Heat Exchangers

Recovers waste heat from boiler blowdown processes, improving overall plant heat rate and reducing energy loss.

Shell and tube heat exchangers used on hydro-cracking and hydrodesulfurization require special closure design because of requirements imposed by the process licensor: Chevron & Union Oil. In 1968, Struthers Wells™ participated in the design of a special heat exchanger for a major oil company to use in a hydrocracking process. Since then, Struthers Wells™ has adapted the basic concept of the breech lock closure to a number of heat exchangers with innovative new features that greatly improve closure reliability, including:

• Fully removable bundle
• Minimum number of leak paths to the atmosphere of high hydrogen content at elevated temperatures
• Tightening the internal gasket in service, eliminating leakage between shell and tube side fluids in feed/effluent, increasing the efficiency of the process

Our improvements to the original concept have resulted in dependable performance with benefits such as:

• No fluid pressure on the mechanical threads, thus avoiding hoop stresses and radial expansion at the threads
• Compensation for differential thermal expansion when temperatures of joint components vary
• Improved ACME thread that optimizes pitch and prevents potential binding issues
• Improved horizontal installation prevents scraped-off metal chips that can cause leaks in shell-to-tubesheet gasket
• Forces on the threads are purely mechanical

Maintains critical component temperatures by removing heat from closed-loop cooling systems in power plants and industrial facilities.

Ensures thermal management for reactor and turbine auxiliary systems during both normal and emergency operations.

Used in auxiliary systems for water purification and steam generator support.

Condense and recover steam or process vapors, minimizing losses and maintaining environmental compliance.

Pre-heats natural gas before combustion to optimize turbine performance and reduce fuel consumption in gas-fired plants.

Condenses steam from turbine glands to maintain vacuum integrity and improve condenser system efficiency.

Provides a thermal bridge between systems, supporting heat transfer from closed-loop systems to ultimate heat sinks with reliability and control.

Passive safety systems used in BWRs to remove heat from the reactor core without the need for external power or pumps.

TEi Struthers Wells™ can design and supply the kettle type reboilers with integral steam separation for low or medium steam pressures.

Ensures consistent lubricant temperatures for turbines, pumps, and rotating machinery to prevent wear and optimize system reliability.

High-performance heat transfer systems for molten salt applications in small/modular reactors or solar thermal plants. Our designs handle extreme temperatures, maintain salt chemistry integrity, and ensure safe, efficient heat exchange in closed or open loops.

Specialized heat exchangers for polishing or cleanup duty, operating without regeneration cycles. These units reliably remove residual heat or contaminants, supporting downstream purity or thermal balance requirements.

The lube oil cooler is to maintain oil temperature of the turbine lube oil by utilizing cooling water through the tubes. TEi provides shell & tube TEMA type heat exchangers for this service.

Removes impurities and maintains water chemistry for both safety and non-safety related systems.

Critical for safe reactor cooldown during shutdowns, maintenance, and emergency operations.

Transfers recovered heat from rotor cooling air into the steam cycle, increasing combined cycle plant efficiency and reducing heat waste.

Facilitates safe plant cooldowns, ensuring compliance with safety procedures and cooldown rate limits.

Maintains safe temperature levels for stored spent nuclear fuel, preventing overheating and ensuring long-term storage integrity.

Robust shell-and-tube heat exchangers built to TEMA (Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association) standards — designed for reliable, long-lived performance in industrial duty. Our designs address thermal stresses, erosion, fouling, and maintenance access, providing optimized heat transfer in rigorous process environments.

Advanced air-cooled heat exchangers tailored for turbine cooling duty. Our units precisely manage the heat removal from turbine bleed or extraction air streams under varying load conditions, supporting optimal cycle efficiency, thermal stability, and balance‐of‐plant integration.

Cools turbine components for improved efficiency and extended equipment life during peak load and continuous operation.