Tubular Heat Exchanger U - Tube Bundle Customized For Petroleum Refining

Overview

A tubular heat exchanger is a type of heat exchanger that is widely used in various industries for efficient heat transfer between two fluids. In a tubular heat exchanger, one fluid flows inside the tubes while the other fluid flows around the outside of the tubes. This design allows for a large surface area for heat transfer, making it an effective way to exchange heat between the two fluids.

Tubular heat exchangers come in different configurations, such as shell and tube heat exchangers, double pipe heat exchangers, and multi-tube heat exchangers. They are used in applications where high temperatures and pressures are involved, such as in chemical processing, power generation, and HVAC systems.

Types of tubular heat exchangers:

• Fixed tube plate heat exchanger

This type of heat exchanger has an integrated tube plate and shell. When the temperature difference between the two streams is large, a compensation ring (or expansion joint) can be added at an appropriate position on the shell to compensate for the problems caused by thermal expansion. This type of heat exchanger has a simple structure and relatively low price, but cleaning and maintenance are relatively difficult, making it suitable for fluids that are not prone to scaling.

• U-shaped tube heat exchanger

Each tube is U-shaped, and the inlet and outlet of the fluid are located on both sides. There is a partition inside the head that divides it into two chambers, allowing each pipe to expand and contract freely to solve the problem of thermal expansion. This type of heat exchanger has a simple structure, light weight, and is suitable for high temperature and high pressure environments. However, cleaning the tube side is relatively difficult and requires the use of fluids that are not easily scaled.

• Floating head heat exchanger

This type of tubular heat exchanger has tube plates at both ends, and one end is not connected to the shell, which is called a floating head. When the pipeline is heated, the bundle and floating head can freely expand and contract along the axial direction to counteract the stress caused by temperature difference. This type of heat exchanger has a complex structure, but is relatively easy to clean and maintain, and can be used in a wide range of application fields. However, small floating heads may experience internal leakage, resulting in higher prices.

Advantages of tubular heat exchangers:

• Low maintenance cost
• High working pressure
• High working temperature
• Processing of particulate or fibre products
• Easy inspection and disassembly
• High security in aseptic processes
• Easy to enlarge

Tubular heat exchanger (Fixed tube plate heat exchanger) Internal composition

As the name suggests, the tube plates and shells at both ends of the fixed tube plate heat exchanger are connected and fixed by welding. This type is often referred to as a tubular heat exchanger. Due to the fixation of the tube plates at both ends, the shell side cannot be mechanically cleaned and cannot be used in situations with large temperature differences to avoid stress damage. However, it still cannot prevent the widespread application of this type of heat exchanger, ultimately due to its simple manufacturing, good economy, and excellent initial performance.

Application:

• HVAC Systems: Heat exchangers are integral components in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. They transfer heat between the air and a fluid (such as water or refrigerant) to either heat or cool indoor spaces.
• Industrial Processes: Many industrial processes require precise temperature control. Heat exchangers are used to regulate temperatures in chemical processing, oil refining, power generation, food processing, and pharmaceutical production.
• Refrigeration and Cooling: Heat exchangers play a critical role in refrigeration cycles, where they transfer heat from the refrigerant to the outside environment, thereby cooling the interior space.
• Renewable Energy: Heat exchangers are used in renewable energy systems like solar thermal collectors and geothermal power plants to transfer heat from renewable sources to usable mediums such as water or air.
• Automotive: In vehicles, heat exchangers are used in cooling systems to regulate engine temperature by transferring heat from coolant to air via radiators.
• Waste Heat Recovery: Heat exchangers can capture and reuse waste heat from industrial processes or exhaust gases, improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.
• Domestic Appliances: They are present in household appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners, and water heaters, where they facilitate heat transfer to maintain desired temperatures.
• Heat Pumps: These devices use heat exchangers to transfer heat between indoor and outdoor environments for heating or cooling purposes in residential and commercial buildings.