Custom Drilled Baffles
Sandmeyer Steel Company is a leading manufacturer of baffles that are used in heat exchangers, along with condensers, boilers, air coolers, and filtration systems. Sandmeyer Steel delivers high quality custom drilled baffles that can meet demanding project requirements for many heavy industrial applications because of its extensive in-house machining and the largest on-site stainless steel plate inventory in North America
Baffle Materials
Baffles can be manufactured from stainless steel, nickel alloy, and titanium. Immediate access to Sandmeyer Steel Company’s comprehensive on-site inventory ensures consistent quality, rapid turnaround, and the flexibility to meet urgent project needs.
The requirements of how and where the baffle will be used, such as corrosion resistance, strength, and elevated temperature performance, guide the selection of materials. Specialized grades, such as cobalt-restricted 304L/304CO stainless steel with a maximum cobalt content of 0.05%, are available for nuclear and other high-purity environments.
Baffle Manufacturing Capabilities
All bafffles are made to customer specifications. In-house plate processing capabilities, including drilling, cutting, polishing, grinding, and surface preparation, are utilized to meet exact project tolerances for each baffle.
In-house high speed machining centers are ideally suited for producing baffles efficiently and cost effectively. Sandmeyer Steel can perform single piece drilling through standard stock thicknesses up to 6″ (152.4 mm), as well as stacked drilling for thicker configurations, while maintaining tight tolerances and reliable delivery schedules.
What is a Baffle?
A baffle is a metal plate with drilled holes that supports and aligns tubes within a heat exchanger, typically positioned between the tubesheets. Also referred to as support plates, baffles provide structural stability, help control vibration, and direct shell-side fluid flow to improve heat transfer efficiency.
By increasing turbulence and maintaining proper tube spacing, baffles play a critical role in overall heat exchanger performance and longevity.
Technical Specifications, Testing and Certifications for Baffles
- Maximum diameter: Up to 95″ (2413 mm), depending on configuration
- Hole sizing: Custom to specification for tube support and alignment
- Thickness: Based on structural, vibration, and application requirements
- Testing and certification: Per customer or industry requirements
Every baffle undergoes inspection and verification to ensure compliance with applicable standards and customer expectations.
Production Time for Baffles
Sandmeyer Steel Company maintains immediate availability of stainless steel plate from its extensive on-site inventory. Having material readily available reduces lead times and supports urgent project schedules without compromising quality.
Contact Sandmeyer Steel Company for Baffles
Contact Sandmeyer Steel Company today to discuss the production of baffles and get a quote.
See related content about tubesheets.