Shell and the tube heat exchangers in their various construction modifications are
probably the most widespread and commonly used basic heat exchanger configuration in the process industries. The reasons for this general acceptance are several. The shell and tube heat exchanger provides a comparatively large ratio of heat transfer area to volume and weight. It provides this surface in a form which is relatively easy to construct in a wide range of sizes and which is mechanically rugged enough to withstand normal shop fabrication stresses, shipping and field erection stresses, and normal operating conditions. The shell and tube exchanger can be reasonably easily cleaned, and those components most subject to failure gaskets and tubes can be easily replaced.