Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
(OP)
Hi,
I have a question regarding vertical heat exchanger supports. I'm curious is it allowed to put vertical HE on skirt, or legs?
I've done a lot of vertical HE so far, but I have never seen that kind of support (legs, skirt) for vertical HE yet. Every heat exchanger I have made so far has been supported by brackets.
Is that allowed, is there any regulation that say something about this.
Thanks in advance
I have a question regarding vertical heat exchanger supports. I'm curious is it allowed to put vertical HE on skirt, or legs?
I've done a lot of vertical HE so far, but I have never seen that kind of support (legs, skirt) for vertical HE yet. Every heat exchanger I have made so far has been supported by brackets.
Is that allowed, is there any regulation that say something about this.
Thanks in advance





RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
I have been involved with the design of several types of vertical S&T heat exchangers (U-tube feedwater heaters, channel down) and all have been supported on "brackets".
Since the customary configuration for S&T HX is horizontal, several practical design considerations must be evaluated when a vertical HX is required.
1) Is there a significant difference in design pressure that makes one side of the HX much heavier than the other ? (This complicates the type of support required)
2) Is there a possibility of "buildup" on the tubesheet that may cause operational issues later ?(vertical HXs will not do this)
3) Will there be problems with the imposed reaction forces of attached piping systems ? (this is always a big consideration far verticals as there is only one point of support)
4) Removing tube bundles and/or cleaning tube may be difficult for vertical HXs
My thoughts only
-mjc
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Are you asking about (or thinking about) a Shell and Tube heat Exchanger hung vertically on the side of and near the bottom of a Fractionation Column?
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
@pennipiper
it isn't like you said. It is just an vertical heat exchanger for itself
@gr2vessels
I think like that as well. It is Pressure Vessel. But as I said, haven't seen any so far on the legs.
Thanks
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Cheers,
gr2vessels
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Lug supported HX's are very common, done all the time.
Smallish pressure vessels are often leg supported, done all the time.
Larger PV's seem to be more often skirt supported, seems like it's easier to feed the loads into the shell.
Regards,
Mike
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Why in the world would you want to do this if it is NOT a thermosyphon Reboiler?
Doing this complicates the piping, the operational access to valves and maintenance access for tube bundle removal and or tube cleaning in place.
It just does not sound like a good idea unless you are aboard a ship and are limited in available space.
What do you say?
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
A S&T HX should always be horizontal unless there is some good reason to orient it another way.
I can only think of two exceptions:
- Vertical thermosyphon reboiler
- Knock-back condenser on a reactor vent pipe
Any others >?
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Believe it or not it is hotter in Minneapolis, Chicago and New York than it is way down south here in Florida. My wife and I play tennis every day and enjoy the warm weather.
Thanks for asking,
Now back to the subject at hand.
Why is this S&T exchanger being installed in a vertical position?
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
It is being installed in a vertical position because of the available space.
Unfortunately I'm not the one who will say how it is gonna be, because I'm just a beginner in the company (new one).
THanks
RE: Vertical Heat Exchanger Supports
Cheers,
gr2vessels