Ammonia cooler leak detection
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Our ammonia cooler is suspected to be leaking now; liquid ammonia flows through the shell side while process gas flows through the tube side. How to determine if there is a leak without opening the head.
Take samples downstream to analyze whether the material pipeline contains refrigerant
Testing the process gas can determine whether there is a leak; it is impossible to identify the exact location of the leak without cracking the head.
Simple solution: Without opening the head, take samples of the process gas for analysis; if ammonia liquid or gas is present, it indicates a leak. It is not possible to determine the exact location of the leak, and if the leakage is severe, the system must be shut down for repairs. (My own opinion, for your reference)
Hehe, we started to suspect it after we parked the car; since we were about to drive off, we wanted to make sure there was no leakage
Happy little rabbit: What is your basis for suspicion? Your basis is your starting point.
I’m not sure whether it’s possible to fill the tube side with water; if so, the tube side can be filled with water, while NH3 is continuously supplied to the shell side. After that, a sample is taken for testing to determine the ammonia content, thereby confirming whether there is any leakage.
Personal opinion: Theoretically, the pressure of ammonia is not higher than that of other substances. For example: 1. Cut off either the fluid in the tube side or the shell side, and install a pressure gauge at the drain point ； 2. It can be judged from surface phenomena; compared to previous process parameters, if there is a leak, the first sign of it is a decline in heat exchange efficiency. 3. If the leakage volume is large, the pressure before the ammonia inlet pipeline will increase, as carbon-ammonia crystals will form and cause blockages ；
Since it’s after parking, water can be added on the shell side to create pressure; it should be possible to remove a flange at a lower position on the process gas side
Samples can also be taken for analysis to determine whether there is indeed a gas leakage. Some testing instruments available in China are capable of conducting online gas analysis, which facilitates timely monitoring of the equipment’s operating conditions. Heat exchangers have a significant impact on product quality; if the leakage is severe, the equipment must be stopped immediately for repair, otherwise the leak will only get worse. I have cases in my Haichuan Space database related to the treatment of heat exchanger leaks, and I hope they can be helpful to you.