U-Tube Heat Exchangers
For many years, World Heat Cylinders’ skilled designers and fabricators have been producing high-performance U-tube heat exchangers. These crucial components are integral to the efficiency and reliability of many heating and hot water systems. We not only seamlessly integrate our U-tube bundles into our renowned commercial storage calorifiers and non-storage calorifier ranges, but we also provide expert repair and replacement services for existing U-tube installations.
Our U-tube heat exchangers are designed for optimal thermal transfer, durability, and ease of maintenance, making them a preferred choice for demanding applications.
Understanding U-Tube Heat Exchangers
A U-tube heat exchanger consists of a bundle of tubes, each bent into a ‘U’ shape, with both ends fixed into a single tubesheet. This bundle is typically housed within a shell (as in a shell-and-tube calorifier), where one fluid flows through the tubes and another flows over the outside of the tubes. Key characteristics include:
- Thermal Expansion Accommodation: The U-bend design naturally allows for differential thermal expansion between the shell and the tubes, reducing stress and enhancing lifespan.
- Ease of Cleaning (Tube Side): The tube interiors can often be mechanically or chemically cleaned.
- Removable Bundle: In many designs, the entire U-tube bundle can be removed from the shell for inspection, thorough cleaning, repair, or replacement.
- Versatile Applications: Suitable for heating various fluids, commonly steam-to-water or water-to-water applications in calorifiers and process heating.
Applications & Advantages of WH Cylinders U-Tube Bundles
Our U-tube heat exchangers are widely used in:
- Storage Calorifiers: Providing indirect heating of stored domestic hot water (DHW) using primary heat from boilers (steam or LPHW/MPHW).
- Non-Storage Calorifiers / Instantaneous Heaters: Delivering on-demand hot water.
- Process Heating: Various industrial applications requiring efficient fluid heating.
Therefore, advantages of choosing World Heat U-tube heat exchangers include:
- Proven Design: Decades of manufacturing experience ensure reliable and efficient performance.
- Material Options: Typically manufactured using high-quality copper or stainless steel tubes for excellent thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance, with tubesheets of compatible materials. We can advise on the best materials for your specific application and water conditions.
- Bespoke Manufacturing: We can fabricate U-tube bundles to specific dimensions, duty requirements, and connection standards.
- UK Based Manufacturing: Ensuring quality control and responsive service.
U-Tube Heat Exchanger Repair & Replacement
Over time, U-tube bundles can suffer from issues such as leaks due to corrosion, scale build-up reducing efficiency, or physical damage. World Heat Cylinders offers a comprehensive repair and replacement service for U-tube heat exchangers, not just for our own units but often for those from other manufacturers as well.
Our service includes:
- On-Site Assessment (where feasible): To determine the extent of damage and the viability of repair.
- Bundle Retubing or Repair: If possible, we can repair leaking tubes or undertake partial/full retubing.
- Bespoke Replacement Bundles: We can manufacture new U-tube bundles to directly replace existing ones, often matching original dimensions to minimise system modifications. This is particularly useful for older or obsolete calorifier models.
- Material Upgrades: When replacing a bundle, we can advise on potential material upgrades for improved longevity in challenging water conditions.
If your existing U-tube heat exchanger is underperforming or has failed, contact us to discuss how we can restore your system’s efficiency.
Specify Your U-Tube Heat Exchanger Solution
Our expert design engineers can assist you in specifying and supplying the correct U-tube heat exchanger to precisely suit your application, whether for a new build, as part of our calorifier range, or as a replacement unit. We consider flow rates, temperature differentials, pressure ratings, and fluid compatibility to ensure optimal performance.
Please feel free to email our technical sales team or call us on 0161 343 8610 with any questions you may have or to discuss your specific requirements. Alternatively, visit our contact page.
