Method of making heat exchanger

Abstract

A series of mesh layers, approximating a loosely woven cloth, are placed between successive adjacent, parallel tubular coils or bends through which a liquid flows. The assembly of coils and mesh layers is compressed to produce a clamping contact between the mesh and each of two opposed coils, as well as compressing the mesh together, both within and outside the areas of the coils. The mesh which intersects an end of the coil is split, so that the mesh may lie on both sides of the coil at that position. A perforated plate may be placed at each end of the mesh and coil assembly, with a screen interposed, in order to maintain the mesh and coils in a clamped condition. The perforated plates may be spot welded to the inside of a housing, the parts of which are also compressed against the mesh and coil assembly. The compression of the mesh against the coils not only provides a greater area of contact of the fibers, strands, wires, etc., of the mesh, but also produces a clamping or pressure contact. In addition, a greater number of wires, strands, etc., of the mesh are in contact with the surface of a coil, or clamped between two coils with other wires, strands, etc., thereby increasing the amount of heat conducted through the mesh and to or from a gas or vapor passing through the mesh.