A U-tube heat exchanger consists of a shell containing a bundle of tubes that form a U-shape to transfer heat between two fluids, one flowing inside the tubes and the other outside the shell, with advantages of occupying less space than straight tube heat exchangers while providing maximum heat transfer through multiple tube passes, but disadvantages include higher costs from tube bending and difficulty cleaning inside tubes.

1. U-tube heat exchanger

2. What’s a heat exchanger?

3. Components:
 Shell
 Tubes/tube bundle
 Four ports
 Inlet/outlet plenums
 Baffles
 Pressure differential

4. Construction:

5. Advantages:
 Occupies less space
 Generates low pressure
 Easy maintenance
 Easy replacement
 Provide maximum heat transfer
 Provides multitudes pass arrangements.

6. Disadvantages:
 Bending of tubes adds more to the cost.
 Because of the U bend, inside the tubes can’t be
cleaned effectively.
 Can’t be used for dirty fluids inside tubes.
 Individual tubes are not replaceable.

7. Applications:
 Temperature control
 Swimming pool technology
 Food processing

8. THANK YOU