What material are the plugs for stainless steel heat exchange tubes usually made of?
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We have a heat exchanger: propylene gas flows through the tube side, while water flows through the shell side. The tube side is made of S31603 stainless steel, and the shell side is made of Q356 carbon steel. Can carbon steel plugs be used for the stainless steel tubes? Could the rigidity of stainless steel plugs result in poor performance? Have any colleagues used copper plugs?
Using stainless steel plugs ensures no issues with rigidity
I don’t think rigidity is a problem; after all, the plugs are quite thick, so even high pressures won’t be an issue. I think using stainless steel is better than carbon steel, as the temperature difference has less impact with the same material
Using stainless steel is better than carbon steel; after all, the temperature difference has little impact on the same material
Stainless steel plugs should be used, preferably made of the same material as the heat exchange tubes.
If the medium is compatible with copper, copper yields good results. Stainless steel is also good
If the medium is compatible with copper, copper yields good results. Stainless steel is also good