Description

A Single Pass Shell & Tube Heat Exchanger is a type of heat exchanger in which one fluid flows through the tube bundle in a single continuous path from one end to the other, while the second fluid flows across the outside of the tubes within the shell, also typically in one pass. The tube-side fluid enters through the front channel, travels the full length of the tubes once, and exits at the opposite end. Meanwhile, the shell-side fluid flows over the tubes, transferring heat through the tube walls without mixing with the tube-side fluid. This simple configuration is widely used in industries such as oil and gas, power generation, and chemical processing due to its straightforward design, ease of maintenance, and lower pressure drop compared to multi-pass designs. However, because the fluids pass each other only once, the temperature change may be less efficient than in multi-pass or counterflow arrangements, making it most suitable for applications where moderate heat transfer performance is acceptable and simplicity is preferred.