S and T

Module from the Heat Exchanger Engineering Curriculum curriculum.

Module 2 - TEMA Shell and Tube Types · Learning Objectives · 1. Decode TEMA 3-letter designation (front head / shell / rear head) · 2. Select TEMA Class R (refinery), C (commercial), B (chemical) · 3. Choose shell type (E, F, J, G, H, K, X) by service · 4. Choose head type by thermal growth and cleaning requirements · 5. Apply fixed, U-tube, floating head, pull-through, or packed head · TEMA Shell Types

Type	Name	Passes	Typical Use	Pressure Drop	Note
E	One-pass shell	1 shell / 1 or 2 tube	Most common	Moderate	Standard
F	Two-pass shell longitudinal baffle	2 shell / 2 or 4 tube	Large LMTD correction	Moderate	Leakage concerns
J	Divided flow	1 shell / 2 tube	Low dP, vacuum	Low	Used for vacuum towers overhead
G	Split flow	1 shell	Horizontal thermosyphon	Low	Horizontal reboiler
H	Double split flow	1 shell	Large horizontal thermosyphon	Very low	Large unit
K	Kettle reboiler	1 shell	Reboiler with vapor space	Very low	Bubbling service
X	Cross flow	1 shell	Low dP cooling	Very low	Inlet/outlet distributors
TEMA Head Types
Type	Function	Accessible	Thermal Growth	Cost	Use
A	Bonnet (integral flange)	No (remove bolted cover)	Fixed	Low	Cleanable front
B	Bonnet one-piece	No	Fixed	Low	Non-fouling front
C	Channel integral tubesheet	No	Fixed	Medium	Removable bundle
N	Channel integral with shell	No	Fixed	Low	Not removable
L	Fixed tubesheet	No	None - must PWHT	Low	Dirty shell
M	Fixed tubesheet bonnet	No	None	Low	Cheap fixed
P	Outside packed floating head	Limited	High	High	Large thermal
S	Floating head with backing device	Yes	High	High	Most common
T	Pull-through floating head	Yes	High	Medium	Easy pull
U	U-tube bundle	Front only	High	Low	Cleaning shell-side only

Source: Heat_Exchanger_Engineering_Curriculum_v1.xlsx · Sheet: S and T

© 2026 Inflection Point Engineering, LLC. All rights reserved. The content of this page — including calculation methods, reference data, written analysis, interactive tools, and source code — is the intellectual property of Inflection Point Engineering, LLC and is protected under applicable copyright, trademark, and trade secret laws. Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution, modification, or derivative use in whole or in part is prohibited without prior written consent.

Disclaimer. This material is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Calculations, reference data, and methodologies are based on published standards and accepted engineering practice but are not a substitute for engineering judgment, site-specific analysis, or review by a licensed Professional Engineer. Inflection Point Engineering, LLC makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or fitness for a particular purpose of any content presented here, and shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from its use. Users assume all risk associated with applying this content to real-world design, operations, or decisions.