Heat exchanger

DETAILED DESCRIPTION According to the present invention, an improved heat exchanger is provided for achieving a maximum heat transfer between two circulated fluids having different temperatures.
The heat exchanger is of the type having an elongated sheet of metal which is pleated or repeatedly folded back upon itself to form alternating passages for two different heat transfer fluids.
Preferably, the passages for at least one of the fluids is corrugated or rippled in the flow direction to impart a high turbulence to the fluid flowing therethrough for maximizing heat transfer.
The heat exchanger is constructed with a core formed form a single elongated sheet of metal stamped to define longitudinally spaced corrugated sections.
The stamped sheet of metal is then folded between the sections to define two sets of alternating fluid passages.
During stamping, edges of the section are clamped in place to define precise exterior dimensions for the heat exchanger core.
While the edges are clamped, the corrugations are formed by stretching the metal to conform with a die.
The corrugations stamped in the sheet of metal are shaped with triangular end reinforcements which function to control the location of the bends as the sheet is folded into the finished core.
Through this arrangement, the locations of the bends and the spacing between the sections are accurately controlled.
Also, the bends may be formed with a much smaller diameter radius than that achieved the past.
Edges of the adjacent sections defining the first set of passages are sealed together by welding or other suitable techniques to prevent leakage and mixing between the two circulated heat transfer fluids at such edges.
The heat exchanger core is then mounted within a housing which forms inlet and outlet manifolds for each of the two fluids circulated through the heat exchanger.
Accordingly, it is a preferred object of the invention to provide an improved construction for an indirect heat exchanger through which two fluids are circulated