Patent ID: 6102106
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: F28D,F28F,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for servicing a heat exchanger that is connected to a fluid delivery tube for receiving working fluid from a working fluid source and connected to a fluid return tube for returning working fluid to the working fluid source, wherein the heat exchanger includes:an inner casing;an outer casing around the inner casing forming an annular space therebetween, the outer casing having a first end and a second end;a tube bundle including a first tube through which one of said working fluid and coolant flows, the first tube having a first end, a second end and a helical coil formed between the first and second ends of the first tube, wherein the helical coil is located in the annular space between the inner and outer casings;a first end plate removably secured and sealed to the first end of the outer casing, the first end plate having an opening through which the first end of the first tube passes;a second end plate removably secured and sealed to the second end of the outer casing, the second end plate having an opening through which the second end of the first tube passes;a first bulkhead fitting detachably mounted in the opening of the first end plate, the first bulkhead fitting sealed to the first end of the first tube passing therethrough; anda second bulkhead fitting detachably mounted in the opening of the second end plate, the second bulkhead fitting sealed to the second end of the first tube passing therethrough;wherein the first and second bulkhead fittings are sized to permit the first and second end plates, respectively to be moved off of the respective bulkhead fittings in a direction away from the helical coil,wherein the servicing method comprises:disconnecting the heat exchanger from the fluid delivery tube and the fluid return tube;removing the first and second end plates off of the respective bulkhead fittings in a direction away from the helical coil;removing the inner and outer casings off of the tube bundle.