heat exchanger - insertion of tube bundle

[212197]

I have always seen insertion of tube bundle in the shell of heat exchanger in horizontal condition.
Due to very small gap between fabricated shell & tube bundle, the insertion of tube bundle in the shell is a very difficult task.

Has any one came across insertion of tube bundle in shell done in vertical condition?
What would be the difficulties in vertical insertion?

Due to gravity, the bundle insertion would be relatively smooth as compared to that of horizontal insertion.

 

[marty007]

In a shop environment this is almost never done purely due to building height available. A 20ft bundle would require at a bare minimum 40ft of workable crane height.

There are a number of other consideraions however:
[ul]
[li]If the bundle is to be welded to the shell, you would also likely have to fix the tubesheet to the shell in the vertical position prior to lowering the shell back down horizontally. This requires you to set up 20ft tall scafolding to get up there to perform the welding (even if just laying down strong tack welds).[/li]
[li]You would somehow have to secure the shell vertically. Most vessels in a shop environment are safely laying on rolls. Supporting a vessel vertically is more involved.[/li]
[/ul]

 

[EdStainless]

There are often guides/rails on the bottom of the bundle and inside of the shell to assist insertion.
I have seen small units (<5' long) loaded vertically but for large bundles how would you lift them?
A lifting eye in the center of the tubesheet? It likely wouldn't handle the load of the full bundle hanging from it

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube