Modular shell and tube heat exchanger system

Abstract

A shell and tube heat exchanger system comprising at least one adjustable modular end assembly and an adjustable modular end assembly for use with the same.

1 . An adjustable modular end assembly configured for use in a heat exchanger segment comprising:
 a solid mass with two intercepting through bores extending from and ending at planar surfaces of the mass.   
     
     
         2 . A heat exchanger segment comprising:
 the modular end assembly of  claim 1  positioned adjacent to a second modular end assembly with a through bore extending from and ending at planar surfaces of the second modular end assembly and a port in a planar surface of the second mass extending into the second mass and intercepting the bore at a right angle, with the tube sheet and second mass aligned such bore in the tube sheet with the manifold abuts the port of the second mass, and with a seal interposed between the first and second adjustable modular end assemblies; and   at least one tube bundle having a plurality of material conveying tubes and an outer shell surrounding the tubes in fluid communication with the first and second modular block assemblies.   
     
     
         3 . The heat exchanger segment of  claim 2  further comprising:
 at least two additional modular end assemblies in fluid communication with the material conveying tubes and an outer shell at a location distal to the first modular end assemblies.   
     
     
         4 . A heat exchanger assembly comprising:
 at least two of the heat exchanger segments as defined in  claim 3 .   
     
     
         5 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 1  wherein the through bores intercept at a ninety degree angle. 
     
     
         6 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 5  wherein the manifold is symmetrical over a ninety degree angle. 
     
     
         7 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 1  wherein the through bore without the manifold is threaded to accept a threaded plug. 
     
     
         8 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 1  wherein the surface of the mass around the perimeter of at least one through bore is recessed to accept a gasket. 
     
     
         9 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 1  wherein the mass is cube shaped. 
     
     
         10 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 9  wherein each face of the cube contains a plurality of bores that are cross-bored with the bores in perpendicular faces. 
     
     
         11 . The adjustable modular end assembly of  claim 9  wherein the bore without the manifold is surrounded by a plurality of bores. 
     
     
         12 . The heat exchanger segment of  claim 2  wherein the bore without the manifold in the tube sheet is aligned parallel to the bore in the second mass. 
     
     
         13 . The heat exchanger segment of  claim 2  wherein the bore without the manifold in the tube sheet is aligned perpendicularly to the bore in the second mass. 
     
     
         14 . The heat exchanger segment of  claim 2  wherein a thermal transfer fluid runs inside the sheet but outside the bundled tubes and a material to be conditioned runs inside the bundled tubes.