If the shell side of a heat exchanger is filled with water and that water freezes, how does the pressure inside the container change?
Thread Content
The shell side of a heat exchanger is filled with water; what happens to the pressure inside the container when the water freezes, given that the heat exchanger is at rest?
Since hydrogen bonds seem to form when water turns into ice, its volume increases; as a result, the force exerted on the heat exchanger surely increases. As for whether it can withstand this stress and whether there are any hidden risks, pressure tests are still necessary
When water turns into ice, its volume increases. It is necessary to check the drawings to determine what the maximum allowable pressure is in order to see if there are any safety risks associated with the heat exchanger; otherwise, I believe it’s only a matter of time before it needs to be replaced. Besides, it’s really stupid not to release the water in winter!
Ice has a lower density than water; therefore, when water of the same mass turns into ice, its volume increases. As for whether mechanical devices can withstand this force, I’m not sure, and I also don’t know how to calculate it. However, the forces between molecules must be quite strong, so an explosion isn’t entirely impossible. :lol
If it’s completely sealed, then the equipment will definitely get damaged. Water expands by 10% in volume when it freezes. Not even the strongest equipment can withstand it.
When the inlet and outlet at the shell side are closed, the stress resulting from the volume expansion of the medium acts directly on the vessel wall, potentially causing it to burst. Alcohol will burst when heated after being cooled to a low temperature; water will burst after freezing after being cooled to room temperature
Ice has a lower density than water; therefore, when water of the same mass turns into ice, its volume increases. As for whether mechanical devices can withstand this force, I’m not sure, and I also don’t know how to calculate it. However, the forces between molecules must be quite strong, so an explosion isn’t entirely impossible.
The volume of ice formed changes, and the equipment needs to undergo ammonia penetration testing or helium testing to determine whether it is damaged. It is also necessary to assess whether the equipment’s casing is still usable. If you fill a bottle of mineral water with water and let it freeze, you will be able to see the effect you want to observe
Equipment freezing occurs when the water inside remains after a hydrostatic test; our company has encountered this issue before. Generally, the equipment itself is not damaged, but the pipe connections may crack, so it’s best to conduct another pressure test.