Advantages
• Floating tubesheet allows for differential thermal
expansion between the shell and tube bundle
• The tube bundle can be repaired or replaced
without disturbing shell pipe
• Shell circuit can be inspected and steam or
mechanically cleaned
• Maximum surface for given shell diameter for
removable bundle design
Limitations
• Fluids in both the shell and tube circuits must be
non-volatile, non-toxic
• All tubes are attached to two tubesheets. Tubes
cannot expand independently so that large thermal shock applications should be avoided
• Packing materials produce limits on design pressure and temperature