Brand Name: | YUHONG |
Model Number: | YGC-EQ-HX-001 |
MOQ: | 1set |
Price: | Negotiation |
Delivery Time: | According to the quantity |
Payment Terms: | T/T, L/C |
Custom Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Design & Assembly Services
What is Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger?
A Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger (STHE) is a widely used heat transfer device in industrial applications. It consists of a cylindrical shell enclosing a bundle of tubes, facilitating efficient thermal energy exchange between two fluids—one flowing through the tubes (tube side) and the other around the tubes within the shell (shell side).
Key Components
Working Principle
Flow Arrangements: Countercurrent (most efficient, maintains high temperature gradient) or parallel flow.
Heat Transfer: Occurs via conduction through tube walls and convection between fluids.
Fluid Phases: Handles single-phase (liquid/gas) and two-phase (condensation/evaporation) processes.
Types of STHE
Fixed Tube Sheet: Tubes welded to stationary sheets; simple but limited thermal expansion handling.
U-Tube: Tubes bent into U-shapes, allowing free expansion; ideal for high-temperature differentials.
Floating Head: Removable tube bundle for easy maintenance; handles thermal stress and fouling.
TEMA Classifications: Standards (e.g., TEMA A, B, C) define mechanical design and tolerances based on application.
Design Considerations
Materials: Selected for corrosion resistance, temperature, and pressure (e.g., titanium, copper alloys).
Thermal Expansion: Addressed via expansion joints, U-tubes, or floating heads.
Pressure Drop: Balanced baffle design to optimize turbulence vs. pumping costs.
Heat Transfer Coefficient (U): Enhanced by surface area, turbulence, and minimizing fouling.
Fouling Mitigation: Regular cleaning (chemical, mechanical), material selection, and predictive maintenance.
Applications
Power Plants: Condensers, oil coolers.
Chemical Processing: Reactors, distillation columns.
HVAC: Chillers, heat recovery systems.
Oil & Gas: Refinery crude oil cooling.
Marine: Engine cooling systems.
Advantages
High pressure/temperature tolerance.
Versatile for diverse fluids (viscous, corrosive).
Scalable for large capacities.
Robust construction with long service life.
Disadvantages
Higher initial cost and footprint compared to plate exchangers.
Complex maintenance (especially fixed tube designs).
Potential shell-side leakage and fouling challenges.
Comparison with Plate Heat Exchangers
STHE: Better for high-pressure, high-fouling applications.
Plate: Compact, efficient for low-viscosity fluids, but less robust under extreme conditions.
Recent Advances
Materials: Corrosion-resistant alloys and composites.
Enhanced Surfaces: Finned tubes for improved heat transfer.
CFD & Additive Manufacturing: Optimized flow patterns and complex geometries.
Sustainability: Waste heat recovery integration and eco-friendly refrigerants.