Use of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger in Oil & Gas / Petrochemical industry
- Crude oil refining (preheating, distillation, condensation).
- Natural gas processing (cooling, liquefaction).
Chemical synthesis (reactor heating/cooling).
Handles high pressure & temperature.
Better for fouling & viscous fluids.
Longer lifespan in harsh environments.
Shell and Tube Disadvantages
Bulky & heavy (large footprint).
Lower efficiency than PHE for low-viscosity fluids.
Harder to clean (fixed tube sheet designs).
Plate Heat Exchanger Advantages
Compact & lightweight (saves space).
Higher thermal efficiency (close temp. approach).
Easy to clean & expand (add plates for more capacity).
Plate Heat Exchanger Disadvantages
Not for high-P/high-T (gaskets fail).
Clogs easily with particulates.
Gasket degradation (requires periodic replacement).