How to fix a leaking heat exchanger
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The heat exchanger of the unit is leaking. The inlet on the shell side of the heat exchanger is fed with medium-pressure steam at a pressure of 4.8 MPa. There is a level gauge installed on the heat exchanger, and the outlet is controlled by a control valve used to heat the feed gas. However, the heat exchanger has been leaking since the beginning; even after replacing the gaskets during maintenance, the problem persists. What should be done to fix this issue?
I’ve also heard of heat exchangers with level gauges for the first time. It can’t be that there’s a problem with the sealing surface, right?
It could be a problem with the sealing surface of the head
The seal is damaged, or the sealing surface of the head is ruined! The gasket is compressed off-center!
Is the gasket material not suitable? How high is the steam temperature?
Based on the owner’s description, leakage occurred from the very beginning; it is likely that the pre-sealing pressure was not sufficient. If there is no issue with the sealing surface, then the appropriateness of the gasket chosen should be considered. Under the condition that the bolt cross-sectional area permits it, select gaskets with larger m and y values
I think it might be due to thermal expansion and contraction; it needs to be tightened promptly when hot
What type of structure does the heat exchanger have? Possibility of leakage from end caps, tube sides, etc.