Tubular heat exchange system

A tubular heat exchange systems is disclosed. An outer tube section, though which a first medium passes, also contains inner coils, through which a second medium passes. The first medium can be drawn into the outer tube at each end of the tube using pumps or fan motors. The first medium can be released from the outer tube in a way such that the operator of the system can control both the direction and flow rate of the first medium as it is propelled from the system. The first medium is propelled from the system through various openings along the length of the system. The size of these openings can be adjusted by the user. Heat can be transferred from the first medium into the second medium or from the second medium into the first medium.

SPECIFICATION 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
1. Field of the Invention 
This invention relates to heat exchange systems, and, more particularly, to 
tubular heat exchange systems that can either (1) absorb heat from a first 
medium passing through the system into a second medium passing through a 
series of coils positioned inside the system, or (2) transfer heat from 
the second medium passing though the series of coils positioned inside the 
system into the first medium as it passes through the system. The operator 
of the heat exchange system can control both the direction of the flow of 
the first medium as it is propelled from the heat exchange system and the 
flow rate of the first medium through the system. 
2. Description of the Prior Art 
The heat exchangers described in the prior art generally draw a medium, 
such as a fluid or gas, into one side or end of the heat exchanger, propel 
the medium though the heat exchanger and then propel the medium out of the 
other end or side of the heat exchanger. U.S. Pat. No. 3,001,767, for a 
"Tubular Structure" issued to C. R. Straubing, discloses a tubular 
structure that can be used for such a system, where a first tube with a 
relatively small diameter is positioned within a tube of greater diameter. 
U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,323, for a "Tube Heat Exchanger" issued to A. A. 
Ronnholm, et. al., also discloses a tubular heat exchange system having an 
inlet and an outlet for the medium to be heated. U.S. Pat. No. 3,976,129, 
for a "Spiral Concentric-Tube Heat Exchanger" issued to Silver, discloses 
another heat exchange system where the heat transfer tubes are helically 
coiled. 
Heat exchange systems in the prior art also generally use fins to increase 
the potential heat exchanging surface area, thereby increasing the heat 
transfer capability of the heat exchange system. For example, U.S. Pat. 
No. 4,821,797, for a "Fluid Cooler" issued to Allgauer et. al., discloses 
a heat exchange system including radially extending heat exchange fins. 
Heat exchangers described in the prior art are often comprised of many 
different metals which contact each other in a condensate saturated 
environment. This factor can contribute to the corrosion and failure of 
such heat exchange systems. 
Prior art heat exchanges have a number of fans or pumps determined by 
factory construction. These fans or pumps are generally not adjustable by 
the operator of the system. 
Prior art heat exchangers do not provide the user with the ability to 
adjust the direction of the medium as it is propelled from the system or 
the flow rate of the medium as it travels through the system--the heated 
or cooled medium is propelled through a pre-determined path at a 
pre-determined flow rate that cannot be easily adjusted by the operator of 
the heat exchange system. In addition, prior art heat exchangers operating 
in lower temperatures in high humidity environments will often collect 
frost and must be defrosted. This defrosting process is generally 
activated by a timer or by temperature sensing. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
One objective of this heat exchanger is to provide the user with the 
ability to control the direction and rate of the medium as it is propelled 
from the system. Another objective is to maximize the efficiency of the 
heat transferred between the two media at different temperatures. Another 
objective is to provide a heat exchange system that is compact. Another 
objective is to provide a heat exchange system which is simple to 
construct, easy to manufacture and maintain, and is flexible so that the 
user can modify and customize the system for different applications. 
The heat exchanger of this invention draws a first medium into the tubular 
heat exchange system from both ends of the heat exchange system. A second 
medium flows through a series of heat transfer coils positioned within the 
tubular heat exchange system such that the first medium is in contact with 
the outer walls of the coils and the second medium is in contact with the 
inner walls of the coils. These heat transfer coils can be positioned 
within the system in various configurations, including braided or straight 
configurations. Accordingly, heat can be transferred from the first medium 
into the second medium or from the second medium into the first medium 
through the walls of the heat transfer coils. 
The heated or cooled first medium can then be released throughout the 
length of the tubular system in a controlled manner. In an alternative 
embodiment, the tubular heat exchange system draws the first medium into 
the system from multiple predetermined positioned locations along the 
length of the heat exchange system as well as from each end of the tubular 
heat exchange system. The invention is constructed so that fans, blowers, 
or pumps that draw the first medium into the system can be added at any 
location along the length of the tube. 
The heat exchange system propels the first medium out of adjustable 
openings along the length of the heat exchange tube. The size and 
locations of these openings can be easily adjusted by the user of the 
system. The tubular heat exchange system can be adjusted such that the 
first medium may be released in many different directions at the same 
time, thereby providing heated or cooled medium in directions determined 
by the user of the tubular heat exchange system. The user or operator of 
the system can aim the medium flow at target areas that can vary at 
different times. 
The present invention can control the flow rate of the first medium through 
the system to increase heat transfer capacity of the system. By using a 
controlled flow rate rather than fins to increase the heat exchanging 
capacity, the invention is less expensive to construct and makes the 
invention more versatile to different environments. Fins often become 
plugged with foreign matter, require significant maintenance, and can be 
difficult to repair. The heat exchange system disclosed eliminates these 
problems. 
The prior art heat exchange systems tend to be bulky and take up excess 
useful space. The present invention is more compact and, as a result of 
its adjustable flow rate and directional first medium flow control, can be 
positioned in more useful spaces. The present invention can also use a 
light source and light receiver to detect frost and activate a defrosting 
mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
A typical embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The tubular 
heat exchange system 20 includes an inner tubular casing 10 which houses 
various components of the heat exchange system 20. This inner tubular 
casing 10 gives the tubular heat exchange system 20 its rigid strength and 
is the base structure for heat transfer coils 30 positioned within the 
tubular heat exchange system 20. 
As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inner tubular casing 10 has a solid tube 
portion 80 and a cut away tube portion 81. Each end of the inner tubular 
casing 10 is not cut-away, leaving full round end notches 11 at both ends. 
As illustrated in FIG. 1, these end notches 11 can be secured to the pumps 
22 using a flange 21. Pump Ts 24 or tubular turns, such as 90 degree 
turns, can be attached to the notches 11 at each end of the tubular heat 
exchange system 20. 
As illustrated in FIG. 1., a first medium 35 is drawn into the tubular heat 
exchange system 20 and travels through the inner tubular casing 10. The 
first medium 35 is drawn into the heat exchange system though the pumps 22 
positioned at each end of the system. These pumps 22 can be blowers, fans, 
or pumps, depending on the nature of the first medium 35. The speed and 
amount of the flow of the first medium 35 through the heat exchange system 
20 can be regulated by varying the speed of the pumps 22. In addition, the 
speed and amount of flow of the first medium 35 through the tubular heat 
exchange system 20 can also be regulated by adjusting the slide rings 16, 
as described below, or by adding additional pumps 22 to the tubular heat 
exchange system 20. 
A second medium 36 flows through the heat transfer coils 30 positioned 
within the tubular heat exchange system 20. The plurality of individual 
coils comprising the heat transfer coils 30 can be made of material with a 
high thermal conductivity such as copper. 
The second medium enters the heat transfer coils 30 at the coil intake 40. 
The rate that the second medium 36 enters the heat transfer coils 30 can 
be controlled by various means known in the art, such as a standard valve 
74. If the tubular heat exchange system 20 is to release a cooled first 
medium 35, the second medium 36 enters the system at a cooler temperature 
than that of the first medium 35 as the first medium 35 is drawn into the 
system by the pumps 22. Heat is then transferred from the first medium 35, 
which flows along the outer walls of the heat transfer coils 30, into the 
second medium 36 which flows inside the heat transfer coils 30. The cooled 
first medium 35 is then released from the tubular heat exchange system 20 
through various openings along the length of the tubular heat exchange 
system 20. The heated second medium 36 exits the system at the coil 
release 41 at the end of the heat transfer coils 30. 
Alternatively, if the system is to release a heated first medium 35, the 
second medium 36 enters the heat transfer coils 30 at the coil intake 40 
at a greater temperature than that of the first medium 35 as it is drawn 
into the system by the pumps 22. Heat is then transferred into the first 
medium 35 which flows along the outer walls of the heat transfer coils 30 
from the second medium as it flows through the heat transfer coils 30. The 
heated first medium 35 is released from the tubular heat exchange system 
20 though various openings along the length of the heat exchange system 
20, while the cooled second medium 36 exits the system at the coil release 
41. 
FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate cut-away views of the tubular heat exchange system 
20 of the present invention. Heat transfer coils 30 are positioned within 
the inner tubular casing 10. In this embodiment, the heat transfer coils 
30 are straight. The straight heat transfer coils 30 are used to reduce 
frost problems associated with operating a heat exchange system at low 
temperatures. The heat transfer coils 30 can be positioned relatively high 
in the inner tubular casing 10. The size of the heat transfer coils 30 can 
vary, depending on the specific application and the amount of heat needed 
to be transferred. 
FIG. 5 illustrates a cut-away view of an alternative structure for the heat 
transfer coils 30 of the tubular heat exchange system 20 of the present 
invention. In this embodiment, twisted or braided heat transfer coils 30 
are positioned within the inner tubular casing 10. These braided heat 
transfer coils 30 may comprise most of the volume inside the inner tubular 
casing 10. In low temperatures, the defrosting process must be increased 
to insure that all of the condensate 45 leaves the inner tubular casing 10 
through drain holes 12 which can be located at the bottom of the inner 
tubular casing 10, as illustrated in FIG. 3. In these other embodiments, 
size of the heat transfer coils 30 can also very depending on the 
application of the tubular heat exchange system 20. 
The heat transfer coils 30 can be secured to the heat exchange system 20 
through various means known in the art. In the preferred embodiments, as 
illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, a coil brace 31 or a series of coil braces 
secure the heat transfer coils 30 in place. These coil braces 31 also 
prevent the heat transfer coils 30 from vibrating together. The coil 
braces 31 can also be used to secure the heat transfer coils 30 at each 
end of the tubular heat exchange system 20. These coil braces 31 can be 
positioned along the length of the tubular heat exchange system 20 as 
needed, depending on length and diameter of heat transfer coils 30. 
FIG. 12 illustrates a simple design for releasing the heated or cooled 
first medium 35, in a controlled manner, from the heat exchange system 20. 
In this simple embodiment, an outer tube 75 is positioned around the inner 
tubular casing 10. A series of slots 76 are cut away from the outer tubing 
75. 
The heated or cooled first medium 35 can be released from the heat exchange 
system 20 through these slots 76. The outer tube 75 can be rotated around 
the inner tubular casing 10 to adjust the size and locations of the 
openings 77 through which the first medium 35 is propelled from the 
system. A deflector 78 can be secured near the openings 77 to direct or 
control the flow of the first medium 35 as it is propelled through the 
openings 77. In addition, outer casing screens 27 can be secured over the 
openings 77 to prevent foreign material from falling into inner tubular 
casing 10. 
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 
1, 2, 5 and 6. In this embodiment, a series of rings, positioned around 
the inner tubular casing 10, control the release of the first medium 35 
from the tubular heat exchange system 20. The series of rings provide the 
user with more flexibility in releasing the first medium 35 from the 
tubular heat exchange system 20. 
As illustrated in FIG. 1., the inner tubular casing 10 supports a series of 
grooved outer keeper rings 15 positioned around the inner tubular casing 
10, at various intervals, along the length of the tubular heat exchange 
system 20. These outer keeper rings 15 surround and help support the inner 
tubular casing 10. Slide rings 16 are also positioned around the inner 
tubular casing 10 at various intervals along the length of the tubular 
heat exchange system 20, located between and secured by the outer keeper 
rings 15. These slide rings 16 are secured in place around the inner 
tubular casing 10 by the grooves in the outer keeper rings 15. As 
illustrated in FIG. 8, the outer keeper rings 15 have grooves on each side 
33 into which the slide rings 16 are secured and can be rotated around the 
inner tubular casing 10. The grooved outer keeper ring 15 has an outer 
ring portion 19, an inner ring portion 18, a groove ring slide 13 
positioned on the inner wall of the outer ring portion 19, and a center 
ring portion 17, located between the inner ring portion 18 and the outer 
ring portion 19. These various portions of the grooved outer keeper ring 
15 can be made of separate components that are secured together or they 
can be manufactured as a single component. 
The grooved outer keeper rings 15 may completely encircle the tubular heat 
exchange system 20. The slide rings 16, however, do not completely 
encircle the system, leaving a slide ring gap 29, as illustrated in FIG. 
7. This slide ring gap 29 is the opening 77 though which the first medium 
35 can be released from the tubular heat exchange system 20. As the slide 
ring 16 is rotated around the system, the slide ring gap 29 also rotates 
around the system, thereby adjusting both the direction of the propelled 
first medium 35 and the size of the opening 77. By moving the slide ring 
16, the user can adjust the size and location of the opening 77 that the 
first medium 35 is propelled through, thereby providing the user with the 
ability to control the flow rate and the flow direction of the heated or 
cooled first medium 35. As each slide ring 16 can be adjusted 
independently of any other slide ring 16, the user of the system has 
flexibility in the direction and amount of the release of the first medium 
35 along the entire length of the tubular heat exchange system 20. The 
rotation of the each slide ring 16 can be controlled manually or, 
alternatively, can be controlled though a mechanical system such as an 
actuator system. 
Casing screens 27 can also be positioned over these openings 77. In the 
preferred embodiment, the outer casing screens 27 are supported and 
positioned between the grooved outer keeper rings 15, and secured in place 
by the grooved outer keeper rings 15, between the inner ring portion 18 
and the center ring portion 17. The outer casing screens 27 are also 
positioned along the tubular heat exchange system 20 at various intervals, 
positioned over each opening 77. The outer casing screens 27 prevent 
foreign material from falling into inner tubular casing 10. When the heat 
exchange system 20 is operating, the first medium 35 is released from the 
heat exchange system though the outer casing screens 27 covering the 
openings 77. 
The slide rings 16 can be secured between the outer keeper rings 15 between 
the center ring portion 18 and the outer ring portion 17 of the grooved 
outer keeper ring, as illustrated in FIG. 8. The center ring portion 17 
can be positioned on the inside of the outer keeper rings 15 such that the 
slide rings 16 are secured between the center ring portion 17 and the 
outer rings portion 19 of the grooved outer keeper rings 15. These slide 
rings 16 can then rotate around the heat exchange system 20 between the 
center ring portions 17 and the outer ring portions 19 of the grooved 
outer keeper rings 15. 
In an alternative embodiment, the slide ring 16 can be constructed in two 
pieces. This provides the user with a greater ability to control the flow 
of the first medium 35 and the direction of the flow of the first medium 
35 as it is released from the heat exchange system 20. 
As illustrated in FIG. 1, pumps 22, blowers, or fans are positioned at each 
end of the tubular heat exchange system 20. In addition to being placed at 
each end, these pumps 22 can also be positioned, at any interval, along 
the length of the tubular heat exchange system 20 as illustrated in FIG. 
11. These pumps 22 draw the first medium 35 through the tubular heat 
exchanger 20 through the use of suction. The size of these pumps 22 can 
very depending on the application. 
Pump screens 23 can be positioned over each of the pumps 22. These pump 
screens 23 prevent foreign matter such as dirt or debris from entering the 
pumps 22 and the inner tubular casing 10. The pump screens 23 are also 
perform a safety function, preventing anyone from accidentally contacting 
the propellers of the pumps 22. The pump screens 23 can be attached to the 
pumps 22 using an attachment mechanism 25, such as a series of bolts, as 
illustrated in FIG. 3. 
The pumps 22 can be secured to the tubular heat exchange system 20 using 
attachments known in the art. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pumps 22 can 
be secured by flanges 21 which connect the pumps 22 to the tubular heat 
exchange system 20. The flanges 21 can be positioned at each end of the 
system, where the pumps 22 are to be secured to the inner tubular casing 
10, and any other locations where the pumps 22 are to be secured to the 
system. 
Pump Ts 24 or in-line snap-Ts 92 can be used to secure the pumps 22 to the 
tubular heat exchange system 20 depending on the location of the pump. 
Alternatively, tubular turns can be positioned at the ends of the heat 
exchange system 20 to secure the pumps 22 to the system. These pump Ts and 
in-line snap Ts, or 24 or tubular turns allow the pumps 22 to be located 
in many different positions at the ends of the system or along the length 
of the system. 
In one embodiment of the present invention, pump Ts 24 can be positioned at 
each end of the heat exchange system 20 as illustrated in FIG. 1. As 
illustrated in FIG. 11, in-line snap-Ts 92 can be secured to the inner 
tubular casing 10 using modified outer keepers rings 15 and slide rings 
16. The in-line snap-T 92 can be added along the tubular heat exchange 
system 20 in the factory, before the user purchases the system, or in the 
by the operator before the system is to be used. These in-line snap Ts 92 
can be added anywhere along the tubular heat exchange system 20 where 
additional pumps 22 are desired. The in-line snap-T 92 fits around the 
inner tubular casing 10. Outer keeper rings 15 and slide rings 16 can be 
used to secure the snap-T 92 in place. A pump 22, flange 21, or turn, such 
as a 90 degree turn, can be secured to the in-line snap-T 92. In addition, 
system may be sold such that the operator of the system has the ability to 
adjust the ends of the system to meet specific requirements. 
As illustrated in FIG. 2, mounting hardware 43 can be used to secure the 
tubular heat exchange system 20 to a mounting surface 42. The mounting 
hardware 43 can be secured around the inner tubular casing 10 and attached 
to the mounting surface 42. The mounting hardware 43 can very, depending 
on the heat exchanger application. Examples of mounting hardware 43 
include bolts, brackets or other mounting devices known in the art. 
As illustrated in FIG. 2, holes 12 can be positioned at the bottom of inner 
tubular casing 10 to allow condensate 45, formed within the heat exchange 
system 20, to be released from the heat exchange system 20. The condensate 
45 exits heat exchange system 20 through the holes 12. 
A drainage system can be included such that the condensate 45 enters a 
drain pan 46 positioned below the holes 12. FIG. 10 illustrates a drainage 
system for the tubular heat exchange system 20. A drain pan 46 may be used 
to collect condensate 45. The drain pan 46 can be a tube, cut in half, 
with plugs 48 positioned on both ends of the drain pan 46 to prevent the 
condensate 45 from being released at either end of the drain pan 46. The 
drain pan 46 can extend along the bottom of the inner tubular casing 10 to 
collect the condensate 45 released from the holes 12 along the length of 
the tubular casing 10. 
The drain pan 46 can be connected to the tubular heat exchanger 20 by 
securing the drain pan 46 to the heat exchanger mounting hardware 43. The 
drain pan 46 can be secure by any attachment mechanism 49 known in the 
art, connecting the drain pan 46 to the heat exchanger mounting hardware 
43. The drain pan 46 can be positioned at an angle such that the 
condensate 45 will drain to one end of the drain pan 46. In this 
configuration, one of the drain plugs 48 is positioned at low end of the 
drain pan 46. This end is the drain exit 50. A pee trap 52 can be 
connected to the drain plug 48 at the low end of the drain pan 46. A drain 
line 53 can be connected to other end of pee trap 52. The condensate 45 
can exit the drain pan 46 through the pee trap 52 and into the drain line 
53 and thereby be drained to any predetermined location. 
A defrost system can be also included as part of the invention to limit the 
buildup of frost in the tubular heat exchange system 20. In one embodiment 
of a defrost system, a focused defrost control light source 60 can be 
positioned at one end of the heat exchange system 20. As illustrated in 
FIG. 9, the light source 60 can consists of a light bulb 61, a reflector 
62, a focusing lens 63 and angled mirrors 66. The light source 60 emits 
light which is reflected by the reflector 62 and directed though the 
focusing lens 63. The light bulb 61, reflector 62, focusing lens 63, and 
angled mirrors 66 can be contained in a casing 64. 
A light receiver 65 can be positioned at the other end of the tubular heat 
exchange system 20. The light receiver 65 can be comprised of an angled 
mirror 66, a light filter 67, a photo-electric cell 68, a relay 69, and a 
timer 70. When there is little or no frost build-up in the tubular heat 
exchange system 20, the light leaves the light source 60 through the 
focusing lens 63 and is reflected off the angled mirrors 66 into the 
tubular heat exchange system 20 unobstructed, reaching the light receiver 
65. The light is reflected off of the angled mirror 66 at the receiving 
end, through the light filter 67 and into the photo-electric cell 68 which 
can detect the light. The photo-electric cell 68 controls a relay system 
69. This relay system 69 controls a solenoid operated valve 73 positioned 
at the valve 74 of the coil intake 40 of the heat exchange system 20. As 
long as the photo-electric cell 68 detects light, the relay 69 remains 
energized, which in turn, energizes the solenoid vale 73. The solenoid 
valve 73 maintains the valve 74 in an open position so that the second 
medium 36 can flow through the valve 74, into the heat transfer coils 30, 
and through the tubular heat exchange system 20. 
If there is frost build-up in the heat exchange system 20, the frost 
obstructs the light leaving the light source 60 and the light may not 
reach the light receiver 65 and, in turn, the photo-electric cell 68. In 
this situation, the photo-electric cell 68 de-energizes the relay 69 
which, in turn, de-energizes the solenoid valve 73. This causes the valve 
74 to close, thus preventing the flow of the second medium 36 from passing 
through the valve 74 into the heat transfer coils 30 and into the tubular 
heat exchange system 20. Under these circumstances, the first medium 35, 
however, continues to flow through the tubular heat exchange system 20. 
Heat is transferred from the first medium 36 into the heat transfer coils 
30, thereby warming the system. The temperature of the heat transfer coils 
30 increases and the frost build-up melts. In addition, a heating element 
can also be added to the heat transfer coils 30 to increase the defrosting 
process. When the frost build-up is no longer blocking the light source 60 
from reaching the photo-electric cell 68 inside the light receiver 65, the 
photo-electric cell 68 can re-energize. An adjustable timer 70 can also be 
used to control the time that the second medium 36 is prevented from 
entering the system. When the predetermined defrost time expires, the 
timer 70 energizes the relay 69 which energizes the solenoid valve 73. The 
valve 74 opens and the second medium 36 flows through the heat transfer 
coils 30. 
Alternatively, the defrost mechanism can be controlled by a temperature 
measuring device. When the minimum temperature in the system is reached, 
the temperature control mechanism de-energizes the solenoid valve 73 and 
the valve 74 closes, preventing the flow of the second medium 36 from 
entering the heat transfer coil 30. When the temperature reaches a 
predetermined high temperature, the control energizes the solenoid valve 
73, opening the valve 74 and the second medium 36 flows into the heat 
transfer coils 30. 
The present invention has been described with respect to one embodiment. 
Alternative embodiments can also be made within the scope of the 
invention. 
For example, FIG. 11 shows a cut away top view of the tubular heat exchange 
system 20 in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. This 
embodiment contains an additional fan system 90 located at the center of 
the tubular heat exchange system 20. This additional fan system 90 draws 
additional amounts of the first medium 35 into the heat exchange system 
20. If the heat exchange system 20 is relatively long, additional fan 
systems 90 can also be positioned along the heat exchange system 20. 
FIG. 13 shows an alternative embodiment of the present invention where the 
slide rings 16 can be positioned within the inner tubular casing 10. Slots 
76 can be cut into the inner tubular casing 10. The slide rings 16 can be 
rotated within the inner tubular casing 10 securred between grooved outer 
keeper rings 15 also positioned within the inner tubular casing 10. 
As another example, multiple tubular structures can be secured together to 
form any shape. In one embodiment, four tubular structures can be 
connected using 90 degree turns to form a square shaped system. 
Therefore, the scope of the invention should be determined by the following 
claims and their legal equivalents, rather than by the examples given.