How do you prevent a heat exchanger from failing?
How do you prevent a heat exchanger from failing?
To help prevent failure due to thermal expansion and cycling, relief valves can be installed in the heated fluid system. It also is advisable to provide some means to absorb fluid expansion. For example, installing a tank in the heated fluid system prevents periodic discharge of the relief valves.
What is a likely cause of a tube leak in a heat exchanger?
Heat exchanger tubes are vulnerable to tears and cracks due to accumulated stresses related to constant thermal cycling or high temperature differentials. Thermal fatigue occurs when extreme temperature differences between the shell and tubes result in tube flexing.
What may be the common problem of the shell-and-tube type heat exchanger when the efficiency was reduced?
The presence of air pockets is another common problem that negatively impact s heat transfer performance and efficiency. Shell and tube units are especially prone to this condition. Air can enter heat exchangers in a variety of ways; however it is most often a result of improper venting during start -up.
What is most likely to result in erosion of the tubes in a heat exchanger?
Fluid velocity in excess of the manufacturer recommendation on either the shell or tube side of the heat exchanger will likely cause erosion damage as metal wears from the tubing surfaces.
How long does a heat exchanger last?
15 to 25 years
In the past, heat exchangers were often built with heavy metals, such as cast iron. These exchangers can last as long as 30 or 40 years, much longer than the steel exchangers most manufacturers build today. Modern stainless or aluminized steel heat exchangers typically have a life span of 15 to 25 years.
How can Leakage in tubes of heat exchangers can be found?
Ensure the and covers are removed from the seawater box side. Isolate the entire cooler and pressurize the shell side with air. Use soap solution and apply the same at the tube ends. Bubble formation will indicate the leaking tube.
Can you repair a heat exchanger?
Unfortunately, heat exchangers cannot be repaired. When a heat exchanger cracks or rusts through it must be replaced. Because the heat exchanger is at the center of the furnace, nearly the whole furnace must be disassembled.
What are common problems or malfunctions encountered with a heat exchanger?
Some of the most common heat exchanger problems for many process plants include the following;
- Vibration issues.
- Exchanger leakage.
- Increasing exchanger energy consumption.
- Pass Partition bypassing (thermal leakage)
- Air cooler air recirculation.
- Fouling.
Which is most likely to result in erosion of the tubes in a heat exchanger?
The areas most prone to erosion are the U-bend of U-type heat exchangers and the tube entrances. Tube entrance areas can experience material loss when excessively high velocity fluid from a nozzle splits into much smaller streams as it enters the heat exchanger.
What is the possible cause of erosion on the tube plate face?
Marine Heat Exchangers One is the velocity, if it is too low then there is a risk that sand and other particles will block the tubes. If it is too fast on the other hand then those same particles can rapidly erode the tube plate and tubes.
Can you clean a heat exchanger?
Remove any dirt or debris from the heat exchanger block by using a wire brush. Also, use the brush to loosen any of the black soot or scale from each chamber in the heat exchanger. A damp cloth with cleaner specifically for gas furnaces, can also be used to remove any soot or scale.
How do I know if my exchanger tube is leaking?
Identify the tube which is leaking….Soap Bubble Test
- Ensure the and covers are removed from the seawater box side.
- Isolate the entire cooler and pressurize the shell side with air.
- Use soap solution and apply the same at the tube ends.
- Bubble formation will indicate the leaking tube.