U.S. patent number RE39,309 [Application Number 10/072,001] was granted by the patent office on 2006-10-03 for baffle for deep fryer heat exchanger.
Invention is credited to Albert Charles McNamara.
United States Patent |
RE39,309 |
McNamara |
October 3, 2006 |
Baffle for deep fryer heat exchanger
Abstract
A heat exchanger for a fryer system has at least one heat
transfer conduit having heating fluid passing therethrough. A
baffle plate is disposed in the heat transfer conduit, defining a
plane and having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a
longitudinal axis which divides the baffle plate into a first
portion and a second portion. A plurality of tabs, each having a
longitudinal axis, extend outwardly from the baffle plate. A crease
is defined along the intersection of each tab and the plate. At
least one tab is positioned in the first portion of the baffle
plate and at least one tab is positioned in the second portion of
the baffle plate. Webs separate adjacent tabs from one another in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the tabs. In certain embodiments, the crease of at least one tab
forms an acute angle with a longitudinal edge of the baffle
plate.
Inventors: |
McNamara; Albert Charles (San
Antonio, TX) |
Family
ID: |
22678065 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/072,001 |
Filed: |
February 8, 2002 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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Reissue of: |
09184719 |
Nov 2, 1998 |
05901641 |
May 11, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/403; 99/330;
99/375; 126/391.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J
37/1247 (20130101); F28F 13/12 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
A47J
37/00 (20060101); A47J 37/12 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;99/403,337,332,325-334,404-410
;126/345,375.1,378.1,92R,92AC,390.1,357.1,360.1,360.2,91R
;210/167,DIG.8 ;165/109.1,174,185,177
;219/492,497,506,508,442,483,486,570,512 ;340/589
;426/231,233,438,519,305,808,302 ;431/326,170 ;138/38,42
;121/280 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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8507002 |
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Jul 1985 |
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DE |
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1042465 |
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Sep 1966 |
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GB |
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Other References
"Gas Immersion Tubes for Deep Fat Fryers," Research in Fundamentals
of Immersion Tube Heating with Gas, Research Bulletin No. 24, AGA
Testing Labs, pp. 20-21 (1944). cited by examiner .
Fig. 13 from the Ashrae Handbook, Fundamentals, p. 3.16 (1993).
cited by examiner .
Pitco Deep Fryer Baffles (Photos). cited by other .
Dean Fryer Baffle. cited by other.
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Primary Examiner: Simone; Timothy F.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Miller; Mark H. Jackson Walker
L.L.P.
Claims
I claim:
1. A heat exchanger for a .Iadd.deep .Iaddend.fryer system.Iadd.,
the heat exchanger being within a vat containing shortening, the
heat exchanger .Iaddend.comprising, in combination: at least one
heat transfer conduit having a heating fluid passing therethrough;
a baffle plate disposed within the at least one heat transfer
conduit, defining a plane and having a first surface, an opposed
second surface, and a longitudinal axis which divides the baffle
plate into a first portion and a second portion; a plurality of
tabs, each tab .Iadd.comprised of a portion of the baffle plate
which is cut from the baffle plate and bent away from one of the
first and second surfaces, the tab leaving a hole in the baffle
plate and .Iaddend.having a longitudinal axis and extending
outwardly away from one of the first and second surfaces of the
baffle plate, an intersection of the tab and the baffle plate
defining a crease, .[.at least one.]. .Iadd.a plurality .Iaddend.of
the tabs being positioned in the first portion of the baffle plate
and .[.at least one.]. .Iadd.a plurality .Iaddend.of the tabs being
positioned in the second portion of the baffle plate.Iadd., a
plurality of the tabs extending outwardly from the first surface
and a plurality of the tabs extending outwardly from the second
surface.Iaddend.; and a plurality of webs, each web separating a
tab from another tab adjacent the tab in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tab.
.[.2. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each tab
extends outwardly at an acute angle with respect to the surface
from which it extends..].
.[.3. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each tab
extends outwardly at an angle of approximately 45.degree. with
respect to the surface from which it extends..].
.[.4. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the tabs are
positioned in a plurality of rows, each row extending in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinally axis of
the baffle plate..].
.[.5. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of
at least one tab forms an acute angle with the longitudinal axis of
the baffle plate..].
6. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of
.[.each tab.]. .Iadd.the plurality of tabs .Iaddend.forms an acute
angle with the longitudinal axis of the baffle plate.
7. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of at
least one tab forms an acute angle with a portion of a longitudinal
edge of the baffle plate which is downstream of the crease of the
at least one tab, and the crease of at least one other tab forms an
acute angle with a portion of the longitudinal edge of the baffle
plate which is upstream of the crease of the at least one other
tab.
8. A heat exchanger according to claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend.,
wherein the .Iadd.tabs are arranged in a plurality of rows, each
row extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the baffle plate, each row having at least
three tabs and the .Iaddend.rows alternate between having the
crease of each tab in a row form an acute angle with a portion of a
longitudinal edge of the baffle plate which is downstream, with
respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the row and having the
crease of each tab in a row form an acute angle with a portion of
the longitudinal edge of the baffle plate which is upstream, with
respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the row.
9. A heat exchanger according to claim .[.4.]. .Iadd.1.Iaddend.,
wherein at least one row having the crease of each tab in that row
form an acute angle with a portion of a longitudinal edge of the
baffle plate which is downstream, with respect to the flow of
heating fluid, of that row is separated from at least one other row
having the crease of each tab in that other row form an acute angle
with a portion of the longitudinal edge of the baffle plate which
is upstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of that row
by a separate row having the crease of each tab in that separate
row form a right angle with the longitudinal edge of the baffle
plate.
10. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of at
least one tab is positioned directly downstream, with respect to
the flow of heating fluid, of the web between two tabs which are
adjacent and upstream of the at least one tab.
11. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of
each tab is upstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of
a main body of .[.the.]. each tab.
12. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of
each tab is downstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid,
of a main body of .[.the.]. each tab.
13. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the crease of at
least one tab is downstream, with respect to the flow of heating
fluid, of a main body of the at least one tab and the crease of at
least one other tab is upstream, with respect to the flow of
heating fluid, of the main body of the at least one other tab.
14. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein each of the tabs
comprises a portion of the baffle plate which is bent outwardly
away from one of the first and second surfaces.
15. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one additional baffle plate disposed in the at least one heat
transfer conduit.
16. A heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein the at least
one additional baffle plate has a different configuration of tabs
than at least one other baffle plate.
17. A heat exchanger according to claim 15, wherein the at least
one additional baffle plate has a different number of tabs than at
least one other baffle plate.
18. A heat exchanger according to claim 15, further comprising a
perimeter plate defining a plane and positioned between an inside
surface of the at least one heat transfer conduit and the baffle
plates.
19. A heat exchanger according to claim 18, wherein the plane of
the perimeter plate is substantially perpendicular to the planes of
the baffle plates.
20. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the
baffle plate has a greater number of tabs than an equally sized
portion of the baffle plate which is upstream, with respect to the
flow of heating fluid, of the portion of the baffle plate.
21. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the number of
tabs per unit length increases along the baffle plate in a
downstream direction with respect to the flow of heating fluid.
22. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, further comprising a
perimeter plate defining a plane and positioned between an inside
surface of the at least one heat transfer conduit and the baffle
plate.
23. A heat exchanger according to claim 22, wherein the plane of
the perimeter plate is substantially perpendicular to the plane of
the baffle plate.
24. A heat exchanger according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal
axis of the baffle plate extends substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of the at least one heat transfer conduit.
25. A baffle for a heat exchanger in a deep fryer, the heat
exchanger having at least one heat transfer conduit with .[.a.].
heating fluid passing therethrough, comprising, in combination: a
baffle plate positioned within the at least one heat transfer
conduit defining a plane and having a first surface, an opposed
second surface, and a longitudinal axis which divides the baffle
plate into a first portion and a second portion; a plurality of
rows of tabs, each tab comprising a portion of the baffle plate
bent outwardly from one of the first and second surfaces, having a
longitudinal axis, and defining a crease along an intersection of
the tab and the baffle plate, at least one tab in each row being
positioned in the first portion of the baffle plate, at least one
tab in each row being positioned in the second portion of the
baffle plate, each row having the crease of all of its tabs form an
acute angle with one of a portion of a longitudinal edge of the
baffle plate which is upstream, with respect to the flow of heating
fluid, of a main body of its respective tab and a portion of the
longitudinal edge which is downstream, with respect to the flow of
heating fluid, of the main body of its respective tab and the rows
adjacent to the each row having the crease of all of their tabs
form an acute angle with the other of a portion of the longitudinal
edge which is upstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid,
of the main body of its respective tab and a portion of the
longitudinal edge which is downstream, with respect to the flow of
heating fluid, of the main body of its respective tab; and a
plurality of webs, each web separating a tab from another tab
adjacent the tab in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the tab, the crease of at least one tab being
directly downstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of
the web between two other tabs which are adjacent and upstream,
with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the at least one tab;
wherein the number of tabs per unit length increases along the
baffle plate in a downstream direction with respect to the flow of
heating fluid.
.Iadd.26. A heat exchanger for a deep fryer system having a gas
burner to heat fluid flowing through the heat exchanger, the heat
exchanger being within a vat containing shortening, the heat
exchanger comprising, in combination: at least one heat transfer
conduit having heating fluid passing therethrough; a baffle plate
disposed within the at least one heat transfer conduit defining a
plane and having a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a
longitudinal axis which divides the baffle plate into a first
portion and a second portion; a plurality of tabs, each tab having
a longitudinal axis and extending outwardly away from one of the
first and second surfaces of the baffle plate, an intersection of
the tab and the baffle plate defining a crease, the crease being
created by bending the tab from the baffle plate, at least one of
the tabs being positioned in the first portion of the baffle plate
and at least one of the tabs being positioned in the second portion
of the baffle plate; the baffle plate being positioned within the
heat transfer conduit and the tabs having a length and an angle
which position the tabs relative to the heat transfer conduit so
the tabs do not contact the heat transfer conduit and do not
prevent the heating fluid from flowing between the tabs and those
portions of the heat transfer conduit most closely adjacent to each
of the tabs; the tabs being comprised of a portion of the baffle
plate which is cut from the baffle plate and bent away from one of
the first and second surfaces, each of the tabs leaving a hole in
the baffle plate; at least a portion of a side of each hole
comprised of the crease of the tab which was cut and bent from the
baffle plate to leave the hole, the tab and the hole which share a
crease defining a tab/hole pair; a plurality of webs, each web
separating a first tab/hole pair from a second tab/hole pair which
is adjacent to the first tab/hole pair in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tab; a plurality of
the tabs being bent outwardly away from the first surface and a
plurality of the tabs being bent outwardly away from the second
surface; a plurality of rows of tab/hole pairs, each row extending
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the baffle plate and having at least three tab/hole pairs, each
of the tab/hole pairs in each row being separated from each
adjacent tab/hole pair in the row by a web; there being at least
two webs in each row of tab/hole pairs, the webs in each row of the
tab/hole pairs comprising a row of webs extending in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the baffle
plate; a plurality of rows of webs; a plurality of rows of tab/hole
pairs, which rows each have at least one tab/hole pair positioned
in the first portion of the baffle plate and at least one tab/hole
pair positioned in the second position of the baffle plate; a
plurality of rows of tab/hole pairs, each row of table/hole pairs
having at least one tab extending outwardly away from the first
surface of the baffle plate and at least one tab extending
outwardly away from the second surface of the baffle plates; the
baffle plate being positioned within the heat transfer conduit and
shaped so that the tabs are capable of deflecting the heating fluid
so that the heating fluid is capable of flowing (1) through the
holes, (2) between the tabs, (3) adjacent to the webs and (4)
between the tabs and the heat transfer conduit so the baffle plate,
tabs, and holes are capable of collectively causing increased
turbulence of the heating fluid passing through the heat transfer
conduit, the increased turbulence improving heat transfer from the
heating fluid within the heat transfer conduit to the shortening
within the vat of the deep fryer system as compared to a similar
heat exchanger for a deep fryer system which does not utilize a
baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.27. A heat exchanger according to claim 26 wherein a
plurality of tabs are positioned directly upstream, with respect to
the flow of heating fluid, of the web between two tabs which are
adjacent to each other and downstream of the plurality of tabs; and
a plurality of tabs are positioned directly downstream, with
respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the web between two tabs
which are adjacent and downstream of the plurality of
tabs..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. A heat exchanger according to claim 26 wherein a
plurality of the webs are positioned in a straight line, one behind
another, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the baffle
plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.29. A heat exchanger for a deep fryer system having a gas
burner to heat fluid flowing through the heat exchanger, the heat
exchanger being contained within a vat containing shortening, the
heat exchanger comprising, in combination: at least one heat
transfer conduit having heating fluid passing therethrough; a
baffle plate disposed within the at least one heat transfer conduit
defining a plane and having a first surface, an opposed second
surface, and a longitudinal axis which divides the baffle plate
into a first portion and a second portion; a plurality of tabs,
each tab having a longitudinal axis and extending outwardly away
from one of the first and second surfaces of the baffle plate, an
intersection of the tab and the baffle plate defining a crease, the
crease being created by bending the tab from the baffle plate, at
least one of the tabs being positioned in the first portion of the
baffle plate and at least one of the tabs being positioned in the
second portion of the baffle plate; the baffle plate being
positioned within the heat transfer conduit and the tabs having a
length and an angle which position the tabs relative to the heat
transfer conduit so the tabs do not contact the heat transfer
conduit and do not prevent the heating fluid from flowing between
the tabs and the portions of the heat transfer conduit most closely
adjacent to each of the tabs; the tabs being comprised of a portion
of the baffle plate which is cut from the baffle plate and bent
away from one of the first and second surfaces, each of the tabs
leaving a hole in the baffle plate; at least a portion of a side of
each hole comprised of the crease of the tab which was cut and bent
from the baffle to leave the hole, the tab and the hole which share
a crease defining a tab/hole pair; a plurality of webs, each web
separating a first tab/hole pair from a second tab/hole pair which
is adjacent to the first tab/hole pair in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the tab; a plurality of
the tabs being bent outwardly away from the first surface and a
plurality of the tabs being bent outwardly away from the second
surface; at least five rows of tab/hole pairs, each row extending
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the baffle plate and having at least four tab/hole pairs and at
least three webs, each of the tab/hole pairs in each row being
separated from each adjacent tab/hole pair in the row by a web; a
plurality of rows of tab/hole pairs, which rows each have a
tab/hole pair positioned in the first portion of the baffle plate
and a tab/hole pair positioned in the second position of the baffle
plate; a plurality of rows of tab/hole pairs, which rows have a tab
extending outwardly away from the first surface of the baffle plate
and a tab extending outwardly away from the second surface of the
baffle plates; the tab/hole pairs being arranged on the baffle
plate so that an equal number of tabs are on either side of the
center line of the first surface of the baffle plate and the
tab/hole pairs are arranged on the first surface of the baffle
plate symmetrically about the center line of the baffle plate and
so an equal number of tabs are on either side of the center line of
the second surface of the baffle plate and the tab/hole pairs are
arranged on the second surface of the baffle plate symmetrically
about the center line of the baffle plate; the baffle plate is
positioned and shaped so that the tabs are capable of deflecting
the heating fluid so that the heating fluid is capable of flowing
(1) through the holes, (2) between the tabs, (3) adjacent the webs
and (4) between the tabs and the heat transfer conduit so the
baffle plate, tabs, holes and webs are capable of collectively
causing increased turbulence of the heating fluid passing through
the heat transfer conduit, the increased turbulence improving heat
transfer from the heating fluid within the heat transfer conduit to
the shortening within the vat of the deep fryer system as compared
to a similar heat exchanger for a deep fryer system which does not
utilize a baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.30. The heat exchanger of claim 29 wherein at least a portion
of the webs are positioned directly upstream, with respect to the
flow of heating fluid, of a tab located in an immediately
downstream row of tabs and at least a portion of the webs are
positioned directly downstream of a tab located in an immediately
upstream row of tabs..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. A heat exchanger according to claim 29 wherein a
plurality of the webs are in a straight line, one behind another,
in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the baffle
plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.32. A heat exchanger for a deep fryer system comprising, in
combination: at least one heat transfer conduit for heating fluid
passing therethrough; a baffle plate disposed within the at least
one heat transfer conduit, defining a plane and having a first
surface, an opposed second surface, and a longitudinal axis which
divides the baffle plate into a first portion and a second portion;
a plurality of tabs, each tab having a longitudinal axis and
extending outwardly away from one of the first and second surfaces
of the baffle plate, an intersection of the tab and the baffle
plate defining a crease, at least one of the tabs being positioned
in the first portion of the baffle plate and at least one of the
tabs being positioned in the second portion of the baffle plate;
substantially all of the tabs being separated from adjacent tabs by
a web, each web separating a tab from another tab adjacent the tab
in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis
of the tab; each of the tabs comprises a portion of the baffle
plate which is bent outwardly away from one of the first and second
surfaces; each tab being positioned adjacent to a corresponding
hole in the baffle plate; the heating fluid being capable of
flowing through the hole created in the baffle plate by bending
said tab out of the baffle plate; a plurality of rows of tabs, each
of which rows has a tab positioned in the first portion of the
baffle plate and a tab positioned in the second position of the
baffle plate; a plurality of rows of tabs, each of which rows has a
tab extending outwardly away from the first surface of the baffle
plate and a tab extending outwardly away from the second surface of
the baffle plates; a majority of the tab/hole pairs created by
bending the tab from the baffle plate leaving a hole in the baffle
plate are positioned in a plurality of rows of tab/hole pairs tabs,
each row of tab/hole pairs extending in a direction substantially
perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the baffle plate; each
row of tab/hole pairs has a tab positioned in the first portion of
the baffle plate and a tab positioned in the second position of the
baffle plate; each row of tab/hole pairs has a tab extending
outwardly away from the first surface of the baffle plate and a tab
extending outwardly away from the second surface of the baffle
plate; a plurality of the rows of tabs have at least three tabs, a
first tab positioned above the plane of the baffle plate, a second
adjacent tab separated from the first tab by a web and positioned
below the plane of the baffle plate, and a third tab, separated by
a web from the second tab and positioned above the plane of the
baffle plate; and the tabs are located, and shaped so the tabs are
capable of deflecting the heating fluid and the heating fluid is
flowable (1) through the holes, (2) between the tabs and (3)
between the tabs and the heat transfer conduit so the baffle plate,
tabs, and holes are capable of collectively causing increased
turbulence of the heating fluid passing through the heat transfer
conduit to improve heat transfer from the heating fluid through the
heat transfer conduit to the shortening within the vat of the deep
fryer system as compared to a heat exchanger for a deep fryer
system which does not utilize a baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.33. A heat exchanger according to claim 32, wherein each tab
extends outwardly at an acute angle with respect to the surface of
the baffle plate from its crease and each tab being capable of
deflecting the heating fluid through its corresponding hole in the
baffle plate and outwardly away from the baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.34. A heat exchanger according to claim 32, wherein an
approximately equal number of tabs are on either side of the
longitudinal axis of the baffle plate and the tabs are arranged on
the baffle plate generally symmetrically about the longitudinal
axis of the baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.35. A heat exchanger according to claim 32 wherein the heat
exchanger has a plurality of heat transfer conduits located within
the vat containing shortening..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. A heat exchanger according to claim 32, additionally
comprising at least six rows of tabs on the baffle plate, including
at least three tabs per row..Iaddend.
.Iadd.37. A baffle for a heat exchanger in a deep fryer, the heat
exchanger having at least one transfer conduit for heating fluid to
pass therethrough, comprising, in combination: a baffle plate
positioned within the at least one heat transfer conduit defining a
plane and having a first surface, and an opposed second surface and
a longitudinal axis which divides the baffle plate into a first
portion and a second portion; a plurality of rows of tabs, at least
three tabs in most of the rows of tabs, each tab comprising a
portion of the baffle plate that is bent outwardly from one of the
first and second surfaces and leaving a hole in the baffle plate,
having a longitudinal axis, and defining a crease along an
intersection of the tab and the baffle plate, at least one tab in
each row being positioned in the first portion of the baffle plate,
at least one tab in each row being positioned in the second portion
of the baffle plate; at least a portion of a side of each hole
comprises the crease of the tab the hole is adjacent to, the tab
extending outwardly from the baffle plate over at least part of the
adjacent hole, the tab and the hole which share a crease defining a
tab/hole pair; a plurality of adjacent tabs being separated from
each other by a web; a plurality of rows of webs, at least two webs
in most of the rows of webs, each web separating a tab from another
adjacent tab in a direction substantially perpendicular to the
longitudinal axis of the baffle plate; the tabs and webs are
positioned upon the baffle plate and shaped so the tabs are capable
of deflecting the heating fluid and the heating fluid is flowable
between the tabs and adjacent to the webs; and wherein the tabs are
positioned and shaped so the tabs are capable of deflecting the
heating fluid and the heating fluid is flowable (1) through the
holes, (2) between the tabs and (3) between the tabs and the heat
transfer conduit so the baffle plate, tabs, and holes are capable
of collectively causing increased turbulence of the heating fluid
passing through the heat transfer conduit to improve heat transfer
from the heating fluid through the heat transfer conduit to the
shortening within the vat of the deep fryer system as compared to a
heat exchanger for a deep fryer system which does not have a baffle
plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. The heat exchanger of claim 37, wherein the crease of a
plurality of tabs in each row of tabs is directly downstream, with
respect to the flow of the heating fluid, of the creases of the
tabs in the rows of tabs directly upstream and directly upstream of
the creases of the tabs in the row of tabs directly
downstream..Iaddend.
.Iadd.39. A heat exchanger according to claim 37 wherein each row
of tab/hole pairs has a tab extending outwardly away from the first
surface of the baffle plate and a tab extending outwardly away from
the second surface of the baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. A heat exchanger according to claim 37 wherein an
approximately equal number of tabs are on either side of the
longitudinal axis of the baffle plate and the tabs are arranged on
the baffle plate generally symmetrically about the longitudinal
axis of the baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.41. A heat exchanger according to claim 37, additionally
comprising at least six rows of tabs on the baffle plate including
at least three tabs per row..Iaddend.
.Iadd.42. A deep fryer system having a heat exchanger and a burner
to heat air flowing through the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger
being within the deep fryer system's vat containing shortening, the
heat exchanger portion of the deep fat fryer system comprising: at
least one heat transfer conduit having heating fluid passing
therethrough; a baffle plate disposed within the at least one heat
transfer conduit defining a plane and having a first surface, an
opposed second surface, and a longitudinal axis which divides the
baffle plate into a first portion and a second portion; a plurality
of tabs, each tab having a longitudinal axis and extending
outwardly away from one of the first and second surfaces of the
baffle plate, an intersection of the tab and the baffle plate
defining a crease, the crease being created by bending the tab from
the baffle plate, at least one of the tabs being positioned in the
first portion of the baffle plate and at least one of the tabs
being positioned in the second portion of the baffle plate; the
tabs being comprised of a portion of the baffle plate which is cut
from the baffle plate and bent away from one of the first and
second surfaces, each of the tabs leaving a hole in the baffle
plate; at least a portion of a side of each hole is comprised of
the crease of the tab which was cut and bent from the baffle to
leave the hole, the tab and the hole which share a crease defining
a tab/hole pair; a plurality of webs, each web separating a first
tab/hole pair from a second tab/hole pair which is adjacent to the
first tab/hole pair in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the tab; a plurality of the tabs being
bent outwardly away from the first surface and a plurality of the
tabs being bent outwardly away from the second surface; a plurality
of rows of tab/hole pairs, each row extending in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the baffle
plate and having at least three tab/hole pairs, each of the
tab/hole pairs in each row being separated from each adjacent
tab/hole pair in the row by a web; there being at least two webs in
each row of tab/hole pairs, the webs in each row of the tab/hole
pairs comprising a row of webs extending in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the baffle
plate; a plurality of rows of webs, at least two webs in most of
the rows of webs, each web separating a tab from another adjacent
tab in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal
axis of the baffle plate; the tabs and webs are positioned and
shaped so the tabs are capable of deflecting the heating fluid and
the heating fluid is flowable between the tabs and adjacent to the
webs; a plurality of rows of tab/hole pairs, which rows each have
at least one tab/hole pair positioned in the first portion of the
baffle plate and at least one tab/hole pair positioned in the
second position of the baffle plate; a plurality of rows of
tab/hole pairs; which rows have at least one tab extending
outwardly away from the first surface of the baffle plate and at
least one tab extending outwardly away from the second surface of
the baffle plate; a plurality of webs arranged in a straight line,
one behind the other, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of
the baffle plate; wherein the crease of a plurality of tabs in each
row of tabs being directly downstream with respect to the flow of
the heating fluid of the creases of the tabs in the rows of tabs
directly upstream and being directly upstream of the creases of the
tabs in the row of tabs directly downstream; and the baffle plate
with its tab/hole pairs and webs is positioned within the conduit
and shaped so that the tabs are capable of deflecting the heating
fluid and the heating fluid is flowable (1) through the holes, (2)
between the tabs, (3) adjacent to the webs and (4) between the tabs
and the heat transfer conduit so the baffle plate, tabs, and holes
are capable of collectively causing increased turbulence in the
heating fluid passing through the heat transfer conduit to improve
heat transfer from the heating fluid through the heat transfer
conduit to the shortening within the vat of the deep fryer system
as compared to a similar heat exchanger for a deep fryer system
which does not utilize a baffle plate..Iaddend.
.Iadd.43. A heat tube baffle for a deep fat fryer wherein the fryer
includes an oil tank for cooking food with at least one heat tube
extending therethrough in heat exchange relationship with said tank
wherein cooking oil in said tank is heated by said tube and wherein
a burner generates products of combustion which flow through said
tube from an entrance to an exit, said baffle comprising: an
elongated, rectangular metal plate having opposed faces, the plate
disposed within the tube and extending within the tube, the plate
having a plurality of mutually spaced tabs struck thereof, in
mutually spaced rows and extending at an acute angle to the plate
along the length thereof, each of the tabs in each row extending
outwardly toward an adjacent tube wall and directed upstream of the
flow, each struck tab leaving a corresponding hole in the plate
whereby products of combustion in the flow are directed through the
hole by the tab..Iaddend.
Description
INTRODUCTION
The present invention relates to a deep fryer, and more
particularly, to an improved baffle for a deep fryer heat
exchanger.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Deep fryers are commercially used by restaurants, institutional
kitchens, and fast food establishments for cooking a variety of
food products, such as french fries, fish, fried chicken, and the
like. The food product is cooked by totally immersing it within a
vat or tank that is filled with heated oil or shortening. The oil
may be heated using a flow of heated gas that is forced or drawn
through a heat exchanger having flow passages that are located
within or external to the cooking vat. A gas burner is provided to
heat the gas circulating within the heat exchanger. Baffles, such
as spiral baffles and disc baffles, have been known to be provided
within the flow passages of heat exchangers to increase the
turbulent flow of gas and enhance heat transfer.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a baffle for a
deep fryer which reduces or wholly overcomes some or all of the
difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects
and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled
in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in
this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of
the invention and detailed description of certain preferred
embodiments.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide
a baffle for the heat exchanger of a fryer system which can improve
the heat transfer from heated gas flowing through heat transfer
conduits of the heat exchanger to shortening contained within a
vat.
In accordance with a first aspect, a heat exchanger for a fryer
system has at least one heat transfer conduit having a heating
fluid passing therethrough. A baffle plate is disposed within the
at least one heat transfer conduit and defines a plane. The baffle
plate has a first surface, an opposed second surface, and a
longitudinal axis dividing the baffle plate into a first portion
and a second portion. Each of a plurality of tabs has a
longitudinal axis and extends outwardly away from one of the first
and second surfaces. The intersection of the tab and the baffle
plate defines a crease. At least one of the tabs is positioned in
the first portion of the baffle plate and at least one of the tabs
is positioned in the second portion of the baffle plate. A
plurality of webs are provided with each web separating a tab from
other tabs adjacent in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the longitudinal axis of the tab.
In accordance with another aspect, a baffle for a heat exchanger
has at least one heat transfer conduit with a heating fluid passing
therethrough. A baffle plate is positioned in the at least one heat
transfer conduit and defines a plane. The baffle plate has a first
surface, an opposed second surface, and a longitudinal axis
dividing the baffle plate into a first portion and a second
portion. Each tab of a plurality of rows of tabs is formed of a
portion of the baffle plate bent outwardly from one of the first
and second surfaces. Each tab has a longitudinal axis, and defines
a crease along an intersection of the tab and the baffle plate. At
least one tab in each row is positioned in the first portion of the
baffle plate, and at least one tab in each row is positioned in the
second portion of the baffle plate. Each row has the crease of all
of its tabs form an acute angle with one of a portion of a
longitudinal edge of the baffle plate which is upstream, with
respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the main body of its
respective tab and a portion of the longitudinal edge which is
downstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid of the main
body of its respective tab. The rows adjacent to the each row have
the crease of all of their tabs form an acute angle with the other
of a portion of a longitudinal edge of the baffle plate which is
upstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the main
body of its respective tab and a portion of the longitudinal edge
which is downstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of
the main body of its respective tab. Each web of a plurality of
webs separates a tab from another tab adjacent the tab in a
direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of
the tab. The crease of at least one tab is directly downstream,
with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the web between two
other tabs which are adjacent and upstream of the at least one tab.
The number of tabs per unit length increases along the baffle plate
in a downstream direction with respect to the flow of heating
fluid.
From the foregoing disclosure, it will be readily apparent to those
skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or
experienced in this area of technology, that the present invention
provides a significant technological advance. Preferred embodiments
of the baffle for a deep fryer heat exchanger can provide increased
turbulence and enhanced heat transfer within the flow passages of
the heat exchanger. These and additional features and advantages of
the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the
following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Certain preferred embodiments are described in detail below with
reference to the appended drawings wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a gas fryer containing a
heat exchanger according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the heat exchanger shown
in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a baffle according to the
present invention;
FIG. 4 is a schematic section view, showing the baffle of FIG. 3
placed within a heat transfer tube of FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view, shown in section, of a plurality
of baffles placed within a heat transfer tube of FIG. 2;
FIGS. 6-9 are schematic elevation views illustrating various
embodiments of the baffle of FIG. 3;
FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view, shown in section, of an
alternative embodiment of the baffle of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the perimeter plate of
FIG. 10.
The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale
and should be understood to present a representation of the
invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features
of the baffle depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or
distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and
understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings
for similar or identical components and features shown in various
alternative embodiments. Baffles, as disclosed herein, will have
configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended
application and environment in which they are used.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 1, a gas fryer according to the present invention
is shown generally by reference numeral 10. The gas fryer
preferably includes a plurality of vats 12 for holding the
shortening, oil, or other cooking medium, a heat exchanger 14 for
heating the shortening in each vat 12, a burner section 11 for
heating the fluid flowing through heat exchanger 14, and may
include a blower motor in blower housing 13 for drawing the heated
fluid through heat exchanger 14. Due to its efficiency and economic
availability, the heat exchange fluid generally used in the present
invention and in prior art gas fryers is air; however, other
gaseous fluids or liquids may of course also be considered as the
development thereof permits. In the preferred embodiment of FIG. 2,
heat exchanger 14 includes a plurality of heat transfer conduits or
tubes 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30 and two mixing plenums 32, 34.
The direction of travel of the heated fluid through heat exchanger
14 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 2 to show the heated fluid
entering the vat through inlet heat transfer tubes 16, 18, 20,
mixing in plenum 32, passing through heat transfer tubes 22, 24,
26, mixing in plenum 34, and then exiting the vat through outlet
heat transfer tubes 28, 30. In a preferred embodiment of the
present invention, gas fryer 10 includes a vat 12 having internal
dimensions of 20''.times.20'', 18''.times.18'', or 14''.times.14'',
although any other desired dimensions could also be used. Heat
exchanger 14 is therefore correspondingly sized to be disposed
within vat 12. A further description of the heat exchanger is
provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,417,202 and 5,706,717, assigned on
their faces to America's Favorite Chicken Company (AFC), the entire
contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
A baffle plate 40 having a longitudinal axis L is shown in FIG. 3.
Plate 40 has a plurality of tabs 42 extending outwardly from each
of first surface 43 and second surface 45 of plate 40. Tabs 42
preferably extend outwardly at an acute angle with respect to the
surface from which they extend. More preferably, tabs 42 extend
outwardly at an angle of 45.degree. with respect to the surface
from which they extend. Each tab 42 has a longitudinal axis A which
is perpendicular to crease 44. In a preferred embodiment, each tab
42 is formed by cutting plate 40 and bending a portion of plate 40
outwardly, forming crease 44 at the joint where tab 42 is bent away
from plate 40. Although tabs 42 may be formed by securing separate
pieces of material to plate 40, such as by welding, in which case
crease 44 would extend along the line of intersection of tab 42 and
plate 40, forming tabs 42 by bending a portion of plate 40
outwardly removes the welds as a potential point of failure of
plate 40. Web 46 is the portion of plate 40 which remains between
tabs 42 adjacent to one another in a direction substantially
perpendicular to longitudinal axis A. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 3, where the planes of first surface 43 and second surface
45 lie in a vertical plane, web 46 is between two vertically
adjacent tabs 42. It is to be appreciated that plate 40 may be
oriented in a different manner and that web 46 would lie between
adjacent tabs in a direction other than vertical. It is also to be
appreciated that tabs 42 may have a shape other than the
substantially rectangular shape shown in FIG. .[.2.].
.Iadd.3.Iaddend., e.g., circular, oval, or any other suitable shape
which will become obvious to those skilled in the art given the
benefit of this disclosure.
As seen in FIG. 4, plate 40 is positioned in heat transfer tube 16.
Although the discussion that follows deals primarily with heat
transfer tube 16, it is to be appreciated that a plate 40 may also
be placed in some, or all, of the remaining heat transfer tubes 18,
20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30. Plate 40 is oriented within heat transfer
tube 16 such that its longitudinal axis L (not shown here as it
extends into the paper) extends substantially parallel to a
longitudinal axis of heat transfer tube 16 and the direction of
flow of heated air through heat transfer tube 16. As the heated air
flows through heat transfer tube 16 it is deflected by tabs 42,
increasing the turbulence of the flow within heat transfer tube 16,
illustrated by the arrows B shown in FIG. 3. The increased
turbulence in heat transfer tube 16 thereby enhances the heat
transfer from the heated air, through heat transfer tube 16, to the
shortening in the vat. Plate 40 is preferably resting within heat
transfer tube 16 as opposed to being secured thereto, such as by
welding, in order to reduce the stresses on heat transfer tube 16.
In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, heat transfer tube 16 has
an oblong, or obround cross section. It is to be noted that heat
transfer tube 16 may have a circular cross section, or any other
suitably shaped cross section.
As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, plate 40 is
oriented such that the leading edge of each tab 42, that is, the
edge that is upstream with respect to the flow of heated air
through heat transfer tube 16 (flowing into the paper as seen in
FIG. 3), is the outermost edge of tab 42 with respect to plate 40.
Correspondingly, in this embodiment, the trailing edge of each tab
42, that is, the edge that is downstream with respect to the flow
of heated air through heat transfer tube 16, is crease 44 where tab
42 joins plate 40. Conversely, plate 40 may be oriented so that its
leading and trailing edges are reversed, that is, the leading edge
will be crease 44 and the trailing edge will be the outermost edge
of tab 42 with respect to plate 40. In either orientation, the
outwardly extending tabs 42 serve to deflect the heated air flowing
through heat transfer tube 16 increasing turbulence and enhancing
heat transfer. Thus, crease 44 of each tab 42 is one of upstream or
downstream, with respect to the flow of heating fluid, of the main
body of its tab 42. In certain preferred embodiments plate 40 may
have one or more tabs 42 oriented such that their leading edge is
crease 44 and one or more tabs oriented such that their trailing
edge is crease 44.
In certain preferred embodiments, a firebox (not shown) housing the
flame produced by the burning gas is provided in burner section 11.
In other preferred embodiments, there is no firebox and the flame
extends directly into a single heat transfer tube 16, preferably
having a circular cross section. In embodiments without a firebox,
tabs 42 of plates 40 enable more complete combustion by causing
better mixing of the gas and air within the single heat transfer
tube 16. Additionally, where three or more plates 40 are positioned
within heat transfer tube 16, the centermost plates, which reach
higher temperatures since they are further from the lower
temperature shortening contained in the vat, can improve combustion
by reheating cool air which is introduced to the mixture. Tabs 42
and plates 40 can also increase heat transfer through radiation.
Such an embodiment is shown in FIG. 5, where a plurality of plates
40 are placed in heat transfer tube 16. Plates are preferably
secured to one another by cross members 48. The number and
placement and size of tabs 42 associated with each plate 40 can
vary, depending on the flow characteristics that are desired for
that particular heat transfer tube. For example, in the case where
heated air is flowing from left to right in the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 5, tabs 42 are oriented in such a manner to
direct the heated air primarily from the center towards the walls
of heat transfer tube 16 to improve heat transfer at the walls.
Other configurations of tabs 42 to produce other desired flow
characteristics will become readily apparent to those skilled in
the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
FIGS. 6-9 illustrate various embodiments of plate 40 which are
shown prior to bending tabs 42 outwardly. Therefore, crease 44 is
shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 6-9. In one preferred embodiment,
shown in FIG. 6, plate 40 has a plurality of rows of tabs 42, with
each row having a tab 42 positioned above and a tab 42 positioned
below longitudinal axis L. In this preferred embodiment,
longitudinal axis A of each tab 42 is substantially parallel to
longitudinal axis L of plate 40.
In another alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 7, tabs 42 are
oriented such that their longitudinal axis A is angled with respect
to longitudinal axis L of plate 40. Some of tabs 42 have their
longitudinal axis A angled upwardly from their leading edge to
their trailing edge with respect to longitudinal axis L, while
others have their longitudinal axis A angled downwardly from their
leading edge to their trailing edge with respect to longitudinal
axis L. By angling the tabs upwardly and downwardly as well as
outwardly, the flow of heated air is deflected up and down as well
as left and right (for a plate which is oriented in a vertical or
horizontal direction) within the heat transfer tubes, thereby
providing additional mixing of the heated air. In the embodiment
illustrated in FIG. 7, the rows alternate between having each tab
in the row angled upwardly and having each tab in the row angled
downwardly. In certain preferred embodiments, tabs 42 are angled
upwardly or downwardly approximately 20.degree. from longitudinal
axis L. Thus, crease 44 of each tab 42 forms an acute angle with
either an upstream or a downstream, with respect to the flow of
heating fluid, portion of a longitudinal edge, e.g., the upper
edge, of baffle plate 40. Other suitable orientations of the angle
of tabs 42 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the
art, given the benefit of this disclosure.
Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 8, where tabs 42 of
each row are vertically offset from tabs 42 in adjacent rows such
that there are tabs 42 in all but the first row which are directly
downstream of a web 46 in the upstream adjacent row. This prevents
any long channels of uninterrupted flow from being established
along the length of heat transfer tube 16. In the illustrated
embodiment, the rows alternate between having three tabs 42 and
four tabs 42. It is to be appreciated that the rows may have the
same, or different, number of tabs 42 from each of the other
rows.
Yet another alternative embodiment is shown in FIG. 9, which is
similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, however, plate 40 in the
embodiment shown in FIG. 9 has a higher number of tabs 42 at its
downstream end than at its upstream end. That is, the number of
tabs 42 per unit length of plate 40 increases along plate 40 in a
downstream direction to provide increased heat transfer.
Another alternative embodiment is shown in FIGS. 10, 11. Perimeter
plate 50 is positioned between plates 40 and an inside surface of
heat transfer tube 16. That is, perimeter plate 50 surrounds, at
least partially, plates 40 and the plane of plate 50 is
substantially perpendicular to the plane of plates 40. Thus,
perimeter plate 50 reduces the tendency for the heated air to
travel along the wall of heat transfer tube 16, unobstructed by any
tabs 42. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 11, perimeter plate
50 has an inverted U-shape. Plate 50 can be slid over plates 40
such that plate 50 is positioned between the inside surface of heat
transfer tube 16 and the tops and sides of plates 40. It is to be
appreciated that plate 50 may be formed so as to fit between the
inside surface of heat transfer tube 16 and any or all of the tops,
bottoms, and sides of plates 40. In the embodiment illustrated,
where heat transfer tube 16 is circular, plate 50 has a circular
outer perimeter to mate with the surface of heat transfer tube 16
and plate 50 generally comprises three segments of a circle.
Naturally, plate 50 may have a different shaped perimeter to match
that of the heat transfer tube within which it is positioned. Tabs
52 extend from plate 50 in a direction substantially perpendicular
to the plane of plate 50 and abut the inside surface of heat
transfer tube 16. Tabs 52 help reduce any tendency of plate 50 from
twisting within heat transfer tube 16.
.Iadd.As shown in FIG. 3, in one embodiment, crease 44 of each tab
42 is downstream with respect to the flow of the heating fluid
designated as "B" in FIG. 3. As shown in FIG. 3, heating fluid B is
deflected by tabs 42..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIG. 3 and as discussed herein, tabs 42 comprise
portions of plate 40 which are bent outwardly away from either
first surface 41 or second surface 43 of plate 40. As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 6-9, at least one of tabs 42 is positioned in the first
portion 54 of plate 40 on one side of the longitudinal axis of
plate 40 designated as "L" in FIGS. 3 and 6-9 and at least one
other of tabs 42 is positioned in second portion 56 of plate 40
which is on the other side of plate 40's longitudinal axis
L..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-9, at least some of tabs 42 are
positioned in a plurality of rows of tabs. As shown in these
Figures, in some embodiments, the rows extend in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of plate 40.
As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 6-9, each row of tabs has a tab 42
positioned in first portion 54 of plate 40 and a tab 42 positioned
in second portion 56 of plate 40. As shown in FIG. 3, in one
embodiment, a row of tabs has a tab 42a extending outwardly away
from first surface 43 of plate 40, an adjacent tab 42b extending
outwardly away from second surface 45 of plate 40 and a third tab
42c which is adjacent tab 42b and which extends outwardly away from
first surface 43 of plate 40. As shown in FIG. 3, other rows of
tabs may have the individual tabs extending from either the first
surface 43 or second surface 45..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9, in some embodiments, for the
purpose of describing location and distribution of invention
elements, a center line of plate 40 may be located where the
longitudinal axis is shown located along the center of plate 40. As
shown in the figures, in some embodiments tabs 42, holes 58 and
tab/hole pairs are arranged so the same are found on both sides of
the center line. Further, as shown in the figures and described
herein, in some embodiments these elements are also arranged
symmetrically in a pattern about the center line. In such
embodiments, as shown in the figures, the portion of the plate 40
referred to as first portion 54 is instead referred to as first
half 54 and the portion of plate 40 referred to as second portion
56 is instead referred to as second half 56..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIG. 3, each tab 42 is adjacent to its
corresponding hole 58 in plate 40 created by bending tab 42 from
plate 40. At least a portion of a side of each hole 58 is comprised
of crease 44 of tab 42 that hole 58 is adjacent to. As shown in
FIG. 3, crease 44 both connects tab 42 to plate 40 and is at least
a portion of a side of hole 58. As shown in FIG. 3 and reflected in
FIGS. 4-10, tabs 42 extend outwardly from plate 40 over at least
part of their adjacent corresponding holes 58. As expressly shown
in FIG. 3, and as is implicit in FIGS. 4-10 and the above
discussion, heating fluid B is flowable through holes 58 created in
plate 40 by bending tabs 42 out of plate 40. Further, in some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 3 and implicit in FIGS. 4-10, heating
fluid B is diverted by inner surface 60 of tab 42 through tab 42's
corresponding hole 58..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 10, the tabs 42 are not in
contact with heat transfer tube 16. The baffle plate 40 is located
and angled within transfer tube 16, and each of the plurality of
tabs 42 on baffle plate 40 have a length and angle which positions
tabs 42 relative to heat transfer tube 16 so the tabs 42 are not in
contact with heat transfer tube 16. As discussed above, the
increased turbulence of flow within heat transfer tube 16 caused by
the invented baffle plate improves and enhances heat transfer from
the hot gases through heat transfer tube 16 into the vat containing
shortening of the deep fat fryer system..Iaddend.
.Iadd.Each tab 42 and its corresponding hole 58, share a common
crease 44 and are referred to herein as comprising a "tab/hole
pair." As shown in FIG. 3, tab 42a and hole 58a comprise tab
42a/hole 58a pair. Tab 42b and hole 58b comprise tab 42b/hole 58b
pair. Tab 42c and hole 58c comprise tab 42c/hole 58c
pair..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIG. 3, Web 46a is the portion of plate 40
between tab 42a/hole 58a pair and tab 42b/hole 58b pair. Web 46b is
the portion of plate 40 between tab 42b/hole 58b pair and tab
42c/hole 58c pair..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9, each row of tabs 42, holes 58
and tab/hole pairs may be comprised of at least two tabs, two holes
or two tab/hole pairs, or at least three tabs, three holes and
three tab/hole pairs, or at least four tabs, four holes and four
tab/hole pairs..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9, each row has n-1 webs, where n
equals the number of tab/hole pairs in the row. If a row is
comprised of three tabs and three holes, i.e. three tab/hole pairs,
that row has two webs (3 tab/hole pairs-1=2 webs). If a row is
comprised of four tabs and four holes, i.e. four tab/hole pairs,
that row has three webs (4 tab/hole pairs-1=3 webs)..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in FIGS. 3-5 and 7-10, the relationship of tabs 42
on the baffle plate 40 is to generally present alternating sizes,
arrangements and angles to the flowing heated gas and alternating
from extending from first surface 43 and then second surface 45.
Some rows are presented in which tabs 42 alternately extend from
the first side and second side. As shown in the figures, tabs 42
are presented which extend from the first surface of the tab
preceding it (from the point of view of the flowing heated gas of
FIG. 3) extend from the second surface and vise versa..Iaddend.
.Iadd.As shown in the Figs., an equal or approximately equal number
of tabs, holes, webs, and tab hole pairs may be arranged on either
side of the center line of baffle plate 40 on both sides of the
baffle plate, which is shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9 as corresponding
with longitudinal axis L. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 6-9, they may be
and arranged generally symmetrically about the longitudinal axis L.
As shown in FIG. 6, the webs and tabs may be positioned in straight
lines, one behind another, in the direction of the longitudinal
axis L. As shown in FIG. 6, the tabs 42 may be similarly
positioned..Iaddend.
In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and
description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this
area of technology will readily understand that various
modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from
the true scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications
and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following
claims:
* * * * *