Modena, Italy, 2 Types, 44Ea Tubular Heat Exchanger Inspection

Key Features & Benefits of Corrugated-Tube Heat Exchangers

1. Enhanced heat transfer via induced turbulence

   • The corrugation (helical grooves, ridges) inside the tube creates significantly more turbulence in the fluid flow compared to smooth tubes. As one technical article states: “the corrugated tube … allows a higher flow turbulence, improving the heat exchange efficiency.”

   • Because turbulence is achieved even at lower Reynolds numbers (e.g., than smooth‐tube designs) the heat transfer coefficient is improved.

   • One supplier claims a reduction in required heat‐transfer area by 30-50% due to this effect.

     
     

     

     KEA Inspection in Italy

2. Compactness / reduced footprint

   • Because the corrugated internal geometry is more effective, the exchanger can be made smaller for the same duty (or achieve higher duty for a given size). For plants where space is at a premium, this is major.

   • For example: “Lower exchange area … in some cases half the required area with smooth tubes.”

3. Improved cleaning, hygiene & fouling resistance

   • The increased turbulence tends to reduce fouling (because dead zones are minimized and fluid mixing is stronger). For hygienic / pharmaceutical / food applications that is very important.

   • Corrugated tubes can be designed such that cleaning methods (CIP/SIP) are more effective, and that product residence time is shorter (important for delicate/process-sensitive fluid streams)

   • Hygiene design: because the internal geometry allows good drainage and avoids “dead zones”, it supports sanitary applications.

4. High pressure / high temperature capability

   • Many corrugated‐tube exchangers are constructed in materials such as stainless steel (316L etc) and can be used at higher pressures/temperatures than simpler designs. For example, some state design pressure ~10 bar or more for sanitary/industrial versions. The corrugation process itself (if done correctly) does not reduce the mechanical strength of the tube

5. Flexible configuration / bespoke design

   • Manufacturers often offer different configurations: monotube (tube-in-tube), multitube, annular space, multi-pass, removable bundles, etc. This gives flexibility for process engineers to tailor viscosity, particulates, cleaning requirements, etc.

   • Choice of corrugation geometries (“hard” vs “soft” corrugation) enables balancing between heat transfer enhancement vs pressure drop.

6. Materials and construction suited for hygienic / industrial use

   • Use of stainless steels (e.g., 316L), possibly exotic materials if required (for high corrosion, high temperature) as per supplier data.

   • Finishes suited to hygienic use: surface roughness Ra < 0.8 µm or better, electropolished, etc for food/pharma service.