4 Common Shell And Tube Heat Exchanger Repairs

Posted in Uncategorised, on March 10, 2022 By Admin

In many engineering systems, heat exchangers are an essential part of the operation, as they allow vital heat transfer between different fluids. One of the more conventional and commonly used varieties is the shell and tube heat exchanger. While it is quite effective at its task, the setup is bound to get worn out or fail with continuous use. This is why repairing heat exchangers is so essential, for it can be a viable solution to keep it running without opting for a complete overhaul. 

Tube-Tube Sheet Joint Repairs

This essentially deals with any leakage in the heat exchanger system. It can be influenced by multiple factors such as excessive vibration, too much loading, relaxing of expanded joints and more. Fortunately, it is possible to repair such problems by resealing. However, too much expansion can irreversibly damage the tube, hence it must be done with extreme precision. 

Repairing Welded Joints

Ideally, a ruptured tube-to-tube sheet welded joint is a cause for replacement. However, it is possible to re-weld the opening and keep the heat exchanger operational as a short-term fix. Moreover, the quality of the re-weld will not be as good as the original, and it is bound to fail with time. 

Tube Plugging

If an individual tube or tube joint is leaking, then it is possible to plug it to keep the system functional. However, the plugged tube will be rendered useless and the heat exchanger will operate without it. Thus, for tube plugging to work, it is important to keep the plugs as limited as possible. That being said, there are a few benefits to tube plugging in spite of this drawback, which includes prevention of damage to the tube hole, tube sheet or the other tubes in the system.

Re-Tubing

When tube plugging is no longer a viable option due to an excessive number of plugs, consider re-tubing. Essentially, some or all of the damaged tubes are replaced by new ones. Although it is a more extensive repair and requires more planning and capital, it is guaranteed to provide more dividends in the long run in the form of better performance and fewer repairs. 

Thus, these are the 4 major repairs of a shell and tube heat exchanger. 

McRae Engineering Equipment Limited’s experience and knowledge of heat exchangers, valve assemblies and other engineering equipment guarantee top-notch equipment for all your systems. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our products and services.