Calculation of Axial Expansion in Vertical Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger with Expansion Joint

Abstract

In this paper, the axial elongation of vertical shell and tube heat exchanger with expansion joint are studied based on thetheories of static mechanics. The axial elongations of heat exchanger’s tube side and shell side that causes by thermal expansion, internal pressure and gravity are considered individually. By comparing and analyzing a typical example, it is shown that thermal expansion is the key reason other than internal pressure and gravity to the axial elongation of tube side and shell side structure. The results show that the axial elongation induced by internal pressure and gravity except thermal expansion is only 5% of total and can be eliminated in engineering practice.