Pressure vessels hold pressurized fluids and gases for various applications, while heat exchangers transfer thermal energy between two or more fluid flows. Their designs and constructions vary to suit their intended use. The WEBB Corp. is a manufacturer with over a century of experience fabricating standard plate bending equipment and fixtures that pressure vessel and heat exchanger manufacturers need to produce reliable, high-quality tanks. Learn more about pressure vessels and heat exchangers, including their applications and our capabilities.
Pressure Vessel & Heat Exchanger Overview
Pressure vessels hold liquid or gas at pressures different from that of the ambient environment. A heat exchanger is a device for transferring heat between multiple fluids. Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are a popular type, with bundled tubes inside a large pressure vessel or shell. One fluid flows through the tubes, and the other fluid flows over the tubes inside the shell, transferring heat from one medium to the other.
Manufacturers construct heat exchangers and pressure vessels from several materials, including:
- Titanium
- Inconel
- Brass
- Stainless steel
- Carbon steel
The ideal material depends on the application and the levels of corrosion and heat resistance, durability, and strength needed. For instance, titanium, tantalum, Inconel, and Hastelloy offer superior corrosion resistance. Material selection is vital in ensuring the heat exchanger or pressure vessel offers long-term performance in the intended operating environment.
Applications and Industries of Pressure Vessels & Heat Exchangers
Many industries use these vessels in various applications and choose different types depending on their needs. What they all have in common is their use in critical applications, so heat exchangers and pressure vessels must be designed and engineered to meet rigorous safety standards and withstand high pressures. They must comply with mechanical and thermal design criteria, relevant international codes and standards, and certain testing and fabrication standards.
Various industries and applications rely on heat exchangers and pressure vessels, including:
- Power generation facilities
- Chemical processing plants
- Oil refineries
- HVAC
- Pharmaceutical
- Food and beverage processing
Pressure Vessel & Heat Exchanger Capabilities
Manufacturers can design, engineer, and test the pressure vessels and heat exchangers they make to meet the needs of their customers, the intended applications, and industry safety standards. With the help of advanced computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and computer-aided design (CAD) software, they can produce heat exchangers and pressure vessels in various material constructions, types, configurations, and sizes.
At The WEBB Corp., our plate rolling equipment is designed with worker safety and maximum productivity in mind. All machines are made to meet or exceed OSHA requirements.
Pressure Vessel & Heat Exchanger Manufacturing Equipment From The WEBB Corp.
Pressure vessels and heat exchangers are critical process equipment that must be manufactured with reliable machinery and high-quality materials. They must be constructed to meet the durability, corrosion resistance, pressure, heat, and safety standards of its intended application.
The WEBB Corp. designs and manufactures plate bending equipment tank manufacturers rely on to produce high-quality heat exchangers and pressure vessels. Contact us or request a quote to discuss the unique needs of your application.