Importance

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Abstract

A compact unitary heat exchanger and debubbler for a liquid includes an elongated heat exchange element having an inverted V-shape and a vertically-extending debubbling chamber located between the legs of the inverted V. The heat exchange element is made up of an inner tube surrounded by an outer tube, so that a heat exchange fluid such as water flowing within the inner tube exchanges heat with a treated liquid flowing within a space defined between the inner and outer tubes. After passing through the heat exchange element the treated liquid passes through the debubbling chamber and then through the device outlet. A bypass passageway in the vicinity of the treated liquid inlet to the device connects the debubbling chamber with the space between the inner and outer tubes of the heat exchange element. A valve movable into open and closed positions is provided in this bypass passageway. With this valve in the open position the device can be primed through the treated liquid inlet prior to use with the risk of gas bubble formation and entrapment during priming essentially eliminated. This is a very important feature when the device is used to treat liquids being administered to the human circulatory system. The device may also include a filter in the debubbling chamber positioned in series with the treated liquid outlet.

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First Claim