During a tube hydro test on a floating head exchanger with no test ring, which component is not required to be installed?

In the context of a tube hydro test on a floating head exchanger, the shell cover is not required to be installed because it does not function as part of the testing process for the tubes specifically. The primary goal of a hydro test is to ascertain the integrity and leak tightness of the tubes themselves, and the fittings related to the tube side are the focus during this procedure.

The channel cover, floating head, and channel head are all crucial components for conducting a proper test, as they help to create the necessary pressure conditions for testing the tubes. The channel cover serves to contain the testing medium within the channel where the tubes are located, while the floating head allows for the thermal expansion of the tubes and connects them to the shell. The channel head also plays a role in sealing the tube bundle and influences how the hydro test pressure is distributed within the system.

Given that the shell cover is not in contact with the tube bundle during the test, its absence does not hinder the ability to conduct a hydro test effectively. This highlights its non-essential role in this specific scenario.