Fixed tube sheet heat exchanger

Fixed tube sheet heat exchanger

These are commonly used up to temperature difference of 90-95° C. Above these temperature differences problems of differential expansion arise. These are used when shell-side fluid is clean and non-fouling.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fixed tube sheet heat exchanger

Advantages:

• It is simple in construction and economical.
• Gasket joints are minimum.
• Shell is welded to tube sheet on both sides, so leakage possibility is less.
• No intermixing of shell side and tube side fluid.
• No limitation on a number of tube side passes.
• Since straight tubes are used, tube replacement is easier.
• Tubes can be cleaned mechanically or chemically.
• Minimum bypassing of shell-side fluid between the tube bundle and shell.

Disadvantages :

• It is not possible to remove the tube bundle for inspection and cleaning.
• The outer surface of the tube cannot be cleaned manually or mechanically.
• Shell and tube sheet material should be weldable together.