MECHANICAL DESIGN METHODOLOGY FOR HEAT EXCHANGERS TYPE SHELL – TUBE, FLOATING HEAD AND U- TUBES

Abstract

Within the different types of heat exchangers, those of tube and shell are widely used in heat exchange between two substances in various industries in general and in chemical industry in particular and within these, the floating head and U-shaped tubes stand out for their high efficiency, easier cleaning and lower production cost for each component. In present work, a comprehensive and flexible methodology is proposed. This allows tube and shell type with floating head and U-shaped tubes heat exchangers design and calculation, taking into account ASME code and TEMA recommendations, in shortest possible time and guaranteeing the exploitation maximum security. This methodology also can be applied to similar heat exchangers. Developed methodology flexibility allows applying any of traditional mechanical design methods in solution of steps that comprise it.