Heat exchanger tube with integral restricting and turbulating structure

Abstract

A heat exchanger tube having an integral restricting and turbulating structure consisting of dimples formed by confronting indentations pressed into the sides of the heat exchanger tube. The dimples are comprised of indentations disposed in pairs which extend into the tube to such a depth as is necessary to significantly reduce the cross sectional area of the heat exchanger tube and provide a pair of converging, diverging flow nozzles to promote turbulence of the flue gases. The turbulence characteristics of the tube can be controlled by varying the size of the aperture of the nozzles. In certain applications, the dimples are located along the sides of the heat exchanger tube, thereby providing unobstructed drainage for liquids even when the tube is bent into a serpentine shape.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A heat exchanger apparatus comprising at least one single piece tubular member having a generally circular cross section, said tubular member further comprising a restricting and turbulating structure, said structure comprising at least one opposing pair of obstructions having a generally parabolic dimple shape disposed within said tubular member and wherein the entire obstruction of each pair of obstructions are aligned with respect to each other and project into said tubular member until they confront one another to form a pair of adjacent converging, diverging nozzles each having an aperture through which a fluid may flow and maintain the normal radius tube shape within the circular cross section along the entire tubular member.  
     
     
         2 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said obstructions project into said tubular member until they contact one another.  
     
     
         3 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said obstructions are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance.  
     
     
         4 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said predetermined distance is between 0-12% of a diameter of the tubular member.  
     
     
         5 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said opposing pairs of obstructions are located along the sides of said tubular member such that when said tubular member is viewed from one end, said pairs of opposing obstructions are disposed at an angle relative to the vertical axis of said tubular member.  
     
     
         6 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said obstructions are located at a 45° angle relative to said vertical axis of said tubular member.  
     
     
         7 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said obstructions are located on an axis oriented at an angle of between 0 and 45° relative to said vertical axis.  
     
     
         8 . A heat exchanger apparatus comprising an inshot burner and at least one single piece tubular member having a generally circular cross section, said tubular member further comprising a restricting and turbulating structure integral to said tubular member and disposed within said tubular member, said restricting and turbulating structure comprising at least one pair of opposing indentations having a generally parabolic dimple shape extending into said tubular member until said indentations confront one another, the entirety of said opposing indentations of a pair being aligned with respect to each other, said pairs of opposing indentations disposed within said tubular member to form a pair of adjacent converging, diverging nozzles.  
     
     
         9 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said obstructions project into said tubular member until they contact one another.  
     
     
         10 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said obstructions are spaced apart from one another by a predetermined distance.  
     
     
         11 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said predetermined distance is less than 13% of a diameter of the tubular member.  
     
     
         12 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said opposing dimples are disposed within said tubular member at an angle with respect to a vertical axis of said tubular member.  
     
     
         13 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said obstructions are located at a 45° angle relative to said vertical axis of said tubular member.  
     
     
         14 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 12  wherein said obstructions are located on an axis oriented at an angle of between zero and forty-five degree relative to said vertical axis.  
     
     
         15 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 8  wherein said tubular member is bent into a serpentine shape.  
     
     
         16 . The heat exchanger apparatus of  claim 8  comprising a plurality of said tubular members.