Heat Exchangers 101: Troubleshooting and Repair

Posted in Uncategorised, on September 08, 2021 By Admin

Heat exchangers are used in a wide variety of processes and products, including in air conditioning systems and radiators. They can also be found in various industrial facilities such as sewage treatment plants, oil refineries, chemical plants, and more. Its main function is to transfer heat from one medium to another. Due to this equipment’s involvement in such heavy-duty applications, it can become exposed to corrosive or damaging elements such as chlorination.

This is why regular maintenance is necessary not only for your heat exchangers but also for the machinery that it is connected to. You will want to avoid having to repair this equipment as much as possible, but if you start noticing poor performance or damage to your equipment, it is best to call professionals to help you with repairs. We do not recommend any business undertake extensive repairs to this equipment. However, there are some quick steps you can take once you notice a malfunctioning heat exchanger.

In today’s blog, we teach you how to deal with a faulty heat exchanger while waiting for professional repair services.

1. Power down the device. Allowing the device to continue to run while it is in its broken state will exacerbate its damages and potentially lead to other mishaps. If possible, disconnect the device from its power supply and leave the equipment to cool.
2. Consult the device’s user manual to get an idea of what regular performance should be looking like. A basic understanding of the equipment’s parts will be useful for you even if you are not undertaking the bulk of the repair work on your own. It may be that there is no issue with your heat exchanger, and that there was just simply a minor mistake in installation or operation. Going through the user manual will help you distinguish the differences.
3. Perform a visual inspection. Once you have the information you need from the user manual, you will be able to perform a quick visual check on whether your heat exchanger is facing any superficial problems. For instance, you can check the device’s shut-off valves for any blockages. Other things to check are hot water levels, strainers, traps, solenoid coil settings, and thermostat settings.

Make sure to then call a professional repair technician to help you with the difficult repairs. Tackling your heat exchanger’s issues on your own can lead to further damage to the equipment and will require more downtime to resolve the problem on your own.

At McRae Engineering, we specialize in the distribution, maintenance, and repair of a wide variety of industrial equipment. Our experts have the knowhow, tools, and experience to deal with any kind of repair problem. Call us today to learn more about our services.