Oil Cooler Manufacturer in Tanzania

Parts of A shell and tube oil cooler A shell 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).