Tubular Heating Exchangers

Tubular exchanger elements are used as replaceable or built-in heating elements in shell-and-tube heat exchangers and process thermal units. They are applied in steam, hot-water, industrial liquid, and auxiliary service circuits where heat transfer depends on correct medium circulation on the tube side and mechanical compatibility with the shell or existing exchanger body. This category includes ADCA type R tubular elements.

Selection should be based on heat duty, flow rate, inlet and outlet temperatures, operating pressure, allowable pressure drop, material compatibility with the process fluid, and the ability to integrate into an existing exchanger. In steam service, attention should be given to condensate drainage, the presence of non-condensable gases, steam quality, return-line backpressure, and control valve stability, in order to avoid water hammer, reduced heat-transfer coefficient, and uneven thermal loading.

ADCA type R tubular elements are available with EN or ASME flanged connections; threaded connections are available on request. Maximum operating pressure is 16 bar and maximum operating temperature is 250 °C. During maintenance, the condition of the tubes should be checked for cleanliness, fouling from scale or oxides, tightness at the connecting flange, gasket condition, and any signs of corrosion or flow-assisted erosion/corrosion.