Standards for replacing heat exchanger tube bundles
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In general chemical plants, once a certain number of tubes in the tube bundle of a heat exchanger become clogged, the entire tube bundle must be replaced!
It is generally not replaced as long as it meets the process requirements. Heat exchangers are designed with a large margin of safety. But safety must come first.
Theoretically, it is 10%, and this amount can be increased slightly if there is a margin for heat exchange. However, refineries tend to wait until maintenance time to make replacements, and usually try to block the pipes to keep using them as long as possible.
When it can meet the process requirements, try to use it for as long as possible...
As long as it can meet the corresponding cooling requirements, that’s fine. Replace them all at the time of maintenance
I just want to know the replacement criteria!
GB/T151-2014 specifies a limit on the number of blocked tubes that are allowed in heat exchangers with defects during manufacturing; I’m not sure if there is any standard regarding blocked tubes during operation!
This post was last edited by wiseboy on 2017-3-19 21:49. As long as the requirements are met, no one can set these standards. Standards are like a tightening band; they cannot be imposed arbitrarily.