Heat Exchanger World Magazine February 2023 | Page 26

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Shell & Tube
CHANNEL BARREL
TUBESHEET
GASKET
( left ) Hi-Hi screw-plug exchanger ( right ) Shell-side gasket joint ( internal joint between shell and tubesheet )
baffles with the longitudinal baffle . Performing such unwarranted long welds at places where shorter weld lengths (~ 1in ) are adequate , causes distortion of tube holes in the baffle and compromises its assembly with the tubes . Also , the resulting tight fit between tubes and baffles restricts the free movement of the tubes through these distorted baffle holes during operation and induces excessive stress in the tubes . Therefore , such construction causes more harm to the life of the bundle than improving it .
3 . Insisting on specific dimensions for sliding strips / bundle skid bars or a specific number of tie rods makes the tube bundle more rigid and less maintenance-friendly as it takes more time for bundle insertion / removal from the shell .
4 . Insisting on providing 3 x 45 ° chamfers on both sides tube holes in the baffles . Providing such large chamfers leads to the inside surface of the hole acting as a knife-edge to the tube and may lead to an autofrettage wear of the tubes . Removing sharp corners of the hole ( i . e . deburring without insisting on a specific chamfer dimension ) is enough to ensure tubes are not scratched during insertion .
Therefore , it is in the best interest of the life of the bundle that the construction of the bundle and its manufacturing process be left to the manufacturer to decide . Specifications will allow the required freedom for the equipment manufacturer to be able to provide designs that are more effective , manufacturing-friendly and economical .

Best-in-class

With ACE as a world market leader , Christof Group spearheads the supply and installation of tailormade solutions and reliably engineered critical process equipment needed at the heart of polymer plants . An extensive track record of innovative solutions delivered for the oil and gas sector and the pharmaceutical industry has made ACE a global leader . ACE has many years of experience in the construction of heat exchangers and air coolers and offers solutions for every industry by developing individually designed heat exchangers for various applications . Especially the petrochemical industry appreciates ACE as a competent and reliable partner .
critical process equipment
CORE COMPETENCES
› Engineering and apparatus construction ( reactors , heat exchangers , columns , pressure vessels etc .) › Repair and maintenance works ( re-tubing of heat exchangers , partial renovation of columns , repair works on equipment ) › Chemical & Process Design acc . to HTRI ( design of shell-and-tube heat exchangers , optimization of existing apparatuses etc .) › Mechanical processing › International certificates ace Apparatebau construction & engineering GmbH Hans-Thalhammer-Strasse 18 8501 Lieboch / Austria T + 43 3136 63600 0 F + 43 3136 63600 4600 E ace . office @ christof-group . com W christof-group . com / ace