Method for fixing transverse partitions in the tubular fluid box of a heat exchanger

A method for producing a heat exchanger having at least one fluid box delimited by a tubular wall of generally cylindrical shape having a substantially uniform circular internal transverse section and having a perimeter and a pair of end portions, said fluid box being separated into compartments by at least one intermediate transverse partition, having a generally circular edge portion, said edge portion matching said tubular wall circular internal transverse section for sliding movement of said partition therewithin, each of said fluid box compartments having a respective opening formed therein, the heat exchanger further having a plurality of parallel tubes, each tube communicating with a compartment of the fluid box through said respective opening formed in said fluid box in a region of the perimeter of said tubular wall, comprising the steps of:

• inserting each partition into the tubular wall through an open end of said wall to locate the partition in a desired position;
• immobilizing each partition by deforming the tubular wall to establish two regions of the perimeter of the tubular wall distinct from the regions in which said openings are formed, said established two regions being disposed approximately symmetrically with each other with respect to an axial plane passing through said openings;
• and
• forming said fluid box compartment respective openings before the transverse partitions are positioned and immobilized by deformation.