Patent ID: 6286587
Filing Date: 2001-09-11
Classification: F28B,F28D,F28F,Y10S

Abstract:
A freeze-protected heat exchanger comprising:a fluid supply member for connection to a source of condensable heated fluid;a drain chamber coextending with the fluid supply member, and comprising a drain outlet;a plurality of heat exchanger tubes extending from the fluid supply member and drain chamber, each heat exchanger tube comprising:a first pipe having a heat-conductive wall, and a proximal end in fluid communication with the drain chamber;a second pipe coextending with the first pipe, and having a proximal end in fluid communication with the fluid supply member; andat least one first orifice through which the first pipe is in fluid communication with the second pipe; andat least one second orifice through which the drain chamber is in fluid communication with the fluid supply member;whereby, in operation, heated fluid is supplied from the fluid supply member to the second pipes, heated fluid from the second pipes is transferred to the respective first pipes through said first orifices, heat from the heated fluid in the first pipes is transferred to the outside of said first pipes through said heat-conductive walls, cooled fluid from the first pipes is collected and drained through the drain chamber and drain outlet, and said at least one second orifice produces a jet of heated fluid in the drain chamber to prevent the formation of ice in said drain chamber.