How to check the cleanliness of the shell side of a tubular heat exchanger?
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How to check the cleanliness of the shell side of a tubular heat exchanger? Please advise (the housing has no observation holes, manholes, etc.)
This issue has never been considered; in production, only tube cracks are checked. I think it can be observed by the pressure difference shown on the pressure gauges at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger shell.
What the original poster is referring to is cleaning. Using a pressure difference meter upstairs can only determine whether there is a blockage; to clean it, one can use detergent or make a hole in the outer shell to check the inside condition
Generally, a drain port is provided at the lowest point of the shell side of the heat exchanger, and the cleanliness inside the shell side can be determined by observing the cleanliness of the discharged material. For reference only.
In the shell side of heat exchangers or condensers, steam or hot fluids are generally used, and scaling is usually not a concern; an observation port can be installed during shutdown! Make sure to clean the shell side thoroughly to prevent safety accidents! Pressure gauges can also be installed on the inlet and outlet!
There are two methods: 1. The vent pipe on the cooler (if DN is greater than 50) can be removed during shutdown, and a flashlight can be used to see it. 2. A small piece of the end cap can be cut off using gas welding; it’s possible to take a look first and then repair it afterwards. We have done both of these. They are all pressure vessels. But don’t put too much pressure on it.
Correction: it’s not a head, it’s a housing.