ASTM A240 304 Square Tubesheet Shell And Tube Heat Exchangers



ASTM A240 304 Square Tubesheet is a square tube sheet made of 304 stainless steel. It complies with the ASTM A240 standard and is designed for heat exchangers and pressure vessels. Its core function is to precisely support and seal the tube bundle.

Its square structure is suitable for compact layouts (such as air-conditioning units and small reactors). The heat transfer uniformity is improved by optimizing the four-corner drilling holes.

It has the characteristics of weak acid/alkali corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance to prevent stress corrosion cracking. The flatness and tube hole spacing must be strictly controlled during manufacturing.

The surface finish reaches 2B/BA level. The edge chamfer reduces stress. It is suitable for shell and tube heat exchangers in chemical, food, pharmaceutical and geothermal equipment. It can be upgraded to 316L or 321 materials in chlorine-containing or high-temperature conditions.

Composition Ranges for ASTM A240 304L Tubesheet

Mechanical properties of ASTM A240 304L Tubesheet

The core difference between round tubesheet and square tubesheet lies in structural adaptability and mechanical properties:



Round tubesheet adopts axisymmetric design, uniform pressure bearing (preferred for high pressure conditions > 5MPa), tube bundles are arranged in concentric circles, high material utilization, standardized manufacturing (complying with TEMA/ASME), suitable for large heat exchangers (such as power plant boilers, petrochemical reactors);

Square tubesheet adapts to compact space (such as air-conditioning units, small equipment), optimizes layout through matrix pipe layout, but the four corners need to be rounded and locally reinforced to relieve stress concentration, the manufacturing cost is 15-25% higher and relies on non-standard calculations, and is only recommended for low pressure (<3MPa) or space-constrained scenarios. Selection rule: choose round for high pressure/large, choose square for low pressure/compact, and use square with caution in chloride ion environment (to prevent stress corrosion cracking at corners).





Application



Air conditioning heat pump unit: 400×400mm tube sheet, suitable for rectangular shell, copper tube matrix arrangement (spacing 22mm), saving 30% space.

Food grade plate heat exchanger: square gasket groove (EPDM rubber), tube sheet surface electrolytic polishing to Ra≤0.8μm, in line with FDA standards.

Mobile hydraulic oil cooler: carbon steel tube sheet + epoxy coating, anti-vibration design (four-corner bolt locking + silicone shock pad).

Waste heat recovery unit: square tube sheet embedded in flue gas duct (800×600mm), pressure ≤2.5MPa after local reinforcement, cost 20% lower than round.