Patent ID: 7138093

Claim:
A heat exchanger device for use with a catalytic heater having a heat radiating surface, the device comprising: a heat exchanger comprising an inlet header and an outlet header, each for receiving heat exchanger fluid therethrough, and at least one heat exchanger tube for communicating the heat exchanger fluid between the inlet header and the outlet header; a frame for supporting the headers and said at least one heat exchanger tube on the catalytic heater such that said at least one heat exchanger tube extends across the heat radiating surface of the catalytic heater; heat exchanger tubing for communicating between the headers and a target area to be heated; a pump for circulating the heat exchanger fluid through the headers and the heat exchanger tubing, the pump being connected in series with the heat exchanger tubing directly between the outlet header of the heat exchanger and the target area for pumping from the heat exchanger to the target area; and a surge tank at atmospheric pressure, spanning a top of the heat exchanger and communicating in series with the inlet header through a feed tube from the surge tank to the inlet header, for receiving heat exchanger fluid from the target area and for supplying heat exchanger fluid directly to the inlet header by gravity feed.