Shell-and-tube heat exchangers (STHE)

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers (STHE) are among the most commonly used heat exchangers in industrial applications due to their robustness, versatility and ability to operate under high pressures and temperatures. They consist of a bundle of tubes housed within a cylindrical shell, with one fluid flowing through the tubes whilst another fluid flows around the tubes through the shell. Heat is transferred via the tube walls, enabling efficient and controlled heat exchange.

A key advantage of tube heat exchangers is their suitability for a wide range of operating conditions and process media. They are widely used in power generation, oil and gas processing, chemical production, refrigeration and maritime installations. Depending on the process requirements, various configurations can be selected, such as fixed tube sheets, U-tube constructions and floating-head designs, to optimally manage thermal expansion, maintenance accessibility and fouling behaviour.

The performance of a tube heat exchanger depends heavily on the tube configuration, flow direction and choice of material. Commonly used construction materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, copper alloys and titanium, selected on the basis of their resistance to pressure, temperature and corrosion. Although these heat exchangers are generally larger and less thermally efficient than compact plate heat exchangers, they offer greater mechanical durability and are easier to clean and repair mechanically.

Although tube heat exchangers do require a relatively large amount of material and space, they are an integral part of industry. This is due to their reliability, long service life and suitability for heavy-duty applications. Thanks to their tried-and-tested design and flexible applicability, they remain an indispensable component in modern thermal installations.