Shell and tube heat exchanger is vital in the oil and gas sector. Their ability to handle high-pressure and temperature applications makes them become a top priority to be implemented. For companies, the reliability of heat exchangers is vital for ensuring the smooth operation of various processes. In this article, we will serve thorough information regarding shell and tube heat exchanger covering their definition, components, and how they work.
What Is Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger?
A tube and heat exchanger is a device designed to transfer heat from one fluid to another fluid without them touching each other directly. This category of heat exchanger is named after its design, which includes a shell (as a sizable pressure vessel) housing a group of tubes.
The tubes are enclosed by another fluid, such as water or air, and heat is transferred from the first fluid to the second fluid through the tube walls. Tube and heat exchangers have various applications, such as in air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, and industrial processes that require heat transfer.
What Are The Components of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger?
The components of a shell and tube heat exchanger can be broken down into the following parts:
1. Shell
The shell is the heat exchanger’s outermost part which holds the tube bundle. It is commonly a cylindrical container constructed from steel or other appropriate substances
2. Tubes or Tube Bundle
A collection of parallel tubes running along the length of the shell makes up the tube bundle. Depending on the specific use, the tubes can be composed of different materials, such as stainless steel, copper, or titanium. The diameter and thickness of the tubes are also important design parameters.
3. Tube Sheets
Tube sheets are sturdy sheets that act as a barrier between the tube bundle and the shell. They are commonly constructed using steel and are fused to the shell to ensure a firm and leak-free closure. The tubes are inserted through holes in the tube sheets and are either expanded or welded in position.
4. Baffles
Baffles are plates or rods that are placed inside the shell to regulate the movement of fluid around the tube bundle. These can be either longitudinal or transverse in orientation and are intended to enhance the effectiveness of heat transfer.
5. Inlet and Outlet Nozzles
The inlet and outlet nozzles serve as the entry and exit points for fluids in the heat exchanger. These connections are usually placed at opposite ends of the shell and are attached to the tubes and the shell using flanges or other types of fittings.
6. Expansion Joints
Expansion joints are flexible connectors that accommodate the tube bundle’s thermal expansion and contraction. Usually situated at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, these joints are constructed using metal bellows or other flexible materials.
7. Support Structures
Support structures hold heat exchangers in position, ensuring a stable foundation. Support structures can be either temporary or permanent and may be made of steel or other materials.
How Does Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Work?
Shell and tube heat exchanger works by transferring heat between two fluids, such as liquids or gasses. The fluids are separated by a solid barrier and flow through separate channels. One fluid travels through tubes while the other flows around the tubes in the shell.
While the fluids flow through their channels, the heat is transferred from the hotter fluid to the cooler fluid through the barrier because of temperature differences and the barrier’s conductive properties of the solid barrier.
The shell and tube design provides a large surface area for heat transfer, making it an efficient method to carry the heat between fluids. Furthermore, the tubes can be removed for cleaning or replacement without affecting the shell, which makes it easy to maintain and clean.
PetroSync’s Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers training course is a five-day course that aims to provide you with a thorough understanding of the ASME/ TEMA codes and standards related to mechanical design engineering, maintenance, repair, and testing of shell and tube heat exchangers.
We emphasize the importance of comprehending both the stated and implied requirements of the codes. You will also learn about the practical application of these code/standard rules and mechanical design formulas under different design conditions and services. Compared to other codes and standards like BS/DIN, ASME Section VIII/TEMA are easier to use and commonly adopted guidelines.
The course will help you gain confidence in carrying out the design, maintenance, and testing of shell and tube heat exchangers, as well as in strength calculations and assessing the integrity of existing exchangers.
The course will also provide case discussions to illustrate how to adopt code rules for different types of exchangers and service conditions. Let’s improve your heat exchanger performance by maximizing your mechanical design, operation, and maintenance knowledge with PetroSync!
