Exchanger types
Fixed tubesheet, U-tube, and floating head.
PlutoHX designs the three main constructions of shell-and-tube exchanger, with all the TEMA front end, shell, and rear end types.
Three constructions
How the bundle is held.
- L, M, NFixed tubesheetBoth tubesheets are fixed to the shell. The rear end letters L, M, and N name the fixed tubesheet ends, and Part UHX-13 gives the tubesheet rules.
- UU-tubeThe tubes are bent into a U, so the bundle has one tubesheet. The rear end letter is U, and Part UHX-12 gives the tubesheet rules.
- P, S, T, WFloating headOne tubesheet floats with the bundle. Its designs include split ring and lantern ring types, the rear end letters are P, S, T, and W, and Part UHX-14 covers the floating tubesheet.
The reference exchanger
AET: a pull-through floating head.
The exchanger used throughout this site is a TEMA type AET: an A front end (a channel with a removable cover), an E shell (one pass) and a T rear end (a pull-through floating head).
Because the rear end is a pull-through floating head, the complete tube bundle can be drawn out of the shell from the front, which the fabrication sequence shows at stage 5.
Every TEMA letter, with its name
The TEMA page has the complete chart: all the letters of each position, named and drawn.
Coming Winter 2026
We would be glad to show you PlutoHX.
PlutoHX launches at the end of this year. A live demo shows how it fits the way your team works.
Visit us at the booth for a deep dive into PlutoHX.