🔍 Key Concepts

• Differential thermal expansion between the shell and tube bundle in a main condenser • How tubes are rolled into tube sheets at both ends and what that does to tube movement • Which component in a condenser system is specifically designed to flex or move to absorb expansion

💭 Think About

• If both ends of the tubes are fixed in tube sheets, what has to move or flex when temperatures change? • Which of the listed items is designed to take up axial movement between the shell and the tube sheets rather than just support or protect? • Think about which option is actually a flexible element versus something rigid or protective only.

✅ Before You Answer

• Identify which choice is specifically meant to absorb thermal expansion rather than simply support the condenser • Eliminate any choice that would be rigid and not allow relative movement between parts • Confirm which component is commonly used between a condenser shell and stationary structures to prevent thermal stress or tube damage