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US 6,957,693 B2Granted
Heat exchanger thermal indicator
AssigneeHoneywell International Inc.
InventorWilli J. Smith
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Thermal indictors of this invention are constructed for use with a heat exchanger generally comprising hot and cold side passages for accommodating a desired heat transfer therebetween. The thermal indicator is disposed at least partially within the heat exchanger and is formed from a material designed to undergo a permanent physical change when exposed to a temperature that is above a heat exchanger design operating temperature.
Claims14
A heat exchanger comprising:
- a hot side passage for accommodating passage of a relatively hot fluid or gas therethrough, the hot side passage including a hot side inlet and outlet;
- a cold side passage for accommodating passage of a relatively cold fluid or gas therethrough, the cold side passage including a cold side inlet and outlet, the hot and cold side passages being in contact with one another to permit heat transfer therebetween;
- a thermal indicating means disposed within the heat exchanger and formed from a material designed to undergo permanent physical change when exposed to a predetermined temperature above a heat exchanger design operating temperature;
- wherein the thermal indicating means is positioned proximate one of the hot side inlet and outlet or one of the cold side inlet and outlet.
1 more element
A method for determining whether a design temperature for a heat exchanger has been exceeded, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing a heat exchanger for receiving a fluid or gas stream and including a hot side passage and a cold side passage, the hot and cold side passages each having respective hot side and cold side inlets and outlets;
- providing a thermal indicator within the heat exchanger that is formed from a material having a predetermined melting temperature above the design temperature, the thermal indicator being positioned adjacent a hot side or cold side inlet or outlet;
- exposing the heat exchanger to heat during operation;
- and
- visually inspecting the thermal indicator to determine if it has melted.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.