Condenser Shell and Tube Bundle Support Plate Construction

Abstract

A condenser shell internal support structure includes horizontal rails and vertical beams which can individually support a variety of shapes and configurations of tube bundle modules. Each module includes an end frame and longitudinal framework members that hold each of the parallel tube bundle support plates. The reinforcement framework supports at least one tube bundle and also opposing sidewalls of the shell. The framework further comprises laterally disposed crossbeams extending between and affixed to the opposing shell sidewalls.

1 . A steam condenser shell, comprising:
 a housing shell for entraining a flow of steam around at least one condenser tube bundle within said shell;   said condenser tube bundle comprising a plurality of tubes, said tubes carrying a flow of cold liquid relative to said steam;   a reinforcement framework within said shell supporting said at least one tube bundle and also opposing sidewalls of said shell; and   said framework comprising laterally disposed crossbeams extending between and affixed to said opposing shell sidewalls.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein said crossbeams are supported by vertical posts which stand on a footing. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein said posts are centrally positioned between tube bundle modules supported by said posts, said modules comprising a plurality of laterally extending plates supporting said tubes and fixed in parallel series of plates by longitudinal framework members. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3  wherein each tube bundle module is supported on sliders which ride on longitudinal rails that are supported by said posts. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein said sliders support said bundles by the tube bundle support plates which are interconnected by the longitudinal framework members of said tube bundles. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5  wherein said housing shell includes an end wall with service openings adjacent the ends of said tube bundles whereby each tube bundle module is slidably removable from said housing shell on said sliders and said rails.