Multi-segmented tube sheet

Abstract

A method of manufacturing a tube sheet by forming a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments; forming multiple holes in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube; aligning all of the plurality of tube sheet segments so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns with the hole pattern in all other sheets of the plurality of tube sheet segments; and securing all of the tube sheet segments together to form a unitary tube sheet. A tube sheet construction that includes a plurality of separate thin tube sheet segments, multiple holes being provided in each sheet in a predetermined pattern, each hole for accommodating a tube sheet filter tube, all of the tube sheet segments being aligning so that the hole pattern of each sheet aligns, and fasteners for securing all of the tube sheet segments together. A media layer is provided between adjacent sheet segments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 .- 23 . (canceled) 
     
     
         24 . A tube sheet construction comprising:
 a plurality of tube sheet segments, each of the tube sheet segment having multiple holes in a predetermined pattern, each of the multiple holes sized to accommodate an elongated tubular element;   a passive layer disposed with the plurality of tube sheet segments, the passive layer formed of a material that is different from the material of the planar tube sheet segments that imparts a predetermined characteristic to the passive layer; and   a plurality of fasteners securing the planar tube sheet segments and the passive layer together.   
     
     
         25 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer comprises a planer layer with a medical substance. 
     
     
         26 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 25 , wherein the medical substance is releasable over time or when exposed to elevated temperature. 
     
     
         27 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer has magnetic characteristics. 
     
     
         28 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer comprises a flow control layer. 
     
     
         29 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer comprises a shock absorption layer. 
     
     
         30 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer comprises an ion exchange layer. 
     
     
         31 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer is disposed between adjacent tube sheet segments. 
     
     
         32 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein at least one of the plurality of tube sheet segments is comprised of a metal, wherein the passive layer is comprised of a woven screen material, and wherein the metal and the woven screen material is comprised of copper. 
     
     
         33 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein elongated tubular element has a shaft with a flanged end, and further comprising a securing piece comprising at least one of a threaded nut and a push nut, wherein the securing piece is constructed and arranged to engage the tubular shaft and apply a compressive force on the plurality of tube sheet segments disposed between the flanged end and the securing piece. 
     
     
         34 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer comprises a flow control layer including one or more orifices, wherein the orifices are aligned with the holes or not aligned with the holes. 
     
     
         35 . The tube sheet construction of  claim 24 , wherein the passive layer is comprised of a magnetic material. 
     
     
         36 . A filter apparatus comprising:
 a filter tank   an influent port;   an effluent port; and   a tube sheet mounted within and across the filter tank between the influent and effluent ports, the tube sheet comprising
 a plurality of tube sheet segments with multiple holes in a predetermined pattern, each hole sized to accommodate an elongated tubular filter element; 
 fasteners for securing the tube sheet segments together. 
   
     
     
         37 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , further comprising a planar media segment disposed in parallel with the plurality of tube sheet segments, wherein the fasteners are disposed to secure the plurality of tube sheet segments and the planar media segment in intimate contact together. 
     
     
         38 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the planar media sheet is disposed between adjacent planar tube sheet segments. 
     
     
         39 . The apparatus of  claim 36 , wherein the planar media segment is one of a passive layer and an active layer excitable by a magnetic field. 
     
     
         40 . The apparatus of  claim 36  wherein the planar media segment comprises one of a filtration layer and a nanotubular structure.