Patent ID: 6626235
Filing Date: 2003-09-30
Classification: F28D,F28F

Abstract:
A multi-tube heat exchanger having a bundle of at least two straight product tubes for product flow having their inlets and outlets secured in and opening to product sides of separated tube sheets so that the product tubes are parallel and whose external heat transfer surfaces are all enclosed in a single liquid tight shell adapted to cause a heat transfer fluid to flow across those external surfaces, the improvement comprising:(a) longitudinal inserts as solid rods and extending through two or more product tubes, such that the axes of the inserts and product tubes through which the inserts extend are substantially the same and an annular space is defined by an inner surface of the product tube and an outer surface of the insert, the annular space being adapted to yield effectively high shear rates causing substantial shear thinning of a shear sensitive thick liquid to be passed through the annular space; and (b) a separate liquid tight chamber about each product side, where each liquid tight chamber comprises a securing plate substantially normal to the axes of the product tubes so that each insert extends from an end secured to the securing plate, across the space of each liquid tight chamber through which the shear sensitive thick liquid flows during operation, and then into an opening of a product tube.