Editorial Technical Reference

Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly

This page explains how Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly is classified within Manufacture of Steam Generators, Except Central Heating Hot Water Boilers. Technical values and manufacturer relationships are research references; confirm the current specification and supplier evidence for each order.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

The Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly is a critical sub-assembly used in industrial steam generators, excluding central heating hot water boilers.

View Full Specifications Explore Manufacturing Sources
Representative product image. Confirm appearance and specifications with the manufacturer.

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly

Definition
The Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly is a critical sub-assembly used in industrial steam generators, excluding central heating hot water boilers. It consists of multiple heat exchange tubes arranged in a specific pattern within a shell, forming the primary heat transfer surface. The assembly transfers thermal energy from combustion gases or other heat sources to water, converting it to steam for industrial processes. This component is a key manufactured item in the B2B supply chain for steam generator OEMs and maintenance providers. Its design and manufacturing directly influence steam generation efficiency, pressure capacity, and operational safety. The assembly typically includes carbon steel alloy tubes and stainless steel tube sheets. Key parameters include tube outer diameter (15–25 mm), wall thickness (1.2–2.5 mm), number of tubes (100–500), tube length (3000–6000 mm), tube pitch (20–32 mm), heat transfer surface area (20–200 m²), design pressure (1.0–4.0 MPa), design temperature (150–350 °C), and weight (500–5000 kg). Materials referenced include SA-213 TP304H for tubes and SA-516 Gr.70 for tube sheets. Tube-to-tubesheet joints are welded and hydraulically expanded, with hydrostatic test pressure at 1.5 times design pressure. Standards such as ISO 1127, GB/T 16507, ASME SA-213, ASME SA-516, and ASME BPVC Section VIII are referenced for verification. Always confirm model-specific values and standards with the legal manufacturer or supplier.
Working Principle
Heat from combustion gases or thermal fluids flows over the external surfaces of the tubes, while water flows inside the tubes. The temperature differential causes heat transfer through the tube walls, heating the water until it vaporizes into steam. The tube bundle arrangement maximizes surface area for efficient heat exchange. The shell directs the flow of the heating medium, and the tube sheets support the tubes and separate the two fluid circuits. Proper flow distribution and thermal expansion management are essential to prevent localized overheating and mechanical stress.
Common Materials
Carbon Steel Alloy Tubes, Stainless Steel Tube Sheets
Technical Parameters
ParameterTypical rangeNotes & selection driver
Tube Outer DiameterRequired15–25 mmExternal diameter of individual heat exchange tubesISO 1127
Tube Wall ThicknessRequired1.2–2.5 mmMinimum wall thickness of heat exchange tubesISO 1127
Number of TubesRequired100–500 countTotal quantity of tubes in the bundle assembly
Tube LengthRequired3000–6000 mmEffective heat exchange length of tubes
Tube PitchRequired20–32 mmCenter-to-center distance between adjacent tubes
Heat Transfer Surface Area20–200 m²Total external surface area available for heat transfer
Design Pressure1.0–4.0 MPaTube side and shell sideGB/T 16507
Design Temperature150–350 °CMaximum operating temperatureGB/T 16507
Tube MaterialSA-213 TP304HStainless steel for corrosion resistanceASME SA-213
Tube Sheet MaterialSA-516 Gr.70Carbon steel for strengthASME SA-516
Tube-to-Tubesheet JointWelded + Hydraulic ExpansionLeak-tight jointASME BPVC Section VIII
Hydrostatic Test Pressure1.5×Design Pressure MPaMinimum test pressureASME BPVC Section VIII
Weight500–5000 kgDepends on 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
  • Heat Exchange Tubes Part
    Primary surface for heat transfer between fluids
    Material: Carbon steel or alloy steel
  • Tube Sheets Part
    Support and secure tube ends, provide pressure boundary
    Material: Carbon steel or stainless steel plate
  • Tube Supports/Baffles Part
    Maintain tube alignment and prevent vibration
    Material: Carbon steel
  • Expansion Joints Optional
    Accommodate thermal expansion of tubes
    Material: Stainless steel bellows

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly.

Heat Exchanger Tube Bundle Steam Generator Core Assembly Boiler Tube Bank

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Up to 15 MPa (150 bar)
flow rate: 10 to 500 m³/h
temperature: 150°C to 350°C
slurry concentration: Up to 30% solids by weight
Media Compatibility
✓ High-purity water/steam ✓ Thermal oils (e.g., Dowtherm) ✓ Non-corrosive process fluids (e.g., glycol solutions)
Unsuitable: Highly corrosive or abrasive slurries (e.g., hydrochloric acid with particulates)
Sizing Data Required
  • Required steam output (kg/h)
  • Inlet/outlet temperature differential (°C)
  • Available pressure drop across the bundle (kPa)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Stress corrosion cracking
Cause: Combination of tensile stress (from thermal expansion, pressure, or residual stresses) and corrosive environment (chlorides, sulfides, or caustic agents in steam/water), often exacerbated by material sensitization or poor water chemistry control.
Flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC)
Cause: Erosive thinning of tube walls due to turbulent, high-velocity single-phase or two-phase flow, particularly in areas with flow disturbances (bends, supports, or inlet regions), combined with low pH or oxygenated feedwater conditions that dissolve protective oxide layers.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Audible hissing or whistling from tube bundle area indicating steam or water leakage through cracked or thinned tubes
  • Visible wet insulation, dripping water, or steam plume around the generator shell, especially near tube sheet or tube supports
Engineering Tips
  • Implement strict water chemistry control: maintain pH within optimal range (typically 9.0-9.6 for all-ferrous systems), limit oxygen to <5 ppb, and control chlorides/sulfides to prevent corrosive conditions that accelerate both cracking and thinning mechanisms.
  • Conduct regular eddy current testing (ECT) inspections during outages to detect wall thinning, pitting, or cracking early, focusing on high-risk zones like U-bends, tube supports, and inlet regions, and establish tube plugging criteria based on remaining wall thickness.

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
ASME BPVC Section I - Rules for Construction of Power Boilers EN 12952 - Water-tube boilers and auxiliary installations

Quoted from the published standard.

Manufacturing Precision
  • Tube outer diameter: +/-0.05 mm
  • Tube-to-tube sheet weld penetration: minimum 90% of tube wall thickness
Quality Inspection
  • Eddy Current Testing (ECT) for tube wall integrity
  • Helium Leak Test for tube-to-tube sheet joint integrity

Manufacturers of Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly

Manufacturer profiles associated with Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly.

Sourcing Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly from China?
Tell us your specification and target quantity — we will match it against manufacturer records and come back with the factories that fit.
Request manufacturers We manufacture this

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

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
Check the legal entity, factory address, ownership, certifications, and direct contacts.

CNFX does not score or rank suppliers. Buyers must verify all claims and documents with the legal manufacturer before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of a steam generator tube bundle assembly?

It transfers heat from combustion gases or thermal fluids to water, converting it to steam for industrial processes. It is the core heat exchange component in a steam generator.

What materials are commonly used for the tubes and tube sheets?

Tubes are often made of stainless steel alloy SA-213 TP304H, while tube sheets are typically carbon steel SA-516 Gr.70. Confirm exact grades with the supplier.

What standards apply to the design and testing of this assembly?

Relevant standards include ISO 1127 for tube dimensions, GB/T 16507 for pressure and temperature, ASME SA-213 and SA-516 for materials, and ASME BPVC Section VIII for design and hydrostatic testing.

How is the tube-to-tubesheet joint sealed?

The joint is typically welded and then hydraulically expanded to ensure a leak-tight connection. Hydrostatic testing is performed at 1.5 times the design pressure.
Data basis: editorial classification, named public sources where available, and source-reviewed manufacturer records. See the editorial policy.

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.
Buyer enquiry

Request manufacturing insight for Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly

Ask for use case, specification boundaries, supplier type, and RFQ preparation information for this product.

Where it goes
Straight to the CNFX editorial desk, and to the manufacturer if this product is linked to a claimed profile. Nothing is broadcast to a supplier list.
Your details stay here
We do not sell or rent enquiry data, and we do not add you to a mailing list. Used only to answer this request.
No commission, no middleman
CNFX is a directory. We take no cut of any order and never negotiate on a supplier's behalf.
What we don't claim
A listing is not an endorsement. Qualify every supplier and verify every figure yourself before ordering.

Your business information is used only to process this request.

Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll respond within 1–3 business days.
Sorry, we couldn't send your message. Please try again, or email us at contact@cnfx.com.

Need to Manufacture Steam Generator Tube Bundle Assembly?

Compare manufacturer profiles with relevant product and process capability.

Create Manufacturer Profile Contact Us
Previous Product
Modular Industrial Steam Generation System for Process Applications
Last Product
Get QuotesChat