An annular flow concentric tube heat exchanger transfers heat between two counter flowing fluid streams. Concentric tube assemblies (4) comprised of four concentric tubes (4A, 4B, 4C, 4D), enclose three concentric annular flow passages. The low pressure stream divides between the inner and outer annular passages while the high pressure stream counterflows through the middle annular passage. Special 'tooling' assemblies (5) have the same flow paths and also facilitate fabrication. Multiple concentric tube assemblies (4) terminate in header assemblies (1) (located at each end). The header assemblies (1) are made of simple plates (1D, 1E, 1F and 1G) and rings (1A, 1B and 1C) that structurally locate the concentric tube assemblies (4) and direct the flows to the proper concentric tube assembly flow passage. High and low pressure flow tubes (2, 3) provide flow passages connecting the recuperator to the high and low pressure flow systems respectively. Insulation (6A, 6B) reduces heat loss.
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