Heat exchanger

A heat exchanger (10) of the type having a manifold assembly (18) comprised of a semi cylindrical tank (20) and interfitting semi cylindrical flow tube header (22), characterized in that the inner surfaces (24, 32) of said tank (20) and tube header (22) lie substantially on a common circle, said header (22) having longitudinal edges with a thickness substantially equal to the thickness of said header (22), said tank (20) having a pair of longitudinal flanges (28) offset from its inner surface (24) along inwardly projecting shelves (26) by substantially the thickness of said header (22), said flanges (28) being bent partially around the outer surface of said header (22) to abut the longitudinal edges of said header (22) with said shelves and with each of said inner surfaces (24, 32) having a matching groove (30, 36) formed therein lying on a common circle and extending only partially into said respective inner surfaces (24, 32), and with each of said pairs of matching grooves (30, 36) providing a complete and continuous pocket containing a circular separator (38) having flat edges that divides said manifold assembly (18) into discrete flow pass sections, whereby each of said manifold assemblies (18) provides a cylindrical pressure vessel with each of said separators (38) being capable of installation in any pair of grooves (30, 36), and in any orientation, while leaving said tank (20) and header (22) uninterrupted.