Shell-and-tube heat exchangers for industrial process heat

Reliable, efficient and durable

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are key components of industrial energy and process heating systems. They transfer thermal energy safely and efficiently between two media without allowing them to come into contact with one another. CAW develops and manufactures robust shell-and-tube heat exchangers for demanding industrial applications – designed for maximum heat transfer rates, high temperature and pressure stability, and long operating cycles.

Our shell-and-tube heat exchangers are individually tailored to the medium, temperature range, and process requirements and are used in both new and existing plants.

How does a shell-and-tube heat exchanger work?

A shell-and-tube heat exchanger transfers heat between two fluids separated by a tube wall. One fluid flows through the tubes, while the other flows around the tube bundle inside the shell. Heat transfer occurs exclusively through the tube wall.

Structure and process steps

Tube bundle: Tubes arranged in parallel or concentric configurations form the heat transfer surface.
Shell: This encloses the tube bundle and carries one of the two media, depending on the type and composition of the media, as well as purely thermodynamic and fluid-dynamic considerations.
Inlet and outlet chambers: Distribute the media evenly across the tubes while reducing fluid pressure losses.
Flow guidance: Optimized tube arrangements and baffles ensure consistently high heat transfer coefficients.
Media separation: Complete separation of the media prevents any mixing and thus contamination.

Technical features of CAW tubular heat exchangers

Designed for high temperatures and low pressure differentials.
Large heat transfer surfaces with in compact design.
Suitable for liquid and gaseous media.
Models with removable and replaceable tube bundles for easy maintenance.
Manufactured as needed and as required, including in accordance with applicable pressure equipment directives and industry standards.

Where are shell-and-tube heat exchangers used?

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are used in a wide variety of plant designs – anywhere heat needs to be safely transferred, recovered, or distributed. CAW integrates these heat exchangers seamlessly into existing or new systems.

Typical system types and operating environments

Thermal oil systems

Heat transfer between thermal oils and secondary media.

Steam systems

Condensers, preheaters or waste heat recovery systems.

Waste heat and residual heat recovery systems

Recovery of process or exhaust gas heat.

Thermal oxidizers and incinerators

Utilization of hot exhaust gases for heat generation.

Hot water and warm water systems

Energy distribution in closed circuits.

Use as a component of complex energy systems

For generating steam, warm or hot water from thermal oil.
As a combustion air preheater / economizer to increase the efficiency of combustion systems.
In combination with ORC systems to utilize waste heat.
For the thermal separation of safety-critical media.

Industries in which shell-and-tube heat exchangers are used

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are versatile and are used in virtually all industrial sectors that involve thermal processes. CAW’s systems are designed to withstand harsh operating conditions while ensuring high availability and uptime.