The present invention relates to multi-tube heat exchangers and in particular to a readily removable inlet/outlet fitting for such a heat exchanger.
In U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,233 there is disclosed an all welded multitube heat exchanger in which product flows through the intermediate of three concentric tubes and heating or cooling fluids flow through the inner and outer tubes to heat or cool the product.
Heat exchangers of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,233 are highly sanitary, efficient and provide an extremely practical heat transfer apparatus for the processing of free flowing products. As a result, such heat exchangers are widely used in the food, pharmaceutical and chemical industries. There is, however, one shortcoming of this all welded type of heat exchanger where high viscosity liquids or liquids containing small particles are to be processed. Such liquids have a tendency to plug the product tube and heretofore it has been difficult to clear such plugs because of lack of access. The principal reason for this is that the prior construction did not provide for full exposure of the flow area of the product tube at the inlet and outlet ports.
In view of the above, it is the principal object of the present invention to provide an improved inlet and/or outlet fitting for a concentric tube heat exchanger which can be readily taken apart and removed to expose the fluid product channels at the inlet and/or outlet flow area of the product tube thus allowing for an unobstructed, concentric flow area into and/or from the product zone in the event it became necessary to flush or purge the product tube.
A further object is to provide such a fitting which allows for the complete 360.degree. orientation of the product inlet and/or outlet port without any change in the installed position of the heat exchanger.
A further object is to provide such a fitting which insures a complete seal and separation between the product tube and the exchange fluid tubes to insure against cross contamination.
A still further object is to provide such a fitting which holds the tubes of the heat exchanger tight and secure at the point of connection and prevents any movement.
Yet another object is to provide such a fitting which utilizes conventional commercially obtainable components requiring relatively minor modifications.
Still other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description of my invention.