Structured Manufacturing Data (2026)

Tubular Heat Exchanger

Based on aggregated insights from structured factory profiles within the CNFX directory, the standard Tubular Heat Exchanger used in the Food Manufacturing sector typically supports operational capacities ranging from standard industrial configurations to heavy-duty production requirements.

Technical Definition & Core Assembly

A canonical Tubular Heat Exchanger is characterized by the integration of Heat Exchange Tubes and Tube Sheets. In industrial production environments, manufacturers listed on CNFX commonly emphasize Stainless Steel 316L construction to support stable, high-cycle operation across diverse manufacturing scenarios.

A heat transfer device using concentric tubes to exchange thermal energy between fluids in aseptic processing

Product Specifications

Technical details and manufacturing context for Tubular Heat Exchanger

Definition
A critical component within the Integrated Aseptic Fruit and Vegetable Processing Line that facilitates precise temperature control by transferring heat between product streams and heating/cooling media through tubular arrangements, ensuring thermal treatment while maintaining sterility.
Working Principle
Utilizes concentric tube arrangements where one fluid flows through the inner tube while another flows through the annular space between tubes, enabling efficient heat transfer through conduction across tube walls while maintaining complete separation of fluids to prevent contamination.
Common Materials
Stainless Steel 316L
Technical Parameters
  • Tube diameter and length specifications determining heat transfer surface area and flow characteristics (mm) Standard Spec
Components / BOM
  • Heat Exchange Tubes Part
    Primary surface for heat transfer between fluids
    Material: Stainless Steel 316L
  • Tube Sheets Part
    Support and secure tubes in position while providing sealing
    Material: Stainless Steel 316L
  • Shell Casing Part
    Enclosure containing the tube bundle and directing shell-side fluid flow
    Material: Stainless Steel 316L

Industry Taxonomies & Aliases

Commonly used trade names and technical identifiers for Tubular Heat Exchanger.

Industrial Ecosystem & Supply Chain Structure

Complementary Systems
Downstream Applications
Specialized Tooling

Application Fit & Sizing Matrix

Operational Limits
pressure: Up to 100 bar (standard), 200+ bar with reinforced construction
flow rate: 0.5 to 50 m³/h per tube (scalable with multiple tubes)
temperature: -20°C to 200°C (typical), up to 300°C with special materials
slurry concentration: Up to 30% solids by volume (with appropriate tube diameter)
Media Compatibility
✓ Pharmaceutical buffer solutions ✓ Dairy products (milk, cream) ✓ High-purity water systems
Unsuitable: Highly abrasive slurries with sharp particles
Sizing Data Required
  • Required heat transfer duty (kW)
  • Inlet/outlet temperatures of both fluids
  • Fluid properties (viscosity, density, specific heat)

Reliability & Engineering Risk Analysis

Failure Mode & Root Cause
Fouling and scaling
Cause: Accumulation of deposits (e.g., minerals, biological growth, corrosion products) on tube surfaces, reducing heat transfer efficiency and increasing pressure drop, often due to poor water treatment, inadequate filtration, or unsuitable operating temperatures.
Corrosion and pitting
Cause: Chemical attack on tube materials, leading to wall thinning or localized pits, typically caused by aggressive fluids (e.g., chlorides, acids), galvanic effects from dissimilar metals, or inadequate material selection for the service environment.
Maintenance Indicators
  • Significant drop in heat transfer efficiency (e.g., outlet temperatures deviating from design by more than 10%) or abnormal pressure differentials across tubes
  • Visible leaks at tube-to-tubesheet joints, tube ends, or shell, or audible hissing/whistling indicating fluid escape under pressure
Engineering Tips
  • Implement regular water treatment and filtration to control scaling and biological growth, coupled with periodic mechanical or chemical cleaning schedules based on fouling rates
  • Use corrosion-resistant materials (e.g., titanium, duplex stainless steel) for tubes in aggressive environments, and apply protective coatings or cathodic protection where feasible, while monitoring wall thickness with non-destructive testing

Compliance & Manufacturing Standards

Reference Standards
ISO 16812:2021 - Shell-and-tube heat exchangers ASME BPVC Section VIII Division 1 - Pressure vessel standards EN 13445-3:2021 - Unfired pressure vessels
Manufacturing Precision
  • Tube-to-tubesheet joint: 0.25mm maximum gap
  • Tube bundle alignment: ±1.5mm perpendicularity tolerance
Quality Inspection
  • Hydrostatic pressure test: 1.5 times design pressure
  • Eddy current testing of tubes for wall thickness and defects

Factories Producing Tubular Heat Exchanger

Manufacturer profiles with relevant production capability in China

Manufacturer listings support early research and capability understanding. They are not certification, ranking, or transaction guarantees.

Technical documentation
4/5
Manufacturing capability
4/5
Inspection readiness
5/5
Supplier transparency
3/5

These scores are example evaluation dimensions, not real customer ratings, country-specific buyer feedback, or live inquiry activity.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is stainless steel 316L preferred for tubular heat exchangers in food manufacturing?

Stainless steel 316L offers superior corrosion resistance, especially against chlorides and acidic food products, meets food safety standards, and provides easy cleaning for aseptic processing requirements.

What are the main components in a tubular heat exchanger BOM for food applications?

The bill of materials typically includes heat exchange tubes for fluid transfer, a shell casing to contain the system, and tube sheets to secure tubes and separate fluids, all designed for sanitary food processing.

How does a tubular heat exchanger maintain aseptic conditions in food processing?

The concentric tube design prevents cross-contamination between fluids, while the smooth stainless steel surfaces and sealed construction allow for effective sterilization and meet hygienic standards in food manufacturing.

Can I contact factories directly on CNFX?

CNFX is an open directory, not a transaction platform. Each factory profile provides direct contact information and production details to help you initiate direct inquiries with Chinese suppliers.

Data Basis

CNFX manufacturer profiles, technical classification, publicly available product information, and ongoing plausibility checks.

Preliminary Technical Classification
This page supports structured research, RFQ preparation, and supplier evaluation. It does not replace buyer-led supplier qualification, standards review, or technical approval.

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