Shell-and-Tube Heat Exchangers for Pulp & Paper Liquid Cooling

Shell-and-tube heat exchangers are an indispensable part of liquid cooling systems in pulp & paper mills. Their robust design, fouling tolerance, and ease of maintenance make them the most reliable solution for handling pulp stock, white water, black liquor, and plant utility fluids. Customized designs ensure compatibility with each mill’s unique process conditions—delivering maximum efficiency, long service life, and dependable cooling performance.

Why Shell-and-Tube Designs Are Ideal for Pulp & Paper Plants

• Rugged construction: Handles fibrous, abrasive, and high-solids liquids common in pulp processing.

• High thermal efficiency: Provides consistent cooling even with variable flow and temperature conditions.

• Easy maintenance: Removable tube bundles allow fast cleaning in environments prone to scaling and fouling.

• Wide material options: Carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex steel, Cu-Ni, and titanium to withstand corrosion from chemicals, acids, or alkaline media.

• Customizable configuration: Horizontal or vertical mounting, multiple tube passes, and tailored pressure drops for each process line.

Typical Applications in Pulp & Paper Cooling

• Cooling white water in paper machine loops

• Temperature control for black liquor evaporation and recovery systems

• Cooling mechanical pulp refiners oil circuits

• Vacuum pump seal water cooling

• Cooling chemical dosing solutions (chlorine dioxide, caustic, bleaching agents)

• Heat removal from hydraulic power units and gearboxes

• Cooling bleaching towers and stock preparation lines

Key Design Considerations

• Large flow areas to handle fibers and suspended solids

• Enhanced tubes or multi-pass circuits for efficient heat transfer

• Removable heads for frequent cleaning

• Corrosion-resistant construction for alkaline, acidic, or high-temperature fluids

• Proper venting and drainage for safe operation

Benefits for Mill Operations

• Stable product quality through better temperature control

• Reduced downtime thanks to easy serviceability

• Longer equipment life due to controlled process temperatures

• Energy efficiency when integrated with mill heat-recovery systems