Method and apparatus for isolation of external loads in a heat exchanger manifold system
AssigneeThe Garrett Corporation
InventorJohn P. Byrne
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for isolating a heat exchanger core from external ducting coupled to the heat exchanger manifolds. A flexible metal bellows of the externally pressurized type is utilized at each juncture between the inlet and outlet air ducts and the associated integral core manifolds. Similar arrangements are provided at the opposite side of the heat exchanger core where blind ducts are incorporated for balancing of the compression load forces and for access to the manifolds for inspection and maintenance.
Claims13
Apparatus for coupling air ducting to the integral manifold of a thin plate-and-fin heat exchanger core which is susceptible to thermal growth during operation, comprising:
- an externally pressurized bellows coupled between an associated external air duct and a manifold passage, the bellows having a selected annulus area capable of developing, when pressurized at operating pressures of the system, a pressure-times-area force sufficient to maintain a compressive load on the core for all operating conditions.
The method of sizing a bellows coupling member provided for coupling an air duct to the integral manifold portion of a thin plate-and-fin heat exchanger which includes a plurality of tie rods and opposed flanges for containing the blow-off forces comprising:
- determining the displacement due to axial and lateral growth during all potential operating conditions of all members subject to such displacement in a load support system including the bellows;
- combining said values to determine the maximum forces which can be applied to the core, regardless of core movement;
- comparing said values with the maximum values which can be accommodated by the core;
- and
- selecting an annulus area of the bellows sufficient to develop a predetermined pressure load within acceptable limits of said forces.
The method of coupling an air duct to a heat exchanger core constructed of stacked thin formed plates and fins brazed together in a core structure having integral air manifolds, comprising the steps of:
- selecting a bellows of a predetermined annulus area for developing a desired pressure load on the core to maintain the core manifolds in compression during normal operating conditions;
- and
- applying a predetermined axial pre-load in compression on the core as installed.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.