| 摘要 |
A new and improved end-cap for use with a fluid heater is disclosed. The end-cap includes an end wall, a first groove in the end wall for receiving a first tube, a second groove in the end wall located radially inward of the first groove for receiving a second tube, and a third groove in the end wall located radially inward of the second groove for receiving a third tube. A first side wall separates the first and the second grooves, and a second side wall separates the second and the third grooves. The first and the second side walls each are relatively thin which facilitates deformation in a radial direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the tubes. In addition, the side walls compress in a circumferential direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the tubes. An annular flange is positioned radially inward of the second side wall to facilitate centering the third tube in the third groove. The flange also deforms in a radial direction in response to differential thermal expansion of the end cap in relation to the third tube. A gasket, positioned within each groove, is subjected to an axial sealing force from the respective tube. The gaskets each have a rectangular cross-section.
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