Where should the shell side gasket on the new tube bundle be installed?

Where should the shell side gasket on the new tube bundle be installed?

• A. On the opposite end cap
• B. Inside the shell side flange
• C. On the bundle side gasket
• D. Over the floating head end of the tube bundle, before the bundle is put back in the exchanger

Answer: (D)

In a floating-head shell-and-tube exchanger, the shell side seal must sit at the interface between the shell and the floating head so that the end cap can compress the gasket properly as the head moves with thermal expansion. Placing the shell-side gasket over the floating head end of the tube bundle before reinserting the bundle ensures the gasket is captured between the shell face and the floating head when the end cap is bolted up, providing an even, reliable seal. If the gasket were placed elsewhere (on the opposite end cap, inside the shell-side flange, or on the bundle-side gasket), it would not align correctly with the mating surfaces and could be damaged or fail to seal as the system operates.

In a floating-head shell-and-tube exchanger, the shell side seal must sit at the interface between the shell and the floating head so that the end cap can compress the gasket properly as the head moves with thermal expansion. Placing the shell-side gasket over the floating head end of the tube bundle before reinserting the bundle ensures the gasket is captured between the shell face and the floating head when the end cap is bolted up, providing an even, reliable seal. If the gasket were placed elsewhere (on the opposite end cap, inside the shell-side flange, or on the bundle-side gasket), it would not align correctly with the mating surfaces and could be damaged or fail to seal as the system operates.