How to distinguish between the tube side and shell side of the heat exchanger

Table of Contents[hide]

• 1. Tube Side
• 2. Shell Side
• 3. Distinguish Key Points
• 4. Distinctions in practical applications
• 5. Example
• Summarize

In heat exchangerspipeandShell StrokeThe distinction is based on the fluid flow path, primarily according to their structure and working principle. Here is a simplified breakdown:

1. Tube Side

• definition: Fluid inside the heat exchangertube bundleThe flow path (i.e., inside the pipe).
• Features:
  • Fluid flows through multiple parallel tubes (tube bundles), which are typically made of metal (such as stainless steel or copper).
  • The fluid in the tube side is in direct contact with the inner wall of the tube, and exchanges heat with the fluid in the shell side through the tube wall.
  • Suitable for high-pressure, highly corrosive, or relatively clean fluids, as the inside of the pipe is easy to clean and has good sealing properties.
• useIt is commonly used for cooling fluids such as water, steam, and oil that require strict control or high pressure.

2. Shell Side

• definitionThe path of fluid flow inside the heat exchanger shell and outside the tube bundle.
• Features:
  • Fluid flows around the tube bundle within the shell, typically guided by baffles, increasing turbulence and heat transfer efficiency.
  • The shell-side fluid contacts the outer wall of the tube and exchanges heat indirectly with the tube-side fluid.
  • Suitable for low-pressure, high-viscosity or particulate fluids, and can easily handle complex fluids due to its large shell-side space.
• useIt is commonly used for gases, viscous liquids, or fluids that require large flow rates.

3. Key points for differentiation

• LocationThe tube side is inside the tube, and the shell side is outside the tube (inside the shell).
• fluid properties:
  • Pipe side: High pressure, clean or corrosive fluids, with narrow flow channels.
  • Shell side: Low-pressure, impurity-containing or high-flow-rate fluids, with a wider flow channel.
• maintainThe tube side is easy to clean (with a brush or high-pressure water), while the shell side is more complex to clean.
• structureThe tube side consists of tube bundles, while the shell side consists of a shell and baffles.

4. Distinction in practical application

• During the design, based on the fluid...pressure,corrosive,flowandCleanlinessDetermine which fluid flows through the tube side or the shell side. For example:
  • High-pressure steam typically travels through pipes to prevent leaks.
  • Particulate-containing exhaust gas may pass through the shell side, making it easier to treat.
• The heat exchanger nameplate or design drawings will indicate the inlet and outlet of the tube side and shell side.

5. Example

• Shell and tube heat exchangersCooling water flows through the tube side (clean and easy to maintain), while hot oil flows through the shell side (high viscosity and high flow rate).
• CondenserSteam flows through the tubes (high pressure, easy to condense), while cooling water flows through the shell (high flow rate).

Summarize

The tube side and shell side are distinguished by the fluid flow location (inside the tube vs. inside the shell), and are allocated according to fluid properties and process requirements during design. The tube side is suitable for high-pressure, clean fluids, while the shell side is suitable for high-flow-rate, complex fluids. Specific configurations can be determined by reviewing equipment drawings or consulting the manufacturer.

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