Floating heat (Type BES)

Recommended Shell and Tube side velocities

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In: Heat Exchangers
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Recommended shell and tube side velocities values are listed below, the values can be used for preliminary design purpose when designing shell and tube heat exchangers, these are guidelines that are in place as lower velocities can cause fouling issues and very high velocities can cause erosion issues. If there is silt or similar material present, it’s recommended to keep the velocity high to prevent settling.

Recommended Shell and Tube side velocities – Liquids

Tube side:  Water and similar liquids ranges from 3 – 8 ft/s (0.9 – 2.4 m/s)
Shell side:  Water and similar liquids ranges from 2 – 5 ft/s (0.6 – 1.5 m/s) 

Recommended Shell and Tube side velocities- Vapours

Atmospheric pressure: 33 – 98.5  ft/s (10 – 30 m/s)
High Pressure: 16.4 – 33 ft/s  (5 – 10 m/s)
Vacuum: 164 – 230 ft/s (50 – 70 m/s)

Keywords: recommended velocities, shell and tube side velocities, tube side velocities, shell side velocities

References

R.K. Sinnott, Coulson & Richardson’s Chemical Engineering Design, Volume 6, 3rd Edition, Butterworth-Heinemann

Links
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Shell & Tube condenser design software
Recommended Shell and Tube side velocities
Floating heat (Type BES)