Patent ID: 6914955
Filing Date: 2005-07-05
Classification: F22B

Abstract:
1. A method for reducing deposits in a heat exchanger tube and shell structure, comprising: providing a generally flat support plate having a plurality of individual tube receiving apertures formed therein; providing at least three members integral with the plate defining each of the apertures, the integral members protruding inwardly toward the center of the respective aperture and forming bights between at least adjacent pairs of the members in order to provide a predetermined flow area when the tube that is individual to the respective aperture is lodged in place, the flow area having an inlet and an outlet, the members having beveled end sections at one of the inlet and the outlet, the inwardmost end of each of the integral members forming a flat land area, said protruding integral member flat land area restraining but not all contacting the outer surface of the individual tube that is to be received within the respective aperture, wherein only part of the flat land area is contacting the outer surface of said tube.