Heat exchanger

In a heat exchanger which comprises an array of tubes having an outer diameter, a perforated end plate having an outer face and defining a plurality of holes each having a diameter exceeding the outer diameter of the tubes, a support sleeve in each of the holes for holding an end of a respective one of the tubes in a respective one of the holes, an exterior surface of each support sleeve fitting the respective hole and an interior surface of each support sleeve being in contact with the respective tube, the exterior and interior surfaces extending along the hole and each defining a groove, and a toroidal gasket in each of the grooves whereby a fluid-tight joint is formed between the respective hole and the support sleeve as well as the support sleeve and the respective tube:

• a clamping portion on each support sleeve, the clamping portion being affixed to the outer face of the perforated end plate and having an end projecting beyond the outer end plate face and the end of the respective tube held in the support sleeve, and an inwardly extending abutment at the projecting end of the clamping portion for limiting any movement of the tube beyond the abutment.