Recuperator tube assembly
AssigneeSolar Turbines Incorporated
InventorsArthur G. Metcalfe, Michael E. Ward
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A ceramic to metal joint particularly advantageous in a recuperator tube assembly, includes a ceramic tube and a spaced, circumferentially disposed metal sleeve. A bonding material is cast between the ceramic and metal members. A seal member has sufficient ductility within a predetermined thermal operating range to plastically deform and yet maintain an effective fluid seal between the ceramic and metal members. The present invention is particularly useful in the construction of a modular heat exchanger unit. Both individual tube assemblies and module units can be individually removed for cleaning, inspection, or replacement.
Claims11
A ceramic to metal joint comprising:
- a ceramic member;
- a metallic member encircling said ceramic member in spaced relationship thereto to therewith define a partially closed chamber;
- a bonding material disposed in at least a portion of said chamber and contacting both said ceramic and said metallic members;
- said bonding material being formed by casting, in situ, an aqueous slurry of a refractory material having a composition including Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and Si0.sub.2 and comprising a blend of sharp-edged aggregate particles less than 2.0 mm in size and fine particles less than 1.0 mm in size;
- and,
- a seal member interposed said ceramic and said metallic members.
A replaceable recuperator tube assembly, comprising:
- an elongate tube constructed of a ceramic material and having at least one open end;
- a metal sleeve positioned adjacent said open end in circumscribing relationship with respect to said tube;
- means for selectively attaching said sleeve to a header assembly;
- means for bonding said tube to the sleeve;
- and,
- a seal member interposed the ceramic tube and the metal sleeve.
In a ceramic to metal joint having a ceramic member and a metallic member spaced from the ceramic member, the improvement comprising;
- a refractory member disposed between respective first portions of the ceramic and metallic members and bonded respectively to said ceramic and metallic members, said refractory member being formed by casting, in situ, an aqueous slurry of refractory material comprising a blend of sharp-edged aggregate and fine particles;
- and,
- a preformed seal member interposed between respective second portions of the ceramic and metallic members, said seal member being constructed of a material that softens without melting within a predetermined thermal operating range of said joint to provide an effective fluid seal at said range.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.