US Patent 7658224 Flanged connection for heat exchanger

A heat exchanger including a plate pair having first and second plates each having an outward depression extending to a peripheral edge thereof, the first and second plates defining a fluid channel therebetween and secured to one another with the outward depressions defining a flow opening in communication with the fluid channel. An outer flange extends substantially around a periphery of the flow opening. A tubular fitting with a first end and an outer surface having an annular flange thereon spaced apart from the first end is secured to the plate pair with the first end received within the flow opening and the annular flange abutting against the outer flange.