The most common and cost-effective shell and tube heat exchanger type. Tube sheets are welded directly to the shell, creating a simple and robust construction. Ideal for clean fluids with minimal fouling on the shell side, as mechanical cleaning of the shell side is not possible.

U-tube design features a bundle of tubes bent into a U-shape, eliminating the need for a second tube sheet. This allows free thermal expansion of the tube bundle, making it suitable for applications with significant temperature differences between shell and tube sides.

Floating head design allows the tube bundle to be completely removed from the shell for cleaning and maintenance. One tube sheet is fixed while the other floats freely, accommodating thermal expansion and making it ideal for services where both sides require periodic mechanical cleaning.

Kettle type heat exchangers feature an enlarged shell to accommodate vapor disengagement space above the tube bundle. Designed specifically for boiling and vaporization services where the shell-side fluid undergoes phase change from liquid to vapor at low pressure.

The simplest shell and tube configuration with straight tubes and single-pass flow on both sides. Ideal for low-pressure liquid-to-liquid heat transfer applications where pressure drop must be minimized and fluid fouling is not a concern.