Harris Thermal Transfer Products FAQs

Harris Thermal specializes in the design and fabrication of a wide range of engineered process equipment. Our capabilities include shell-and-tube heat exchangers, ASME pressure vessels and tanks, and a variety of evaporators, condensers, reactors, separators, and storage tanks. We also provide custom skid systems, precision piping and ducting fabrication, and full in-house machining services. In addition to new equipment, Harris Thermal offers repair, retubing, and refurbishment services to extend the life and performance of existing units.

Yes. Our in-house engineering team specializes in designing custom process equipment to meet precise performance, code, and client specifications. We provide ASME Section VIII, Division 1 designs with “U” and “R” stamps, as well as ASME B31.1 piping certified under the “PP” stamp. Harris Thermal also ensures full compliance with CE, PED, API 620/650/660, PIP, and CRN standards, and manufactures exchangers built to TEMA specifications.

Our engineers use advanced design and analysis software—including DesignCalcs, Compress, PV Elite, Aspen Exchanger, AMETank, NozzlePRO, and ProWrite—to model and validate every project. This expertise extends to complete thermal design of shell-and-tube heat exchangers, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and efficiency for every application

Harris Thermal fabricates equipment from a wide range of metallurgies to meet the specific demands of each application. Our materials of construction include nickel and high-nickel alloys such as Inconel, Hastelloy, and Monel; various grades of stainless and duplex stainless steels; and specialty alloys including 6-Moly, titanium, and zirconium for highly corrosive or high-temperature environments. We also manufacture using carbon steels and other alloys as required, ensuring the best balance of performance, durability, and cost for every project.

With over 140 years of manufacturing expertise, Harris Thermal brings unmatched experience and craftsmanship to every shell and tube heat exchanger we produce. Our fully in-house machining and fabrication capabilities allow us to control quality, precision, and scheduling from start to finish, ensuring every project meets exact specifications. Backed by a full-time team of engineers and drafting professionals, we provide complete design support, technical accuracy, and seamless communication throughout the fabrication process.

To maximize efficiency and extend service life, a shell-and-tube heat exchanger should be inspected and maintained on a regular schedule. Routine inspections help identify fouling, scaling, or corrosion before they affect performance. Periodic cleaning, whether by mechanical brushing or chemical methods, prevents buildup that can restrict flow or reduce heat transfer. It’s also important to monitor inlet and outlet temperatures and pressure drops, as these indicators can reveal early signs of performance loss. Proper water treatment in cooling systems helps minimize scaling and corrosion, while maintaining a detailed service log—including retubing, gasket replacements, and inspection history—ensures traceability and long-term reliability.

Determining whether to repair or replace a heat exchanger depends on the extent of damage and overall condition of the unit. Repair is typically the best option when tube leaks are isolated, cleaning can restore performance, and the shell remains structurally sound. In contrast, replacement is often the better choice when tube failure is widespread, corrosion or cracking threatens safety, the equipment no longer meets process or code requirements, or when repair costs approach 60–70% of the price of a new unit.

Preventive maintenance should be performed on a consistent schedule to ensure safe, efficient operation and long equipment life. For most applications, annual inspections are recommended to verify mechanical integrity and identify any signs of wear or corrosion. In harsher operating environments—such as those involving corrosive media or high-fouling conditions—semi-annual inspections are advisable. Cleaning intervals should be determined by operating data, especially trends in pressure drop or heat transfer performance. Many customers choose to coordinate maintenance with planned plant outages or turnarounds, allowing necessary service to be completed efficiently with minimal disruption to operations.

Before restarting a heat exchanger after a period of downtime, it’s important to perform a thorough inspection and follow a controlled start-up procedure to prevent damage and ensure safe operation. Begin by inspecting and cleaning both the tube and shell sides if fouling or deposits are suspected. Replace all gaskets if the exchanger has been opened for maintenance, and check and re-torque bolts to proper specifications. When bringing the system back online, gradually increase pressure and temperature to avoid thermal shock. Once in operation, closely monitor for leaks, unusual vibration, or performance changes to confirm that the unit has returned to stable, reliable service.

Yes. Harris Thermal provides a full range of repair and maintenance services to help extend the life of existing equipment and restore optimal performance. Our capabilities include on-site repairs, test and evaluation services with non-destructive examination (NDE), and complete retubing, re-rating, and repurposing of heat exchangers and pressure vessels. Whether the goal is to return a unit to service, improve efficiency, or meet new process requirements, our experienced technicians and engineers ensure every repair meets applicable ASME code and quality standards.

Harris Thermal maintains extensive in-house CNC machining capabilities to support the fabrication of large, complex process equipment. Our facility includes:

• (2) CNC Quickmill Intimidators with 120″ x 120″ travel, capable of drilling tubesheets, milling tubesheet faces, edge profiles, and performing full milling operations.
• (1) CNC Quickmill with 180″ x 300″ travel for large-format tubesheet drilling and milling.
• (3) CNC drilling/milling centers with up to 120″ x 160″ capacity in a single setup.
• (2) radial arm drills (up to 60″).
• (3) boring mills (up to 60″ height x 198″ diameter).
• Plus a full complement of manual lathes, drills, saws, and threaders for precision work and custom fabrication.

These capabilities allow Harris Thermal to perform all machining operations in-house, ensuring accuracy, quality control, and efficient project turnaround from start to finish.

Harris Thermal serves a broad range of industrial markets that depend on reliable, code-compliant process equipment. Our experience spans oil and gas, pulp and paper, and power generation, as well as emerging sectors such as renewable fuels, waste-to-energy, water treatment, and desalination. We also support clients in food processing, chemical production, resins, LNG, and general industrial applications. Across every industry, Harris Thermal provides custom-engineered solutions built for performance, safety, and long-term reliability. View Industries Served.

At Harris Thermal, safety and environmental responsibility are integral to every aspect of our operations. We maintain a comprehensive written safety program supported by ongoing employee training to ensure safe work practices throughout our facility. All materials and processes adhere to responsible chemical handling and disposal procedures, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring regulatory compliance. Above all, we are committed to protecting the health and well-being of our employees, our community, and our environment, upholding the highest standards of workplace and environmental safety.

Yes. All Harris Thermal designs and fabrication processes comply with the latest industry standards and governing codes to ensure safety, quality, and reliability. We hold ASME certifications for the “U,” “R,” and “PP” stamps, covering the design, manufacture, and repair of pressure vessels and piping systems. Our equipment is also built in accordance with API 620/650, TEMA, CE, PED, and Canadian CRN requirements, enabling us to meet both domestic and international compliance standards. View Certifications.