or more third
connectors, with each third connector interconnecting one first
connector with one second connectors.
7. The heat exchanger of claim 4 wherein the core control assembly
includes a drive system coupled to the ram to move the ram in one
direction to compress the core and in another direction to reduce
the compression force on the core.
8. The heat exchanger of claim 4 which also includes a base
positioned adjacent to the core opposite the ram, and the core
control assembly includes one or more intermediate members that
interconnect the ram and the base to control movement between the
ram and the base, and wherein the intermediate members include one
or more first connectors carried by the ram, one or more second
connectors carried by the base and one or more third connectors,
with each third connector interconnecting one first connector with
one second connectors, and further comprising a drive system
coupled to at least one third connector to move the third connector
and thereby move the ram toward or away from the base.
9. The heat exchanger of claim 8 wherein, when the ram is driven by
the drive system, the base may likewise be driven relative to the
ram.
10. The heat exchanger of claim 5 wherein one or both of the ram
and the base are fixed to the core.
11. The heat exchanger of claim 5 wherein one or both of the ram
and the base are removable from and not fixed to the core.
12. The heat exchanger of claim 8 wherein a plurality of
intermediate members are provided and the drive system is coupled
to multiple intermediate members to simultaneously drive said
multiple intermediate members.
13. The heat exchanger of claim 12 wherein the drive system
includes a chain or belt engaged with said multiple intermediate
members and wherein one intermediate member is a driving member
directly driven by a drive and the other intermediate members are
driven members driven by the driving member through the chain or
belt.
14. The heat exchanger of claim 5 wherein the intermediate members
include a biasing member.
15. The heat exchanger of claim 14 wherein the biasing member
facilitates expansion of the core.
16. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the core control assembly
is disposed outboard of the core.
17. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein a portion of the core
control assembly extends through the core.
18. The heat exchanger of claim 1 wherein the core control assembly
limits the extent to which the core can be expanded.
19. A heat exchanger, comprising: a core having a longitudinal axis
and an periphery disposed about the longitudinal axis, the core
including a plurality of resilient corrugated layers stacked along
the longitudinal axis with a plurality of passages interleaved
therebetween, a portion of the passages extending and open to the
periphery; a core control assembly having a pair of end plates
disposed on opposed ends of the core and at least one intermediate
member interconnecting the end plates to control movement of the
core control assembly between a compressed position where the end
plates are spaced apart by a first distance and an uncompressed
position where the end plates are spaced apart by a second distance
greater than the first distance, such that the core expands to
increase a cross-sectional area of the passages at the periphery
when the core control assembly is moved to the uncompressed
position; and a housing having a shell and at least one cover
mounted to the shell to surround the core and the core control
assembly.
20. The heat exchanger of claim 19 wherein the intermediate member
includes a first connector that is carried by one of the end plates
and has a threaded portion, a second connector carried by the other
of the end plates and having a threaded portion, and a third
connector that interconnects the first and second connectors.
21. The heat exchanger of claim 20, wherein the first connector is
threaded in a first direction, the second connector is threaded in
a second direction opposite the first direction, and the third
connector has one end threaded in the first direction to engage the
first connector and another end threaded in the second direction to
engage the second connector.
22. The heat exchanger of claim 19, wherein each intermediate
member includes a plurality of leg portions in serial connection
between the end plates, with each leg portion having a pair of
opposed ends threaded in opposite directions with respect to each
other, such that rotation of one segment in one direction moves the
core control assembly toward its uncompressed position and rotation
of the leg in an opposite direction moves the core control assembly
toward its compressed position.
23. The heat exchanger of claim 19, further comprising at least one
biasing member carried by at least one of the end plates and the
intermediate member to facilitate moving the core control assembly
toward the uncompressed position.
24. A method of accessing a heat exchanger core, comprising: moving
an intermediate member in a first direction; moving a core control
assembly that is associated with the intermediate member toward an
uncompressed position with respect to a base; expanding the core
along a longitudinal axis between the ram and the base, with the
core having an periphery and a plurality of resilient corrugated
layers stacked along the longitudinal axis with a plurality of
passages interleaved therebetween, a portion of the passages
extending and open to the periphery and having a cross-sectional
area at the periphery; and increasing the cross-sectional area of
the passages at the periphery.
25. The method of claim 24, further comprising inserting a cleaner
into at least one passage at the periphery of the core to clean the
core.
26. The method of claim 24, wherein the step of inserting a cleaner
is accomplished by inserting a tool into a passage, injecting a
cleaning solvent into a passage, or injecting a fluid under
pressure into a passage.
Description
REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/176,893 filed on May 9, 2009.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to heat
exchangers.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Conventional heat exchangers are configured to transfer heat
from a treatment fluid flowing on one side of a barrier to a
working fluid flowing on another side of the barrier. For example,
stacked plate heat exchangers include a shell for housing a
plurality of corrugated heat transfer plates. The plates are
arranged face-to-face in a stack along a longitudinal direction.
Collectively, the adjacent plates in the stack define transversely
extending passages for the treatment fluid that are interdigitated
with transversely extending passages for the working fluid.
SUMMARY
[0004] A heat exchanger may include a core control assembly movable
between compressed and uncompressed positions, and a core. The core
may have a plurality of layers with a plurality of passages
interleaved therebetween, a portion of the passages extending and
open to the periphery of the layers. The core control assembly may
be operably coupled to the core to compress the core when the core
control assembly is in its compressed position and to permit the
core to expand from its compressed state when the core control
assembly is moved away from its compressed position. The expansion
of the core increases a cross-sectional area of the passages at the
periphery of the core.
[0005] In another form, a heat exchanger may include a core, a core
control assembly and a housing. The core may have a longitudinal
axis and an periphery disposed about the longitudinal axis, and a
plurality of resilient corrugated layers stacked along the
longitudinal axis with a plurality of passages interleaved
therebetween, with a portion of the passages extending and open to
the periphery. The core control assembly may have a pair of end
plates disposed on opposed ends of the core and at least one
intermediate member interconnecting the end plates to control
movement of the core control assembly between a compressed position
where the end plates are spaced apart by a first distance and an
uncompressed position where the end plates are spaced apart by a
second distance greater than the first distance. The core expands
to increase a cross-sectional area of the passages at the periphery
when the core control assembly is moved to the uncompressed
position. The housing may have a shell and at least one cover
mounted to the shell to surround the core and the core control
assembly.
[0006] An exemplary method of accessing a heat exchanger core may
include moving an intermediate member in a first direction, and
moving a core control assembly that is associated with the
intermediate member toward an uncompressed position with respect to
a base. The method may further provide for expanding the core along
a longitudinal axis between the ram and the base, with the core
having an periphery and a plurality of resilient corrugated layers
stacked along the longitudinal axis with a plurality of passages
interleaved therebetween, a portion of the passages extending and
open to the periphery and having a cross-sectional area at the
periphery, and increasing the cross-sectional area of the passages
at the periphery.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The following detailed description of preferred embodiments
and best mode will be set forth with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary stacked plate
heat exchanger having one embodiment of a housing;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional axial view of the heat exchanger
of FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of a portion the core of
FIG. 2, showing an exemplary spacer arrangement;
[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary cross-sectional view of
the core as taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 3, showing two exemplary
cassettes forming a portion of the core;
[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of
the core in a compressed state;
[0013] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the core control assembly
and core of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged and partially sectioned side view of a
portion of the core control assembly of FIG. 6;
[0015] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the core control assembly of
FIG. 6, showing an exemplary drive mechanism moving the core
control assembly from an uncompressed position to a compressed
position to compress the core;
[0016] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the core control assembly of
FIG. 8, showing the drive mechanism moving the core control
assembly from the compressed position to the uncompressed position
to expand the core;
[0017] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the core control assembly
of FIG. 6, showing the core control assembly in its uncompressed
position with an exemplary spacer removed from a portion of the
core to facilitate access to that portion;
[0018] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of another exemplary
core control assembly, showing the core control assembly dismantled
and the core removed;
[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another exemplary core
control assembly with a drive system in another form;
[0020] FIG. 13 is an enlarged and partially sectioned side view of
a portion the core control assembly as taken along line 13-13 of
FIG. 12;
[0021] FIG. 14 is an enlarged end view of a portion of the core
control assembly as taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12;
[0022] FIG. 15 is an enlarged and partially sectioned side view of
a portion of still another exemplary core control assembly;
[0023] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another exemplary core
control assembly;
[0024] FIG. 17 is an enlarged and partially sectioned side view of
a portion of the core control assembly of FIG. 16;
[0025] FIG. 18 is an enlarged and partially sectioned side view of
a portion of a another exemplary core control assembly having a
biasing member in one form;
[0026] FIG. 19 is an enlarged and partially sectioned side view of
a portion of another exemplary core control assembly having a
biasing member in another form;
[0027] FIG. 20 is a perspective and sectioned view of another
exemplary core control assembly;
[0028] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of another exemplary core
control assembly;
[0029] FIG. 22 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the core
control assembly of FIG. 21;
[0030] FIG. 23 is a fragmentary side view of another core control
assembly that facilitates expansion of the core; and
[0031] FIG. 24 is a fragmentary view of a spreader that may be used
to further separate, or hold separated, adjacent cassettes.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0032] Referring in more detail to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates
an exemplary heat exchanger 10 for transferring heat between
different fluids. The heat exchanger 10 may be substantially
similar in general operation and construction to that disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,237, the disclosure of which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety. Although the heat exchanger 10
is illustrated as being generally cylindrical, it can be of any
suitable shape and size.
[0033] In general, as shown in FIGS. 1-3, the heat exchanger 10 may
include a housing 11 defining an interior volume 12, and a core 13
disposed within the interior volume 12. The housing 11 may have a
shell 20 and one or more covers or other mating parts to define the
interior volume 12. The housing 11 in this implementation may have
a first cover 21, a second cover 22 and the shell 20 with opposed
ends carrying the first and second covers 21, 22 to define the
interior volume 12 therebetween. The covers 21, 22 may be
plate-like components, and the shell 20 may be an open-ended hollow
component preferably of cylindrical shape as shown. The core 13 may
have a longitudinal axis 14, a periphery 15 and a plurality of
fluid paths or passages 16, 17 (FIG. 4). At least a portion of the
passages 17 may extend and be open to the periphery 15.
[0034] As best shown in FIG. 1, the housing 11 may carry or be
communicated with fittings that may be adapted to convey treatment
and working fluids into and out of the heat exchanger 10, and any
suitable quantity and arrangement of fittings may be used. For
example, the first cover 21 in one form may carry a first inlet
fitting 24 extending therethrough. The first inlet fitting 24 may
be communicated with the core and may be adapted to be coupled to,
for example, a supply conduit from a treatment fluid source (not
shown) having a fluid that requires heating or cooling treatment.
In addition, the first cover 21 may carry or be communicated with a
first outlet fitting 28 that may be communicated with the core 13
and may be adapted to be coupled to a return conduit leading to the
treatment fluid source. Further, the shell 20 may carry or be
communicated with a second inlet or fitting 32 that may be adapted
to communicate, for example, a working portion of a heat exchanging
system such as a cooler or a heater (not shown), with the interior
volume 12 of the housing 11. Also, the shell 20 may carry or be
communicated with a second outlet fitting 36 that communicate the
interior volume 12 of the housing 11 with the working portion of
the heat exchanging system. Of course, the fittings may be carried
by any portion of the housing 11 in any suitable manner, including
welding, press-fit, threading, or the like. Those skilled in the
art will recognize that the fittings and fluids could be reversed
such that the second inlet and second outlet permit flow of the
treatment fluid, and the first inlet and first outlet permit flow
of the working fluid, and more fittings, inlets and/or outlets may
be provided.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 2, the heat exchanger may have a pair of
seals 39, 40 that may be disposed between the housing 11 and the
core 13 and may extend axially along the periphery of the core 13,
such that the seals 39, 40 may direct the working fluid from the
second inlet fitting 32 through the core 13 and out the second
outlet fitting 36. These seals may be substantially similar to
those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,004,237. Of course, the heat
exchanger 10 may have any suitable seal or obstruction or omit the
same according to design requirements.
[0036] The core 13 can be any suitable heat exchanger core but, as
shown, is preferably a stacked plate type of heat exchanger. As
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the heat exchanger 10 may further include a
core control assembly 18 which may have at least one movable plate
or ram 19 that may be movable along the longitudinal axis 14 of the
core 13 to clamp and/or compress the core. Accordingly, when the
force exerted on the core by the ram 19 is reduced or removed, the
core 13 may expand or be expanded to increase a cross-sectional
area of the passages 17 at the periphery 15 of the core 13. This
may facilitate access to the passages 17 at the periphery 15
adjacent to the housing 11 to, for example, remove foulants on or
between surfaces of the core within the passages.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3-5, the core 13 may have a plurality of
corrugated layers 41 stacked along the longitudinal axis 14 with
the fluid passages 16, 17 interleaved therebetween. In particular,
the layers 41 in one implementation may generally include a stack
of cassettes 42. As best shown in FIG. 4, each cassette 42 may have
an upper plate 44 and a lower plate 45 welded to the upper plate 44
along the periphery 15. Further, each upper and lower plate 45 may
be corrugated, somewhat flexible and resilient, and may be disposed
on opposite sides of, or may instead extend across or away from a
plane 43 that may be transverse to the longitudinal axis 14. The
plates 44, 45 may include two or more protuberances 46 that may be
disposed about a pair of ports 47. The protuberances 46 on each
cassette 42 and the portions between adjacent protuberances may be
welded to corresponding portions on an adjacent cassette. The
cassettes 42 may be communicated with each other through the ports
47 to define an inlet passage 48 (FIGS. 4-6) that may extend
longitudinally from the first inlet fitting 24 through each of the
cassettes 42. The cassettes 42 may also define the treatment fluid
passages 16 that may each extend transversely from the inlet core
passage 48, and an outlet passage 49 (FIG. 6) that may extend from
each of the passages 16 to the first outlet fitting 28.
Accordingly, the core 13 may convey treatment fluid from the first
inlet fitting 24, through the inlet passage 48, the treatment fluid
passages 16 and the outlet passage 49 and out through the first
outlet fitting 28.
[0038] As also shown FIGS. 4 and 5, the stack of cassettes 42 may
define the working fluid passages 17 interleaved therebetween,
which are not communicated with the treatment fluid passages 16.
The working fluid passages 17 may extend and may be open to the
periphery 15 of the core 13 adjacent to the shell 20. Accordingly,
the heat exchanger 10 may convey working fluid from the second
inlet fitting 32 through the working fluid passages 17 and out the
second outlet fitting 36. Of course, the working and treatment
fluid passages may instead be configured to carry the other of the
two fluids.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the core 13 may also have one or
more spacers 50 that may be disposed within the working fluid
passages 17 to provide a path for heat transfer by conduction
between adjacent cassettes and increase heat transfer between the
fluids conveyed through the stack. The spacers 50 in one form may
be a plurality of metal mesh plates 51, each overlying a portion of
the surface area of a cassette with at least two of the plates 51
having cutouts 52 or otherwise being shaped to fit around the ports
47 to facilitate removal from and insertion of the mesh plates
between cassettes 42 and into the core 13. This may increase the
working distance between cassettes when the spacers 50 are removed
to, for example, facilitate cleaning and/or servicing the core 13.
Each plate 51 may have a plurality of holes, baffles or other guide
members to disturb the flow of the working fluid that may be
conveyed through the passage 17. Of course, the spacers 50 may be
planar, corrugated and/or aspirated or have various other suitable
shapes.
[0040] Referring now to FIG. 6, the ram 19, in one form may be an
end plate carried by one end of the core 13 in any suitable manner
including welding, bonding, adhesion, mechanical fasteners or the
like. The ram 19 may be of any suitable shape and may have an inlet
hole 53 that may define part of the inlet passage 48 and may carry
or may be communicated with the first inlet fitting 24 and an
outlet hole 54 that may define part of the outlet passage 49 and
may carry or may be communicated with the first outlet fitting 28.
In addition, the ram 19 may have a first surface 55 with one or
more seats or pockets 56 which may each include an anti-rotation
feature, such as a hexagonal or other noncircular shape. Of course,
the ram may have any number of pockets with or without
anti-rotation features. As best shown in FIG. 7, each pocket 56 may
have one or more sidewalls 58, a bottom surface 59 that may extend
between the sidewalls 58, and a hole 61 that may extend through a
second surface 60 of the ram and open to the pocket 56.
[0041] As also shown in FIG. 7, the core control assembly 18 may
have a base 69 at an end of the core 13 opposite the ram 19. The
base in one implementation may be an end plate which may be carried
by the core 13 in any suitable manner including welding, bonding,
adhesion, fasteners or the like, or it may be separate from the
core. Also, the base 69 may have a first surface 70 with one or
more seats or pockets 71 which may each include an anti-rotation
feature (not shown), such as a hexagonal or other noncircular
shape. Of course, the base may have any number of pockets with or
without anti-rotation features. Each pocket 71 may have one or more
sidewalls 73 and an end surface 74 that may extend between the
sidewalls 73. The base 69 may also have a second surface 75 with a
plurality of holes 76 that each may extend and may be open to a
respective pocket 71.
[0042] Referring still to FIG. 7, the core control assembly 18 may
also have one or more intermediate members that control, assist or
limit relative movement between the ram 19 and base 69. The
intermediate members may include or be formed of multiple
components. In one implementation, the intermediate members include
first connectors 62 that may be carried by or adjacent to the ram
19 or other suitable portion of the exchanger. The first connector
62 in this form may be a bolt that may have a hexagonal, circular
or noncircular head 64 (FIG. 6) that may be received within the
pocket 56, a shank which may be inserted through the hole 61 and
may have non-threaded portion 65, a threaded portion 67, and a
shoulder 66 or other stop surface between them. The threaded shank
portion 67 may have right hand threads thereon. Of course, the
first connector 62 may instead be an integral portion of a unitary
or single-piece ram, may instead have any number of connectors that
may have left hand threads with or without a shoulder or head, may
be rotatably carried by the ram and/or have various other suitable
fastening features.
[0043] The intermediate members may also include one or more second
connectors 77 that may be carried by the base 69 or other suitable
portion of the exchanger. The second connector 77 may have a head
79 that may be received within the pocket 71 and may engage the
anti-rotation feature or other portion of the base 69 to limit or
prevent rotation of the connector 77. The connector 77 may also
have a shank received through the hole 76, and the shank may have a
non-threaded portion 80, a threaded portion 82, and a shoulder 81
or other stop surface. The threaded portion 82 may have left hand
threads thereon. Of course, the second connector 77 may instead be
an integral portion of a unitary or single-piece base, and/or have
any number of pockets and connectors, may have right hand threads
with or without a shoulder or head, may be rotatably carried by the
base and/or may have various other suitable fastening features.
[0044] The core control assembly intermediate members may also
include a series of third connectors 84 that may each interconnect
one pair of the first and second connectors 62, 77. As best shown
in FIG. 8, in one implementation, each third connector 84 may be a
tube or sleeve 85 having opposed blind bores 87, 89. The bore 87
may include threads adapted to mate with the threaded shank portion
67 of the first connector. The bore 89 may include threads adapted
to mate with the threaded shank portion 82 of the second connector
77. Further, each third connector 84 may have an attachment feature
91, which in this implementation is a notch or hole 91 formed in
the sleeve 85.
[0045] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, the core control assembly 18 may
also have a drive system 93 that may be carried by a respective one
of the attachment features 91 of the third connectors 84. For
example, the drive system 93 in one form may simply be one or more
tools 94 having an end received within the holes 91 or carried by
other attachment features, to manually rotate or otherwise move
each third connector 84 in a desired direction to move the ram 19
between its uncompressed position (FIG. 8) and its compressed
position (FIG. 9). Of course, the drive system may instead have any
number of tools carried by other portions of the assembly or be
replaced with any suitable drive mechanism. Further, the base may
move relative to the ram, and both the base and ram may be moved
relative to each other between compressed and uncompressed (or less
compressed) positions.
[0046] To install the core 13 and core control assembly 18 within
the housing 11, a technician may use the tool 94 to rotate the
third connector 84 in a first direction and move the ram 19 from
its uncompressed position toward its compressed position. For
example, as shown in FIG. 8, the technician may use the tool 94 to
incrementally rotate each individual third connector 84 in the
first direction to draw the ram 19 closer to the base 69 and
compress the core 13 therebetween. This may be done until the third
connector 84 abuts one or both of the shoulders 66, 81 to ensure
desired compression, but prevent over compression or damage to the
core. The core 13 in its compressed state sandwiches the spacers 50
between adjacent cassettes 42 and may provide a path of heat
transfer by conduction to increase heat transfer through the stack
(FIG. 5) and between the fluids conveyed therein. The core 13 and
core control assembly 18 may then be placed within the shell 20 and
the covers 21, 22 may be attached to the shell 20.
[0047] To access the core 13 to, for example, service the core 13,
the technician may remove the first cover 21 and/or shell 20 from
the housing 11 to expose the core 13 and core control assembly 18.
The technician may then use the tool 94 to move the ram 19 from its
compressed position (FIG. 9) toward its uncompressed position (FIG.
8). For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the technician may use the
tool 94 to rotate each third connector 84 in the second direction
to displace the ram 19 away from the base 69 and expand the core 13
connected therebetween. The protuberances 46 may be resilient and
may facilitate in expanding the core 13 along its longitudinal axis
14 toward its uncompressed (or less compressed) state. As shown in
FIG. 10, expansion of the core 13 may increase the cross-sectional
area of the working fluid passages 17 at the periphery 15 of the
core 13, to facilitate removal of the spacers 50 from the core 13
and allow a technician to insert a tool, such as a flat metal bar
95, at the periphery 15 of the core 13 into the portions that had
previously carried the spacers 50. Accordingly, the technician may
then use the bar 95 to remove any debris or foulants on or at
surfaces of those portions. Also, the housing 11 may be reassembled
with the core 13 in its expanded state, so that a cleaning solvent
may be conveyed through the passages 16, 17 at a high pressure or
pressurized fluid may be applied to the core when the core is
outside of the housing. Once servicing has been completed, the
spacers 50 may be reinserted within the core 13, and the technician
may rotate the third connectors 84 in the first direction to return
the ram 19 to its the compressed position.
[0048] FIG. 11 illustrates another embodiment of an exemplary heat
exchanger 110 that may transfer heat between different fluids. This
embodiment is similar in many respects to the embodiment of FIG. 6,
and corresponding elements in FIG. 11 are designated by the
numerals of FIG. 6 with the addition of the prefix "1" for each
numeral. Further, the descriptions of the embodiments are
incorporated by reference into one another and the common subject
matter may generally not be repeated here. As compared to the
embodiments of FIG. 6, the ram 119 and the base 169 may be not be
welded or otherwise attached to the core 113 such that the ram 119
and the base 169 may be completely detached from each other to
facilitate removal of the core 113 from the core control assembly
118 to, for example, permit servicing or replacing the core
113.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 12-14, another exemplary heat exchanger
210 is illustrated without its housing. The heat exchanger 210 may
have a core control assembly 218 and may be similar to the heat
exchanger 10 of FIGS. 6-8 having the core control assembly 18.
Corresponding elements in FIGS. 12-14 are designated by the
numerals of FIGS. 6-8 with the addition of the prefix "2" for each
numeral. This core control assembly 218, however, has a series of
first connectors 262 each rotatably carried by one of the ram 219
and the base 269 and having a threaded end portion 267. Further,
the other of the ram 219 and the base 269 may have a plurality of
second connectors 277 having threaded portions 282 that may each
engage the threaded end portion 267 of a respective one of the
first connectors 262. This core control assembly 218 may also have
another exemplary drive system 293 that may operably interconnect
the first connectors 262 to simultaneously drive the first
connectors 262, as compared to the tool(s) 94 of FIG. 8 that are
individually and incrementally operated to individually rotate the
third connectors 84 and operate the core control assembly 18.
[0050] The ram 219 in this form may have a first surface 255 with a
series of spaced apart pockets 256. As best shown in FIG. 13, each
pocket 256 may have one or more sidewalls 258 and a bottom surface
259 extending between the sidewalls 258 with an attachment feature,
such as a circular seat 256a, therein. The ram 219 may also have a
second surface 275 with a plurality of holes 276 that may each
extend and may be open to a respective one of the pockets 256
during assembly. Referring back to FIG. 12, the ram 219 may also
have a series of channels 295 extending between and interconnecting
adjacent pockets 256.
[0051] As also shown in FIG. 13, each first connector 262 may be
rotatably carried by the ram 219 with a head 264 received in one of
the pockets 256. At least one of the first connectors 262 may
include a head 264 with an end 264a having a drive feature such as
a hexagonal or non-circular shape, connector or other feature that
may be configured to be driven by a tool, such as a torque wrench
or other suitable tool to facilitate rotating the connector 262. In
addition, the first connectors 262 may each have a shank 265
extending from the head 264 and through the hole 276 in the ram
219. The shank 265 may include the threaded end portion 267 which
may be defined by a blind bore 265a tapped with right hand threads
268. Of course, the assembly 218 may have any number of first
connectors 262 which may be rotatably carried by the ram 219 or may
instead be externally threaded bolts or other suitable third
connectors.
[0052] The second connectors 277 in this form may be bolts or
threaded rods carried by the base 269 in any suitable manner,
including welding, adhesion, fasteners, or the like. The second
connector 277 may have right hand threads 282 that may engage the
threads 268 of the end portion 267. It is contemplated that the
second connectors 277 may instead be sockets or other suitable
connectors carried by the base and configured to engage the first
connectors 262.
[0053] The drive system 293 in this implementation may be a belt or
chain driven system with one third connector being a driving member
and the remaining third connectors being driven members. In
particular, the chain drive system 293 may include a series of
sprockets 298 that may each be carried by a respective one of the
heads 264 of the first connectors 262, for co-rotation with the
associated first connector 262. The system 293 may also have a
chain 299 operatively associated with the sprockets 298 and routed
within the channels 295. All sprockets may be identical for uniform
rotation. Accordingly, a technician may use a torque wrench or
other tool engaged with the head end 264a to operate the drive
mechanism to simultaneously rotate all first connectors 262 at the
same rate to uniformly and evenly move the entire core control
assembly 218 between the compressed and uncompressed positions,
without separately and incrementally adjusting individual
connectors 262. Compression of the core 213 may be limited by
engagement of the stop surfaces 266, 281 of the connectors 262,
277.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 15, another exemplary core control
assembly 318 may have a third connector 384 and first and second
connectors 362, 377 and may be similar to the core control assembly
18 of FIG. 8 having the third connector 84 and first and second
connectors 62, 77. Corresponding elements in FIG. 16 are designated
by the numerals of FIG. 7 with the addition of the prefix "3" for
each numeral. The first connector 362 in this implementation may be
a hole 301 formed in the ram 319 with the hole 301 having right
hand threads 368. Similarly, the second connector 377 in this
implementation may be a hole 302 formed in the base 369, with the
hole 302 having left hand threads 383. Finally, the third connector
384 in this form may be a rod 385 that may have one end 387 with
right hand threads 388 to engage the right hand threads 368 of the
hole 301, and another end 389 with left hand threads 390 to engage
the left hand threads 383 of the hole 302. Each third connector 384
may also have an attachment feature, which in this form may be a
hole 391 that may receive a tool 394 or other drive mechanism.
Accordingly, a technician may use the tool 394 to incrementally
rotate each third connector 384 in one direction to move the ram
319 and/or base 369 toward the uncompressed position and in another
direction to move the ram 319 toward its compressed position.
[0055] FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate yet another embodiment of an
exemplary heat exchanger 410 without its housing to show a core
control assembly 418 in another form that may be movable between
compressed and uncompressed positions. This embodiment is similar
in many respects to the embodiment of FIGS. 6 and 7, and
corresponding elements in FIGS. 16 and 17 are designated by the
numerals of FIGS. 6 and 7 with the addition of the prefix "4" for
each numeral. The descriptions of the embodiments are incorporated
by reference into one another and the common subject matter may
generally not be repeated here.
[0056] As compared to the embodiments of FIGS. 6 and 7, each third
connector 484 in this form may have a plurality of leg portions or
segments in serial connection between the first and second
connectors 462, 477 respectively carried by the ram 419 and base
469. One or more of the segments may be moved to increase or
decrease the overall length of the entire third connector. As best
shown in FIG. 17, each third connector 484 may include a first
segment, such as a tube 485a, that may have one end 487a that may
be threaded in a first direction to engage the threaded end portion
468 of the first connector 462 and another end 489a that may be
threaded in a second direction opposite the first direction. Also,
each third connector 484 may include a second segment, such as a
rod 403, which may have one end 404 that may be threaded in the
second direction to engage and be received within the end 489 of
the first tube 485a opposite the first connector 462. The rod 403
may have another end 405 that may be threaded in the first
direction. Further, each third connector 484 may include a third
segment, such as another tube 485b, that may have one end 487b that
may be threaded in the first direction to engage and receive the
end 405 of the rod 403 opposite the other tube 485a. The tube 485b
may have another end 489b that may be threaded in the second
direction to engage and receive the threaded end portion 483 of the
second connector 477. Of course, each segment may have shoulders,
abutments or other features to limit the extent by which one
segment can be inserted into another segment and define the
distance along which the core control assembly may move between the
compressed and uncompressed positions. It is contemplated that each
leg may have various other suitable segments as required by
design.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 18, a core control assembly 518 in another
implementation may be similar to the core control assembly 18 of
FIG. 7 and corresponding elements in FIG. 18 are designated by the
numerals of FIG. 7 with the addition of the prefix "5" for each
numeral. However, the core control assembly 518 may include
intermediate members that facilitate expanding the core by
increasing the distance between the ram 519 and base 569.
Compression of the core may be achieved by another device. For
example, installation of a cover onto the housing of the heat
exchanger may compress the core within the housing. Then, removal
of the core from the housing may permit the core to expand or be
expanded. As shown in FIG. 18, the intermediate members may include
a first connector 562 carried by the ram 519, a second connector
577 carried by the base 569, one or more than one biasing member
506 acting on one or both of the rods 562, 577 tending to separate
them, and a third connector 584 disposed around the ends of the
rods 562, 577 and the biasing member 506. Of course, the biasing
member 506 may instead be configured to move the ram 519 toward the
compressed position. At least some of the first and second
connectors 562, 577 in this form may not have threads, but rather
may be slidably carried within opposed ends of the third connector
584. The biasing member 506 may be a spring, or the biasing member
506 may instead be a hydraulic-actuated cylinder, a pneumatic
cylinder (FIG. 19) or any suitable resilient member.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 20, another exemplary core control
assembly 618 may have a ram 619, a first cover 621 and a pair of
second connectors 677a, 677b and may be similar to the core control
assembly 18 of FIG. 7 having the ram 19, the first cover 21 and the
third connector 84. Corresponding elements in FIG. 20 are
designated by the numerals of FIG. 7 with the addition of the
prefix "6" for each numeral. The core control assembly 618 in this
form, however, may have second connectors 677a, 677b that may
extend through the first inlet and first outlet passages 648, 649
of the core 613, as compared to the connectors 62, 77 of FIG. 7
which extend longitudinally along the periphery 15 of the core
13.
[0059] The ram 619 or base 669 in this form may include a first
connector 662 which may be in the form of a collar, annular flange
or other support with a threaded portion 667 that may be mounted to
a respective one of the first inlet and first outlet fittings 624,
628. Of course, the support 662 may instead be carried by the first
cover 621 or other portion of the exchanger 610 as desired.
Further, each second connector 677a, 677b may include a threaded
rod 608 that may be threadably carried by a respective one of the
support structures 662 and extend through one of the first inlet
and first outlet passages 648, 649 toward the base 669. Each second
connector 677a, 677b may carry a knob, handle 694 or other drive
mechanism or system. The second connectors 677a, 677b may be
incrementally inserted into the core 613 by, for example, using the
handles 694 to rotate a respective one of the rods 608 to force the
bottom of each rod 608 against the base 669 and raise the ram 619
to spread or expand the core 613 carried thereon to its
uncompressed position. The core 613 may be compressed by rotating
the second connectors 677a, 677b in the opposite direction, or by
use of a different mechanism. The first connectors 662 and the
second connectors 677a, 677b can be removed from the core assembly
to permit use of the core assembly.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, another exemplary heat
exchanger 710 may have a core 713 may be suspended vertically from
its top and a core control assembly 718 in another form that may
limit the expansion of the core 713 to, for example, prevent damage
to the core that may be caused by its overexpansion. The core
control assembly 718 may include a ram 719 and a third connector
784 that may hold the ram 719 in a fixed position between
compressed and uncompressed positions. The heat exchanger 710 may
be similar to the heat exchanger 10 of FIGS. 1 and 6 having the
core 13 and the core control assembly 18. Corresponding elements in
FIGS. 21 and 22 are designated by the numerals of FIGS. 1 and 6
with the addition of the prefix "7" for each numeral. The first and
second connectors 762, 777 in this form may be first and second
straps that may extend from a respective one of the ram 719 and the
base 769.
[0061] As best shown in FIG. 22, the third connector 784 may be an
extension that may have one end slidably carried by the first strap
762 and another end slidably carried by the second strap 777, so
that the third connector may limit movement of the first and second
straps with respect to one another. For example, the third
connector 784 may define a slot or groove 785 with opposed ends
787, 789, and the first and second straps 762, 777 may each carry a
projection 700 that may be slidably carried by the third connector
784 within the groove 785 between its opposed ends 787, 789. One
skilled in the art will recognize that the third connector may also
include one or more catches to hold one or both projections in a
fixed position within the groove to adjust the length of the core.
Of course, other third connectors may be used to slidably connect
the ram 719 to the base 769 and limit movement of one with respect
to the other for controlling the expansion and/or elongation of the
core. In implementations where the core is vertically suspended
such that the weight of the core pulls the core downward thereby
expanding the core, the assembly 718 may limit, reduce or prevent
over-expansion of the core 713 and reduce or prevent damage
thereto.
[0062] Another core control assembly 818, as shown in FIG. 23, may
include a first connector 862, a second connector 877, and a spring
806 carried by one or both of the first and second connectors. The
first connector 862 may be tubular, connected at one end to the ram
819, and have an open end facing the base 869. The second connector
877 may be a rod or shank connected to the base 869 and extending
into the open end of the first connector. The spring 806 may be a
coil spring carried about the second connector and received at
least partially within the first connector. The spring 806 may bear
at one end on a shoulder 881 of the second connector 877, and, in
assembly, may bear on the ram 819 or a surface within the first
connector 862. The first connector 862 may include a slot 892, and
an end coil 894 of the spring 806, or a pin or other feature the
spring 806 engages, may extend partially out of the slot 892, or
through aligned slots 892 if more than one slot 892 is provided.
When the core is in its compressed state, the spring 806 is
compressed and provides a force tending to separate the ram 819 and
base 869. When the force compressing the core is removed or less
than that of the spring 806, the spring 806 will tend to increase
the distance between the ram 819 and base 869, and or facilitate
movement of the ram and/or base to increase the distance between
them. A strap 890, tether or other device may limit expansion of
the core from its compressed position.
[0063] FIG. 24 shows a tool, such as a spreader or wedge 900 that
may be used to separate adjacent plates or cassettes of a heat
exchanger, or to hold apart adjacent plates or cassettes. The wedge
900 may include a plurality of relatively thin projections 902 that
may have inclined surfaces 904 providing an increased
cross-sectional area of the projections 902 away from the free end
of the projections 902. That is, the projections 902 are smallest
at their free end, and get wider away from their free end. In use,
the projections 902 may be aligned with gaps between adjacent
plates or cassettes, and the wedge may be advanced relative to the
core. As the wedge is advanced relative to the core, the
projections 902 are inserted further between adjacent plates or
cassettes so that increasingly wider portions of the projections
902 engage the plates or cassettes to separate the adjacent plates
or cassettes. In this manner, movement of the wedge 900 may spread
apart the adjacent plates or cassettes to increase or facilitate
expansion of the core, and access to the spaces between adjacent
plates or cassettes for cleaning, other maintenance or inspection.
The wedge 900 may also be useful to hold apart adjacent plates or
cassettes of an expanded core.
[0064] Accordingly, as set forth herein, the core control
assemblies may include a drive member or other device that clamps
and/or compresses the core. The core control assemblies may also or
instead enable, facilitate and or limit expansion of the core. In
some forms, the core may be compressed by a device other than the
core control assembly. For example, in some forms, the core may be
compressed by installation of the core within the heat exchanger
housing 11, such as when a cover of the housing is installed to
enclose the core within the housing.
[0065] While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute
presently preferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is
not intended herein to mention all the possible equivalent forms or
ramifications of the invention. For example, while the term
"connectors" was used to describe various components of the
intermediate members that facilitate compression and/or expansion
of the core, the connectors may not directly connect the ram and
base, and may not be connected together (e.g. a rod may be slidably
received within a tube, but not directly connected to the tube,
nonetheless, they may be considered connectors in the context of
this disclosure). The term "connector" is intended to have a broad
meaning relating to components that interconnect or are associated
with adjacent structures or features. It is understood that the
terms used herein are merely descriptive, rather than limiting, and
that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit
or scope of the invention.
* * * * *