Method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube

Abstract

A method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly includes extruding a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly in a single extruder. The jacketed steam distribution tube assembly includes an inner tube, an outer tube, and a plurality of connecting members connecting the inner tube to the outer tube. The inner tube, outer tube, and plurality of connecting members of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly are simultaneously extruded such that the inner tube and plurality of connecting members are simultaneously extruded within the outer tube in the single extruder, thereby forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly having a first predetermined length. The first predetermined length of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly is then divided into a plurality of jacketed steam distribution tube portions.

1 . A method of forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly, the method comprising: 
 extruding in a single extruder, a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly, the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly including: 
 an inner tube;  
 an outer tube; and  
 a plurality of connecting members connecting the inner tube to the outer tube, the inner tube, outer tube, and plurality of connecting members of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly being simultaneously extruded such that the inner tube and plurality of connecting members are simultaneously extruded within the outer tube in the single extruder, thereby forming a jacketed steam distribution tube assembly having a first predetermined length; and  
   dividing the first predetermined length of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly into a plurality of jacketed steam distribution tube portions.    
   
   
       2 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the method further includes attaching a first cap to a first end of at least one of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly and the jacketed steam distribution tube portions, and attaching a second cap to a second end of the at least one of the jacketed steam distribution tube assembly and the jacketed steam distribution tube portions.  
   
   
       3 . The method according to  claim 2;   wherein the plurality of connecting members defines a first passageway and a second passage way between the inner tube and the outer tube;    wherein the first cap seals a first end of the inner tube and fluidly connects the first passageway to the second passageway; and    wherein the second cap defines a first steam inlet fluidly connected to the first passageway, a steam outlet fluidly connected to the second passageway, and a second steam inlet fluidly connected to the inner tube.    
   
   
       4 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner tube, the outer tube, and the plurality of connecting members are formed from metal.  
   
   
       5 . The method according to  claim 4 , wherein the inner tube, the outer tube, and the plurality of connecting members are formed from aluminum.  
   
   
       6 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of connecting members are formed longitudinally between the inner tube and the outer tube.  
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein the plurality of connecting members comprise a pair of connecting members radially disposed about 180 degrees apart.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the inner tube and the outer tube are concentric.