VAPOR COMPRESSION SYSTEM
A distributor for use in a vapor compression system including an enclosure configured to be positioned in a heat exchanger having a tube bundle comprising a plurality of tubes extending substantially horizontally in the heat exchanger. A plurality of distribution devices are formed in the enclosure, the plurality of distribution devices configured to apply a fluid entering the distributor onto the tube bundle. The enclosure is formed of unitary construction.
1 . A distributor for use in a vapor compression system comprising:
an enclosure configured to be positioned in a heat exchanger having a tube bundle comprising a plurality of tubes extending substantially horizontally in the heat exchanger;
a plurality of distribution devices formed in the enclosure, the plurality of distribution devices configured to apply a fluid entering the distributor onto the tube bundle;
wherein the enclosure is formed of unitary construction.
2 . The distributor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of distribution devices comprises at least one opening formed by a group consisting of a cutting tool having a rotating blade, a cutting tool having a reciprocating blade and a press.
3 . The distributor of claim 2 , wherein the at least one opening defines one of a V-shaped notch or resembling a notch formed by a vertical rounded end mill.
4 . The distributor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of distribution devices are arranged in an organized pattern.
5 . The distributor of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of distribution devices are arranged in a scattered pattern.
6 . The distributor of claim 5 , wherein the scattered pattern is a random pattern.
7 . The distributor of claim 2 , wherein the at least one opening is formed at an angle to a length of the enclosure.
8 . The distributor of claim 7 , wherein the angle is parallel to the length of the enclosure.
9 . The distributor of claim 7 , wherein the angle is perpendicular to the length of the enclosure.
10 . The distributor of claim 2 , wherein the at least one opening is formed at an angle to a surface of the enclosure.
11 . The distributor of claim 10 , wherein at least one portion of one side of the at least one opening is formed at an angle between zero and ninety degrees to a surface of the enclosure.
12 . The distributor of claim 2 , wherein the enclosure includes at least one corner, with at least one opening formed in or near the at least one corner.
13 . A heat exchanger for use in a vapor compression system comprising:
a shell;
a tube bundle;
a hood;
a distributor;
the tube bundle comprising a plurality of tubes extending substantially horizontally in the shell;
the hood covers and substantially laterally surrounds the tube bundle;
the distributor comprises an enclosure configured to be positioned in the heat exchanger; and
a plurality of distribution devices formed in the enclosure, the plurality of distribution devices configured to apply a fluid entering the distributor onto the tube bundle;
wherein the enclosure is formed of unitary construction.
14 . The heat exchanger of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of distribution devices comprises at least one opening formed by a group consisting of a cutting tool having a rotating blade, a cutting tool having a reciprocating blade and a press.
15 . The distributor of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of distribution devices are arranged in an organized pattern.
16 . The distributor of claim 13 , wherein the plurality of distribution devices are arranged in a scattered pattern.
17 . The distributor of claim 14 , wherein the at least one opening is formed at an angle to a length of the enclosure.
18 . The distributor of claim 17 , wherein the angle is parallel to the length of the enclosure.
19 . The distributor of claim 17 , wherein the angle is perpendicular to the length of the enclosure.
20 . The distributor of claim 13 , wherein the at least one opening is formed at an angle to a surface of the enclosure.