Mastering Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger Revit Family Creation and Workflow
Draw the profile of the cylinder centered on your reference planes.
Typically created using a simple Extrusion or Revolve . If the heat exchanger has a removable bundle head (U-tube or floating head), use a nested family or a separate extrusion to allow for clearance zone mapping.
If you are currently building this family, let me know the specific or LOD requirements you are targeting. I can provide the exact shared parameter files or step-by-step math formulas needed to calculate the pressure drop inputs directly inside your Revit family. Share public link
Use Mechanical Equipment.rft . Avoid generic models, as they lack the built-in system parameters required for mechanical engineering.
Dimensions, weights (dry and wet), and mounting details.
Do you require a for components like companion flanges or control valves?
To make your useful for the project, you must use Shared Parameters.
A common mistake in Revit family work is forgetting . Shell and tube heat exchangers require significant room to pull the tube bundle for cleaning or inspection.
Use for physical dimensions that don't change (e.g., Shell Diameter, Nominal Length).
Has anyone else built a shell & tube family with true tube count schedule parameters? I’d love to hear how you handle thermal expansion logic inside the family.
A yes/no parameter called “Show Service Clearance” – toggles a red transparent box around the channel end. Suddenly the mechanical team doesn’t put a chiller 6 inches from the head. 🙌
To make a flexible and efficient family, follow these industry-standard practices: 1. Parameter Management (Type vs. Instance)