A graphite shell and tube heat exchanger transfers heat between separate fluid streams using graphite tubes housed inside a shell. CG Thermal’s Impervite® exchangers use phenolic-impregnated graphite for corrosive process applications, including condensing, vaporizing, absorbing, heating, and cooling.

Impervite® is CG Thermal’s proprietary composite material made from a graphite substrate impregnated through a phenolic impregnation process. It combines graphite’s thermal properties with an impregnated structure suited to corrosive heat exchanger service.

Impervite® graphite is used in applications involving hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, mixed acids, waste acids, and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Suitability depends on the complete process composition, concentration, temperature, and operating conditions. CG Thermal can review these requirements to evaluate material compatibility.

CG Thermal lists operating conditions up to 100 psig (6.89 barg) and 340°F (171°C) for its Impervite® graphite shell and tube heat exchangers. The allowable pressure and temperature for a specific exchanger depend on its design and application. Confirm the required combination with CG Thermal during selection.

Impervite® graphite shell and tube heat exchangers are used for condensing, vaporizing, absorbing, heating, and cooling corrosive process fluids. Typical applications involve acid processing and other chemical services where material compatibility, heat transfer performance, and allowable pressure drop guide exchanger selection.

Impervite® graphite shell and tube exchangers offer large cross-sectional process flow areas for applications with high fouling potential or low allowable pressure drop. Tube size and exchanger configuration can be selected around the process requirements, including flow rate, fouling characteristics, and pressure drop limits.

Yes. Each heat exchanger is custom-designed to meet each customer’s operating conditions. Available design options include multi-pass construction, carbon steel shells, stainless steel shells, fluoropolymer-lined shells, and different baffle materials. We select the configuration to meet the application’s thermal, mechanical, and process requirements.

Yes. ASME Code-stamped configurations are available for Impervite® graphite shell and tube heat exchangers. CG Thermal lists ASME Section VIII, Division 1 among its design and testing standards. Specify applicable code and marking requirements when requesting an exchanger.

Yes. CG Thermal offers in-house refurbishment of graphite shell and tube heat exchangers. Contact the team with the equipment details, operating history, and known issues to discuss an evaluation and potential refurbishment scope.

To begin sizing, provide the process and utility fluid compositions, concentrations, flow rates, inlet temperatures, and required outlet temperatures or heat duty. Include operating and design pressures, allowable pressure drops, fouling information, and applicable code requirements. CG Thermal provides application forms in metric and British units to help organize this information.

Send CG Thermal your process conditions or complete an application form to discuss an Impervite® graphite shell and tube exchanger for your application.

Impervite® graphite shell and tube exchangers are available with heat transfer areas from 8 ft² to 15,500 ft². Listed tube inside diameter options include 7/8 inch (22 mm) and 1.50 inches (38 mm). CG Thermal selects the exchanger size and configuration based on the required thermal duty and operating conditions.