In Hope Deepblue Steam Fired LiBr Absorption Chiller, the shell-and-tube heat exchanger incorporates a flexible structural component known as an expansion joint. This joint is typically made from corrugated tubing or other elastic materials and is installed on the shell of the heat exchanger. Its primary function is to absorb thermal stress caused by thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring the structural stability and safety of the heat exchanger.

Why Install an Expansion Joint?

The need for an expansion joint arises from the operational characteristics of shell-and-tube heat exchangers. During operation, differences in material properties, temperature changes, and uneven heating can cause thermal expansion discrepancies between the shell and the tube bundle. These discrepancies can lead to significant thermal stress within the heat exchanger. Without effective stress relief, such stress could result in deformation, damage, or leakage of the LiBr absorption unit, adversely affecting the heat exchanger's lifespan and performance.

The role of the expansion joint is to absorb and alleviate thermal stress induced by temperature variations through its elastic deformation, preventing damage to the structural components of the heat exchanger. By installing the expansion joint on the shell, it helps reduce tensile or compressive stress during thermal expansion, allowing the LiBr absorption unit to operate more stably over extended periods.