Gapless Tube-to-Tubesheet Welding

for Chemical and Petrochemical Applications

by Dr.-Ing. Andreas Risch, Borsig GmbH, Berlin

1 Introduction

On quench-coolers, superheaters and heat recovery systems for chemical and petrochemical plants, a remaining design gap between tube and tubesheet should be avoided in many cases for reasons of corrosion. In this case, the tube-to-tubesheet weld is to be made without gap as a Jull penetration joint".

In contrast to fillet joints with set-through tubes, higher requirements with regard to the geometrical tolerances on the component, the welding equipment and the operating personnel have to be met for the fully mechanized gapless tube-to-tubesheet weld. Moreover, such joints are normally severely stressed by high temperatures and operating pressures as well as by corrosion. Already a low number of leaks may, for example on waste heat boilers (WHB) or quench-coolers, lead to mixing of the process gas with the cooling medium (normally saturated steam) which may cause serious upsets of the overall process. The consequence is timeconsuming repair work involving high economic losses since in the case of repair the cycle of the overall plant has to be interrupted partly or completely.

For these reasons, special attention should be paid to the quality of manufacture already during preparation and execution of the gapless tube-to-tubesheet weld. The process strictly requires close geometric tolerances and the selection of suitable welding equipment which has to ensure the best possible reproducibility.

In the following, the structural joint design of gapless tube-to-tubesheet welds and different welding methods are described on the basis of practical application examples taken from heat exchangers for the chemical and petrochemical industries. Apart from the weld production, also quality control and the requirements of the pressure vessel code (e.g. AD Code lEN and ASME Code) playa vital role.

2 Structural Design and Types of Weld

Since full penetration of the tube to the tubesheet weld is required, gapless tube-totubesheet welding is always to be carried out on the rear side of the tubesheet. Depending on the thickness of the tubesheet a distinction is made between two different designs:

2.1 Gapless Tube-to-Tubesheet Weld on Thin-walled Tubesheets

On thin-walled tubesheets up to a wall thickness of about 30 mm, the tube may be welded to the tubesheet using a "corner joint" since ease of access from the tubesheet front side is normally ensured. Examples of weld forms are shown in Fig. 1.

Such welded joints are used in chemical and petrochemical process engineering.

Examples are quench-coolers for the petrochemistry (e.g. ethylene cracking plants) or process gas waste heat boilers (e.g. for ammonia, methanol and ethylene plants). In such applications, thin tubesheets offer the advantage that the process gas entering the tube is rapidly and efficiently cooled down by the cooling medium (steam) on the rear side of the tubesheet. Thus, it is possible to cool process gas at temperatures of 900 °C to 500°C within a short distance which allows the use of ferritic steels.

Tube sheet and tubes for quench-coolers are normally made of 15M03 material (or equivalent materials of ASME material group P-3) and for process gas WHBs made predominantly of 1.25 %CrO.5% Mo steels (e.g. 13CrM04-5 or equivalent steels of ASME Material Group P-4). The tubesheet and welded-in tubes are protected from the direct influence of the hot process gases- depending on the design - either by heat protection

A

B

c

I I
~ ~~~ I ~~ t\
j I ~
cO I V / I / cO v- I V
0 V 0 V
+1 V +1
/
x V V x
/
V . Fig. 1: Possible weld forms for gapless tube-to-tubesheet welds on thin tubesheets

shields (normally Ni-base materials) or ferrules (also Ni-base materials) which are slipped into the tubes after tube-to-tubesheet welding.

The advantage of rapid heat transfer via a thin tubesheet entails the disadvantage that the tubes, tubesheet and tube welds are severely stressed by pressure and thermal expansion since these systems are normally exclusively "straight tube " heat exchangers in which the tubes are rigidly fixed between two tubesheets. During operation, particularly the tubes and tube welds are highly stressed by tension since a thin tubesheet under operating pressure and temperature behaves like a membrane. In these cases, it is to be thoroughly checked by FE analyses conSidering the pressure vessel guidelines to be applied in each case whether gapless tube-to-tubesheet welding is possible and how the joint is to be designed (throat thickness a and leg length F). Alternatively, there is the possibility of sustaining the stresses

between tubesheet and tubes via a "supporting structure" (lattice structure or stiffening ribs) [1].Example for high

advanced BORSIG solutions are shown in Fig. 2 (see appendix). These solutions involve a higher amount of manufacturing work in comparison to conventional systems, but offer a maximum degree of safety for the tube/tubesheet system during operation and especially in the case of fault (emergency shut-down). Also in this case FE analyses are normally required for a design of the structure appropriate to sustain the stresses.

Conventional tube arrangement

1

HOT/COLD BABCOCK-BORSIG tube arrangement

1

Fig. 3: Design examples for snthesis loop WHBs with thick tubesheet and integrated steam drum

2.2 In-bore Welding

Thick-walled sheets with a wall thickness of about 250 mm to 400 mm are used in synthesis gas heat recovery systems (synloop WHBs) for ammonia synthesis plants. These systems normally are designed as Utube heat exchangers as shown in Fig. ~. Other examples are heat recovery systems and heat exchangers in the power industry sector. Normally, the

A

B

Fig. 4: Typical weld forms for in-bore welding with weld preparation on the tubesheet

tubes are set through the tubesheet and joined by a fillet weld. If for reasons of corrosion full penetration is required, this can only be achieved by in-bore welding.

Due to the large distance from the tubesheet front side, welding is to be carried out at the rear side of the tubesheet from the tube inside using a special "lance" since due to the close pitch of the tubes orbital welding from the outside of the tubes is not possible. To achieve full penetration, the weld preparation on the tubesheet has to be made mechanically in such a way that a jOint corresponding to the tube is obtained. Fig. 4 shows examples of the required weld preparation on the tubesheet rear side. Variant A represents the more favourable version with regard to machining processing. However, during operation of the heat exchangers the tubesheet is often arranged in horizontal position with the gas inlet side facing downward .

. Therefore, impurities from the boiler water accumulating in the annular groove may cause local corrosion in this area. In these cases, the more complex Variant B (Fig. 4) is to be preferred.

Since in-bore welding is usually carried out without filler metal because of the small inner diameter of the tube, strict adherence to close tolerances is essential. Due to the high operating pressures (up to 250 bar) at temperatures up to 550°C and the high hydrogen partial pressures during operation, mainly 2.25 % (resp. 3%) Cr-1%Mo steels (e.g. 10CM09-10 or equivalent materials of ASME Material Group P-5) are used in systems for ammonia synthesis. The tubesheet and tubes are designed in accordance with the applicable pressure vessel guideline (e.g. AD Code or ASME Code) considering the pressure, temperature and hydrogen partial pressures. From the design point of view, the tube-to-tubesheet jomt is considered as butt joint which has to meet the minimum requirements of the tube-material with regard to the mechanical-technological properties. Since the mentioned systems are U-tube heat exchangers with thick and thus "rigid" tubesheets the stresses in longitudinal direction of the tube as well as stresses induced by thermal expansion are relatively low.

3. Fully Mechanised Gapless GTAW Tube-to-Tubesheet Welding in Production

Basically, the requirement for absolute cleanliness before start of welding is of great significance for both variants of gapless tube-to-tubesheet welding in order to prevent the formation of pores. Scale layers, rolling skin or rust should be removed from the tube by grinding. In addition,. the prepared weld joints in the hole and the tube ends should be carefully cleaned shortly before start of welding to remove any debris resulting from machining

or other impurities. Further, draft air and moisture in the weld area should be avoided during manufacturing process since both factors have an adverse effect on the weld quality.

3.1 Gapless Tube-to-Tubesheet Welds on Thin-walled Tubesheets

Apart from the geometric requirements (throat thickness a and leg length F), formation of a satisfactory and full-penetration root as well as a smooth and uniform top layer are important the quality of gapless tube-to-tubesheet welding.

Variant A shown in Fig. 1 allows full penetration because of the gap available before welding, however preparation of the tube ends before welding and exact positioning in the centre of the hole are problematic. This applies in particular to "straight-tube" heat exchangers in which for stress reasons and for adherence to the tolerances the tube should be machined at the second end after welding of the opposite end has been completed. Therefore Variant A of Fig. 1 should be predominantly used in manual GTAW tube-to tubesheet welding only.

Variant B of EifJ.j is more favourable with regard to machining of the tubesheet than Variant C. However, it turned out that a reliable full root penetration can not be achieved in all cases. Reason for this is the differential heat dissipation between the comparatively thick tubesheet and the thinner-wall tube. In particular, slight fluctuations in the preheating temperature can thus lead to larger fluctuations in root penetration and cause local incomplete root fusion with residual gaps due to the relative high heat dissipation into the tubesheet.

With Variant C (Fig. 1) with a "tulip-shaped" configuration of the hole, a satisfactory root formation is achieved and the geometric tolerances to be adhered to can be achieved much easier. Even fluctuations of the preheating temperature up to 50°C do not have an adverse effect on the weld quality in Variant C. Thus, a markedly higher manufacturing reliability is obtained. The contour (lip) on the tube end can be prepared without any problems using suitable shaping tools. This lip increases manufacturing reliability with regard to reliable root penetration. However, the contour may be dispensed with, if instead of the usual shielding gas, argon, an argon-helium mixture is used. It turned out that even with a straight tube end, a high reliability in root welding is obtained when using a gas mixture of 75 % helium and 25 % argon.

Before welding, the tubes are to be tack-welded manually. In the process, attention should be paid to avoiding any gaps in the ascending section (position PF) since otherwise burnthrough may occur during root welding due to the position-conditioned comparatively high energy input.

At BORSIG, welding is carried out exclusively by using the continuos multi-layer technology with filler wire (<I> = 0.8 mm). By continuous welding, a structure of high toughness is obtained due to the self-tempering effect. Also the top layer is in any case welded using filler metal. The widely used method of welding a "cosmetic" or "smoothing" layer without filler metal after the final pass can result in cracks in the top layer when stress relief heat treatment is carried out after welding due to coarse grain formation (overheating). This phenomenon is especially pronounced on tubesheets and tubes made of 13 CrMo 4-5 I 13 CrMo 4 4 (and equivalent materials of ASME Material Group P-4), because the weld metal produced with suitable similar filler metals (1.25 %Cr-O.S %Mo) exhibited a ductility minimum in a certain temperature interval during the heating and cooling phase of the stress relieving heattreatment (PWHT). In connection with coarse grain formation due to an additional smoothing pass without filler metal, the risk of cracking is markedly increased. This phenomenon can be avoided if also the final cap-layer is welded with filler wire.

Fig. 5 shows the automatic tube-to-tubesheet welding equipment used at BORSIG and the associated power source with control system and PC. The welding head is not centred in the tube to be welded, but accommodated in an adjacent hole by a special clamping system. Thus, accessibility for welding with filler metal is possible even for comparatively small tube diameters. Moreover, due to the special design of the welding torch the operator's view on the welding process is only restricted negligibly. Therefore a continuous optical control is ensured during the entire welding operation and any irregularities can be immediately detected by the operator. Latest-state-of the art power sources and control systems allow individual adjustment of all essential parameters, such as welding current and welding voltage, pulse shape, pulse frequency and pulse height, wire feed, welding speed, weaving amplitude and weaving

Fig. 5: Automatic tube-to-tubesheet welding machine:

Welding head and power source with control system and PC

frequency, positioning of the torch, type of gas etc. Thus, it is possible to ensure a uniform weld formation and high degree of fail-safety over the entire circumference of the tube-totubesheet weld.

Programming of the welding parameter is performed via a PC. On the basis of test samples identical to the component concerning geometry, tolerances and materials, the optimum welding parameters are determined and optimised before start of manufacture.

Further, tests are carried out on these samples to check whether the design requirements with regard to the required connection (throat thickness a and leg length F, see Fig. 6) are reliably met. After successful testing of the adjustment samples the program thus determined is transferred from the PC to the control system. During welding, the operator can only optimise the torch positioning at the start of welding, simulate, and thus check, welding as well

as start the welding operation via a remote control. Consequently, neither the operator nor "other persons" are able to make changes in the parameters without consultation with the welding supervisor.

Fig. 7 shows the schematic welding sequence and a macrosection of a gap less tube-to tubesheet weld on a thin tubesheet (materials 13 CrMo 4 4, tubes: 38 x 4 mm, tubesheet: 20 mm). The root penetration documents sufficient safety and the toes in the root and top layer are completely free

from notches. Both, the design throat thickness a and leg length F are markedly above the required values (amin. = 4 mml Fmin. = 6.9 mm). This ensures sufficient design and manufacturing safety for the tube-to-tubesheet weld.

min. requirements:

a ~ t

F > "';3 x t

Fig. 6: Geometric requirements on gap/ess tube-to-tubesheet welds

Schematic

Weld Sequence:

Ma crosectio n:

Fig. 7: Schematic weld sequence and macrosection of a gapless tube-totubesheet weld on a thin tubesheet

The following welding parameters are typically for tube dimensions of $31.8mm x 3.2 mm up to $ 63.5 x 5.6 mm:

• Filler metal:

• Shielding gas:

• Shielding gas flow:

• Current (pulsed):

• Voltage:

• Weld travel speed:

<V 0.8 mm Root pass: 75He/25Ar Filler and

top layers: Ar (4.6) 6-101/min 80 -200 A 10-18 V 6-10 ern/min

The optimum distance between electrode and component is automatically adjusted by the control system via an AVC height control (through the arc sensoring system).

The welding sequence on the tubesheet is specified considering the technically most favourable heat-input and with regard to the minimum possible residual stress level. It is generally documented by the operator on a tubesheet drawing available at the workplace.

3.2 In-bore Welding

In comparison with heat exchangers in power generation plants, the wall thickness of the tubes to be welded to the tubesheet in process applications for chemical and petrochemical plants are relatively large. It may reach values up to 3.2 mm which is the limit for orbital welding at which optimum full penetration is still reliably ensured in all positions. The weld preparation on the back side of the tubesheet is exclusively made by CNC machine tools. Also the tube ends are to be machined before welding since the acceptable tolerance ranges are not sufficient even for precision tubes. All other marginal conditions, too, such as the accurate arrangement of the supporting systems of the tubes relative to the tubesheet have to be adapted to the high accuracy requirements of the weld.

Since the welds are mainly made on 10 CrMo 9-10 material or equivalent ASME materials the root side is to be protected from oxidation by suitable measures during welding in order to avoid undercuts and other imperfections.

Ideally, the two optimised weld preparations shown in Fig. 8 are used for in-bore welding.

With Variant A, the weld preparation on backside of the tubesheet corresponds to the tube. Oxidation protection and uniform weld formation without sag is guaranteed by a ceramic backing ring which exactly corresponds to the dimensions of he tube machined in the weld area. Variant B (Fig. 8) used at BORSIG is the more complex one with regard to the machining process of the tubesheet and requires additional protection from oxidation on the tube outside. This is ensured by a gas purging device especially adapted to the tube outside diameter.

A

(with ceramic ring)

B

(with gas purging)

/

/

/

Fig. 8: Optimum weld forms for in-bore welding with machining of the tubesheet back side

In-bore welding is carried out at BORSIG with the tube bundle in horizontal position, i.e. with the tubesheet arranged vertically. The contour prepared in addition on the weld preparation (backside of the tubesheet) facilitates centring of the tubes. Additionally, more "material" is available for the single-pass welding process so that unacceptable root concavity can be avoided completely.

Before start of welding, the tubes are tack-welded as for gapless tube-to-tubesheet welding on thin tube sheets (see 3.1). Since welding is generally carried out without filler metal it should be secured that there is absolutely no gap between the prepared joint on the

tubesheet and the tube which would result in unacceptable sagging of the weld. For this purpose, special pneumatic or hydraulic clamping and centring devices should be used which are slipped into the hole and tubes and avoid gaps for manual tacking (GTAW without filler metal). To avoid tempering colours caused by tack welding on the tube inside surface which may adversely affect the weld quality the clamping and centring device serves at the same time for gas purging on the inside.

For welding, the same power sources and control systems are used as for gapless tubeto-tubesheet welding on thin tubesheets. Merely the welding head is modified in that a lance is slipped into the tube to be welded which precisely fixes the GTAW-torch at the required depth. Centring is effected via the lance in the tube to be welded; the clamping plate carrying the welding head is in addition fixed in an adjacent tube.

Before start of manufacture, the parameters are determined on the basis of adjustment samples which are subjected to an X-ray examination before release of the program. Further, transverse microsections are taken to check the weld formation (see 2.1). The criteria depend normally on the customers requirements. If no specifications have been made, the requirements of the relevant pressure vessel guideline are valid. For systems which are to be designed and manufactured according to the AD Code, for example, the requirements of the highest evaluation group B according to DIN-EN 25817 are to be met [2]. Further, additional limit values are valid according to the AD Code for geometric irregularities on welds produced by the fully mechanised orbital GTAW welding method without filler metal.

Accordingly, top layer and root reinforcements and/or root concavity in the 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock position of welding positions PF, PG (according to EN 288-3) are acceptable as follows:

h s 0.2 t + 0.12 b; max.: 0.6 mm

where: t = tube wall thickness b = weld width

h = concavity or convexity

Since the operator cannot control the welding process visually during welding, he merely can start the welding operation via a remote control if he has appropriately positioned the welding head. Especially adapted spacers on the lance ensure the correct distance between the tungsten electrode and (inside) tube surface.

Fig. 9 shows the macrosection of a in-bore weld produced with optimised parameters. By outside gas purging with an especially developed device in connection with the weld preparation made on the tubesheet (Variant B in Fig. 8) a uniform smooth connection of the tube with complete freedom from pores was achieved.

Since each weld is to be examined by the X-ray method (see 4.2) the welding sequence depends on the arrangement of the U-tubes. It has to be ensured that the performance of Xray examinations (e.g. in rows) is possible and not made difficult by poor accessibility due to adjacent welds.

A special feature of the in-bore weld is the possibility of repairing a defective weld simply by rewelding. Also this repair has to be verified by simulation on test sample with identical geometry before start of production welding.

Comparable to the gapless tube-to-sheet welding on thin tubesheets, the operator documents the welding sequence and any repair welds made in a tubesheet drawing available at the workplace.

3 Procedure Qualification Tests for Fully Mechanised Tube-to- Tubesheet Welding

Since the above mentioned application of gapless tube-to-tubesheet welding concerns pressure-retaining components with the corresponding risk potential the welds are to be qualified in advance by procedure qualification tests. The requirements to be met by the procedure qualification tests are represented in the following on the basis of the most commonly applied pressure vessel guidelines, AD-Merkblatt (with EN) and ASME Code.

Tube: 0 38 mm x 3,2 mm

Tubesheet: 295 mm

Materials: 10 erMo 9 10

Fig. 9: Macrosection of an in-bore weld (Variant B of Fig. 8)

3.1 Gapless Tube-to-Tubesheet Weld on Thin-walled Tubesheets

a) Procedure Qualification Tests According to AD Code

AD HP 2/1 [4] Section 3.9 specifies procedure qualification tests in accordance with VdTOV Merkblatt 1158 [5] for tube-to-tubesheet welds. pr EN ISO 15614-8 "Requirements and Approval of Welding Procedures for Metallic Materials - Welding Procedure Qualification Tests - Part 8: Tube-to-Tubesheet Welding" is in preparation and cannot yet be applied as regulation. Therefore actually procedure qualification tests including evaluation are carried out at BORSIG in accordance with VdTOV Merkblatt 1158 and in agreement with TOV.

b) Procedure ouetmoetio« Tests according to ASME VIII11 and ASME V1I/12:

For procedure qualification tests, ASME VIII/1 only refers to ASME IX [7] and, if impact tests are specified, tightens up on these regulations via ASME VII 111 , UG-84(h)(2) to the effect that fillet welds are to qualified by the production of butt joints which cannot be realised with fully mechanised tube-to-tubesheet welding equipment. This procedure is however interpreted for fully mechanised tube-to-tubesheet welding in a practice -oriented manner on the basis of some interpretations, e.g. interpretation No. VII-1-89-32 and No. VIII-1-89-92 so that Article F of ASME VJ11/2 [8] can also be applied to fully mechanised tube-to-tubesheet welding according to ASME V1I1I1. At BORSIG, procedure qualification tests are generally performed according to Article F3 of ASME VII1I2, in particular according to Sections AF-320 and AF-330

3.2 Procedure Qualification Tests for In-bore Welding Generally, the in-bore weld is considered as a butt weld.

a) Procedure Qualification Tests according to AD Code

According to the classification of an in-bore weld as a butt-weld, the POR is to be performed according to AD HP 2/1 in connection with EN 288-3 [9].

b) Procedure Qualification Tests according to ASME VI/11 and ASME VII/12

For procedure qualification tests for butt welds, ASME VIII/1 and ASME VIIJl2 refer to ASME IX. It should be noted that depending on the minimum design metal temperature (MDMT) one set each of impact test specimens for weld metal and HAZ is required. This may be possible under certain circumstances since according to ASME VIII, Section 1 and 2 subsize specimens up to 2.5 x 10 mm are specified. In most cases, such a weld is however exempt from the requirement for impact tests because of the small wall thickness in connection with the small tube diameters.

4 Inspection and Quality Control

The application of suitable examination methods which give reliable information considering the special geometry is essential for control of the weld quality.

4.1 Gapless Tube-to-Tubesheet Welds on Thin Tubesheets

Non-destructive examination methods which allow volumetric examination can only be applied to a limited extent for gapless tube-tubesheet welds on thin tubesheets due to the geometry. A radiographic examination, e.g. from adjacent tubes, only gives limited information since only part of the weld can be covered by this method and, for example, incomplete fusion extending in the direction of the tube axis cannot be detected. It is not possible to perform an ultrasonic examination. An efficient control is visual inspection of the root from adjacent holes using a borescope and video recording. By corresponding welding sequences, up to 70 % of all welds can be inspected in this way.

Past experience has shown that due to the high reliability of information obtainable by this technique in connection with a magnetic particle examination of the top layer an X-ray examination can be completely dispensed with.

In addition to the non-destructive examinations, parallel production test pieces with identical dimensions and of identical materials are welded by each operator/welder. These test pieces possibly pass along with the apparatus through all essential operation steps, e.g. heat treatment, magnetic particle examination etc. Subsequently, an evaluation is carried out on the basis of metallographic microsections.

4.2 In-bore Welds

Due to the weld preparation on the tubesheet, the in-bore weld can be subjected to a radiographic examination. However, because of the geometric conditions, either isotopes of low intensity (e.g. ytterbium 169) or a microfocus X-ray system is to be used. The advantage offered by examination with a microfocus system is the extremely high resolution which however may also lead to incorrect interpretations of surface effects. Radiographic examinations using ytterbium 169 are much easier to carry out and give quite reliable information on the weld quality. Due to the poor availability and the short half-life period of this isotope (31 days), nevertheless the more complex microfocus X-ray systems are predominantly used.

As for the gapless tube-to-tubesheet welds, parallel production test pieces are normally welded by each operator and metallographical1y evaluated after a radiographic examination and surface crack test.

5. Summary

Fully mechanised gapless GTAW tube-to-tubesheet welds with full penetration can be produced reliably and economically using state-of the-art equipment technology. For the production of both gapless tube-to-tubesheet welds on thin tubesheets and in-bore welds fully developed full-mechanised welding equipment is available which guarantees a maximum degree of manufacturing reliability via multiple control possibilities. The high level of automation considerably effects quality optimisation.

For reproducibility of the welds and weld quality, selection of suitable weld forms is just as important as strict adherence to close tolerances and a high degree of care exercised in weld preparation and during manufacturing. With the presented quality controls adapted to the special geometric conditions of the welds, reliable information on the weld quality can be obtained.

The welds produced with optimised parameters considering the required marginal conditions meet the high requirements and withstand the severe stresses encountered in chemical process applications, even at high pressures and temperatures. This is proved by the many years of trouble-free operation of numerous apparatus on which gapless tube-totubesheet welds have been made.

References

[1J Iversen, K. und W. Kessel: Spaltlose Rohr-RohrbodenschweiBung.

Proceedings of Conference "WIG-Orbitattechnik"; 16.117. Mai 98, SLV MOnchen; S.50-59

[2] DIN EN 25817: LichtbogenschweiBverbindungen an Stahl - Richtlinie fOr die Bewertung von UnregelmaBigkeiten.

Version 9/92; Beuth Verlag; Berlin

[3] AD-Merkblatt HP 5/1: Herstellung und PrOfung der Verbindungen - Arbeitstechnische Grundsatze.

Version 7/95; Beuth Verlag; Berlin

[4] AD-Merkblatt HP 211: Verfahrensprlifung von SchweiBverbindungen.

Version 12/95; Beuth Verlag; Berlin

[5] VdTOV-Merkblatt 1158: VerfahrensprOfung fOr das EinschweiBen von Rohren in Rohrplatten.

Version 6/85; Verlag TOV Rhld.; Kaln

[61 ASME Section VIII J Division 1: Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels.

The American Standard of Mechanical Engineers; 1998; New York

[7] ASME Section Villi Division 2: Rules for Construction of Pressure Vessels - Alternative Rules.

The American Standard of Mechanical Engineers; 1998; New York

[8] ASME Section IX: Welding and Brazing Qualification.

The American Standard of Mechanical Engineers; 1998; New York

[9] DIN EN 288 - Part 3: Anforderungen und Anerkennung von SchweiBverfahren fOr metallische Werkstoffe - Teil3: SchweiBverfahrensprOfungen fOr das lichtbogenschweiBen von Stahlen. Version 10/97; 8euth Verlag; Berlin

steam I

orocess gas ~

a) Process Gas WHB with stiffened tubesheet system (compact unit for for 1500 MTPD amonia plant)

b) Quench-cooler for ethylene cracker plants with .,tunnel flow"- tubesheet system

Fig. 2: Examples for "straight-tubes"-heat exchangers with BORSIG stiffened tubsheet design

2