Adamson Heat Exchangers | Boiler Supplies

Shell Assembly:

The shell is made from pipe or rolled plate metal, with steel being the most economical choice. For extreme temperatures and corrosion resistance, other metals or alloys are used. Off-the-shelf pipes reduce costs and lead time. Maintaining a consistent inner shell diameter, or 'roundness,' is crucial to minimize baffle spacing and enhance performance. Roundness is achieved by expanding the shell around a mandrel or double rolling after welding. In some cases, shells are cast and bored to the correct diameter. High fluid velocity at the nozzle requires an impingement plate to distribute fluid evenly, preventing erosion, vibration, and cavitation.

Tubes:

Heat exchangers typically use tubing made from materials like low carbon steel, Admiralty, copper, copper-nickel, stainless steel, Hastelloy, Inconel, or titanium, with diameters from 0.625 to 1.5 inches. Tubes can be seamless or welded, with high-quality electro resistance welded tubes displaying good grain structure. Surface enhancements like fins increase heat transfer rates. U-tube designs are used for applications with significant thermal differences to manage thermal expansion, although they are harder to clean and maintain.

Bonnets and End Channels:

Bonnets and end channels regulate fluid flow in the tube-side circuit and are mounted against the tube sheet with bolts and gaskets. They may include pass ribs for multi-pass designs, ensuring consistent fluid velocity and pressure drop. Cast bonnets for smaller diameters are made from materials like iron, steel, bronze, Hastelloy, nickel-plated, or stainless steel, with various pipe connection types available.

Baffles:

Baffles guide tubes during assembly and prevent flow-induced vibration, directing shell-side fluids to increase heat transfer. They must fit tightly within the shell to avoid fluid bypass. Baffles are stamped, punched, or machined, with materials compatible with the shell-side fluid to prevent corrosion. Precise manufacturing of tube holes facilitates easy assembly and maintenance. In liquid applications, baffles occupy 20-30% of the shell diameter, while in gas applications, they occupy 40-45%. Baffles are spaced evenly to reduce pressure drop and ensure even fluid velocity.