Leak detection using a conversion heat exchanger
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The shift low-pressure steam superheater (horizontal U-tube heat exchanger) has developed a leak; the gas on the tube side is at a pressure of 6.1 Mpa, while the steam on the shell side is at 1.1 Mpa. The mixture is heated to 250 degrees before being sent out. It has now been found that there is CO in the steam; the shell side pressure was reduced to 2.0 Mpa, but no leaks were detected, and leakage continued even after operation resumed. What are good ways to find mistakes? Replaced last year
Why is it only reached at 2.0 Mpa? For heat exchangers with a high tube side and a low shell side, the hydrostatic pressure test for the shell side is generally carried out according to the requirements for the tube side. You can check the drawings to see what the hydrostatic pressure required for the shell side test is specified there If it is low, a leak test can be performed.
If nothing else works, ammonia infiltration is a good option!
If the material from the tube side leaks to the shell side, why is pressure testing the shell side required to locate the leak? Just curious.