Patent attributes
A heat exchanger tube having an integral restricting and turbulating structure consisting of dimples formed by confronting indentations pressed into the sides of the heat exchanger tube. The dimples are comprised of indentations disposed in pairs which extend into the tube to such a depth as is necessary to significantly reduce the cross sectional area of the heat exchanger tube. The dimples of a pair are staggered or offset, longitudinally with respect to each other such that a restrictive passage is defined between each pair of offset dimples. The turbulence characteristics of the tube can be controlled by varying the depth to which the dimples project into the tube and the longitudinal spacing between the dimples that comprise the pair. Adjacent pairs of dimples may be rotated 90° with respect to each other or alternately can be arranged in a helix pattern.
