When it comes to designing a shell and tube heat exchanger, choosing the right shell configuration is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make. The shell affects not only heat transfer performance, but also pressure drop, flow distribution, vibration risk, and long-term reliability.
The Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association (TEMA) defines seven common shell styles. While the E-type shell is the most widely used, certain processes benefit from other designs. Here’s a breakdown of the seven TEMA shell configurations and when each might be the right fit.
TEMA E Shells (Single-Pass Shells)
The E-type shell is the industry standard—used in more than half of all shell and tube heat exchangers.
-
How it works: Shell side fluid enters one end at the top, flows across the tubes in a single pass, and exits at the opposite end bottom.
-
Best for: General-purpose applications where pressure drop and temperature profiles are not extreme.
-
Why it’s common: Simple, efficient, and versatile for most processes.
TEMA F Shells (Two-Pass Shells with Longitudinal Baffle)
When a process requires a countercurrent flow or a large temperature cross (where the cold stream exits hotter than the hot stream outlet), the F-type shell is a strong choice.
-
How it works: Fluid travels the full exchanger length, doubles back using a longitudinal baffle, and exits on the same end.
-
Considerations: Provides effective counterflow but can be prone to leakage around the baffle if not carefully designed.
-
Best for: Processes with significant temperature differences between streams.
TEMA G & H Shells (Split-Flow Designs)
For applications where low pressure drop is essential (like horizontal thermosyphon reboilers):
-
G-type shell: Uses a single split-flow path with one support plate in the center. Shells are limited to 3 meters in length due to TEMA span rules.
-
H-type shell: Essentially two G-shells combined, creating a double-split flow with two support plates. Suitable for longer exchangers requiring reduced pressure drop.
TEMA J Shells (Divided-Flow Shells)
When an E-type shell causes excessive pressure drop and risks tube vibration, a J-type shell provides a solution.
-
How it works: Fluid enters at the center, splits into two opposing streams, and exits through outlets on each side. Variations include J 1-2 shells (split flow, two outlets) and J 2-1 shells (dual inlets, single outlet, sometimes called I-type shells).
-
Best for: Applications needing lower pressure drop while minimizing vibration risk.
TEMA X Shells (Crossflow Shells)
Designed for pure crossflow with little or no pressure drop.
-
How it works: Fluid flows straight across from one side to the other. Multiple inlet nozzles can be added to improve distribution.
-
Best for: Condensers and gas coolers, where minimal pressure drop is critical.
-
Design note: Support plates can be freely added without disrupting flow.
TEMA K Shells (Kettle Reboilers)
The K-type, or “kettle shell”, is most often used for kettle reboilers and sometimes chillers.
-
How it works: The enlarged shell allows for vapor disengagement, reducing liquid carryover. Tube side fluid provides heating or cooling while the shell side fluid is boiled or chilled.
-
Best for: Distillation reboilers, chillers, and processes requiring vapor-liquid separation.
-
Design advantage: Supports as many plates as needed since flow moves parallel to them.
Choosing the Right Shell Configuration
While the E-type shell covers most applications, the other six designs are crucial for situations involving:
-
Large temperature differences
-
Pressure drop limitations
-
Tube vibration risks
-
Condensing or boiling duties
Selecting the right shell configuration ensures reliable performance, efficiency, and long-term equipment life.
Not sure which shell is right for your application? The experienced engineers at Enerquip Thermal Solutions can help design the best fit for your process needs. Contact us.
More from the Enerquip Blog
How Often Should You Clean Your Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger?
How Pinch Analysis Can Unlock Energy Savings in Your Facility
Preventing Cross Contamination in Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Vacuum Breakers 101: Small Device, Big Impact on Heat Exchangers
How Almost Any Industry Can Benefit from Waste Heat Recovery