Marine Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Where marine heat exchangers are used

Central and seawater coolers on main and auxiliary engine cooling systems
Lube oil and jacket water coolers for engines, gearboxes and compressors
Charge air coolers for turbocharged diesel and gas engines
Condensers and heaters for steam, fuel oil and fresh water generators
Offshore platforms and jack-ups, and coastal plants that cool with seawater

Materials for seawater in the Gulf

Gulf seawater is warm, salty and often carries sand, which makes corrosion and erosion the main reasons marine coolers fail. The tube material is the most important choice.

Material	Typical use	Notes
Copper-nickel 90/10	Seawater coolers and condensers	The usual standard. Keep tube velocity within the maker's limit.
Copper-nickel 70/30	Higher velocity or more polluted water	Better erosion resistance than 90/10.
Titanium	Warm seawater, long service intervals	Highest corrosion resistance. Often used for plate coolers.
Duplex and super duplex	High pressure or where strength matters	Good chloride resistance at moderate temperatures.
Aluminium brass	Older designs and some condensers	Often upgraded to copper-nickel or titanium on replacement.

Refurbishment and dry-dock work

Most marine coolers do not need to be replaced whole. A new tube bundle, re-tubing or new plates and gaskets can return a unit to its design duty. Parts can be built ahead of a dry-docking so that the work fits the yard period, whether the vessel docks in Dubai, Sharjah, Hamriyah or elsewhere in the Gulf.

Re-tubing and replacement tube bundles, including a change of tube material
Replacement plates and gaskets for plate coolers from Alfa Laval, APV, SPX, GEA and Tranter
Replacement shell-and-tube coolers built to fit existing nozzles and supports
Spare bundles held for critical coolers

What to send for a quote

The nameplate photo and datasheet, if you have them
Drawing or main dimensions and nozzle positions
Fluids, flows, temperatures and pressures on both sides
Classification society and rules that apply
The docking or shutdown date you are working to

Questions buyers ask

Which tube material is best for seawater cooling?

Copper-nickel 90/10 is the usual choice for seawater coolers. 70/30 copper-nickel handles higher velocities and some polluted water better. Titanium is the most resistant and suits warm Gulf seawater, high velocities and long service intervals. Duplex and super duplex stainless steels are used where strength matters.

Can you replace a marine cooler of another make?

Yes. Send the nameplate, the drawing or main dimensions and the duty. AMI Exchangers designs replacement shell-and-tube and plate coolers, and new tube bundles, to fit the existing nozzles and supports.

Can the work be done during a dry-docking?

Yes. Replacement bundles and coolers can be built ahead of the docking date so that the old unit is swapped during the yard period. Tell us the docking date when you ask for a quote.

Do you supply to class requirements?

Tell us the classification society and rules that apply to the vessel or unit. We confirm the design code, materials certificates and inspection needed at quotation stage.

Shell-and-tube exchangers → Plate exchangers → Oil and water coolers → Refurbishment →

Marine heat exchangers for seawater cooling in the UAE and the Gulf.