Skip to main content

Leakage Detection in Shell and Tube Type Cooler

The working pressures in case of jacket water system or lubricating oil system are usually of higher pressure than sea water system. If the leakage takes place in the jacket cooling water side or lubricating oil side, the flow from any point of leakage is in to the sea water side of the cooler. If the leakage is heavy then, usual indication is loss of jacket cooling water or lubricating oil.

Procedure:

Ensure the end covers are removed from the sea water box side and secure the tube stack by dog clamp arrangement-tube stack should not be disturbed when shell is under pressure.

• Clean the sea water side of the cooler.

• Start the fresh water cooling pump or lubricating oil pump.

• Let the fluid circulate through the cooler spaces on the outside of the tubes.

• Leakage within the tubes or at the junction of the tube plate will show up as liquid trickling.

• Identify the tube which is leaking. It is a time consuming procedure so be patient.

Fluorescent Halo Test

Small leaks are extremely difficult to detect, especially if the time available is very less. Owing to paucity of time it, will be difficult to get sea water cooling spaces dried out. The damp tube plates deter the small amounts of leakage. If the leakage is very small and time availability is less then follow the below procedure:

• A small amount of fluorescent sodium crystals is dissolved in water within the space surrounding the tubes.

• The tube plates are then viewed under a source of ultra violet light.

• Even very small leakage is sharply visible as a fluorescent halo.

Soap Bubble Test

If the time availability is high and if the heat exchanger can be isolated, then carry out then following procedure:

• Ensure the end covers are removed from the sea water 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.

Plugging the Tube

• Once the leaky tube is detected, measure the inside diameter of the tube and find suitable plugs for plugging.

• For plugging the leaky tube or tubes, plugs made of brass [same material as the tubes] or plastic are being used on either end of the leaky tube.

• Plug should be driven securely so as to isolate it completely.

• Carry out a leak test again to confirm that the leakage is arrested.

Labels:

Comments

  1. CR Custom Services HVAC/RMay 15, 2022 at 8:50 PM

    You are providing good knowledge. It is really helpful and factual to increase one's knowledge. Well you should check this out too walk in cooler repair in phoenix. And again please continue sharing your data it's really helpful. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

If you have any doubts.Please let me know

Popular posts from this blog

Manganese bronze is not typically used as a propeller material .Why

1. High cost: Manganese bronze is a costly alloy, making it less economical for large propellers. 2. Low strength-to-weight ratio: Compared to other propeller materials like nickel-aluminum bronze or stainless steel, manganese bronze has a lower strength-to-weight ratio. 3. Susceptible to corrosion: Manganese bronze can corrode in seawater, especially when exposed to high velocities and turbulence. 4. Poor cavitation resistance: Manganese bronze is more prone to cavitation damage than other materials. 5. Difficult to cast and machine: Manganese bronze is challenging to cast and machine, making it less desirable for complex propeller geometries. 6. Limited weldability: Manganese bronze has poor weldability, making repairs and modifications difficult. Nickel-aluminum bronze or stainless steel are commonly used for propellers due to their: - High strength and durability - Excellent corrosion resistance - Good cavitation resistance - Ease of casting and machining - Weldability
107 comments
Read more

MAN B&W MC Engine VIT Pump

The pump is basically a jerk type with a plunger moving in a matched barrel, using two helical grooves machined in the plunger to control the end of injection by uncovering spill ports and causing the discharge pressure to drop rapidly, thus causing the needle valve in the injector to close. Oil is supplied to the barrel via the spill ports and a suction valve. The suction valve, situated at the top of the barrel opens when the pressure in the  barrel falls below the supply pump pressure; i.e. during downward stroke of plunger, while spill ports are covered by plunger. Replaceable erosion plugs  are fitted in the pump housing opposite the spill ports. The high pressure oil, spilling back, as the edge of the helix uncovers the s...
Post a Comment
Read more

Main engine interlocks

Interlocks are provided so that the engine can be started or reversed only when certain conditions have been fulfilled. When there is a remote control of engines, it is essential to have interlocks. This reduces the possibility of engine damage and any hazards to the operating personnel. Turning gear Interlock . This device prevents the engine from being started if the Turning gear is engaged. Running Direction Interlock . This prevents the fuel from being supplied if the running direction of the engine does not match the Telegraph. Starting Air Distributor in end position . This prevents starting from taking place if the shifting of the Distributor has not been completed. Main Lube. oil pressure, Piston cooling pressure, Jacket water pressure, and important parameters must be above the required minimum. Auxiliary Blower Interlock . The Auxiliary Blower is provided in case of Constant pressure turbo charging. Air Spring pressure Interlock . In case of the present generation...
9 comments
Read more