Easily disassembled heat exchanger of high efficiency

Abstract

A heat exchanger comprising an outer envelope having an inlet and an outlet for passage of an associated first heat exchange fluid therethrough. A first tube is mounted within the envelope for external contact by the first heat exchange fluid, and adapted for passage of a second heat exchange fluid therethrough in physical isolation from the first exchange fluid. A generally helical blade is disposed within the first tube for free rotation and free axial movement. The blade has a laterally centered bearing portion on at least one end thereof which has a diameter relative to that of the first tube, such as to cause the helical blade to pass in closely spaced relation to the inside surface of the first during rotation. A bearing member is disposed adjacent at least one end of the helical blade which comprises a porous member disposed in substantially aligned relationship with the helical blade. The apparatus also includes apparatus for directing the second heat exchange fluid, the bearing member extending across substantially the entire extent thereof whereby the second heat exchange fluid passes through the bearing member.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.