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Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers: A Guide to Industry Standards

Industry standards help ensure all products are built in the best way possible for customers.

Shell and tube heat exchangers are critical components across various industries, from oil refining and pharmaceutical production to food safety and brewing. Despite the diversity of these industries, they all share a common challenge: selecting the right shell and tube heat exchanger for their specific operations.

Heat exchangers, when crafted with high-quality materials and meticulous standards, can have a long lifespan. However, when it’s time for a new purchase, making the right choice is essential. The configuration, codes, and industry standards your equipment meets are crucial factors that impact its performance and compliance. Adhering to these standards ensures that your products are not only of the highest quality but also meet all regulatory requirements.

Industry standards play a pivotal role in ensuring that shell and tube heat exchangers are built to perform effectively and safely. Selecting an exchanger that meets the necessary criteria is vital for avoiding operational issues and ensuring that your products are safe for distribution.

The following are key industry standards for shell and tube heat exchangers.

TEMA Standards

The Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) provides one of the most widely recognized industry standards. TEMA’s standards are categorized into three classes:

  • Class B: For chemical processing applications
  • Class C: For general commercial use
  • Class R: Primarily for petroleum processing, but also suitable for large-scale operations

Each class addresses specific needs, such as the need for more robust construction in petroleum processing or the use of stainless steel in chemical applications. Understanding these distinctions helps in choosing the right heat exchanger for your industry.

ASME Standards

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) sets standards that are crucial for the pressurized components of shell and tube heat exchangers, particularly those within the shell. The ASME VIII code is widely applied across various types of equipment, ensuring that the pressurized parts meet strict safety and performance criteria. Many heat exchangers are certified by both ASME and TEMA, as TEMA standards often complement ASME’s broader criteria.

ANSI Standards

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has been coordinating the U.S. voluntary standardization system for nearly a century. ANSI plays a key role in the development and improvement of industry standards, including those for shell and tube heat exchangers. Regular updates and calls for comments ensure that these standards evolve to meet industry needs.

PED Standards

Given the global use of heat exchangers, compliance with international standards is also essential. The Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) is a key standard in the European Union, covering everything from materials and harmonized standards to essential requirements and market surveillance. Adhering to PED ensures that your equipment is safe and legally compliant in the EU market.

CRN Standards

For operations in Canada, the Canadian Registration Number (CRN) is mandatory for all boilers, pressure vessels, and fittings. The CRN certifies that the equipment meets the specific safety standards of each province or territory. Understanding the CRN system, which includes province-specific codes, is crucial for ensuring compliance in Canadian markets.

3-A Sanitary Standards Inc.

Originating in the 1920s, 3-A Sanitary Standards were developed to ensure that equipment used in the dairy industry, and later food and pharmaceutical industries, could be easily cleaned and maintained. These standards, established by a collaboration of equipment fabricators, regulatory sanitarians, and processors, ensure that all equipment can be cleaned effectively, whether through a clean-in-place (CIP) system or manual cleaning.

When purchasing a shell and tube heat exchanger, getting the right certifications is crucial. Enerquip’s team of engineers will know what your industry requires and will work with you to meet your needs. We invite you to contact us or request a quote today. 

 

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