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STOC 17

Parts of A shell and tube oil coolershell and tube oil cooler consists of several key components, each playing a critical role in heat transfer, structural integrity, and fluid flow. Below is a detailed breakdown

of its major parts, their functions, and common materials used in marine/industrial applications.

1. Shell (Pressure Vessel)

  • Function:
    • Houses the tube bundle and directs oil flow around the tubes.
  • Material:
    • Carbon steel (CS) with protective coatings (epoxy/rubber-lined) for cost efficiency.
    • Stainless steel (SS 316/316L) or duplex steel (SAF 2205) for corrosive environments (e.g., marine).

2. Tube Bundle

A. Tubes

  • Function:
    • Transfer heat between oil (shell side) and coolant (tube side).
  • Material:
    • Titanium (Grade 2) – Best for seawater (corrosion-proof).
    • Copper-Nickel (Cu-Ni 90/10 or 70/30) – Anti-fouling, good for brackish water.
    • Stainless Steel (SS 316L) – For freshwater cooling (avoid in seawater).

B. Tube Sheets

  • Function:
    • Secures tubes in place and separates oil/coolant.
  • Material:
    • Titanium-clad steel (for Ti tubes).
    • Naval brass (for Cu-Ni tubes).
    • SS 316L (with cathodic protection if paired with CS shell).

C. Baffles

  • Function:
    • Support tubes, prevent vibration, and direct oil flow for turbulence (improves heat transfer).
  • Material:
    • SS 304/316 or coated carbon steel.

3. End Caps (Headers)

  • Function:
    • Seal the tube side and distribute coolant flow.
  • Design Types:
  • Removable covers (for cleaning) or fixed end caps.
  • Material:
    • Cast iron (coated), bronze, or SS 316.

4. Nozzles (Inlet/Outlet Connections)

  • Oil Nozzles:
    • Typically, larger to handle viscous oil flow.
  • Coolant Nozzles:
    • Smaller, often threaded/flanged for pipe connections.
  • Material:
    • Carbon steel or matching shell material (SS 316 for marine).

5. Gaskets & Seals

  • Function:
    • Prevent leaks between shell, tube sheets, and end caps.
  • Material:
    • Nitrile (NBR) – For oil resistance.
    • EPDM – For high-temperature water.
    • Graphite – For extreme temps/pressures.

6. Supports & Mounting Brackets

  • Function:
    • Secure the cooler to the engine/base; absorb vibrations.
  • Material:
    • Carbon steel (painted/galvanized) or SS 304.

7. Sacrificial Anodes (Marine Applications)

  • Function:
    • Protect against galvanic corrosion in seawater-cooled units.
  • Material:
    • Zinc (most common) or aluminum.

8. Vent & Drain Plugs

  • Function:
    • Remove air pockets (vent) or drain fluids during maintenance.

Optional Components

  • Thermowells:
    • For temperature sensors.
  • Pressure Relief Valves:
  • Protect against overpressure.
  • Insulation Jackets:
    • Reduce heat loss in cold environments.
  • Material Selection Guide (Marine vs. Industrial)
  • Key Maintenance Parts to Monitor
  • Tubes – Prone to fouling/erosion (clean annually).
  • Gaskets – Replace during overhauls to prevent leaks.
  • Anodes – Inspect/replace yearly in seawater systems.
  • Baffles – Check for erosion-induced vibration.
  • Schematic Flow of Fluids
  • Oil Flow: Enters shell inlet → circulates around tubes (baffled path) → exits shell outlet.
  • Coolant Flow: Enters tube inlet → passes through tubes → exits tube outlet (counterflow improves efficiency).
  • Why These Parts Matter?
  • Leak Prevention: Proper gaskets/tube sheets avoid oil-water mixing.
  • Efficiency: Baffles and clean tubes maximize heat transfer.
  • Durability: Material choice dictates lifespan (e.g., titanium lasts 20+ years in seawater).