Brazed heat exchanger block and manifold and method for making thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to the field of automotive heat exchanger assemblies, and, in particular, block and manifold assemblies. The present invention also relates to a method of making a positive leak path to determine leaks prior to commercial employment of heat exchanger assemblies. The present invention further relates to a method of determining whether or not a leak seal is properly brazed by providing a positive leak path at the point of assembly or joint of a block and manifold.

1 . A heat exchanger assembly which detects temporary seals comprising: 
 a block;    a manifold; and    a means for detecting temporary seals between the block and the manifold.    
   
   
       2 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 1  wherein said means is located on the block or the manifold.  
   
   
       3 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 2  wherein said means for detecting temporary seals comprises a means for prohibiting a complete brazing.  
   
   
       4 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 3  wherein said means for prohibiting a complete brazing is located on the block.  
   
   
       5 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 3  wherein said means for prohibiting a complete brazing is located on the manifold.  
   
   
       6 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 1  further comprises an insert.  
   
   
       7 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 6  wherein said means for detecting temporary seals comprises a means for prohibiting a complete brazing.  
   
   
       8 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 7  wherein said means for prohibiting a complete brazing is located on the insert.  
   
   
       9 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 2 , wherein the means consists of more than one deformation, perforation, cut-out, hole or the like.  
   
   
       10 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 7 , wherein the means consists of one or more, deformations, perforations, cut-outs, holes, or the like.  
   
   
       11 . A heat exchanger assembly as in  claim 1 , wherein the means consists of one or more deformations, perforations, cut-outs, holes or the like.  
   
   
       12 . A method for detecting temporary seals in heat exchanger assemblies comprising: 
 providing a means for allowing fluid passage between a manifold and a block via a hole;    passing a brazing fluid through said passage;    providing a positive leak path comprising a means for detecting temporary seals in the connecting block manifold or insert of the heat exchanger assembly;    testing for positive leaks.