Shell And Tube Heat Exchanger Rental
Shell and tube heat exchangers supporting a wide range of temperatures and high pressures
We provide commercial and industrial shell and tube heat exchangers to help increase business continuity, maximize efficiency, and improve temperature-sensitive processes.
The most common type of heat exchanger, shell and tube heat exchangers, transfers heat between two liquids – one within the shell and the other in the tubes. These heat exchangers are ideal for high-pressure applications, providing reliability and the ability to withstand suspended and dissolved solids in the liquid stream.
At Aggreko, we manage a large-scale fleet of shell and tube heat exchangers, supporting applications like cooling hydraulic and lube oil, cooling engines and turbines, evaporating process liquids, and condensing process vapors. We’ll help you:
- Design and size your heat exchanger solution for your application.
- Quickly deploy rental heat exchangers in an emergency.
- Mitigate the impact of seasonal temperatures on your processes.
- Handle mildly corrosive fluids with carbon-steel shells.
Shell and tube heat exchanger applications
- Deal with heat exchanger emergencies with temporary shell and tube heat exchangers from Aggreko. If your existing heat exchangers are fouled, leaking, or corroded, we’ll design and deliver a rightsized solution in record time so you can avoid production impact and keep your unit rates high.
- Control temperatures and pressures in hot weather by scaling your shell and tube heat exchangers to drive temperatures down. Reducing temperatures more efficiently can also help to decrease tower pressures and the burden on your wider processes and equipment.
- Handle turnarounds with confidence by bringing in temporary, refinery-grade heat exchangers for vessel steam-outs and cooling catalysts. The scale of our fleet and our in-house expertise mean we can design the ideal solution for your environment.
- Improve and optimize your processes with insights from Aggreko Process Services (APS). Our senior process engineers are ready to design a turnkey solution around your challenges, then support you through Management of Change (MOC).
Solving temperature challenges across sectors
With our hands-on experience, we’ll lead you through finding, implementing, and using heat exchangers effectively.
Why choose industrial heat exchangers from Aggreko?
When people need access to the widest choice and the most seasoned experts, they turn to us.
Higher Reliability
Our shell and tube heat exchangers are ready for high temperatures and pressures.
Process Engineering
Aggreko Process Services (APS) is your team of experts to resolve bottlenecks and boost efficiency.
Designed Around You
Our solutions are all designed around your challenges and goals – not limited by our heat exchangers.
Wider Compatibility
With carbon steel and stainless-steel exchangers, we can support a wider range of fluids.
Reliable Rentals
Our heat exchangers all undergo robust pressure testing, maintenance, and cleaning.
The Trusted Partner
Working with Aggreko is working with an industry leader with 50+ years’ experience in 80+ countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
A shell and tube heat exchanger is a widely used heat transfer device consisting of a cylindrical shell that houses a bundle of tubes. One fluid flows through the tubes (tube-side fluid), while another circulates within the shell (shell-side fluid). This setup enables efficient heat transfer without mixing the two fluids.
Shell and tube heat exchangers are highly durable and can handle high pressures and temperatures, making them a preferred solution for oil refining, power plants, and chemical processing facilities.
Shell and tube heat exchangers are commonly integrated into cooling loops, industrial heating processes, and energy recovery systems, where they help optimize efficiency and prevent equipment failures.
To properly use a shell and tube heat exchanger, follow these steps:
- System planning – Identify heat transfer requirements, including fluid type, temperature range, and flow rate.
- Installation – Ensure proper positioning and secure connections for both tube-side and shell-side flows. It helps to consult with our experts who know how to size and place a shell and tube heat exchanger for proper installation.
- Operation – Maintain optimal flow rates and temperature differentials to maximize efficiency.
- Monitoring and maintenance – Regularly check for fouling, pressure fluctuations, and leaks. Clean the heat exchanger’s tubes as needed.
Shell and tube heat exchangers are highly efficient for large-scale industrial applications due to their ability to handle high pressures, extreme temperatures, and large fluid volumes while maintaining consistent heat transfer.
Their tube bundle design maximizes surface area, ensuring effective thermal exchange between two fluids without direct contact. They are also durable, resistant to fouling, and easier to maintain than other types of heat exchangers, making them a reliable choice for industries like refining, power generation, and heavy manufacturing.
We enhance this reliability by professionally cleaning and pressure-testing each rental unit before deployment, reducing operational risks and downtime.
While shell and tube heat exchangers are ideal for demanding environments, other designs serve similar operational needs.
Plate and frame heat exchangers offer high efficiency in low-pressure applications but require frequent maintenance due to gasket wear.
Crossflow heat exchangers provide excellent thermal performance in space-limited settings, particularly in industries handling corrosive fluids, though they have lower pressure and temperature tolerances.
Shell and plate heat exchangers combine elements of both shell and tube and plate and frame designs, offering compact efficiency but requiring more complex maintenance.
A shell and tube heat exchanger transfers heat between two fluids using metal tube walls as a barrier. The process includes:
- Fluid circulation – One fluid flows through tubes, while another moves around them in the shell.
- Heat transfer – Thermal energy transfers from the hot fluid to the cold fluid, either heating or cooling the system.
The direction that fluids travel in within the exchanger affects efficiency. In parallel flow, both fluids move in the same direction. In counterflow, they travel in opposite directions, maximizing heat transfer. In crossflow, one fluid moves perpendicular to the other, balancing efficiency and space constraints.
This design enables precise temperature control across various industrial applications, from chemical processing to HVAC systems.
Shell and tube heat exchangers are used in various industries, including:
- Energy – Used for steam condensation, turbine cooling, and waste heat recovery.
- Chemical processing – Heat regulation for reactors, distillation, and liquid cooling.
- Oil and gas – Used for crude oil processing, LNG liquefaction, and refining applications.
- Food and beverage – Used in pasteurization, process heating, and temperature-sensitive food production.
- HVAC and refrigeration – Used in industrial air-conditioning and chiller system support.
If you need a heat exchanger for high-pressure applications and high-temperature environments, shell and tube heat exchangers may be the right choice for you.
We offer a fleet of rental-grade shell and tube heat exchangers designed for industrial cooling, process heating, and energy recovery. We provide flexibility and cost savings for industries that require temporary or supplemental heat transfer solutions.
Key features include:
- High-pressure and temperature ratings – Built for demanding industrial applications, with ratings up to 500°F and 500 PSI.
- Rapid deployment – Available for emergency, planned maintenance, and process optimization.
- Certified cleaning and testing – Third-party cleaning and pressure testing ensure contaminant-free operation.
Industrial & Commercial Rental Solutions — Heat Exchangers and Beyond
From heat exchangers to full-scale cooling and power systems, Aggreko delivers custom-engineered rental solutions that keep your operations running smoothly. Whether you're planning maintenance, managing a process load, or facing an emergency, we’re ready to help — wherever and whenever you need us.