Discussion on tube sheet thermal deformation compensation techniques

Tube sheet thermal deformation compensation technology is crucial for ensuring the safe operation of shell-and-tube heat exchangers. It primarily addresses thermal stress through structural design and process optimization. The following are three mainstream technical solutions:

I. Compensation Ring Compensation
A corrugated expansion joint is welded to the shell, utilizing elastic deformation to absorb the thermal expansion difference. This is suitable for clean media with temperature differences ≤70℃ and shell-side pressure ≤600kPa, but maintenance is difficult and the compensation capacity is limited.

II. Floating Head Compensation
One end of the tube sheet can freely expand and contract axially, completely eliminating thermal stress. This is suitable for high-temperature and high-pressure or fouling conditions, but the tube bundle cannot be removed for maintenance after the fixed tube sheet is welded to the expansion joint.

III. U-tube Compensation
The free end of the U-shaped bend achieves complete thermal compensation. This is suitable for situations with large shell-and-tube temperature differences or where the shell side is prone to fouling, but attention should be paid to the potential for joint stress caused by temperature differences in multi-pass systems.