Location of grooves in tube hole for expanded tube-to-tubesheet joints 1

[piaengr]

The company I work for builds many shell and tube heat exchangers to ASME Section VIII Div 1. Typically they are low pressure low temperature exchangers (15psi/250 deg F). Almost always, we use double groove expanded tube-to-tubesheet joints. The grooves in the tube hole are typically located off center towards the tubeside face of the tubesheet. Does it matter where the grooves are located within the tube hole? From what I can find, TEMA does not specify. Is there anything wrong with placing the grooves on center or near the shellside face? My thought is that is really doesn't matter, but I am curious of what others typically see and if there is any logic to the groove location. Typically, our tubesheets are 1.5" to 2" thick.

 

[imok2]

I found this:

http://scitation.aip.org/getabs/ser...00127000004000430000001&idtype=cvips&gifs=yes

I don't believe it matters as the piece says;"The experimental and calculation results indicate that the most important geometrical factor for determining the connection strength is the groove width. Groove depth, spacing, and location have a secondary effect. Optimum geometrical sizes of grooves are proposed based on maximum axial strength. These can provide a reference for the revision of design and manufacturing codes.

©2005 American Society of Mechanical Engineers

 

[piaengr]

Thank you imok2 for the link and the information. I am checking this paper out.