Importance

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Abstract

A heat exchanger includes a block having a first group of passages arranged in a generally circular pattern, a second group of passages spaced radially outward from the first group of passages and multiple groups of channels extending generally normal to and fluidly coupling the first and second groups of passages for radial flow therebetween. Selected pairs of passages, each including one passage from each passage group, are adapted for coupling to a first circulation line. The other ones of the passages are adapted for coupling to a second circulation line so that fluid heat from one of the circulation lines can be transferred to fluid from the other one of the lines in the heat exchanger. With this dense flow configuration, a compact heat exchanger can be constructed which, for example, is especially advantageous when used in conjunction with nuclear thermal rocket engines where space is at a premium. The dense fluid flow pattern also reduces material requirements and, thus, advantageously reduces weight. In addition, the passages and channels are distributed to form an essentially uniform distribution of voids. This enhances the uniformity of the heat exchanger density and, thus, improves its efficiency as a gamma shield when used with nuclear systems.

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First Claim