Stainless Steel Tube Bundle For Heat Exchanger ASME SA213 / SA312 / SA249 / SA269

A tube bundle is a critical component of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger, which is one of the most common types of heat exchangers used in industrial applications. The tube bundle consists of a series of tubes through which one fluid flows, while another fluid flows around the tubes (on the shell side) to facilitate heat transfer between the two fluids.

Components of a Tube Bundle:

Tubes:

The primary heat transfer surface.

Made from materials with high thermal conductivity, such as copper, stainless steel, titanium, or carbon steel, depending on the application.

Tubes can be straight or U-shaped, depending on the design.

Tube Sheets:

Flat plates that hold the tubes in place.

Tubes are either welded, expanded, or rolled into the tube sheets to create a leak-proof seal.

Tube sheets separate the shell-side and tube-side fluids.

Baffles:

Plates or rods that direct the flow of the shell-side fluid across the tube bundle.

Improve heat transfer efficiency by creating turbulence and preventing stagnant zones.

Common types include segmental, helical, and rod baffles.

Spacers or Support Plates:

Used to maintain the alignment and spacing of the tubes.

Prevent vibration and damage to the tubes during operation.

Tie Rods and Spacers:

Hold the baffles and tube bundle together.

Ensure structural integrity.

End Caps or Channels:

Located at the ends of the tube bundle.

Direct the tube-side fluid into and out of the tubes.

Design Considerations for Tube Bundles:

Tube Diameter and Thickness:

Smaller diameters increase heat transfer efficiency but may lead to higher pressure drops.

Thicker tubes are used for high-pressure applications.

Tube Layout:

Tubes can be arranged in triangular, square, or rotated square patterns.

Triangular layouts provide higher heat transfer efficiency, while square layouts are easier to clean.

Tube Length and Number:

Longer tubes increase the heat transfer area but may require more space.

The number of tubes depends on the required heat transfer rate and flow rates.

Material Selection:

Materials must be compatible with the fluids being processed to avoid corrosion or fouling.

Common materials include stainless steel, copper alloys, titanium, and nickel alloys.

Baffle Design:

Baffle spacing and type affect heat transfer efficiency and pressure drop.

Segmental baffles are the most common, but helical baffles can reduce pressure drop and vibration.

Thermal Expansion:

Differential thermal expansion between the tubes and the shell must be accounted for to avoid stress and failure.

U-tube or floating head designs are used to accommodate expansion.

Types of Tube Bundles:

Fixed Tube Sheet Bundle:

Tubes are fixed to the tube sheets at both ends.

Simple and cost-effective but cannot handle large temperature differences between the shell and tube sides.

U-Tube Bundle:

Tubes are bent into a U-shape, allowing for thermal expansion.

Suitable for applications with high temperature differences.

Floating Head Bundle:

One end of the tube bundle is free to move, accommodating thermal expansion.

Ideal for high-temperature and high-pressure applications.

Pull-Through Floating Head Bundle:

Similar to a floating head design but allows the entire tube bundle to be removed for maintenance.

Applications of Tube Bundles:

Power Plants: Condensing steam from turbines.

Oil and Gas: Heating or cooling hydrocarbons in refineries.

Chemical Processing: Heat exchange in reactors and distillation columns.

HVAC Systems: Chillers and condensers.

Food and Beverage: Pasteurization and sterilization processes.

Advantages of Tube Bundles:

High heat transfer efficiency.

Can handle high pressures and temperatures.

Durable and long-lasting with proper maintenance.

Suitable for a wide range of fluids and applications.

Disadvantages of Tube Bundles:

Large physical size and weight.

Higher initial cost compared to some other heat exchanger types.

Requires regular maintenance to prevent fouling and corrosion.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting:

Fouling:

Deposits on the tube surfaces reduce heat transfer efficiency.

Regular cleaning (mechanical or chemical) is required.

Corrosion:

Material selection and protective coatings can help prevent corrosion.

Inspect for pitting or cracking regularly.

Vibration:

Improper baffle spacing or flow rates can cause tube vibration and failure.

Ensure proper design and operation.

Yuhong Holding Group equipments production base at Jiangsu Jiangyin City, Jinjiang City and Yancheng City. Total production area around 184000 square meters, main products : Heat Exchanger, Condenser, Pressure Vessel , Fired Heater, Economizer, Columns, Reactor.  

Jinjiang Factory: 
Main Products: Heat Exchanger, Pressure Vessel ,Condenser, Economizer, Evaporator, Column, Fired Heater;

Certificates: ASME PP, ASME S, ASME U, ASME NB, ISO3834, GB/T24001-2016/ISO 14001:2015, GB/T9001-2016/ISO9001:2015,
                      GB/T45001-2020/ISO45001:2018, TS2232A55-2026
Factory Info.: Workshop 6000 square meters, 160 workers, 1000sets/year.

 

Jiangyin Factory:
Main Products: Heat Exchanger, Pressure Vessel ,Condenser, Economizer, Evaporator;

Certificates: ASME U, ASME NB, GB/T9001-2016/ISO9001:2015,GB/T24001-2016/ISO 14001:2015, 
                      GB/T45001-2020/ISO45001:2018, GB/T9022.1-ISO10012-1.
Factory Info.: Workshop 24000 square meters, 120 workers, 600sets/year.
 

Yancheng Factory:
Main Products: Air-cooled Heat Exchanger, Cooling Tower, Pressure Vessel, Economizer, Evaporator;

Certificates: ASME U, CTI Certification, Air Cooler safety registration certificate, Pressure Vessel TS,
                      GB/T9001-2016/ISO9001:2015,GB/T24001-2016/ISO 14001:2015, GB/T45001-2020/ISO45001:2018                      
Factory Info.: Workshop 100000 square meters, 450 workers, 2000sets/year.