TEMA SHELL & TUBE HEAT EXCHANGERS
EPC-READY DELIVERY
Practical guidance for EPC teams procuring shell-and-tube heat exchangers: freeze the datasheet early, confirm TEMA construction intent, align inspection hold points with the master schedule, and release shipment only when the vendor data book is complete.
WHAT EPC TEAMS USUALLY CARE ABOUT
Four priorities that drive successful heat exchanger procurement.
- Battery limits definition — clear vendor scope vs. site scope boundary, agreed at contract award
- Predictable inspection & testing — ITP with clear hold points and witness points aligned to master schedule
- Document quality & completeness — the data book is as critical as the hardware
- Shipment readiness — preservation adequate for transport duration and storage conditions
DELIVERY TRACK RECORD
- 100% FAT success rate across recent deliveries
- Zero document rejections on last 12 projects
- BV / TÜV / Lloyds 3rd party witness coordination
- 48 hr technical proposal turnaround
SCOPE BOUNDARY TABLE
Vendor vs. EPC responsibility split — defined at contract award.
| Workstream | Typically Included (Vendor) | Typically By EPC / Site | What Vendor Needs From EPC Early |
|---|---|---|---|
| Datasheet / Basis | Review + clarification | Issue final process datasheet | Duty, fouling, ΔP, design P/T, materials, corrosion allowance |
| Thermal & Mechanical Design | Sizing summary + mechanical details | Approve key assumptions, interfaces | Process guarantees, operating cases, design codes, nozzle loads |
| Drawings | GA, nozzle schedule, bundle, supports | Review/approve; coordinate piping/steel | Tie-in locations, plot constraints, access needs |
| Fabrication | Shell/channel/bundle per drawings | — | Approval turnaround, hold point notice windows |
| Materials & Traceability | Pressure parts MTR + heat number docs | Define documentation level (MDR/VDRL) | Cert type (EN 10204 3.1/3.2), TPI requirements |
| Inspection & NDE | NDE execution per ITP (RT/UT/PT/MT), weld map | Witness/hold as required | ITP hold points, acceptance criteria, witness plan |
| Pressure Testing | Hydrotest/leak test per contract | Witness/hold as required | Test configuration, medium restrictions, safety |
| Preservation & Packing | Flange protection, desiccant, rust prevention, export packing | Site receiving + storage | Storage duration, shipping mode/route constraints |
| Site Integration | — | Foundations, rigging, external piping, insulation | Site constraints, lifting limits, installation schedule |
| Turnover Documents | Vendor Data Book, as-builts, test evidence | Document control + final turnover | MDR/VDRL format, naming convention, transmittal rules |
HOW TO SPECIFY WITHOUT TBDs
Minimum EPC-ready datasheet elements.
- Duty + operating cases (normal, max, min, start-up, upset if relevant)
- Fouling factors (both sides) and expected cleaning philosophy
- Allowable pressure drop ΔP (both sides) and pump/compressor constraints
- Design pressure/temperature and corrosion allowance assumptions
- Materials (shell/channel/tubesheets/tubes) + any PMI requirement
- Nozzle loads / interface constraints
- Maintenance requirement (bundle pull access needed or not)
TEMA CONSTRUCTION TYPES
Selecting the right configuration for your service.
Fixed Tubesheet
Pros: Simpler, often cost-effective.
Watch-outs: Differential thermal expansion can be a design driver; shell-side cleaning more constrained.
Floating Head (Bundle Pull-Friendly)
Pros: Easier mechanical access for cleaning/inspection; preferred when fouling expected.
Watch-outs: More parts, increased complexity, usually higher cost/lead time.
U-Tube
Pros: Handles thermal expansion well.
Watch-outs: Mechanical cleaning inside U-bends harder; tube replacement more involved.
Note: TEMA standards emphasize using a single consistent unit system (US Customary or SI) across design and fabrication.
ITP MILESTONES
Seven critical tracking points for EPC inspection.
| # | Milestone | Key Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Materials Received | Traceability established — MTRs linked to heat numbers |
| 2 | Fit-up / Dimensional | Nozzle orientation, support geometry verification |
| 3 | Tube Bundle Build | Tube-to-tubesheet joint — critical hold point |
| 4 | NDE Complete | Reports compiled and linked to weld map |
| 5 | Hydrotest / Leak Test | Test record signed by all parties |
| 6 | Final Inspection | Preservation + packing confirmation |
| 7 | Data Book Released | Fully released — not "almost done" |
FAT / SHOP ACCEPTANCE
What EPC teams need to verify before release.
Heat exchangers typically don't undergo formal FAT like control systems, but EPC teams need to confirm:
- Dimensional conformity (interfaces critical to project)
- Traceability evidence (MTRs, heat numbers)
- NDE completion and acceptance
- Hydrotest/leak test record
- Preservation/packing confirmation
VENDOR DATA BOOK CONTENTS
Clean EPC turnover — example directory.
| # | Document |
|---|---|
| 1 | Final datasheet / spec sheet |
| 2 | Thermal design summary (assumptions clearly stated) |
| 3 | Mechanical design summary (construction intent, key thicknesses) |
| 4 | GA + nozzle schedule + bundle drawing (as-built) |
| 5 | MTRs / traceability summary (per contract) |
| 6 | NDE reports (linked to weld map) |
| 7 | Hydrotest / leak test report |
| 8 | Preservation + packing record (photos recommended) |
| 9 | Final document register + release-to-ship statement |
SHIPPING & PRESERVATION
Key specifications to include in PO.
- Flange face protection — don't rely on plastic caps alone for long storage
- Rust prevention + desiccant strategy (especially for carbon steel components)
- Nozzle covers clearly tagged (temporary vs. permanent distinction)
- Bundle pull protection (if pullable) and lifting instructions included
- Export packing aligned to shipping route (salt air, humidity, vibration, handling points)
DOWNLOADABLE TEMPLATES
EPC-ready checklists and tracking documents for your shell-and-tube heat exchanger project.
Delivery Milestones Map
7-stage milestone tracker from contract award to data book release. Align with your master schedule.
FAT / Inspection Checklist
Pre-release verification checklist covering dimensional, traceability, NDE, pressure test, and packing.
Vendor Data Book Index
Standard VDB directory structure for clean EPC turnover. 9-section format per industry best practice.
RELATED PAGES
Explore Lmart's heat exchanger capabilities and standards resources.
Heat Exchangers (TEMA)
Full product overview — shell and tube configurations, materials, and specifications.
Titanium Heat Exchangers
110+ Ti units delivered to the customer and TGE Marine.
TEMA Standards Guide
TEMA units, datasheet expectations, and class R/B/C selection criteria.
ASME U-Stamp Guide
ASME Section VIII Division 1 requirements and U-Stamp certification process.
REFERENCES
- TEMA Standards (11th edition) — Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association
- TEMA Advantage — Shell-and-tube mechanical design authority positioning
Frequently Asked Questions
Which TEMA construction is easiest to maintain (bundle pull vs. not)?
If fouling is expected and mechanical cleaning is predictable, a bundle pull-friendly construction (floating head) is often preferable. If fouling is minimal and access constraints dominate, a simpler fixed tubesheet configuration may suffice. The best choice depends on cleaning philosophy and site access.
What should be in the TEMA datasheet to avoid redesign loops?
Minimum elements include duty + operating cases, fouling factors, allowable ΔP, design P/T, materials + corrosion allowance, and nozzle/interface constraints. Most redesign loops occur when these inputs are incomplete or change after IFA drawings.
How do you handle units (US customary vs. SI) consistently?
Select one unit system for design/fabrication and maintain consistency across datasheets, drawings, and calculations. TEMA standards note that US Customary and SI are both available, but a single system of units should apply to all design and fabrication aspects, with limited exceptions.
Can Lmart coordinate ASME & PED 3rd party witnesses?
Yes. We coordinate with Bureau Veritas, TÜV, and Lloyds for both ASME Authorized Inspection and PED Notified Body (NoBo) requirements. Our ITP workflow provides clear notification windows for EPCs to arrive for hold-point witness.
What is the typical lead time for an EPC heat exchanger order?
Standard TEMA units: 14–18 weeks from AFC drawings. Complex units with exotic materials (titanium, Hastelloy, duplex) or PED Module H certification: 18–24 weeks. Lead time is confirmed at contract award and tracked via our digital milestone dashboard.
How is the Vendor Data Book (VDB) delivered?
The VDB is compiled digitally throughout production and delivered as a structured PDF package within 48 hours of final inspection. Contents include: MDR compliance matrix, all MTRs (EN 10204 3.1/3.2), WPS/PQR, NDE reports, hydro-test records, dimensional reports, and class certificates.
Need an ASME-Qualified Quote?
Submit your TEMA datasheet or heat exchanger specification sheet. Our technical team provides a full EPC Delivery Plan within 48 hours.