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shell and tube geometry

shell and tube geometry

shell and tube geometry

(OP)
is there a standard or rule of thumb for the minimal allowable spacing between the tube OD and the shell ID?

RE: shell and tube geometry

TEMA discusses maximum diametric clearance between baffle/support OD and shell design ID in Section V, RCB-4.3.  Approximate outer tube limit can be extrapolated from there.  Effects on shell-side local velocities, vibration, and resonance, as well as aggregate pressure drop should be considered when making changes.

As for minimums: remember, once you design it, someone is going to actually have to build it.  Keep that in mind when getting aggressive with your OTL vs shell ID.

-TJ Orlowski

RE: shell and tube geometry

Hi mielke,

What type of exchanger are you dealing with , fixed tubesheet or floating head ?
In case of floating head exchangers floating head flange require large bundle to shell clearance as compared to fixed tubesheet exchangers. This clearance is function of design pressure , greater the design pressure larger is clearance.
If you have access to HTRI design manuals you can look into graph provided therein.
 

RE: shell and tube geometry

Following are some clearances between the tube OD and shell ID. The clearances were copied from a tube count manual. The clearances are for a heat exchanger where the tubesheets are welded to the shell. For example: a BEM type.
Shell ID  clearance
6 -12       1/4"
13-24       5/16"
25-33       3/8"
34-47       1/2"

RE: shell and tube geometry

Quote:

Following are some clearances between the tube OD and shell ID. The clearances were copied from a tube count manual. The clearances are for a heat exchanger where the tubesheets are welded to the shell. For example: a BEM type.Shell ID  clearance
6 -12       1/4"
13-24       5/16"
25-33       3/8"
34-47       1/2"

Are these clearances diametric, or radial?

-TJ Orlowski

RE: shell and tube geometry

The clearances are radial.

RE: shell and tube geometry

If those are minimum clearances, they seem overly conservative.  If they were diametric, they would look more reasonable.

-TJ Orlowski

RE: shell and tube geometry

You are right. These big words throw me(haha).

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