Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger

What is a shell and tube heat exchanger?

A shell and tube heat exchanger (STHE) is a type of heat exchange device commonly used in industrial processes to transfer heat between two fluids. It consists of a series of tubes, with one fluid flowing inside the tubes and another fluid flowing outside the tubes but inside a larger shell. This setup allows for efficient heat transfer between the two fluids, as heat moves through the tube walls from the hotter fluid to the cooler one.

Definition and Function

The primary function of a shell and tube heat exchanger is to transfer heat between two fluids without mixing them. One fluid typically passes through the inner tubes, while the second fluid circulates around the outside of these tubes inside the shell. Heat from the hot fluid is transferred through the walls of the tubes to the cold fluid. This heat transfer is typically achieved through conduction and convection mechanisms.