Braze alloy flow-barrier

Abstract

A heat exchanger tube of the present invention has first and second surfaces with a longitudinal length and a lateral width. At least one of the surfaces has a plurality of striae that extend along a portion of the width of the tube. The tube has at least one passageway that allows a fluid to flow therethrough. The striae minimize and/or prevent unwanted flow of molten braze alloy along die-lines in the tube formed as part of the extruding process. The striae can be formed in the tube by rollers having projections that extend radially outward. The projections form the striae in the tube as the tube passes along the outer surface of the roller. The striae can be advantageously formed in the tube as part of the overall extruding process or subsequent to the extruding of the tube during the sizing process.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.