Composite heat exchanger end structure

Abstract

A heat exchanger having a tube bundle disposed within a housing with a resilient end structure disposed in compressed, plug-forming relation at least partially across the heat exchanging cavity. The resilient end structure includes one or more boundary segments extending between an internal wall of the housing and the perimeter of the tube bundle. The boundary segment includes a combination of materials having differing compression characteristics providing enhanced support to the boundary segments.

Description

technical field [0001] The disclosure of this patent relates generally to heat exchangers, and more particularly to heat exchangers that incorporate resilient end structures that hermetically enclose the heat exchanger adapted to extend along the length of the tube bundle Provides a transition zone for reverse flow. Background technique [0002] Heat exchangers are used in a variety of applications and can come in many different forms. By way of example only, oil coolers for internal combustion engines typically take the form of an elongated housing surrounding a tube bundle of substantially discrete heat exchanger tubes. The tubes are usually stacked in a generally hexagonal pattern such that each tube is surrounded by up to six other tubes. Of course, other patterns may also be utilized. The tube bundles are mounted through heat conducting fins and / or flow guide baffles, and may be supported by baffles and heat conducting fins disposed within the housing to form a meand...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, sealing may become more difficult as internal pressure and / or spacing increases

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