Shell and Tube Exchangers

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are used for indirect heat transfer between two fluids in separate flow paths, with one medium on the tube side and the other on the shell side. They are applied in heating, cooling, heat recovery, process systems, and steam, water, oil, and other compatible industrial fluid networks where a mechanically robust construction and integration into process pipework are required. This category includes ADCA heat exchangers in the STH, STS, and STV series.

Selection is based on thermal duty, flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, allowable pressure drop, fouling factor, allocation of steam or the hot medium to shell or tube side, tube-side cleanability, material of construction, and compatibility with the process fluid. In steam service, condensate drainage, steam quality, return-line backpressure, water hammer prevention, and control valve stability on the heating side should be checked during sizing and layout.

Available versions cover DIN and ANSI standardization, with pressure classes PN16 or Class 150 and BSP, NPT, ISO 7 Rp, flanged, or threaded connections to EN or ASME, depending on type. Materials include carbon steel, cast steel, stainless steel, and 1.4404 stainless steel. For the ADCA STH, STS, and STV series, the stated maximum operating or allowable pressure is 16 bar, with a maximum temperature of 250 °C.