Structural Characteristics of U-tube Heat Exchanger

U-tube heat exchanger is one kind of shell and tube heat exchanger, which is widely used in many industries such as petroleum, chemical, oil refining, metallurgy, pharmaceutical, food, paper making and so on. It is named for its unique U-tube structure, which is mainly composed of key components such as tube box, shell and tube bundle.

The core feature of U-tube heat exchanger is that its heat exchanger tubes are bent into U-shape, and both ends are fixed on the same tube plate. This design allows the tube bundle to expand and contract freely, eliminating the thermal stress generated by the temperature difference between the tube and shell, ensuring excellent thermal compensation performance. In addition, U-tube heat exchangers usually include components such as barrels, headers, receivers, folding plates, anti-flush plates and deflectors, as well as short-circuit-proof structures, standoffs, and other attachments to the tube and shell program. Together, these fine components make up the complete structure of the U-tube heat exchanger, enabling it to deliver excellent performance under a wide range of operating conditions.

The principle of the U-tube heat exchanger is relatively simple. The inlet and outlet of each U-tube heat exchanger are installed on both sides of the same tube plate, while the head is divided into two chambers by a partition. The fluid inside the shell exchanges heat through the outside of the heat exchanger tube, while the fluid inside the tube exchanges heat through the inside of the heat exchanger tube. Since the heat exchanger tube can be freely expanded and contracted, damage caused by temperature difference stress is avoided, enabling the U-tube heat exchanger to operate stably under high temperature, high pressure and high temperature difference conditions.

Advantages

Outstanding thermal compensation performance: U-tube heat exchanger tube bundle can be free to expand and contract, effectively eliminating thermal stress, suitable for large temperature difference occasions.

Simple structure and light weight: Because there is only one tube plate, the number of flanges is small, and the leakage points are few, which makes the structure of the equipment simple, light weight and easy to install.

Reliable operation and low cost: U-type heat exchanger tube can be withdrawn for easy cleaning and maintenance, which reduces the maintenance cost of the equipment. At the same time, due to the simple and reliable structure, it makes high operational reliability and relatively low cost.

Strong pressure-bearing capacity: U-tube heat exchanger has strong pressure-bearing capacity, suitable for long-term stable operation under high temperature and high pressure conditions.

U-tube heat exchanger is widely used in many industries. In chemical production, U-tube heat exchanger is commonly used in condensation, evaporation, heating, heat transfer and other processes to effectively improve production efficiency. At the same time, U-tube heat exchanger is also used in air conditioning, HVAC, water supply and heating and other fields, to provide a comfortable environment for people's lives. Especially in the shell wall temperature difference is large, shell process media easy to scale need regular cleaning occasions, as well as the tube to go clean, not easy to scale high temperature, high pressure, corrosive materials, U-tube heat exchanger outstanding performance.