TEMA Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers can be built to standard configuration, sanitary, or built to conform with more rigorous codes and standards to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability. The Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) sets comprehensive guidelines covering design, fabrication, and testing of shell and tube heat exchangers, emphasizing standards for thermal performance and mechanical integrity. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), particularly Section VIII, which outlines requirements for the design, fabrication, inspection, and testing of pressure vessels, including heat exchangers. The American Petroleum Institute (API) standard 660 specifically addresses the construction and installation of shell and tube heat exchangers in the petrochemical industry, focusing on operational efficiency, safety, and compatibility with other industry equipment. Lastly, the Canadian Registration Number (CRN) is a mandatory certification within Canada, ensuring that pressure vessels meet regional safety regulations and design criteria.

• Sanitary Standards: For heat exchangers used in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries to ensure hygiene and product safety. Emphasizes smooth surfaces, easy cleaning, and the prevention of contamination. Requires the use of non-toxic, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel. Governs the elimination of crevices, gaps, and dead spots where contaminants could accumulate.
• ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section VIII: Covers requirements for the design, manufacturing, testing, and inspection of pressure vessels, including heat exchangers. Ensures safety and reliability through stringent stress analysis and material specifications. Includes guidelines for non-destructive examination (NDE) methods.

• 3-A Sanitary Standards: Ensures compliance with stringent hygiene requirements to prevent microbial contamination. Details specifications for material selection, including 316L stainless steel, and surface finish requirements (Ra 32 microinches or better). Mandates that equipment must be easily cleanable and maintainable, with all surfaces in contact with food being appropriately accessible. Provides guidelines for documentation, including manufacturing processes and testing to verify compliance.
• TEMA Standards: Provides detailed guidelines for design, fabrication, and inspection. Focuses on thermal performance and mechanical integrity. Divides exchangers into three classes based on service conditions (Class R, C, and B).

• API Standard 660: Specifically addresses the design and manufacturing of shell and tube heat exchangers used in the petroleum and petrochemical industries. Ensures compatibility with other process equipment and operational safety. Stresses the importance of efficient heat transfer and pressure drop management.
• Canadian Registration Number (CRN): Mandatory certification for pressure vessels in Canada, ensuring compliance with regional safety regulations. Requires design approval from Canadian provincial or territorial regulatory bodies. Focuses on design criteria, material selection, and manufacturing processes.