U tube heat exchanger
The tube bundle consists U shaped tubes. Both ends of U tube are fixed in the same tube sheet. Thermal expansion resulting due to the temperature difference between
shell and tube material is taken care off by U bends. U tubes can expand or contract freely and uniformly. It performs the same function as floating head. It also reduces the number of joints
Advantages:
Initial cost is low.
Internal gasket is eliminated.
Only one tube sheet is required.
Tube bundle can be removed for cleaning and inspection.
By passing of shell side fluid is minimum due to minimum clearance between the shell and outer most tubes,
It is easy to clean channel, tube side headers. Gaskets can be easily replaced.
Disadvantages