Vapor compression system

Abstract

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.