Regarding [single-chamber] and [multi-chamber] containers
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Both technical specifications and standards use terms referring to multi-chambered structures, but no definition is provided. In my personal opinion, containers such as air storage tanks are generally considered single-chambered, while heat exchangers are typically multi-chambered. Now, here’s a special case: when the shell and tube sides of a heat exchanger are connected to each other, should it be considered a single chamber or multiple chambers? I personally think it is single-chambered, but some believe it to be single-chambered while others think it is multi-chambered, as the definition in TSG21 roughly considers a closed chamber as one.
Based on your description, if the shell and tube sides of the heat exchanger are connected without any partitions to separate the various sections, it can generally be considered a single-chamber container. Although there may be multiple flow channels or passageways inside for the heating exchange medium to flow through, these do not form separate enclosed spaces; therefore, it can be considered as a single unified chamber. In this case, although the interior of the entire container has a complex structure, there are no completely separate compartments; therefore, according to the definition of a closed chamber as a single unit, it should be considered a single-chamber container. .
As defined in GB/T 26929-2011, a chamber refers to a relatively independent enclosed space within a container where the medium is located. “A “sealed space” here refers to an area that can form an independent pressure-bearing space, bounded by the external connection ports of that chamber. There is a great deal of ambiguity here. If the boundary is defined solely by the connection ports, then even if the shell and tube sides are connected, it still constitutes a multi-chambered container. But what does it mean to be relatively independent and capable of forming separate chambers? 1. Does being connected only by pipes count as relatively independent? If counted, then the aforementioned situation constitutes multiple chambers; if not counted, then many systems cannot be considered as independent chambers. 2. The ability to form refers to whether auxiliary components are needed or to the normal operating condition; in either case, the issue mentioned earlier still exists. Personally, I believe that the same device using the same medium constitutes one chamber.