.plate type cooler

Description:

Methods of expansion

There are three methods of expansion

1. Shell and header fixed, tube stack expands:

1. One end of the tube stack is fixed(bolted)with shell and header
2. Other end of the tube stack is free to accommodate expansion
3. O-rings are fitted in the grooves circumferentially around the tube plates to prevent any leakage of oil into sea-water or vice versa
4. In case of o ring leakage, oil/water will come out through the telltale hole

2. Tube stack and header fixed, shell expands:

1. Both ends of the tube stack are fixed with shell and header
2. A bellows ring is welded circumferentially around the shell which gives room for expansion.

3. Shell, tube stack, header fixed, tube expands:

1. In this arrangement shell, tube stack and header are fixed
2. At the inlet end, the tube is fixed rigidly to the tube plate and at the outlet end, the tubes are allowed expand.
3. The holes, in the inlet side tube plate, are made slightly larger in diameter than the tube diameter.
4. The holes in the outlet side tube plate are stepped and threaded