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What is a tube sheet and its function?

What is a tube sheet and its function?

Feb 26, 2024

Tube sheet refers to the (forged) plate used for supporting and protecting pipelines. Its function is to fix the pipeline on the equipment, reducing the vibration and damage of the pipeline during operation. At the same time, the tube sheet can also reduce friction and wear between the pipeline and the support, extending the service life of the pipeline. Tube sheet is plays a crucial role in various applications, including heat exchangers, pressure vessels, boilers, condensers, central air conditioners, evaporators, and seawater desalination.

 

A tube sheet is typically fabricated from a plate or forged flat sheet, which is then machined to create precision-drilled holes. These holes are strategically positioned to accommodate the insertion of tubes or pipes with utmost accuracy, ensuring an optimal arrangement and pattern. Tube sheets are primarily used to support and isolate tubes, providing structural integrity in heat exchangers and boilers or acting as a foundation for filter elements.

 

The connection between the tube and the tube sheet can be achieved through welding or expansion technology (know more about Connection method of heat exchange tube and tube sheet). These secure connection methods ensures a strong bond while maintaining the required sealing performance. In addition, to enhance corrosion resistance and insulation, the tube sheet can be covered with a protective layer. This cladding material serves as a barrier, protecting the tube sheet from corrosion and providing insulation. In some cases, low-carbon steel pipe sheets can also be reinforced with a higher alloy metal bonding layer. This method provides superior corrosion resistance without the need for expensive overall alloy materials, thus significantly saving costs.

 

Tube sheets are most commonly used in heat exchangers and boilers. These devices are composed of tightly arranged thin-walled tubes, which are encapsulated within a tubular shell. The tube sheet plays a crucial supporting role by maintaining and positioning the tube in a predetermined pattern. Insert the tube through the corresponding hole in the tube plate and form a safe seal through different connection methods. The layout of the tube hole pattern, commonly referred to as "spacing", determines the distance between tubes, their angles to each other, and their direction related to the flow direction. This design flexibility allows for manipulation of fluid velocity, pressure drop, and effective heat transfer through maximum turbulence and pipe surface contact.

 

Double tube sheets can be used when fluid mixing must be strictly avoided. The characteristic of this design is that the outer tube sheet is located outside the outer shell circuit, greatly reducing the risk of fluid mixing. At the same time, the inner tube sheet is connected to the atmosphere, making it easy to quickly detect any fluid leakage. The design and production of tube sheets involve a precise and complex process. It is necessary to accurately determine the number of tubes and calculate the hole pattern in order to evenly distribute them on the surface of the tube sheet. Fortunately, advances in technology and automation have completely changed the manufacturing process of tube sheets. Computer aided design (CAD) software is used to perform complex calculations, while computer numerical control (CNC) machines handle drilling of tube plate holes. The seamless integration of this technology ensures precise and efficient production, meeting the highest quality standards.

 

Wuxi Changrun provides flanges and tube plates to customers around the world, demonstrating their commitment to providing high-quality industrial components. As an important component in heat exchangers, boilers, and filtration systems, tube plates play a crucial role in supporting and isolating pipelines. Through advanced manufacturing processes and precise drilling techniques, tube sheets can be manufactured with the highest precision, ensuring optimal tube arrangement and surface contact to achieve effective heat transfer. The combination of cladding materials and alloys further improves corrosion resistance and reduces costs without affecting performance. With Wuxi Changrun's professional knowledge and dedication to customer satisfaction, customers can rely on their products to obtain reliable, efficient, and cost-effective solutions.

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