Heat exchanger

Abstract

Heat exchange apparatus (10) for use in large vessels exposed to high thermal expansion and prone to acoustical noise and tube bundle resonance associated with high gas velocity comprises a shell (12) having a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (16). A plurality of heat exchange tubes (18, 20) are housed in the shell and extend parallel to each other substantially the length of the shell. The tubes are arranged so there is a central core (22) devoid of tubes, an inner layer (24) of tubes surrounding the central core, and an outer layer (26) of tubes surrounding the inner layer. The inner and outer layers of tubes are divided into segments (28, 30). The pattern (34) of the tubes in one segment (28A) is different from the pattern (32) of the tubes in the adjoining arcuate and radial segments (28B, 28L, 30A) so a checkered pattern of two different tube layouts is formed to reduce acoustical noise and prevent bundle resonance. In addition, fluid flowing radially to or from the central core has an equidistant flow path, uniform resistance to fluid flow and a constant mean flow velocity through both layers regardless of the flow direction. Baffles (38U, 38L, 40) and end supports (36T, 36B) support the tubes and are arranged such that they produce a serpentine fluid flow path through the shell, along the length of the tubes, to increase heat transfer. To further reduce noise, additional support plates (44) are unequally spaced within the tube bundle.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.