Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

Product Overview

The shell-and-tube heat exchanger is mainly composed of a shell, baffles, heat exchange tubes, end caps, and baffle plates. It can be made from either carbon steel or stainless steel. During the heat exchange process, one fluid enters through the connection pipe at the end cap, flows through the tubes, and exits through the outlet pipe at the opposite end of the end cap, which is known as the tube side; another fluid enters through a nozzle in the shell and exits through another nozzle on the shell, referred to as the shell side.

Fixed tube sheet heat exchanger

The structure is simple, compact, and cost-effective, but it cannot be mechanically cleaned outside. The heat exchanger tube bundle is connected to the tube sheet, which is welded to both ends of the shell. A cover is connected to it, and both the cover and shell are equipped with fluid inlet and outlet connections. Typically, a series of baffles perpendicular to the tube bundle are installed outside. At the same time, the connection between the steel pipes, tube sheets, and the shell is rigid, while the fluids inside and outside the tubes are at different temperatures. Therefore, when there is a significant temperature difference between the tube and shell walls, a large temperature difference stress is generated due to the different thermal expansion of the two, which can cause the tubes to twist, bend, or even become loose from the tube sheet, possibly damaging the heat exchanger. Generally, when the temperature difference between the tube and shell walls exceeds 50°C, for safety reasons, the heat exchanger should have a temperature difference compensation device. However, the compensation device (expansion joint) can only be used when the temperature difference between the shell and tube walls is below 60 to 70°C and the pressure of the shell side fluid is not high. Typically, when the shell side pressure exceeds 0.6Mpa, due to the thick expansion ring, it becomes difficult to expand or contract, losing its temperature difference compensation function, and other structural considerations should be made.

U-tube heat exchanger

U-shaped tube heat exchanger, each tube bent into a U-shape, both ends fixed on the same tube plate, allowing each tube to expand and contract freely to address thermal compensation issues. The tube side has at least two passes, the tube bundle can be removed for cleaning, and the tubes can expand freely. It features a simple structure, light weight, and is suitable for high temperature and high-pressure conditions.

Immersion Snake Tube Heat Exchanger

Serpentine tube heat exchangers, as a type of shell and tube heat exchanger, feature a simple structure, ease of manufacturing, installation, cleaning, and maintenance, and affordability. They are particularly suitable for cooling high-pressure fluids and thus are still widely used.

Technical Specifications