Tube Bundle for Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Tube Bundle (for shell-and-tube type)

Definition

The tube bundle is the central heat transfer component of a shell-and-tube type vent condenser. It consists of multiple tubes held together by tube sheets and often supported by baffles, contained within the outer shell. In a vent condenser application, it facilitates the condensation of vapors by transferring heat from the vapor stream inside the tubes (or shell) to a cooling medium on the opposite side. The bundle is typically fabricated from materials such as stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316), copper alloys, carbon steel, or titanium, depending on the process requirements. Key design parameters include design pressure (1.0–6.4 MPa), design temperature (-40–450 °C), tube outer diameter (19–38 mm), tube wall thickness (1.0–3.0 mm), tube length (1500–12000 mm), number of tubes (10–2000), tube pitch (25–48 mm), tubesheet thickness (20–80 mm), baffle spacing (100–500 mm), and baffle cut (20–45% of shell diameter). The tube-to-tubesheet joint may be expanded, welded, or a combination, depending on pressure and integrity requirements. These values are reference ranges per GB/T 151 and must be confirmed for the specific application. The bundle weight can vary from 500 to 5000 kg. For procurement, verify that the design complies with applicable standards and that materials and dimensions match the intended service conditions. Regular inspection is necessary to detect fouling, corrosion, or mechanical damage, which can reduce heat transfer efficiency or lead to leaks. The tube bundle is a replaceable component; when performance degrades beyond acceptable limits, it may be re-tubed or replaced. Always consult the legal manufacturer or supplier for model-specific values and standards.

Working Principle

Heat is transferred through the tube walls via conduction. In a typical vent condenser configuration, hot process vapors flow through the tubes (tube-side), while a coolant (often water) flows over the outside of the tubes within the shell (shell-side). The temperature difference drives heat from the vapor to the coolant, causing the vapor to condense into liquid. The baffles direct the shell-side flow to enhance turbulence and heat transfer, while the tube sheets support the tubes and separate the two fluid streams. The design must balance heat transfer efficiency with pressure drop and mechanical integrity.

Common Materials

Stainless Steel (e.g., 304, 316), Copper Alloys, Carbon Steel, Titanium

Technical Parameters

Parameter	Typical range	Notes & selection driver
Design Pressure	1.0–6.4 MPa	Higher pressures require thicker tubes and tubesheets.GB/T 151
Design Temperature	-40–450 °C	Above 450°C, material creep becomes significant.GB/T 151
Tube Outer Diameter	19–38 mm	Common sizes: 19, 25, 32, 38 mm.GB/T 151
Tube Wall Thickness	1.0–3.0 mm	Thicker walls for higher pressure or corrosion allowance.GB/T 151
Tube Length	1500–12000 mm	Longer tubes increase heat transfer area but limit cleaning.GB/T 151
Number of Tubes	10–2000 pcs	Depends on shell diameter and tube pitch.
Tube Pitch	25–48 mm	Triangular pitch typical; larger pitch for cleaning.GB/T 151
Tube Material	304/316L	Other materials: carbon steel, titanium, etc.ASTM A312
Tubesheet Thickness	20–80 mm	Thicker for higher pressure or larger diameter.GB/T 151
Tube-to-Tubesheet Joint	Expanded+Welded	Expanded only for low pressure; welded for high integrity.GB/T 151
Baffle Spacing	100–500 mm	Smaller spacing increases turbulence and pressure drop.GB/T 151
Baffle Cut	20–45 %	Percentage of shell diameter; typical 25%.GB/T 151
Weight	500–5000 kg	Varies with size and material.

Ranges are indicative industry figures for RFQ preparation, not a supplier commitment. Confirm every value and standard with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Components / BOM

Tubes Part
Primary conduits for fluid flow and heat transfer surface.

Material: Stainless Steel/Copper Alloy
Tube Sheets Part
Hold tubes in place at both ends, providing a seal between tube-side and shell-side fluids.

Material: Carbon Steel/Stainless Steel
Baffles Part
Support tubes, direct shell-side fluid flow across the bundle to enhance heat transfer and reduce vibration.

Material: Carbon Steel/Stainless Steel
Tie Rods & Spacers Part
Secure baffles in position along the length of the bundle.

Material: Carbon Steel/Stainless Steel

Application & selection

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits

pressure:	Up to 300 bar (shell side), Up to 600 bar (tube side)
flow rate:	0.5 to 5 m/s (tube side velocity)
temperature:	-50°C to 400°C (depending on tube material)
slurry concentration:	Up to 20% solids by weight (requires erosion-resistant materials)

Media Compatibility

✓ Water/Steam Systems ✓ Hydrocarbon Processing ✓ Chemical Solvents

Unsuitable: Highly corrosive acids (e.g., concentrated sulfuric acid) without specialized alloy tubes

Sizing Data Required

Heat Duty (kW)
Tube Side/Side Flow Rates (kg/h)
Allowable Pressure Drop (bar)

Risk, maintenance & compliance

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause

Corrosion-induced tube wall thinning

Cause: Chemical attack from process fluids, especially at high temperatures or with corrosive contaminants, leading to pitting, uniform thinning, or stress corrosion cracking.

Tube-to-tubesheet joint leakage

Cause: Thermal cycling causing differential expansion between tubes and tubesheet, mechanical fatigue from vibration, or improper initial rolling/welding during fabrication.

Maintenance Indicators

Visible external leakage at tube ends or shell-side connections, often accompanied by process fluid deposits or staining.
Audible vibration or humming from the shell, indicating flow-induced vibration or partial blockage leading to turbulent flow.

Engineering Tips

Implement regular tube wall thickness monitoring via non-destructive testing (e.g., ultrasonic testing) at critical zones like inlet ends and bends to detect thinning early.
Ensure proper tube support design and installation to minimize flow-induced vibration, and use anti-vibration baffles or additional supports where high velocities are present.

Indicative industry ranges for design and RFQ preparation. Confirm the exact figures and applicable standard with the manufacturer before specifying.

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Applicable Standards

ISO 16812:2021 (Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries - Shell-and-tube heat exchangers) ASME BPVC Section VIII (Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Division 1) EN 13445-3 (Unfired pressure vessels - Part 3: Design)

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision

Tube-to-tubesheet joint leak tightness: ≤ 1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s (helium leak test)
Tube bundle straightness: ≤ 1 mm per meter length

Quality Inspection

Hydrostatic pressure test (1.5x design pressure for 30 minutes)
Eddy current testing of tubes for wall thickness and defects

Procurement Evaluation Criteria

A practical evidence checklist for RFQ preparation and supplier evaluation.

Technical documentation

Request current drawings, revision history, and a signed specification sheet.

Manufacturing capability

Verify equipment lists, process limits, capacity, and representative production evidence.

Inspection readiness

Confirm test methods, calibrated equipment, sampling plans, and traceable reports.

Supplier transparency

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Manufacturers of Tube Bundle (for shell-and-tube type)

Manufacturer profiles associated with Tube Bundle (for shell-and-tube type).

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Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are commonly used for tube bundles?

Common materials include stainless steel (e.g., 304, 316), copper alloys, carbon steel, and titanium. The choice depends on the process fluid, temperature, pressure, and corrosion requirements.

What is the typical design pressure range?

The design pressure range is 1.0 to 6.4 MPa, as per GB/T 151. Higher pressures require thicker tubes and tubesheets. Always confirm the actual design pressure for your application.

How does the tube-to-tubesheet joint affect performance?

The joint can be expanded, welded, or a combination. Expanded joints are used for low pressure, while welded joints provide higher integrity. The choice affects leak tightness and maintenance.

What maintenance signals indicate a need for inspection?

Signs include reduced heat transfer efficiency, increased pressure drop, visible corrosion, or leaks. Regular inspection is recommended to detect fouling or mechanical damage.

Related equipment

Applied To / Applications

This component is essential for the following industrial systems and equipment:

Vent Condenser

View system integration details

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems

Downstream Applications

Specialized Tooling

Data Basis

Editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records.

Preliminary Technical Classification

This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

Compiled and source-reviewed by the CNFX editorial team. Each manufacturer above links to the page on that company's own website where the product is listed, with the date we checked it. How we source and review · Page last updated 12 October 2026

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