Why are the leakage points in dry acid coolers always located at the outlet?
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During production, acid leakage occurred multiple times at the outlet of the dry acid cooler (at the elbows and flanges), while no abnormalities were observed at the inlet. Process flow: circulation pump -- acid cooler -- tower -- circulation tank -- circulation pump (cycle)
Could it be that the water quality in the circulation system is poor? Or are there many impurities in the water, causing impact or scratches on the tube bundle? The acid cooler will leak more and more frequently; it is recommended to replace it promptly
Based on what you’ve described, it seems that it’s not the acid cooler itself that is leaking, but rather the flanges and elbows in the pipeline at the acid outlet. In my opinion, several factors need to be considered in order to determine the root cause: 1. Is the flow rate of acid high at the elbow at the outlet? 2. Is the material of the flanges and elbows suitable? 3. Are the flanges properly forged or made from stainless steel plates? Keep in mind that there are many cast flanges on the market that are used as substitutes of quality ones. 4. Have the elbows to be installed undergone solid solution treatment before leaving the factory? 5. Was forced assembly used when installing flanges and elbows? If so, residual stresses will be high
Planned to stop for replacement in the near future; the pipelines are made of fluorinated material, and after removing them it will be checked to see if the fluorinated lining inside is damaged.
The drying acid is not at a high temperature, so a fluorine-lined lining should not be necessary