BAFFLE FOR HEAT EXCHANGER AND INSTALLATION METHOD THEREOF

摘要

A heat exchanger member (12) having an internal passage in which a baffle assembly (14) is received to define at least two separate flow regions within the passage. The baffle assembly (14) includes a pair of baffles (18, 26), a first (18) of which having a first peripheral portion (22) contacting the wall (16) of the heat exchanger member (12) so as to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. The first baffle (18) further has a second peripheral portion (24) spaced apart from the wall (16) of the heat exchanger member (12) so as to form a peripheral gap (32) therebetween. The second (26) of the two baffles also has a peripheral portion (30) contacting the wall (12) of the heat exchanger member (12) so as to form a fluid-tight seal therebetween. A second peripheral portion (30) of the second baffle (26) contacts the second peripheral portion (24) of the first baffle (18) so that the baffles (18, 26) are joined together as an assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral gap (32) between the first and second baffle (18, 26) is vented to atmosphere through an opening (34). As a result, the flux can be introduced and removed from the heat exchanger member (12) through the opening (34) for brazing the baffles (18, 26) in place. Leakage through the opening (34) can serve to indicate failure of the baffles (18, 26) anytime after their installation.