Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers- Working & Importance of Tube Bundle

1. Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers: Working & Importance of Tube Bundle HVAC systems are a necessity in almost every industry. Most of these systems, such as air conditioners, furnaces, etc., work on the principle of heat exchange. Thus, you can find a common component in all these machines, i.e., heat exchangers. Although heat exchangers can be of various types, shell and tube variant is the most widely used. This article answers all your questions about this type of heat exchanger and the role of tube bundles. But first, let’s get the basics right. What are heat exchangers? An AC blowing cold air or the heat pump giving warm air is no magic. In HVCA systems, heat is transferred from one medium to another using a heat exchanger device. These media can be in the form of gas, liquid, or even a mixture of both. With the advent of technology today, there are many heat exchangers since more and more characteristics of different metals are being discovered. However, the most efficient kind of heat exchanger is thought to be shell and tube units. These heat exchangers provide the best cooling solution for various applications, such as industrial HVAC, railways, hydraulics, marine, military, etc. How do shell and tube heat exchangers work? Shell and tube heat exchangers comprise a bundle of tubes inside a cylindrical casing. The coolant flowing through the tubes and the hot fluids flowing outside them can exchange heat because the tubes are built of thermally conductive materials. A shell and tube heat exchanger typically consists of four most important components – Tube bundle, shell, front header, and rear header. What is the role of tube bundles? The tube bundle is where the primary operation takes place. The components of a tube bundle are tubes and tube sheets tied together by baffles and tie rods. This collection of tubes is covered in a casing called the shell, hence the name shell and tube heat exchanger. Generally, liquid-to-liquid and steam-to-liquid heat exchange is carried out in the tubes. The fluids constantly flow through the tubes for a continuous heating or cooling cycle. A large number of tubes means more contact area for efficient heat exchange. Overall, energy efficiency remains a priority, and shell and tube heat exchangers meet the expectations. However, if your HVAC units need immediate replacement of tube bundle for the same, contact a reliable supplier. One can find affordable Carrier coils, tube bundles, etc., that precisely fit their system requirements. FAQs Can I replace the tube bundle if damaged?

2. Yes, if your tube bundle is damaged or worn out, you can replace it without replacing the whole heat exchanger. How to make the tube bundle last long? Tube bundles can be easily maintained by regular cleaning of the heat exchanger. Also, routine tube inspection, fouling assessment, and scraping are recommended. Are replacement coils and tubes expensive? You can find several suppliers who provide high-quality York evaporator coils, tube bundles, etc., at affordable prices.