Dear all,

I have to design a heat exchanger in which my shell side fluid is air & channel side fluid is water. For these services the vendor has considered “Admiralty Brass” as a tube material [SB-111 (UNS-44300)]. The exchanger is BEM type.

Now my question is, can I use carbon steel (SA 105/ SA 266 CL 2) material for the tubesheet? If yes, then is the welding is possible for tube to tubesheet? If welding is possible where can I find the weld electrode for the same?
Again if tubesheet material is not acceptable as a carbon steel then I can use SB-171 (UNS-44300) for the same, but in this case how will be construction for the BEM type exchanger as again the shell needs to weld to tubesheet (tubesheet is integral with shell) as per BEM construction?

Please reply, as your reply is really appreciable.

We are not experts with regard to welding at COADE. However, as far as I know, brass (a copper/zinc based material) cannot be welded directly to the tubesheet. You will probably need to use a brazing process. However, you would do well to consult a welding engineer such as Mr Walter Sperko at: http://www.sperkoengineering.com/, phone: (336) 674-0600. That is the best advice I can offer.

Thanks Ray........