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We have a 44,000 m² production base for various auxiliary parts processing, component welding, finished product inspection, and packaging. Our facility features multiple production lines and is equipped with modern production and processing equipment, as well as online ERP, MES, and OA management systems. We produce a wide range of heat exchange products, with an annual output of up to 1 million units (sets).
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We have extensive experience in power evacuation, land procurement liaison, and working with state authorities.
A shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) is a type of heat exchange device constructed using a large cylindrical enclosure, or shell, which contains bundles of tubes arranged inside. Heat exchange is the transfer of thermal energy from one substance or medium to another. Shell and tube heat exchangers are one of the most common designs used for heat exchange and are classified based on their properties, tubing type, and other characteristics.
The popularity of shell and tube heat exchangers is due to their simple design and exceptionally efficient heat transfer rate. In these devices, a liquid or steam flows through the shell and transfers heat to the tubes. It is generally considered most efficient to use four passes through the tubes for effective heat transfer.
What are some of the Shell and Tube heat Exchanger Benefits?
We have listed some of the shell and tube heat exchanger benefits below:
Durable: The Shell and tube heat exchangers are made using strong and durable materials that can withstand different conditions
Versatile: These heat exchangers are capable of handling fluid types that include those of vicious and corrosive nature
Reduction in Downtime: With shell and tube heat exchanger there is better cleaning and maintenance therefore reducing downtime
Competent: Due to its high heat transfer rate, this heat exchanger works for a wide variety of applications including high-pressure applications
Cost-Effective: The shell and tube heat exchangers work at a low cost rate compared to other heat exchangers
Scalability: The shell and tube heat exchangers come in a range of sizes that can be easily scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of a process.
Shell The shell is the outermost part of the heat exchanger that encloses the tube bundle. It is typically a cylindrical container made from steel or other suitable materials.
Tubes or Tube Bundle The tube bundle consists of a collection of parallel tubes running along the length of the shell. Depending on the application, the tubes may be made from materials such as stainless steel, copper, or titanium. The diameter and thickness of the tubes are also important design parameters.
Tube Sheets Tube sheets are robust plates that separate the tube bundle from the shell. They are usually made of steel and are welded or otherwise secured to the shell to ensure a firm and leak-proof seal. The tubes are inserted through holes in the tube sheets and are either expanded or welded into place.
Baffles Baffles are plates or rods installed inside the shell to control the flow of fluid around the tube bundle. They can be oriented either longitudinally or transversely and are designed to improve the efficiency of heat transfer.
Inlet And Outlet Nozzles The inlet and outlet nozzles provide the entry and exit points for fluids in the heat exchanger. These nozzles are typically located at opposite ends of the shell and are connected to the tubes and shell using flanges or other types of fittings.
Expansion Joints Expansion joints are flexible connectors that accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the tube bundle. Typically positioned at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger, these joints are made from metal bellows or other flexible materials.
Support Structures Support structures maintain the stability of the heat exchanger, providing a secure foundation. These supports can be either temporary or permanent and are usually constructed from steel or other sturdy materials.
Working Principle of Shell And Tube Heat Exchanger
The working principle of a shell and tube heat exchanger can be understood through the following steps:
Fluid Flow
The hot fluid, also known as the process fluid, enters the heat exchanger through an inlet and flows through the tubes. Simultaneously, the colder fluid, called the service fluid, enters the shell and circulates around the tubes.
Heat Transfer
As the process fluid flows through the tubes, it transfers its heat to the colder service fluid flowing around the tubes. The heat transfer occurs through the tube walls, creating a temperature gradient between the fluids.
Thermal Efficiency
The design of the heat exchanger maximizes the surface area available for heat transfer by incorporating numerous tubes. This increased surface area enhances the overall thermal efficiency of the exchanger, ensuring effective heat transfer.
Counterflow or Parallel Flow
Shell and tube heat exchangers can operate in two main configurations: counterflow and parallel flow. In counterflow, the hot fluid and cold fluid flow in opposite directions, optimizing the heat transfer efficiency. In parallel flow, both fluids flow in the same direction, Moreover, heat transfer efficiency is lower compared to counterflow.
Types of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
U-Tube Heat Exchangers:
U Tube heat exchanger is the simplest and most common type of exchange. The fluid flows within it in a single way. That is best suitable for where thermal efficiency is not a crucial factor. This type of exchanger is generally used for HVAC systems and other low pressure applications. And where the pressure also drops is not a crucial factor.
Fixed Tube Sheet Heat Exchangers:
Fixed tube heat exchanger is also most commonly used in the chemical and oil and Gas Industries. The tube sheet is used to divide the shell and tube fluid mixing. Tubes fixed in tube sheets through a welding. This is best suited for temperature differences that are not an important factor between two floor fluids.
Floating Head Heat Exchangers:
The floating head types of heat exchangers used in oil and gas and petrochemicals Industries where the high temperature and high pressure application are required. Because due to the high temperature the floating head is expanded accordingly and adjusts itself without damaging any other internal parts.
Double Tube Sheet Heat Exchangers:
This type of heat exchanger is most commonly used in the pharmaceutical industries where the fluid mixing to each other is a very crucial factor. That can impact the process of the plant. In the Double tube heat exchanger there are two seats provided which prevent the mixing of liquid to other liquid and act as a barrier between both.
Multi-Pass Heat Exchangers:
The multi pass heat exchanger used for the high heat transfer coefficient but created more pressure drop. This is used for where high heat transfer is required in this type of heat exchange the fluid is rotated or circulates within the exchanger in multiple Times according to its passes.
Ideal Applications for Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Sanitary and High-Purity Applications
With a more open design, stainless steel or higher alloy materials, tri-clamp connections, grooved tube sheets, and the option for double tube sheets, shell and tube heat exchangers are often preferred for high-purity applications such as sanitary 3-A, personal care, and pharmaceuticals. Their accessibility to the tube bundle also facilitates easy cleaning and fouling prevention.
High-Temperature and Pressure Applications
Shell and tube heat exchangers are well-suited for applications involving high temperatures and pressures, such as in refineries, petrochemical plants, food and beverage processing, and power plants. Their robust construction and larger tube diameters make them more capable of withstanding elevated temperatures and pressures compared to plate and frame heat exchangers. In power plants, especially for cooling systems, shell and tube heat exchangers are commonly used due to their efficiency in handling high temperatures and pressures.
Dual-Use Scenarios and Customization Needs
Shell and tube heat exchangers are versatile and can be customized for dual-use applications, where they serve multiple purposes within a single unit. This adaptability is beneficial for processes with changing requirements, such as product heating and cooling. In terms of configuration, materials, and geometry, shell and tube heat exchangers offer numerous customization options. Their ability to be tailored to specific needs makes them a preferred choice in such applications.
Corrosive Fluid or Chemical Applications
For applications involving corrosive fluids, shell and tube heat exchangers provide the advantage of material flexibility. Engineers can select materials resistant to corrosion, such as stainless steel, Duplex, Hastelloy, and others, ensuring durability and reliability in challenging environments. These heat exchangers are extensively used in chemical processing industries where corrosion resistance, high temperatures, and customizable designs align with the demands of various chemical processes.
Getting a Heat Exchanger That Meets Your Needs
Several factors must be considered to design a shell and tube heat exchanger that meets your needs:
Identify Your Specific Process Fluids And Operating Conditions: Determine the appropriate design and material selection for your heat exchanger based on the fluids you are handling and the operating conditions.
Ensure High-Quality Materials: Choose materials that are appropriate for your application. For example, you may need corrosion-resistant alloys for harsh environments.
Consider Future Needs and Potential Expansion: Design your heat exchanger to accommodate possible changes in your process and future expansion plans.
Know Your Budget: Balance your requirements with the cost and delivery time, while ensuring that you receive a product that meets your quality standards.
Work with Reliable Manufacturers and Suppliers: Select manufacturers and suppliers with a good reputation, experience, certifications, and positive customer reviews.
Our Factory
We have a 44000m² production base for various auxiliary parts processing, component welding, finished product inspection, packaging, etc. There are multiple production lines, and equipped with modern production and processing equipment and online ERP, MES, OA management systems to produce various heat exchange products, with an annual output of up to 1 million units (sets).
FAQ
Hangzhou Airman Environmental Technology Co., Ltd. is one of the most professional shell and tube heat exchanger manufacturers and suppliers in China, specialized in providing high quality products. We warmly welcome you to buy customized shell and tube heat exchanger made in China here from our factory.
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