Which exchanger head is absent in a U-Tube bundle?

In a U-Tube bundle heat exchanger, the design features a unique arrangement of tubes that allows for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. The absence of a floating head in this design is significant because the U-tube construction relies on the flexibility of the tubes themselves to accommodate movement.

A floating head design typically allows for easier maintenance and the ability to handle thermal expansion without stressing the joints. However, in a U-Tube bundle, the configuration allows for the necessary movement without the need for a separate floating head mechanism. Instead, the tubes are able to move freely inside the fixed headers, eliminating the need for a floating head while still managing thermal expansion effectively.

This specific design choice helps streamline the manufacturing process and reduces the complexity of the overall heat exchanger, offering advantages in terms of cost and maintenance. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that the absence of a floating head in a U-Tube bundle is a characteristic that facilitates its unique capabilities in heat transfer applications.