REAFFIRMATION

April 2018

Vessel

PIP VESST002
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
 PURPOSE AND USE OF PROCESS INDUSTRY PRACTICES

In an effort to minimize the cost of process industry facilities, this Practice has
been prepared from the technical requirements in the existing standards of major industrial
users, contractors, or standards organizations. By harmonizing these technical requirements
into a single set of Practices, administrative, application, and engineering costs to both the
purchaser and the manufacturer should be reduced. While this Practice is expected to
incorporate the majority of requirements of most users, individual applications may involve
requirements that will be appended to and take precedence over this Practice.
Determinations concerning fitness for purpose and particular matters or application of the
Practice to particular project or engineering situations should not be made solely on
information contained in these materials. The use of trade names from time to time should
not be viewed as an expression of preference but rather recognized as normal usage in the
trade. Other brands having the same specifications are equally correct and may be
substituted for those named. All Practices or guidelines are intended to be consistent with
applicable laws and regulations including OSHA requirements. To the extent these
Practices or guidelines should conflict with OSHA or other applicable laws or regulations,
such laws or regulations must be followed. Consult an appropriate professional before
applying or acting on any material contained in or suggested by the Practice.

This Practice is subject to revision at any time.

© Process Industry Practices (PIP), Construction Industry Institute, The University of Texas
at Austin, 3925 West Braker Lane (R4500), Austin, Texas 78759. PIP Member Companies
and Subscribers may copy this Practice for their internal use. Changes or modifications of any
kind are not permitted within any PIP Practice without the express written authorization of
PIP. Authorized Users may attach addenda or overlays to clearly indicate modifications or
exceptions to specific sections of PIP Practices. Authorized Users may provide their clients,
suppliers and contractors with copies of the Practice solely for Authorized Users’ purposes.
These purposes include but are not limited to the procurement process (e.g., as attachments to
requests for quotation/ purchase orders or requests for proposals/contracts) and preparation
and issue of design engineering deliverables for use on a specific project by Authorized
User’s client. PIP’s copyright notices must be clearly indicated and unequivocally
incorporated in documents where an Authorized User desires to provide any third party with
copies of the Practice.

PUBLISHING HISTORY
March 2012 Issued
April 2018 Reaffirmation

Not printed with State funds

 REAFFIRMATION
April 2018

Vessel

PIP VESST002
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2
Table of Contents
1. Scope ...........................................2
2. References ..................................2
2.1 Process Industry Practices ...............2
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards .........2
2.3 Government Regulations ..................3

3. Definitions ...................................3
4. Requirements ..............................4
4.1 General .............................................4
4.2 Design ..............................................5
4.3 Fabrication ......................................11

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

1. Scope
This Practice describes the mechanical design, fabrication, examination, inspection, testing, and
documentation requirements for shell-and-tube heat exchangers constructed in accordance with
TEMA Standards of the Tubular Exchangers Manufacturers Association and ASME Boiler and
Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1 or Division 2, henceforth referred to as the Code.
Requirements that are specific to Code, Section VIII, Division 2 are shown in braces { }.
This Practice is supplemental to the requirements of PIP VESV1002, Design and Fabrication
Specification for Pressure Vessels, ASME Code Section VIII Divisions 1 and 2.
This Practice does not cover the following types of shell and tube heat exchangers:
a. Standardized pre-designed (i.e., off-the-shelf) heat exchangers
b. Heat exchangers with layered construction

2. References
Applicable parts of the following Practices, industry codes and standards, and government
regulations shall be considered an integral part of this Practice. The edition in effect on the date of
contract award shall be used, except as otherwise noted. Short titles are used herein where
appropriate.

2.1 Process Industry Practices (PIP)

– PIP VESV1002 - Design and Fabrication Specification for Pressure Vessels, ASME
Code Section VIII Divisions 1 and 2
– PIP VEDST003 - Documentation Requirements for Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
– PIP VEFV1100 - Vessel/S&T Heat Exchanger Standard Details
PIP VEFV1101 - Vessel; Nameplate Bracket
PIP VEFV1102 - Vessel; Tolerances (Orientation)
PIP VEFV1103 - Vessel; Grounding Lug
PIP VEFV1105 - Vessel; Horizontal, Saddles Supported on Concrete
PIP VEFV1106 - Vessel; Horizontal, Saddles Supported on Steel
PIP VEFV1116 - Vessel; Manway Hinges
PIP VEFV1117 - Vessel; Manway Vertical Davit
PIP VEFV1118 - Vessel; Manway Horizontal Davit
PIP VEFV1125 - Vessel; Internal Ladders
PIP VEFV1127 - Heat Exchanger Fixed Tubesheet Vent and Drain
PIP VEFV1128 - Vessel Skirt Attachment
2.2 Industry Codes and Standards
For each of the following reference documents, if Code Table U-3 {1.1} lists an edition
or addenda different than the edition listed in the reference, the edition listed in Code,
Table U-3 {1.1} shall be used.
 American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
– ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (Code)
Section II, Part D - Properties
Section V - Nondestructive Examination

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

Section VIII - Pressure Vessels, Divisions 1 and 2

Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications
– ASME B1.1 - Unified Inch Screw Threads (UN and UNR Thread Form)
– ASME B16.5 - Pipe Flanges and Flange Fittings, Sizes NPS 1/2 through
NPS 24
– ASME B16.9 - Factory-Made Wrought Buttwelding Fittings
– ASME B16.47 - Large Diameter Steel Flanges, NPS 26 through
NPS 60
– ASME PCC-1 - Guidelines for Pressure Boundary Bolted Flange Joint Assembly
– TEMA Standards for Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association
2.3 Government Regulations
The following reference is applicable to U.S. installations or as specified by Purchaser.
 U. S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA)
– OSHA 29 CFR 1910.146(k)(3)(ii) - Permit-Required Confined Spaces for General
Industry

3. Definitions
Code: The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code, Section VIII, Division 1 {or 2} and its
referenced Sections (e.g., Section II, Section V, and Section IX) and any Code Cases permitted by
the User. References to Division 2 are shown in braces { }.

construction: An all-inclusive term comprising materials, design, fabrication, examination,

inspection, testing, certification (i.e., Code stamp and Manufacturer’s Data Report),
{Manufacturer’s Design Report}, and pressure relief.

Manufacturer: The party entering into a contract with the Purchaser to design and construct a
heat exchanger in accordance with the requirements in this Practice and the contract documents.
In accordance with the Code definition, the Manufacturer is the party that possesses a valid
Certificate of Authorization to manufacture pressure vessels with the ASME Mark.
Comment: The Purchaser may duplicate portions or all of the exchanger design.

National Board: The National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, an organization
comprised of chief inspectors of various governmental jurisdictions in the United States and Canada.

Owner: The party who owns the facility wherein the heat exchanger will be used. The Owner is
typically also the User.

Purchaser: The party who awards the contract to the Manufacturer. The Purchaser may also be
the Owner, User, or the Owner’s or User’s Designated Agent (e.g., engineering contractor).

User: The party who establishes construction criteria in accordance with the Code philosophy and
service hazards. The User is the operator of the facility wherein the heat exchanger will be installed.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

Purchaser’s Inspector: The person or company authorized by the Purchaser, Owner, and/or User to
inspect pressure vessels to the requirements of this Practice and other Purchaser contract requirements.

vessel: The pressure boundary components of the heat exchanger, including the shell, heads, tube
sheets, nozzles.

4. Requirements
4.1 General
4.1.1 Overall Responsibilities
4.1.1.1 Heat exchangers shall be provided in accordance with this Practice and
the following:
a. PIP VECV1002 for the mechanical design and fabrication of all
pressure boundary components and attachments.
b. PIP VEDST003 including the following Purchaser’s forms:
1) PIP VEDST003-D Data Sheet
2) PIP VEDV1003-T Inspection and Testing Requirements Sheet or
equivalent
3) PIP VEDV1003-R Documentation Requirements Sheet
4) PIP VEDST003-F Welded Pressure Joint Requirements
c. The Code
d. Design criteria that may supersede the requirements of this Practice
but not take exception to the requirements of the Code
e. PIP VEFV1100 details: VEFV1101, VEFV1102, VEFV1103,
VEFV1105, VEFV1106, VEFV1116, VEFV1117, VEFV1118,
VEFV1125, VEFV1127, and VEFV1128
f. Other codes and standards referenced in this Practice
g. Local requirements
h. Other contract requirements furnished by the Purchaser
4.1.1.2 Heat exchangers shall be in total compliance with the Code, including
stamping.
4.1.1.3 Unless otherwise specified by the Purchaser, “U-” {U2-} stamped
exchangers shall also be National Board (NB) registered.
4.1.1.4 Deviations from this Practice shall be submitted in writing for approval
by the Purchaser.
4.1.1.5 If a conflict is identified between this Practice, the design drawings, data
sheets, referenced codes and standards, or any supplementary
specification, written clarification shall be obtained from the Purchaser
before proceeding with any work.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.1.1.6 All aspects of the work shall be in accordance with applicable local, county,
state, and federal rules, regulations and standards at installation site
including but not limited to the rules and standards established by the EPA
and OSHA, or equivalent national standards, if applicable, as designated by
the Purchaser. See Purchaser’s PIP VEDST003-D Data Sheet.
4.1.1.7 If the Purchaser furnishes an exchanger or exchanger component design,
the Manufacturer shall not be relieved of his responsibility to comply
with the requirements of this Practice and the contract documents.
Comment: Certain non-Code-design functions may be performed solely
by the Purchaser (e.g., design of exchanger internals).
4.1.1.8 Release for shipment by Purchaser’s inspector shall not relieve the
Manufacturer of his responsibility to comply with the requirements of
this Practice and the contract documents.
4.1.2 Documentation Responsibilities
4.1.2.1 Heat exchanger documentation shall be provided in accordance with
Purchaser’s PIP VEDV1003-R Documentation Requirements Sheet.
4.1.2.2 The data required by Part B of Purchaser’s PIP VEDST003-D Data Sheet
shall be provided with the approval drawings.
4.2 Design
4.2.1 General
4.2.1.1 Heat exchanger mechanical design shall be in accordance with this Practice,
PIP VESV1002, the Purchaser’s PIP VESST003-D Data Sheet in lieu of
PIP VESV1003-D, and all other requirements in the contract documents.
4.2.1.2 Half-pipe or pipe section jackets shall be designed in accordance with
Code Appendix EE {4.11.6}.
4.2.2 Pressure and Temperature
4.2.2.1 The basis for thermal expansion used in the design, as shown on
Purchaser’ PIP VEST003-D Data Sheet, shall be shown on the
fabrication drawings.
Comment: Fixed tubesheet exchangers cannot typically be operated at
the coincident nameplate temperature-pressure conditions.
4.2.2.2 Heat exchangers shall be designed for full pressure on either shell side or
tube side with atmospheric (or full vacuum, if specified) on the other side.
4.2.2.3 If an exchanger is designed for differential pressure, the nameplate shall
so indicate.
4.2.2.4 Tubesheets
1. Tubesheets for U tube, fixed tubesheet and floating tubesheet heat
exchangers shall be designed in accordance with Code Parts
UHX-12, 13 and 14 {4.18.7, 4.18.8 and 4.18.9}.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

2. Tubesheets shall be designed for full design pressure on either side,

with atmospheric pressure or specified vacuum on the other side.
3. Differential pressure design shall only be used if approved by Purchaser.
4. Unless otherwise approved by the Purchaser, tubesheets welded to a
carbon steel shell or channel shall be of carbon steel or clad carbon steel.
5. If in accordance with one of the following criteria, solid alloy
tubesheets may be welded to a carbon steel shell or channel:
a. The thermal coefficients of expansion do not vary greater than
15% from the tubesheet to the shell or channel over the operating
temperature range.
b. A stress analysis is performed by the Manufacturer and approved
by the Purchaser for the joint between the tubesheet and the shell
or channel.
6. If a stress analysis of the junction of the alloy and carbon steel
cylindrical section is performed and approved by the Purchaser, a solid
alloy tubesheet may be welded to a relatively short cylindrical section of
the same alloy material to be welded to a carbon steel shell or channel.
7. Confining gasket grooves shall be provided for exchangers with
gasketed pass partition joints.
4.2.3 Supports
4.2.3.1 Skirt supports for vertical exchangers shall be in accordance with the
standard detail on PIP VEFV1128 as specified on Purchaser’s
PIP VEDST003-D Data Sheet, Page 5.
4.2.3.2 Supports for stacked heat exchangers shall be in accordance with the
following:
1. The lower exchanger shells shall be designed to withstand the
superimposed load of upper exchangers filled with water or
operating fluid, whichever is greater, without distorting the shells in
a manner that could cause binding of tube bundles.
2. A 1/2-inch (13 mm) shimming allowance shall be provided between
intermediate exchanger supports.
3. Lower fixed exchanger supports shall be designed for the full bundle
pulling load for removal of any upper exchanger tube bundle.
4. The design of exchanger supports, including the dimensions of the
slots, shall include allowances for differential thermal expansion
between exchangers.
4.2.3.3 If required for removal of exchanger components (i.e., bonnet, cover,
etc.), two or more lifting lugs, located at 45 degrees from the top
centerline of the components, shall be provided.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.2.4 Internals
4.2.4.1 For multi-pass heat exchangers, the total gasket sealing areas of the pass
partition plates shall be included when calculating the minimum initial
bolt load required to seat the exchanger gasket.
4.2.4.2 If the type of joint is not specified on Purchaser’s PIP VESST003-D Data
Sheet, expanded joints with grooves shall be used for tubesheets of
homogeneous material. Expansion may be by roller, hydraulic pressure,
or other Purchaser-approved method.
4.2.4.3 Strength-welded tube-to-tubesheet joints shall be used if either of the
following applies:
1. Expanded joints cannot carry the expected tube load
2. Residual interface pressure because of expansion (i.e., tube rolling or
hydraulic expansion) can be compromised during operation
Comment: Loss of residual interface pressure can occur in high
temperature applications, or if significant differential
thermal expansion can occur between the tube and
tubesheet.
4.2.4.4 The special close fit tolerances for tube holes in accordance with TEMA
shall be provided for the following applications:
a. Austenitic tubes with expanded and grooved tube-to-tubesheet joints
b. Seal-welded or strength-welded tube-to-tubesheet joints
c. Hydraulically expanded tube-to-tubesheet joints
4.2.4.5 Tube Bundles
1. The minimum mean bend diameter of U-tubes shall not be less than
3 times the nominal tube outside diameter.
2. The end baffle spaces shall be equal to or greater than the central
baffle space.
4.2.4.6 Cross Baffles
1. Cross-baffle metallurgy and thickness shall be selected considering
the corrosiveness of the shell side fluids and the intended design life.
2. Cross baffles that resist corrosion shall have a thickness not less than
the greater of that specified by TEMA or 1/8 inch (3 mm).
3. Cross baffles susceptible to corrosion shall have a thickness not less
than the greater of the TEMA minimum, 2 times the corrosion
allowance, or 3/16 inch (5 mm).
4. The end-baffle spaces shall be equal to or greater than the cross-
baffle space.
4.2.4.7 Each support plate and baffle in horizontal exchangers shall be provided
with a 1/2 inch (13 mm) by 90 degree notch in the bottom for draining.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.2.4.8 Each TEMA Type S and T exchanger (i.e., having a removable shell
cover) shall have a floating head support plate located 4 to 6 inches
(100 to 150 mm) from the inside face of the floating tubesheet.
4.2.4.9 Except for shell side isothermal boiling, isothermal condensing, or
kettles, bypass sealing devices shall be provided in accordance with the
following:
a. Seal strips shall be provided if the radial clearance between
exchanger shell and outer tubes is greater than 5/8 inch (16 mm).
b. Seal strip thickness shall not be less than the greater of 75% of baffle
thickness or 1/4 inch (6 mm).
c. For exchangers with vertical cut baffles (i.e., baffle cut parallel to
shell side nozzle centerline), seal strips shall be provided to seal the
bypass areas caused by the omission of tubes. Seal strips shall not
extend into the inlet or outlet baffle spaces.
d. For horizontal cut baffles (i.e., baffle cut perpendicular to shell side
nozzle centerline), seal strips shall extend from the front or stationary
tubesheet to the last baffle or support plate.
e. Dummy tubes, rods, or seal strips shall be provided for any pass
partition lanes that are parallel to the shell side flow.
f. One pair of seal strips or one dummy tube shall be provided for each
five tube rows between baffle cuts. Minor adjustments to this
requirement may be made to suit actual tube layout.
4.2.4.10 Skid Bars
1. Exchangers with removable tube bundles weighing 20,000 pounds
(9070 Kg) or greater shall be provided with bundle skid bars.
2. A minimum of two skid bars shall be provided.
3. Skid bars shall have a thickness equal to or greater than cross-baffle
thickness with a minimum thickness of 1/2 inch (13 mm), and a
1-1/2 inches (38 mm) minimum height flat bar.
4. Skid bars shall be located not greater than 30 degrees from the
vertical centerline.
5. For TEMA Types S and T heat exchangers, skid bars shall extend
from the stationary tubesheet to floating head support plate.
6. For TEMA Types P, U, and W heat exchangers, skid bars shall
extend from the stationary tubesheet to end baffle.
7. If skid bars interfere with nozzle openings, the skid bars shall be
terminated at the baffle or support plate adjacent to the nozzle. A tie
rod/spacer of adequate strength to carry the bundle pulling load shall
be located close to the tube field and within 3 inches (75 mm) of the
skid bar and shall extend from the tubesheet or baffle/support plate
on one side of the nozzle to the baffle/ support plate on the other side
of the nozzle.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.2.4.11 Perforated or slotted impingement plates shall not be permitted.

4.2.4.12 Multiple exchangers of the same TEMA size and material, either
stacked or parallel, shall be provided with interchangeable components
to the maximum extent possible.
4.2.5 Expansion Joints
4.2.5.1 The design of expansion joints shall be performed by any method of
stress analysis (e.g., finite element analysis), including TEMA Paragraph
RCB-8, which is applicable to expansion joints. The allowable stresses
for design shall be in accordance with Code Appendix 5 {4.18.12.1}.
Cycle life shall be in accordance with Code U-2(g).
4.2.5.2 Unless otherwise specified on Purchaser’s PIP VEDST003 Data Sheet,
shell expansion joints shall be of the “thick wall” flanged and flued type
or flanged only type in accordance with Code Appendix 5 {4.18.12}.
4.2.5.3 For the following conditions, “thin wall” bellows type shell expansion
joints shall be provided in accordance with Code Appendix 26 {4.19}:
a. If specified on the Purchaser’s PIP VEDST003 Data Sheet, the
expansion joint welding stubs shall be of the same material as the
exchanger shell.
b. For single pass floating head heat exchangers, “thin wall” bellows
type joints may be provided. The expansion joint welding stubs shall
be of the same material as the tail pipe material.
4.2.5.4 The expansion joint-to-shell weld shall not be located less than two times
Rt from the back of the tubesheet, where R is the outside radius of the
exchanger shell in inches (mm), and t is the actual thickness of the shell
less corrosion allowance in inches (mm).
4.2.5.5 Exchanger shell expansion joints shall be ventable and drainable in the
operating position.
4.2.6 Vapor Belts
4.2.6.1 The design of vapor belts shall be based on the following:
a. Effect of pressure loads
b. Except for fixed tubesheet designs, longitudinal stresses produced by
operating and test pressures
c. Consideration of flexibility produced when designing the exchanger
shell, tubes, and tubesheet
d. If a sleeve type vapor belt is used, the design shall be considered
flexible and designed in accordance with Section 4.2.5.
4.2.6.2 Vapor belts may be used as expansion joints if designed in accordance
with Section 4.2.5.
4.2.6.3 Whether or not vapor belts are used as expansion joints, vapor belt flexibility
shall be considered in the design of exchanger shell, tubes, and tubesheets.

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.2.7 Shell Covers

4.2.7.1 Except for kettle type reboilers, TEMA Type T exchangers shall have
removable shell covers.
4.2.7.2 Except for TEMA Type D stationary head designs, removable channels
or bonnets, channel covers, and floating head covers shall be attached
with through-bolted flanged joints.
4.2.7.3 If full diameter tubesheets are specified for exchangers with removable
tube bundles, the following shall apply:
a. Retaining studs shall be provided to maintain the gasket seal on the
shell side of the tubesheet with the channel or bonnet removed.
b. Retaining studs shall be installed in 25% of the bolt holes or in four
bolt holes minimum whichever is greater.
c. The tubesheet shall be designed to withstand shell side or tube side
hydrostatic test pressure with bonnet/channel or shell removed.
4.2.7.4 Mitered 90 degree reducing elbows for thermosyphon reboiler outlet
heads shall be in accordance with the following:
a. Number of changes in direction at the inside and outside contours
shall not be less than three
b. Cyclic loading shall not be a governing design requirement
c. Meridian (i.e., change of direction) angles between adjacent sections
shall be approximately equal for gradual flow transition
d. General contours shall be similar to those of commercial forged
reducing elbows
4.2.8 Pass Partition Plates
Drain holes in pass partition plates shall not be permitted.
4.2.9 Floating Heads
4.2.9.1 Floating heads shall be designed and dimensioned in accordance with
Code Figure 1-6(d) {Figure 4.7.5}.
4.2.9.2 The use of nubbins shall be approved by Purchaser.
4.2.9.3 Floating heads shall be designed with respective corrosion allowance
applied to the inside and outside of the floating head and flange.
4.2.9.4 Corrosion allowance on the outside diameter of the flange shall be
added to the recommended edge distance for the selected bolt size.
4.2.10 Kettle Type Exchangers
4.2.10.1 Kettle type exchangers shall be provided with either of the following
arrangements:
a. 3-inch (75 mm) minimum length cylindrical section (includes flanged
hub, if any) between the shell flanges and conical transitions

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

b. Other alternative for cone-to-flange fit-up and bolting clearance

4.2.10.2 For kettle type exchangers with tubesheets integral with the shell, the
minimum length of cylindrical section between the tubesheet and the
conical transition shall be the greater of 3 inches (75 mm) or Rt , where
R is the mean radius of the cylindrical section in inches (mm), and t is
the thickness of the section in inches (mm).
4.2.10.3 Rails shall be provided to support and guide the tube bundle. Rails shall
be welded to the exchanger shell.
4.2.10.4 A hold down bar or angle shall be provided directly above the floating
head or the last U-tube support plate.
4.2.10.5 If a weir plate is required, the weir plate shall be continuously welded
all around to the exchanger shell and shall be of sufficient height to
flood the top row of tubes with a minimum of 2 inches (50 mm) of
process fluid during normal operation. Drains shall be provided to both
sides of the weir.
4.3 Fabrication
4.3.1 Tubesheet-to-shell or -channel weld joints shall be a full penetration weld in
accordance with Code Figure UW-13.2 {Tables 4.2.6 and 4.2.8} or
Figure UW 13.3{Table 4.2.7}, except as follows:
1. Weld joints that use a permanent backing strip shall not be permitted.
2. To avoid the potential for crevices forming during fabrication, Code
Figures UW-13.2 (d), (e-2), and (i) shall not be permitted {not shown in
Division 2}.
3. Exchangers having any of the following design conditions shall use
tubesheet-to-shell or -channel weld joints in accordance with Code
Figures UW-13.2 (a), (f), or (k){Table 4.2.6 Details 1 and 3, and Table
4.2.8}, or Figure UW-13.3{Table 4.2.8}:
a. Tube side MAWP greater than 600 psig (4 MPa)
b. Shell side MAWP greater than 1000 psig (6.9 MPa)
c. Minimum Design Metal Temperature less than minus 20F (29C)
d. High-alloy tubesheet and adjoining shell or channel with the weld
joint exposed to the process fluid
e. Shell or channel inside diameter greater than 48 inches (1200 mm)
with carbon steel, low-alloy steel, or clad steel tubesheet material
f. Shell or channel inside diameter greater than 30 inches (760 mm)
with high-alloy or nonferrous tubesheet material

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 PIP VESST002 REAFFIRMATION
Supplemental Design and Fabrication Specification for April 2018
Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers ASME Code Section VIII, Divisions 1 and 2

4.3.2 For the purpose of determining required tubesheet-to-shell or -channel weld sizes
in accordance with Code requirements, a fixed tubesheet shall be considered
supported (i.e., not less than 80% of the pressure load is carried by the tubes) if
the following equation is satisfied:
[(AtEt)/(AsEs)]  4.0
Where:
At = Total cross-sectional metal area of tubes, sq. inches (sq. mm)
Et = Modulus of Elasticity of tube material at mean metal temperature,
psi (kPa)
As = Cross-sectional metal area of shell based on actual thickness less
corrosion allowance, sq. inches (sq. mm)
Es = Modulus of Elasticity of exchanger shell material at mean metal
temperature, psi (kPa)
4.3.3 If vents or drains are specified to be in the tubesheet, installation shall be in
accordance with the details shown on PIP VEFV1127.
4.3.4 Nameplates shall be located on the exchanger shell in an accessible location. The
nameplate location shall be shown on the dimensioned outline drawing.

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