BAFFLE FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER MANIFOLD AND INSTALLATION METHOD THEREFOR

摘要

A heat exchanger baffle and method by which the internal passage of a heat exchanger member is divided into two separate flow regions. The baffle includes first and second members having planar portions that define edges of the first and second members. The planar portions are connected to each other so as to form a connection region between the first and second members. The connection region is deformable to enable the planar portions to be folded onto each other. The baffle can then be installed in a heat exchanger member by installing the planar portions together into a slot in the wall of the heat exchanger member. After installation, the planar members remain substantially parallel to each other, and the connection region preferably contacts a portion of the wall opposite the slot. The manner in which the baffle is folded serves to bias the first and second members against the slot, so that the baffle is more reliably retained within the slot prior to being permanently secured by such methods as brazing. Each member of the baffle also preferably has a flange and a raised region within its planar portion. When the baffle is installed in the heat exchanger member, a portion of the wall is engaged by and between the raised region and the flange of each member, so that the baffle is securely retained within the slot prior to being permanently secured by brazing.