Shell and Tube Exchangers
One of the more common forms of heat exchangers is a shell and tube exchanger. This is a straight-forward and cost effective approach for heat transfer solutions. In this design, one fluid is passed through tubes (i.e. tube side) while another fluid enters the shell section (i.e. shell side) of the vessel housing the tubes. As the phases pass through the exchanger, the surface area of the tubes is in direct contact with the shell side flow, thereby transferring heat in this process.
U-Tube Exchangers
When space is limited and size constraints are design considerations, we may recommend a u-tube exchanger. This design is very similar to the shell and tube, but essentially reduces the overall length of the unit in half, by bending the shell & tube 180 degrees for increased surface area. These are a more intricate design and do require specialty flanges for the bonnets, but can provide economic benefits when considering the surrounding infrastructure and maintenance.