Importance

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Abstract

A heat exchanger (1) has a plurality of metallic fluid flow tubes (5) secured adjacent their ends by tube sheets (6, 7). A non-corrodible, erosion resistance, non-metallic elongated sleeve-like insert (30) is telescopingly mounted within a tube. The insert length corresponds closely with the length of the finite tube end section (21) subject to damage from fluid turbulence, which has been found to be in the range of about 5 to 12 inches depending upon the tube I.D. as well as fluid velocity and pressures. To prevent undesirable penetration of corrosive materials and gases into any void that may exist between the plastic insert and metallic heat exchanger tube, a filler (33) of adhesive epoxy or the like may be applied to fill the void. The insert (30) provides only a single element reduction in passage diameter. When a tube cleaning brush (25) and basket (26) system is also utilized, brush diameter reduction relative to the tube I.D. is minimized. The outer insert end may conveniently serve as the connection to the brush capturing plastic basket (26). In the embodiments disclosed, the insert (30) and the basket (26) are connected via cooperating thread means (36, 41) or may be connected integrally, as per FIG. 6. In both cases, the need for a tube I.D.-reducing press fit of the basket is eliminated and the basket need not be reduced in diameter relative to the heat exchanger tube. The insert and basket together form a continuous brush-receiving channel leading to the open cage portion of the basket.

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First Claim