How to support vertical tubesheets?

[curtis2004]

Hi everyone,
I have a task of designing feed water heater where tubes are to be installed vertically. It will be in form of rectangular ducting with return bends on top and on bottom part of a unit. I have difficulty of figuring out how I can support those vertical tubes. I suspect it should be similar to CHP plants where in the back end there is LP steam generator. However, I did not have a chance to see how it is done. Can anyone have a suggestion?
Thank you,
Kurt

 

[MrBTU]

I don't quite understand your situation, but if you want to support the tubes, the first choice would be baffles or support plates - there are several types of these, shown in the TEMA manual. I suspect you can't use these, hence your question - then there are "rod baffles" which is essentially a cage that supports the tubes without affecting your shellside flow. These are patented by Phillips Petroleum, I don't know if the patent has expired yet.