One end free to move inside the shell — built for services where thermal cycling is significant or the shell-side bundle needs to be pulled and mechanically cleaned.
| Structural Principle | One end fixed, one end free to move axially within the shell |
| Typical Diameter Range | 200 mm – 2800 mm |
| Typical Thickness Range | 15 mm – 160 mm (service-dependent) |
| Thermal Expansion Handling | Absorbed by the floating head — no shell expansion joint required |
| Mechanical Cleaning Access | Full bundle can be pulled for cleaning on both sides |
| Governing Codes | TEMA (Class R/C/B), ASME Section VIII Division 1 |
Floating tube sheets are frequently specified in corrosion-resistant grades, since the design is common in fouling or high-ΔT services.
Floating designs allow both ends of every tube to be mechanically cleaned and inspected, while U-tube bundles make the inside of the bend difficult to access. Floating is generally preferred when shell-side fouling requires full mechanical cleaning access; U-tube is preferred for the highest pressure/temperature services where the floating head hardware becomes a limiting factor.
The floating head joint (packed or split-ring, depending on design) should be inspected during scheduled shutdowns for wear and seal integrity, since it's a moving mechanical joint rather than a fixed weld. This is standard practice already built into most plant maintenance schedules.
Generally yes, for the same diameter and material, due to the additional floating head hardware and more complex fabrication. The cost difference is usually justified by eliminating an expansion joint and enabling full mechanical cleaning access in services that need it.
Every enquiry is checked against governing code, material compatibility and manufacturing feasibility before a quote is issued. Use our product, material, grade and standards guides to freeze the RFQ — then confirm with engineering.
Send your diameter, material, pressure class and quantity — we'll confirm thickness and price.