Analysis of Design Efficiency of Tube Bundles of Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers with a Rigid Structure

Resumo

The metal content of tube bundles of rigid-type shell-and-tube heat exchangers is analyzed in terms of their design options and used materials. Outer tube diameters, tube material, wall thickness, pressure in the tubes, and inner diameter of the exchanger are considered as the influencing factors. Use of tube bundles consisting of strong tubes is proposed for reducing metal content of tube bundles. High-strength low-alloy steel tubes are recommended for medium and high pressures in the tubes. In the case of low pressure in the tubes, the difference in metal content of carbon steel and high-strength low-alloy steel tube bundles is negligible.