TUBE SHEET REDESIGN FOR PARADENSER LIQUID COOLING PRODUCT

Abstract

 A tube sheet assembly is disclosed. The tube sheet assembly includes a substantially flat plate and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate. The plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system. The plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel is configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid. The tube sheet assembly further includes a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel.

Description

[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63/671,970 filed July 16, 2024.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to tube sheets used in the technical field of heat transfer and fluid dynamics, specifically within the design and manufacturing of heat exchangers and pressure vessels.

BACKGROUND

[0003] A tube sheet is a critical component in heat exchangers, boilers, and similar equipment that involve the flow of fluids through tubes. Tube sheets may be made from durable materials to withstand high temperatures, pressures, and potential corrosive environments.

[0004] Existing paradenser tube sheet design necessitates the use of brazing techniques involving soft, hard, and silver solder. This method possesses a high potential for leaks due to the intricate brazing methods required within confined spaces. Over time, soft solder flux, composed of corrosive chlorides, degrades the metal surfaces it contacts, leading to significant leak risks and structural failures.

[0005] A paradenser tube sheet design is needed to eliminate the induction brazing process. By doing so, the dependency on soft solder flux is removed, thus simplifying the assembly process and enhancing the reliability of the paradenser tube sheet.

SUMMARY

[0006] This disclosure relates generally to tube sheet redesign for paradenser liquid cooling products.

[0007] An aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a tube sheet assembly. The tube sheet assembly includes a substantially flat plate and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate. The plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system. The plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel is configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid. The tube sheet assembly further includes a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel.

[0008] Another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a tube sheet assembly. The tube sheet assembly includes a substantially flat plate and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate. The plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system. The plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel is configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid. The tube sheet assembly further includes a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel. The plurality of apertures on the plate are arranged in a circular pattern.

[0009] Still yet, another aspect of the disclosed embodiments includes a tube sheet assembly. The tube sheet assembly includes a substantially flat plate and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate. The plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system. The plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel is configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid. The tube sheet assembly further includes a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel. The tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material

[0010] These and other aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description of the embodiments, the appended claims, and the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It is emphasized that, according to common practice, the various features of the drawings are not to scale. On the contrary, the dimensions of the various features are arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity.

FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a traditional vapor compression cooling system, utilizing a paradenser in the place of a conventional condenser, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 provides a top-side perspective view of a paradenser tube sheet design, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tube sheet assembly, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view of a tube sheet assembly, emphasizing the placement of sanitary flange fittings.

FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tube sheet assembly, according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0012] Those skilled in the art will appreciate and understand that, according to common practice, various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale, and that dimensions of various features and elements of the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0013] The following discussion is directed to various embodiments of the disclosure. Although one or more of these embodiments may be preferred, the embodiments disclosed should not be interpreted, or otherwise used, as limiting the scope of the disclosure, including the claims. In addition, one skilled in the art will understand that the following description has broad application, and the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary of that embodiment, and not intended to intimate that the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, is limited to that embodiment.

[0014] The present specification and accompanying drawings disclose one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the present disclosure. The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. The disclosed embodiments merely exemplify the present disclosure, and modified versions of the disclosed embodiments are also encompassed by the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0015] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0016] In the discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as "substantially," "approximately," and "about" modifying a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the disclosure, are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to be within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended.

[0017] Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., "above," "below," "up," "left," "right," "down," "top," "bottom," "vertical," "horizontal," etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

[0018] The word "example" is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any aspect or design described herein as "example" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. Rather, use of the word "example" is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or." That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X includes A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X includes A; X includes B; or X includes both A and B, then "X includes A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Moreover, use of the term "an implementation" or "one implementation" throughout is not intended to mean the same embodiment or implementation unless described as such.

[0019] Numerous exemplary embodiments are described as follows. It is noted that any section/subsection headings provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are described throughout this document, and any type of embodiment may be included under any section/subsection. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed in any section/subsection may be combined with any other embodiments described in the same section/subsection and/or a different section/subsection in any manner.

[0020] Existing paradenser tube sheet design necessitates the use of brazing techniques involving soft, hard, and silver solder. This method possesses a high potential for leaks due to the intricate brazing methods required within confined spaces. Over time, soft solder flux, composed of corrosive chlorides, degrades the metal surfaces it contacts, leading to significant leak risks and structural failures.

[0021] Embodiments disclosed are directed to a tube sheet redesign for paradenser liquid cooling product. The redesign aims to eliminate the induction brazing process entirely. By doing so, it removes the dependency on soft solder flux, thus simplifying the assembly process and enhancing the reliability of the product. This redesign solution eliminates the risk of material breakdown caused by the corrosive nature of soft solder flux, thereby enhancing the durability and performance of the paradenser tube.

[0022] For example, this redesign solution may incorporate sanitary connections that helps to eliminate the need for traditional brazing processes. Additionally, this redesign may involve the use of stainless steel fittings, which offer superior longevity and reliability. Embodiments disclosed will improve the overall product quality by minimizing potential leak points, reducing the likelihood of leaks associated with hot brazed joints, and enhancing the longevity and reliability of the product.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a portion of a traditional vapor compression cooling system, utilizing a paradenser in the place of a conventional condenser. In FIG. 1, a vapor compression cooling system 100 includes a paradenser 110. A paradenser may include a series of condensers, depicted in FIG. 1 as condensers 110a, 110b, and 110c. In order to maximize the efficiency of the paradenser and the vapor compression system as a whole, the system is plumbed such that a manifold 140 is adapted to route cooling fluid through one or more of condenser 110a, 110b, or 110c in paradenser 110.

[0024] A control unit 180 may be adapted to control the manifold 140 such that cooling fluid is routed to the condensers as needed to optimize system capacity and/or to match the heat load generated by the space that is being cooled. The control unit 180 can direct cooling fluid flow through first fluid flow line 102 when condensers 110b and 110c are not required to reject heat from the refrigerant. The control unit 180 can direct additional cooling fluid flow through second fluid flow line 104 when condenser 110c is not required to reject heat from the refrigerant. Finally, control unit 180 can direct cooling fluid flow through first cooling fluid line 106 when all three condensers of the paradenser are needed to reject heat from the refrigerant. For example, if the system needed to reject more heat from refrigerant (based on the transduced temperature or pressure of the working fluid), the control unit 180 would direct cooling fluid through condenser 110c and condenser 110b. As more heat rejection was necessary, control unit 180 may additionally direct cooling fluid through condenser 110a. As more cooling fluid flows through more condensers, more heat can be rejected from the refrigerant.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the paradenser tube sheet design referenced above. FIG. 2 provides a top-side perspective view of a paradenser tube sheet design, in accordance with embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, a piping system 200 includes the following components or parts: a connector 202, a seal 206, a tube sheet assembly 208, an inlet/outlet port 210, a main tube body 212, and internal tubes 214.

[0026] In FIG. 2, the connector 202 is configured to direct the flow of fluid within the piping system 200. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, the connector 202 may be an elbow connector that serves to change the direction of the fluid flow within the piping system 200. The fluid may be redirected at a specific angle (e.g., 90°). This redirection can help in fitting the piping system into a confined space, navigating around obstacles, or connecting different components in an efficient layout. In some embodiments, other types of connectors (e.g., straight connector, tee connector, cross connector, etc.) may be used to accommodate the needs of the piping system 200.

[0027] As further depicted in FIG. 2, the tube sheet assembly 208 includes a substantially flat plate and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate. Flat is used herein refers to the shape and surface of the plate of the tube sheet assembly 208, which is primarily level, even and smooth across its surface, lacking any significant unevenness.

[0028] The plurality of apertures may be drilled through the plate of the tube sheet assembly 208 and sized to accept a series of tubes (e.g., the internal tubes 214) inside of an enclosed tubular pressure vessel (e.g., the main tube body 212), also referred to as shell and tube heat exchangers. For example, the plurality of apertures may be configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes that extend internally along a length of the tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, where the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel are configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid.

[0029] Further, in some embodiments, the plurality of apertures of the tube sheet assembly 208 may be arranged in a specific pattern, allowing the internal tubes 214 to penetrate the tube sheet assembly 208 in multiple places to allow the fluid within these tubes to flow in and out of the heat exchanger. Further, the tube sheet assembly 208 is further configured to maintain separation between the fluid flowing through the internal tubes 214 and any external fluid in the main tube body 212. For example, the fluid flowing through the internal tubes 214 within the main tube body 212 exchanges heat with the fluid that flows into the main tube body 212 but flows past the outside of the internal tubes 214 exchanging the heat with the tube fluid.

[0030] In FIG. 2, the inlet/outlet port 210 is configured to allow the entry or exit of fluid (e.g., cooling fluid). The inlet/outlet port 210 may be connected to another portion of the piping system 200 (not pictured in FIG. 2) to facilitate the flow of fluid into or out of the piping system 200.

[0031] Also, in FIG. 2, the main tube body 212 is configured to house the fluid flow and support the internal tubes 214. For example, the main tube body 212 is connected to the tube sheet assembly 208 and houses the internal tubes 214 that extend internally through the main tube body 212. Further, in FIG. 2, the internal tubes 214 may be configured to allow for the flow of a cooling fluid through a paradenser cooling product or heat exchanger.

[0032] In FIG. 2, the seal 206 is configured to ensure a tight seal between adjoining parts to prevent leaks. As shown in FIG. 2, the seal 206 is placed between the sanitary connection 204 and the tube sheet assembly 208. The tube sheet assembly 208 is configured to hold and support the internal tubes 214 extending from the main tube body 212.

[0033] The piping system 200 of FIG. 2 may function by the fluid entering the piping system 200 through the inlet/outlet port 210 connected to external piping. Fluid may flow through the main tube body 212 and into the internal tubes 214, where heat exchange occurs. The internal tubes 214 may be held securely by the tube sheet assembly 208. The flow direction may be controlled by the connector 202 and the seal 206 may ensure a leak-proof and hygienic assembly. The fluid may then exit the piping system 200 through another port or may continue through another section of the piping system 200.

[0034] FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a tube sheet assembly referenced above in FIG. 2. FIG. 3 provides a top-down perspective view of the tube sheet assembly 208 in FIG. 2, in accordance with embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 3, the tube sheet assembly 208 includes the following components or parts a substantially flat plate 302 and a plurality of apertures 304. The tube sheet assembly 208 may be made from a material (e.g., stainless steel) that provides structural integrity and resistance to corrosion.

[0035] As further depicted in FIG. 3, the plate 302 assumes a substantially circular structure. However, in other embodiments, the plate 302 may assume any shape (e.g., a square, a rectangle, a triangle, an oval, etc.) needed to accommodate interfacing with a heat exchanger.

[0036] The plurality of apertures 304 may be configured to accommodate a plurality of tubes (e.g., the internal tubes 214 in FIG. 2). As depicted in FIG. 3, a layout of the plurality of apertures 304 on the plate 302 are arranged in a circular pattern, where the layout includes a central aperture and a ring of apertures surrounding the central aperture. In some embodiments, the ring of apertures may be equally spaced apart forming a circular ring around the central aperture. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 3, the ring of apertures may include six apertures equally spaced apart forming a circular ring around the central aperture. This configuration provides an even distribution of tubes across the surface of the plate 302 of the tube sheet assembly 208, optimizing for fluid flow and heat exchange efficiency.

[0037] FIG. 4 provides a cross-sectional view along the line A-A of FIG. 3, illustrating the structural configuration of the tube sheet assembly 208 including the sanitary flange fitting 306 and the positioning of tubes within the plurality of apertures 304. For example, sections 402 in FIG. 4 align with the center apertures of the plurality of apertures 304 in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 shows the sanitary flange fitting 306 in cross-section, representing the position and connection of the sanitary flange fitting 306 to the tube sheet assembly 208.

[0038] In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fittings 306 may be configured to connect to or attach to the main tube body 212. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting 306 may be configured to connect to or attach to the connector 202. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting 306 may be configured to connect to or attach to a manifold that connects multiple input and output lines, allowing for the distribution or collection of fluids or gases. The sanitary flange fitting 306 is configured to enable a hygienic and leak-proof seal between sections of the piping system 200.

[0039] Moreover, the sanitary flange fitting 306 may be configured to be positioned around the periphery of the plate 302 of the tube sheet assembly 208 and configured to connect the plate 302 to an inner circumference of the main tube body 212. The sanitary flange fitting 306 may be further configured to provide a hygienic and secure connection between the tube sheet assembly 208 and a component of paradenser liquid cooling product or a heat exchanger (e.g., the main tube body 212). This may prevent contamination and ensure leak-proof seals. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fittings 306 may be configured to provide a leak-proof connection with adjoining pipes or systems and ensure a secure and contamination-free seal to maintain the integrity of the fluid flow within the piping system 200.

[0040] In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting 306 is made from a stainless steel. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting may be welded using a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process.

[0041] FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of the bottom of tube sheet assembly 208, in accordance with embodiments described herein. As shown in FIG. 5, the tube sheet assembly 208 includes a central aperture 502 and a ring of apertures 504 surrounding the central aperture 502.

[0042] As further shown in FIG. 5, the tube sheet assembly 208 further includes grooves 602 that are long and narrow indentations built into the tube sheet assembly 208 and are configured to allow another material or part to move within the grooves 602 and be guided by the grooves 602. For example, the grooves 602 may facilitate easy assembly and disassembly of the tube sheet assembly 208 with the main tube body 212.In some embodiments, a method of producing tube sheet assembly 208 may include forming a flat plate, where the plate includes a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate and the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system. Further, the method may include welding a sanitary flange fitting positioned around a periphery of the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel using a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process.

[0043] In some embodiments, a tube sheet assembly comprises: a flat plate; and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel.

[0044] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures on the plate is arranged in a circular pattern. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures comprises a first aperture at a center of the plate and a second plurality of apertures surrounding the first aperture in a ring shape. In some embodiments, the second plurality of apertures is equally spaced apart around the first aperture. In some embodiments, the second plurality of apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the first aperture. In some embodiments, the plate is circular. In some embodiments, the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting includes a stainless steel material.

[0045] In some embodiments, a tube sheet assembly, comprises: a flat plate; and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel, wherein the plurality of apertures on the plate are arranged in a circular pattern.

[0046] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures comprises a first aperture at a center of the plate and a second plurality of apertures surrounding the first aperture in a ring shape. In some embodiments, the second plurality of apertures is equally spaced apart around the first aperture. In some embodiments, the second plurality of apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the first aperture. In some embodiments, the plate is circular. In some embodiments, the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting includes a stainless steel material.

[0047] In some embodiments, a tube sheet assembly, comprises: a flat plate; and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel, wherein the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material.

[0048] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures on the plate is arranged in a circular pattern. In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures comprises a first aperture at a center of the plate and a second plurality of apertures surrounding the first aperture in a ring shape. In some embodiments, the second plurality of apertures is equally spaced apart around the first aperture. In some embodiments, the second plurality of apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the first aperture.

[0049] In some embodiments, a method of producing a tube sheet assembly comprises: forming a flat plate, the plate including a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate, wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system; and welding a sanitary flange fitting positioned around a periphery of the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel using a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding process.

[0050] In some embodiments, a tube sheet assembly includes: a plate; a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second of the plate opposite the first side of the plate, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is configured to secure a respective tube of a plurality of tubes; each respective tube extends along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, wherein each respective tube of the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel are configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and a sanitary flange fitting disposed on a portion of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel.

[0051] In some embodiments, the plurality of apertures on the plate define a circular pattern. In some embodiments, an aperture of the plurality of apertures is disposed at a center of the plate and three or more other apertures of the plurality of apertures are disposed in a ring shape relative to the aperture disposed at the center of the plate. In some embodiments, the three or more other apertures are equally spaced apart around the aperture at the center of the plate. In some embodiments, the three or more other apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the aperture at the center of the plate. In some embodiments, the plate includes circular shape. In some embodiments, the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material. In some embodiments, the sanitary flange fitting includes a stainless steel material.

[0052] Also disclosed are the following numbered clauses:

1. A tube sheet assembly, comprising: a plate; and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel, wherein the plurality of apertures on the plate are arranged in a circular pattern.

2. The tube sheet assembly of clause 1, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises a first aperture at a center of the plate and a second plurality of apertures surrounding the first aperture in a ring shape.

3. The tube sheet assembly clause 2, wherein the second plurality of apertures is equally spaced apart around the first aperture.

4. The tube sheet assembly of clause 2 or 3, wherein the second plurality of apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the first aperture.

5. The tube sheet assembly of any of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the plate is circular.

6. The tube sheet assembly of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material.

7. The tube sheet assembly of any of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the sanitary flange fitting includes a stainless steel material.

8. A tube sheet assembly, comprising: a plate; and a plurality of apertures extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second, opposing side of the plate wherein the plurality of apertures are configured to accommodate and secure a plurality of tubes, respectively, that extend internally along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and a sanitary flange fitting disposed around a periphery of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel, wherein the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material.

9. The tube sheet assembly of clause 8, wherein the plurality of apertures on the plate is arranged in a circular pattern.

10. The tube sheet assembly of clause 8 or 9, wherein the plurality of apertures comprises a first aperture at a center of the plate and a second plurality of apertures surrounding the first aperture in a ring shape.

11. The tube sheet assembly of any of clauses 8 to 10, wherein the second plurality of apertures is equally spaced apart around the first aperture.

12. The tube sheet assembly of any of clauses 8 to 11, wherein the second plurality of apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the first aperture.

[0053] Implementations of the systems, algorithms, methods, instructions, etc., described herein can be realized in hardware, software, or any combination thereof. The hardware can include, for example, computers, intellectual property (IP) cores, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), programmable logic arrays, optical processors, programmable logic controllers, microcode, microcontrollers, servers, microprocessors, digital signal processors, or any other suitable circuit. In the claims, the term "processor" should be understood as encompassing any of the foregoing hardware, either singly or in combination. The terms "signal" and "data" are used interchangeably.

[0054] As used herein, the term module can include a packaged functional hardware unit designed for use with other components, a set of instructions executable by a controller (e.g., a processor executing software or firmware), processing circuitry configured to perform a particular function, and a self-contained hardware or software component that interfaces with a larger system. For example, a module can include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), a circuit, digital logic circuit, an analog circuit, a combination of discrete circuits, gates, and other types of hardware or combination thereof. In other embodiments, a module can include memory that stores instructions executable by a controller to implement a feature of the module.

[0055] Further, in one aspect, for example, systems described herein can be implemented using a general-purpose computer or general-purpose processor with a computer program that, when executed, carries out any of the respective methods, algorithms, and/or instructions described herein. In addition, or alternatively, for example, a special purpose computer/processor can be utilized which can contain other hardware for carrying out any of the methods, algorithms, or instructions described herein.

[0056] Further, all or a portion of implementations of the present disclosure can take the form of a computer program product accessible from, for example, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium. A computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be any device that can, for example, tangibly contain, store, communicate, or transport the program for use by or in connection with any processor. The medium can be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, or a semiconductor device. Other suitable mediums are also available.

[0057] The above-described embodiments, implementations, and aspects have been described in order to allow easy understanding of the present disclosure and do not limit the present disclosure. On the contrary, the disclosure is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadest interpretation to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structure as is permitted under the law.

Claims

1. A tube sheet assembly (208), comprising:

a plate (302);

a plurality of apertures (304) extending through the plate from a first side of the plate to a second of the plate opposite the first side of the plate, wherein each aperture of the plurality of apertures is configured to secure a respective tube of a plurality of tubes (214);

each respective tube extends along a length of a tubular pressure vessel of a liquid cooling system, wherein each respective tube of the plurality of tubes and the tubular pressure vessel are configured to enable transfer of heat from one fluid to another fluid; and

a sanitary flange fitting (306) disposed on a portion of the plate and configured to connect the plate to an inner circumference of the tubular pressure vessel.

2. The tube sheet assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of apertures on the plate define a circular pattern.

3. The tube sheet assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein an aperture of the plurality of apertures is disposed at a center of the plate and three or more other apertures of the plurality of apertures are disposed in a ring shape relative to the aperture disposed at the center of the plate.

4. The tube sheet assembly of claim 3, wherein the three or more other apertures are equally spaced apart around the aperture at the center of the plate.

5. The tube sheet assembly of claim 3 or 4, wherein the three or more other apertures includes six apertures equally spaced apart around the aperture at the center of the plate.

6. The tube sheet assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the plate includes a circular shape.

7. The tube sheet assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the tube sheet assembly includes a stainless steel material.

8. The tube sheet assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the sanitary flange fitting includes a stainless steel material.

Drawing