Should the heat exchanger be pressurized with water or air?
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The shell side of the heat exchanger is fed with medium-pressure steam, while the tube side carries the fluid to be heated/coolled. Since the heat exchanger has just been manufactured, it needs to undergo a pressure test. It goes without saying that the tube side should be tested under water pressure; but should the shell side be tested under water pressure or air pressure?
Hydraulic test. If you’re still not confident, you can conduct a leak test
For heat exchangers, hydraulic pressure testing should be conducted on both the shell side and the tube side.
I work in design, and the manufacturing process must be carried out in accordance with the design requirements. Unless the design is flawed!
Personally, I think water pressure should be applied, which can also serve as an ammonia leakage test
It should be the water pressure; unless there are special requirements for the medium in the process, airtightness is generally not necessary. Air pressure is used when water pressure is insufficient or when water cannot be drained.
Agreed. It’s usually indicated on the nameplate. . .
Water pressure and air pressure are quite dangerous; special approval and supervision are required
It’s usually water pressure, unless the material has specific requirements regarding water
The water pressure is still at a safe level. Although pneumatic pressure is simple to operate, it is relatively dangerous; use hydraulic pressure whenever possible.
No special requirements; normal water pressure is sufficient