Essential Components of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

A pressure vessel like a heat exchanger is made of many critical components, each with a designated function. Therefore, a dependable shell and tube heat exchanger manufacturer in India, such as Thermosag, emphasizes the creation of high-quality, customizable solutions that find the perfect application in a wide range of industries.

This blog explores some of the essential components of a shell and tube heat exchanger that are responsible for delivering impeccable performance.

Shell

One of the most integral components of a shell and tube heat exchanger is the shell. Since it must withstand high temperatures and corrosion, it is often made from steel pipes or other fabricated metal pipes. An impingement plate is located inside the shell to facilitate the rapid movement of fluid, ultimately helping in the even distribution of fluid around the tubes.

Channels

Channels, also known as heads, function like water channels in rivers. In the shell, they determine the path of flow in the shell and tube heat exchangers. Oftentimes, they are removable, but based on the application, there are generally two present in the equipment: one for the front and another for the rear part of the heat exchanger.

Tubes

The entire tube bundle consists of the tubes, tube sheets, baffles, and tie rods. Made from stainless steel or carbon steel, these tubes generally come in up to 1 inch diameter variants. The diameter of the tube also depends on the application of different factors like temperature, pressure, and thermal movement.

Expansion Joint

Since a heat exchanger is all about exchanging thermal energy, the components on the hot side experience expansion and the cold side goes through contraction. Therefore, expansion joints accommodate this transition swiftly, making it safe for the heat exchanger to operate and handle the extreme temperature and pressure.

Baffles

Baffles in shell and tube heat exchangers are like plates or guides that provide direction to the cold water flowing around these tubes, making them move faster and absorb more heat. This accelerated flow rate prevents the accumulation of dirt or other materials inside the tubes, which can compromise the heat exchanger’s performance.

Tie Rods and Spacers

The number of tie rods and spacers in a heat exchanger is determined by the heat exchanger manufacturer in India based on the number of baffles and the diameter of the shell. These tie rods and spacers provide support to the baffles, making sure they remain securely in place and maintain adequate distance.

Conclusion

Across industries, from chemical and petrochemical to food and beverage, only the right equipment with properly functioning components can meet your operational demands. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the roles of various components becomes non-negotiable. This is where trusting experts like Thermosag becomes essential. They understand your industry-specific requirements and provide high-quality solutions certified by industry codes and standards.