Precision Baffle & Tube Support Plates
In shell and tube heat exchangers, baffle and support plates serve two critical functions: they support the internal tubes (preventing sagging and destructive fluid-induced vibration) and they direct the flow of the shell-side fluid to maximize heat transfer efficiency.
Because these plates must align perfectly with the main Tube Sheets, precision is paramount. At Openex, we utilize high-definition profile cutting and massive CNC multi-spindle drilling centers to manufacture baffle plates up to 8 meters in diameter with zero alignment deviation, strictly adhering to TEMA (Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association) standards.
Our Work: Heat Exchangers
Baffle Plate Manufacturing Specifications
We custom manufacture baffle plates to match your exact thermal design parameters. We can process single-segmental, double-segmental, and complex helical baffle designs.
| Maximum Diameter | Up to 8,000 mm (8 Meters) |
|---|---|
| Thickness Range | 3 mm to 100+ mm (Custom to spec) |
| Materials Processed | Carbon Steel, Stainless Steel (304/316L), Brass, Titanium, Duplex, and Specialty Alloys. |
| Baffle Types | Single Segmental, Double Segmental, Helical, Rod Baffles, and NTIW (No-Tubes-In-Window). |
| Drilling Method | CNC Stack Drilling to ensure 100% perfect hole alignment with the tube sheet. |
Our Manufacturing Process
We eliminate the risk of tube scratching and assembly delays by strictly controlling every step of the machining process.
The outer diameter and the baffle "cut-out" (the chord) are cut from heavy plate using our precise laser or high-definition plasma cutting tables, minimizing the heat-affected zone (HAZ).
To ensure tubes slide through effortlessly during assembly, we stack the baffle plates together and drill them simultaneously using large CNC multi-spindle drills. This guarantees perfect hole-to-hole alignment across the entire tube bundle.
Burrs left inside drilled holes can score or rupture expensive tubes (like Titanium or Copper) during insertion. We rigorously deburr and softly chamfer every single hole to ensure safe and smooth tube installation.