Patent ID: 6206085
Filing Date: 2001-03-27
Classification: F24F,F28F,Y10T

Abstract:
A heat exchanger and support structure for the heat exchanger, said heat exchanger comprising:a first tube sheet having a first substantially planar mounting flange, said flange having at least one opening formed therein, said opening defining an edge facing in a predetermined direction;a second tube sheet having a second substantially planar mounting flange, said flange having at least one opening formed therein, said opening defining an edge facing in a predetermined direction, said second tube sheet being spaced from said first tube sheet, and said first and second planar mounting flanges being in substantially the same plane;said support structure comprising:a first substantially planar support surface adapted to receive said planar mounting flange of said first tube sheet in parallel confronting relationship therewith, said support surface having integrally formed therein an upstanding structural protrusion having a root section and an upper enlarged section, said enlarged section being configured to pass through said opening in said first flange, said root section and said enlarged section defining, together with said planar support surface, a narrow slot configured to receive said edge of said first tube sheet's mounting flange therein;a second substantially planar support surface adapted to receive said planar mounting flange of said second tube sheet in parallel confronting relationship therewith, said support surface having integrally formed therewith an upstanding structural protrusion having a root section and an upper enlarged section, said enlarged section being configured to pass through said opening in said second flange, said root section and said enlarged section defining, together with said planar support surface, a narrow slot configured to receive said edge of said second tube sheet's mounting flange therein;said first tube sheet having a structural portion extending substantially perpendicularly from said mounting flange, said perpendicular structural portion being spaced from said edge and having an opening formed therein;said upper enlarged section of said structural protrusion of said first support surface having a portion thereof in spaced relation with said perpendicular section of said first tube sheet, said portion having an opening therein in axial alignment with said opening in said perpendicular section;a threaded fastener configured to pass through said opening in said portion and into threaded engagement with said opening in said perpendicular section;whereby when said first and second tube sheets are positioned with said edge in confronting relation with said mating slots, and said threaded fastener is actuated to engage said perpendicular section, said edges are drawn into engagement with said slots to thereby attach said heat exchanger to said first and second support surfaces.