Shell & Tube Evaporators

Shell and tube evaporators are essentially heat exchangers. They have straight or U-tubes of stainless steel in a carbon steel shell. Their arrangement is such that it enhances the heat exchange.

They are used where the temperature and pressure conditions are drastic or the material is corrosive. They can handle harsh and rugged conditions. They are also suityable for materials that would otherwise block the ducts of other evaporators. There are several types of shell and tube evaporators:

U-tube Evaporators design consists of straight tubes bent into a U-shape. They are bundled and fitted with tube supports in a shell.

Straight tube evaporators are used where heavy fouling fluids or applications where temperature cross conditions exist. Here the tubes can be mechanically cleaned.

Spiral evaporator has two metal strips that are wound around a center to form 2 spiral channels.

Finned Tube Evaporators are same as U tube evaporators that the tubes have extended surface in the form of fins. This allows better heat exchange due to enhanced surface and hence better performance.