Micro-tube metal matrix heat exchanger and method of manufacture

Abstract

A heat exchanger is characterized by having two or more fluid flow circuits, each formed by multiple small cross-section “micro-tubes” contained within a surrounding metal structure, or “metal matrix.” Its function is to efficiently transfer heat from one fluid to another in a highly compact assembly. Most any metal or metal alloy can be considered for the micro-tubes. The micro-tubes, while typically arranged in alternating layers of alternating flow circuits, may be organized in any number of arrangements including co-linear and at cross angles to provide for co-flow, counter flow and cross flow. The metal matrix, is provided in one embodiment by a metal or metal alloy powder consolidated in a hot isostatic pressing (HIP) process. This process also joins the tubes together and to the matrix itself, producing a monolithic structure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.