Learn the standards behind the equipment.
Heat exchangers are the workhorses of chemical plants and refineries. Understand the TEMA classifications and design standards that govern how they are built.
What TEMA standards mean for your equipment.
TEMA — the Tubular Exchanger Manufacturers Association — is a set of standards developed by leading shell and tube manufacturers, defining exchanger styles plus machining and assembly tolerances. Selecting a TEMA-compliant manufacturer assures you the equipment you install is built to defined specifications and criteria.
Figure 7.1 (TEMA, 1999) — commonly used heat exchanger configurations
TEMA C — General Service
The least restrictive and most widely used classification.
TEMA B — Chemical Service
Adds requirements like confined gasket joints, spiral wound gaskets, and greater minimum thicknesses.
TEMA R — Refinery Service
Similar to B — the most stringent requirements for severe refinery duty.
TEMA designations describe the complete exchanger: in a TEMA Type BEM, the “B” is the front head, “E” the shell, and “M” the rear head design. Want to go deeper? Read our TEMA heat exchanger guide and TEMA classes explainer, or browse all our Industry Insights.
Reference builds from our shop.
Have a technical question?
Our engineers are happy to talk TEMA classes, ASME requirements, and what they mean for your project.