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High
pressure reinforced expansion joint for heat exchangers
In heat exchangers , the inner tubes and shells often do not expand at the same rate due to differences in materials , varying temperatures , and other factors . Without proper preparation to manage this longitudinal thermal expansion , the resulting pressure and dimensional changes in the tubes or shell can cause significant damage to the unit .
Text & images by MACOGA
Differential axial expansion between the shell and the tube bundle is a well-known problem in fixed tube sheet heat exchanger and pressure vessels design . Expansion joints are promising for accommodating differential thermal expansion of heat exchanger shells . Differences in the axial expansion of the shell and the tube bundle due to high mean metal temperature differentials warrant incorporation of expansion . This is particularly true for fixed tube-sheet exchangers . In most cases , the internal tubes of exchangers are made of nickel alloys or stainless steel material which means that they expand approximately 50 % more than carbon steel , which is the material from which the shells are usually manufactured . The most optimal way to manage and control the differences in thermal expansion between tubes and shell is with the installation of expansion joints in the outer shell .
Reinforced MRR series Thin-walled MRR Series can be singleply or multiply and are usually manufactured in thicknesses from 0.5 mm to 2 mm
Detailed view of reinforced MRR series expansion joint .
42 Heat Exchanger World September 2024 www . heat-exchanger-world . com