A support plate for retaining tube array spacing within a heat exchanger tube
and
shell structure. The support plate having a plurality of individual tube receiving
apertures formed therein. Each aperture has at least three inwardly protruding
members and bights are formed therebetween when the tube associated therewith is
lodged in place to establish secondary fluid flow through the support plate. The
inwardly protruding members terminate in flat lands that restrain but do not all
contact the outer surface of the respective tube. These flat lands minimize fretting
wear and eliminate potential gouging of the outer wall of the tube. The plate wall
forming each aperture has an hourglass configuration which, inter alia, reduces
pressure drop, turbulence and local deposition of magnetite and other particulates
on the support plates.
