Impingement device for heat exchanger inlet tube protection

An impingement device for use in a shell and tube type heat exchanger, the impingement device comprising:

• a first set of members disposed between an inlet and one or more process tubes of a heat exchanger, each member of the first set of members arranged in a first orientation;
• and a second set of members disposed between the first set of members and the inlet, each member of the second set of members arranged in a second orientation that is angularly disposed relative to the first orientation, wherein each member of the first and second set of members is solid, wherein the first set of members is vertically displaced from the second set of members and the first set of members does not contact the second set of members, wherein the diameter of each member of the first and second set of members is approximately between 5 millimeters (mm) and 14 mm, and wherein a center to center distance between adjacent members of the first set of members or the second set of members is approximately between 12 mm and 20 mm;
• a support frame that includes:
• a pair of first support members being substantially parallel to each other;
• and a pair of second support members positioned orthogonal to the pair of first support members, the pair of second support members being substantially parallel to each other;
• and
• wherein each of the pair of first support members are vertically displaced from the pair of second support members.