Shell and tube heat exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers represent one of the most common types of heat exchangers used across various industries due to their robustness, flexibility, and operational efficiency. As an essential component in numerous heating, cooling, and heat recovery applications, shell and tube heat exchangers are integral to the operational efficiency of several industrial processes.

The shell and tube heat exchanger, as the name suggests, is made up of two primary components: a series of tubes and a larger shell encompassing these tubes. The configuration generally consists of one fluid flowing through the tubes, while a second fluid flows over the tubes inside the shell. As the two fluids interact, heat transfer occurs: the hotter fluid loses heat (cools down), while the cooler fluid gains heat (warms up).

Kapp delivers Shell & Tube exchanger to a new customer

Kapp recently delivered a large Shell & Tube heat exchanger to a new customer in the chemical industry. A diameter of over 1.5 metres, 2,914 tubes of 7 metres, a maximum design temperature of 500 °C are a few facts about the heat exchanger.

BITZER set up its factory in Rottenburg-Hailfingen

After having acquired the Alfa Laval portfolio of shell and tube evaporators and condensers in April 2018, the specialist for refrigeration and air conditioning technology BITZER has been setting up its factory in Rottenburg-Hailfingen: The first new condenser produced there has been delivered to a customer.

Bachiller delivers Film Evaporator to a German company

Bachiller has successfully delivered a new 3,770 m² Falling Film Evaporator to a German engineering company specialized in the design and construction of chemical projects and plants.

Pump testing at the factory using Tranter’s SUPERMAX®

In a thermal power plant, Boiler Feed Pump (BFP) is one of the most critical auxiliary equipment playing a crucial role in a core application area.

Shell & tube heat exchangers for recovered oil

Shell and tube heat exchangers working as energy recuperators in the treatment of recovered oil. One of our regular clients has entrusted SACOME for the design and manufacture of 6 shell and tube heat exchangers working as energy recuperators in the treatment of recovered oil.These tubular heat exchangers have been designed according to ASME VIII Div.1 / TEMA R and 2014/68/EU.

Plate vs. shell-and-tube heat exchangers

Each heat exchange tube of the U-tube heat exchanger is bent into a U shape, and the inlet and outlet are respectively installed on both sides of the same tube sheet, and the head is divided into two chambers by a partition.

Simple casing heat exchangers used for water heating

The sleeve type heat exchanger is a concentric sleeve made of straight tubes of different diameters and connected by a U-shaped elbow.

R1234ze brings efficiency to rolling mill facility

As global warming potential becomes more of an issue, a growing number of industries and businesses moving toward new refrigerants.

Plate heat exchangers occupy a large market

Plate heat exchangers are widely used, and in many applications, they occupy a large market. Plate heat exchangers have gradually replaced shell-and-tube heat exchangers and have taken advantage of them in the industry.

Spiral Plate, Tubular, & Shell-and-Tube heat exchangers

The spiral plate type is a new type of heat exchanger with good heat transfer efficiency, high running stability and multiple working together.

Variations and Adaptability of shell and tube heat exchangers

One of the significant advantages of these heat exchangers is their adaptability. They can be designed with multiple “passes,” meaning the tube-side fluid can flow through the tubes more than once, increasing the exchanger’s efficiency. The number of tubes, their layout, the type of shell, and even the materials used can all be adapted to suit specific process requirements. This makes the exchangers suitable for a wide range of applications, from petrochemical processes to HVAC systems to power generation.

Materials and Construction

Shell and tube heat exchangers can be constructed from a variety of materials depending on the application. Commonly used materials include stainless steel, copper, and titanium. The choice of materials depends on several factors, such as the types of fluids being processed, the operating temperatures and pressures, and the need for resistance to corrosion or other forms of degradation.

Operation and Maintenance

Shell and tube heat exchangers are renowned for their durability and ease of maintenance. Many designs allow for individual tubes to be replaced or cleaned, facilitating routine maintenance and minimizing downtime.

In the realm of heat transfer equipment, these exchangers stand as a versatile, efficient, and reliable choice, playing an essential role in numerous industrial sectors. Their design principles have stood the test of time, and ongoing developments continue to enhance their performance and adaptability.