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Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchangers
Heatxforce offers comprehensive support for the design, specification, installation, commissioning, repair and maintenance of tube-in-tube heat exchangers. Designed for demanding thermal duties involving viscous products, fibrous media and particulate-laden fluids, tube-in-tube heat exchangers provide reliable heat transfer where conventional plate heat exchangers may be unsuitable.
From anaerobic digestion and wastewater treatment through to food manufacturing and industrial processing, our engineers deliver high-performance solutions that improve efficiency, reduce downtime and maximise equipment life.
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Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchangers Explained
What is a Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchanger?
A tube-in-tube heat exchanger (also known as a concentric tube heat exchanger) consists of two pipes arranged one inside the other. Product flows through the inner tube while the heating or cooling medium flows through the outer annular space. Heat transfers efficiently through the tube wall while the two fluids remain completely separated.
Its unobstructed flow path makes it particularly effective for applications involving solids, fibres, sludges, slurries and high-viscosity products.
What is a Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchanger Used For?
- Heating and cooling viscous products and slurries
- Anaerobic digestion and sludge treatment systems
- Food and beverage process heating
- Chemical and industrial process applications
- Abrasive and particulate-heavy process streams
- Applications requiring low-shear product handling
Why Choose Our Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchanger Technology?
Clog-Resistant Performance
Large flow passages minimise fouling and blockage, helping maintain continuous production and reducing maintenance requirements.
Excellent Thermal Resilience
The fully welded construction accommodates thermal expansion and contraction, making tube-in-tube units ideal for steam heating and demanding thermal cycling.
Low Shear Product Handling
Gentle flow characteristics help preserve product quality in shear-sensitive applications.
Easy Cleaning
Straight-through flow paths simplify Clean-in-Place (CIP) procedures and routine maintenance.
Long Service Life
Robust construction and heavy-duty materials provide outstanding durability in challenging operating environments.
Inside the Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchanger
How It Works
Most tube-in-tube heat exchangers operate using counter-current flow, where hot and cold fluids travel in opposite directions. This maximises the temperature gradient and delivers efficient heat transfer across the entire exchanger length.
Construction and Materials
Inner Product Tube
- AISI 316L Stainless Steel
- Duplex Stainless Steel
- Titanium for aggressive chemical applications
Outer Shell Tube
- Carbon Steel
- Stainless Steel
- Application-specific alloys
Enhanced Heat Transfer Options
- Smooth tube designs
- Corrugated tube designs for increased turbulence and thermal efficiency
Trusted Across Demanding Industrial Applications
Wastewater & Anaerobic Digestion
- Sludge heating
- Digester recirculation
- Biosolids processing
Food & Beverage
- Sauces and syrups
- Dairy products
- Concentrates and viscous food products
Industrial Processing
- Chemical heating and cooling
- Abrasive slurries
- Process temperature control
Energy & Utilities
- Heat recovery systems
- Process water heating
- Utility fluid cooling
Tube-in-Tube Heat Exchanger Services
Specification & Design
Our design team evaluates temperatures, flow rates, fluid properties, viscosity, particle size and pressure drop requirements to ensure optimum performance and reliability.
Technical Specifications Section
Engineered to meet the demanding requirements of industrial processing environments.
- Tube Materials: AISI 316L Stainless Steel, Duplex Stainless Steel, Titanium
- Shell Materials: Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel, Special Alloys
- Design Pressure: Application dependent
- Design Temperature Range: Up to 400°C+ (application dependent)
- Flow Configuration: Counter-current or co-current
- Fluid Compatibility: Water, sludge, slurries, food products, chemicals, oils and industrial process fluids
- Cleaning Method: CIP compatible and mechanical cleaning options available
Installation & Commissioning
We provide complete installation support, including equipment positioning, pipework integration, pressure testing, flushing and performance verification.
Overhaul & Repair
Services include inspections, hydro-blasting, tube replacement, welding repairs, refurbishment and performance restoration.
Maintenance & Service
Planned preventative maintenance programmes include condition monitoring, cleaning schedules, wall thickness testing and early fault detection to minimise downtime.
Codes, Standards & Certifications
Heatxforce build pressure equipment in accordance with PD5500 and ASME VIII Pressure vessel codes whilst conforming to the European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and UKCA Pressure Equipment Safety Regulations (PESR), which are mandatory inspection requirements applicable to pressure vessels and systems.
Our welding procedures are in accordance with ISO 15614-1 and ASME IX.
Welder qualifications are in accordance with ISO 9606-1 and ASME IX.
All of our welding related qualifications are certified by TUV Nord.
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