What Is Tube Sheet In Heat Exchanger？
Introduction of tube-sheet heat exchanger：
Tubular heat exchangers are one of the most widely used heat exchange equipment in the industrial field. With its high efficiency in heat transfer, strong adaptability and stable structure, it has become the preferred equipment in the petrochemical, electric power, pharmaceutical and other industries. This article will analyze in detail its structural principle, type comparison, advantages and disadvantages, and selection recommendations.
tube sheet heat exchanger
Structure and working principle:
The tubular heat exchanger is mainly composed of shell, tube bundle, tube sheet, head and other components. When working, two fluids with different temperatures flow in the tube side (inside the tube) and shell side (outside the tube) respectively, and heat exchange is carried out through the metal tube wall. Its core advantages are:
Efficient heat transfer: The tube bundles are tightly arranged, with a large heat transfer area, suitable for large-flow fluid exchange
Strong adaptability: Can withstand high temperature, high pressure and corrosive media, with a wide operating temperature range
Convenient maintenance: Some types support tube bundle disassembly, which is convenient for cleaning and replacement of damaged pipes
Comparison of main types and advantages and disadvantages:
According to the connection method between the tube sheet and the shell, tubular heat exchangers can be divided into the following four categories:
Fixed tube sheet heat exchanger
Advantages: simple structure, low cost, compact tube bundle arrangement, high heat transfer efficiency.
Disadvantages: The shell side cannot be mechanically cleaned; expansion joints need to be added when the temperature difference is large, and the shell side pressure is limited.
Applicable scenarios: working conditions with small temperature difference or clean shell side fluid, such as chemical reaction system
Floating head heat exchanger
Advantages: One end of the tube bundle can be moved to eliminate temperature difference stress; both the shell side and the tube side can be cleaned.
Disadvantages: Complex structure, many metal consumables; the floating head seal is prone to leakage and difficult to detect.
Applicable scenarios: working conditions with large temperature difference and frequent cleaning, such as the oil refining industry.
U-tube heat exchanger
Advantages: The tube bundle can be freely extended and retracted, without temperature difference stress; the structure is simple and easy to clean.
Disadvantages: It is difficult to clean the inside of the tube; the large gap between the tube bundles can easily lead to fluid short circuit and low heat transfer efficiency.
Applicable scenarios: High temperature, high pressure and clean medium occasions, such as nuclear power systems.
Stuffing box heat exchanger
Advantages: low cost, easy maintenance; can handle slightly corrosive media.
Disadvantages: Shell-side media has leakage risk, not suitable for flammable and explosive fluids.
Applicable scenarios: low-pressure chemical processes that require frequent maintenance.
Comparison between tube heat exchanger and plate heat exchanger
Tubular heat exchangers are often compared with plate heat exchangers, each with its own advantages and disadvantages:
Tubular advantages: high pressure and high temperature resistance, long life, low maintenance cost.
Plate advantages: small size, higher heat transfer efficiency, easy to expand heat transfer area.
Core difference: Tubular is suitable for harsh working conditions (such as high pressure corrosive environment), while plate is more suitable for scenarios with limited space and rapid heat exchange.
Application Areas
The application of tubular heat exchangers covers multiple industries:
Petrochemical industry: crude oil heating, reactor cooling.
Power industry: boiler feed water preheating, steam condensation.
Food and pharmaceutical industry: sterile grade heat exchangers are used for dairy product sterilization and drug purification.
Environmental protection field: waste heat recovery to reduce energy consumption.
Selection and maintenance recommendations
Selection points:
Working parameters: Prioritize temperature, pressure and medium characteristics (such as corrosiveness).
Cleaning requirements: For fluids prone to scaling, it is recommended to choose floating head type or U-tube type.
Cost control: Fixed tube sheet type is suitable for scenarios with limited budget and small temperature difference.
Maintenance suggestions:
Clean the pipes regularly to prevent scaling that affects heat transfer efficiency.
Check seals (such as floating heads and stuffing boxes) for leaks and replace them in time
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