Resource guide
Heat Exchanger Cost Guide
What Affects the Price of a Custom Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger?
There is no standard price for a custom shell and tube heat exchanger. Two exchangers with similar surface area can have very different prices depending on materials of construction, design pressure and temperature, TEMA type, tube size and quantity, inspection requirements and other project specifications. This guide explains the key factors that influence cost and helps you understand what to consider when requesting a quote or various options.
| Cost Factor | Why It Matters | |
|---|---|---|
| Materials of Construction | Carbon steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys can have significantly different material and fabrication costs. | |
| Exchanger Size & Surface Area | Shell diameter, tube length, tube count and required heat-transfer area all affect material and fabrication requirements. | |
| Design Pressure & Temperature | Higher pressures and temperatures can require thicker shells, heads, tubesheets and heavier flanges. | |
| TEMA Configuration | A fixed tubesheet, U-Tube or removable floating head exchanger can have very different fabrication requirements. | |
| Tube Material and Wall Thickness | Tube alloy, quantity, diameter and gauge (wall thickness) can represent a significant portion of exchanger cost. | |
| Surface Finish & Polishing | Polished channels, tubesheet faces, tube IDs or sanitary requirements add additional fabrication steps and duration. | |
| Special Testing & Inspection | NDE, PMI, helium leak testing or other customer inspection hold points and requirements may affect cost. | |
| Delivery Schedule | Projects requiring expedited material procurement or fabrication overtime will often carry additional cost. |
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