Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Straight-Tube and U-Tube Heat Exchanger Solutions
Shell and tube heat exchangers transfer thermal energy between two liquid or gaseous process streams without mixing them.
They can support water–water, water–oil, water–gas, steam–water, steam–oil, steam–gas, oil–oil and oil–gas applications. Additionally, straight-tube or U-tube configurations can be evaluated according to process requirements.
Heat Transfer
Provides controlled temperature exchange between liquid or gaseous process streams.
Straight-Tube and U-Tube Types
The configuration is selected according to the process, fluid properties and maintenance requirements.
Process-Based Selection
Tube bundle, shell, gasket and construction materials are evaluated for each application.
What Are Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers?
Shell and tube heat exchangers allow two separate fluids to exchange heat without direct contact. One fluid moves through the tube bundle. Meanwhile, the second fluid circulates on the shell side.
The preferred configuration depends on the process, fluid type, temperature, pressure and cleaning requirements. Therefore, straight-tube and U-tube designs must be evaluated individually for each project.
Where applicable, design and conformity requirements should be determined from operating conditions and the destination market. Information about European requirements is available in the EU Pressure Equipment Directive 2014/68/EU.
Tube Bundle and Shell Information
Carbon steel, stainless steel, copper, brass or project-specific tube materials can be evaluated.
Diameters from 8 mm to 33.7 mm can be evaluated, subject to fluid properties and project calculations.
Carbon steel or stainless steel shells can be specified according to operating conditions.
Can be considered for oil systems and processes requiring accessible mechanical cleaning.
Provides a compact structure that can accommodate thermal expansion in suitable applications.
Gaskets must be selected for the fluids, temperature, pressure and operating conditions.
Technical Structure of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Fluid Compatibility
The design can be adapted to water, oil, gas, steam and other process fluids.
Tube Bundle Design
Tube diameter, quantity and bundle arrangement are calculated for the required thermal duty.
Shell and Materials
Shell and tube materials are selected according to corrosion, pressure and temperature conditions.
Maintenance Access
Fouling, scaling and cleaning methods are considered during the design process.
Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Selection Criteria
Fluid Properties
Fluid type, temperature, pressure, viscosity, fouling tendency and corrosion potential influence the design.
Heat Transfer Capacity
Inlet and outlet temperatures, flow rates and thermal duty determine the required heat-transfer surface.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning access and serviceability receive priority when scaling, fouling or sediment formation is expected.
Application Areas
Request Information About Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Selection should be based on fluid type, flow rate, temperature, pressure, materials, tube-bundle configuration and maintenance requirements.
Contact Airtes Industrial for product selection, technical evaluation and project-specific information.
