How to maintain plate heat exchangers

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1. Regularly check whether the cleaning of each heat transfer fin is thorough, and whether there are any deposits, coking, water rust layers, or other types of fouling attached, and clean them promptly. At the same time, it is also necessary to check whether the bonding between each heat transfer fin and the rubber washer is tight, as well as whether the rubber washers themselves are in good condition, in order to prevent leaks caused by delamination or damage of the rubber washers. 2. The tightening nuts of the plate heat exchanger, as well as the upper and lower guide rods, should be regularly lubricated with grease. 3. Each instrument should be under the responsibility of a designated person, who must strictly follow the operating procedures for its operation and maintenance. 4. When it is necessary to replace the rubber gasket or repair a detached area, the heat transfer plate must be removed and placed on a table. The old gasket should be taken off, or the residue of glue in the grooves of the heat transfer plate at the detached area should be wiped away using fine sandpaper. Afterwards, oil stains in those grooves should be removed with solvents such as carbon tetrachloride or trichloroethylene. The back side of the new rubber gasket should also be roughened up with fine sandpaper, and any oil stains there should be removed using the same solvents. Then apply a thin layer of glue to both the bottom of the groove and the back side of the rubber washer. Wait until it dries slightly enough that it no longer sticks to the fingers, but remains sticky. Insert the rubber washer into the groove, press it flat around the edges, apply a layer of talcum powder, and then attach the heat transfer plate to the equipment frame and secure it gently. According to the glue instructions, it can be put into use after waiting for an interval of several weeks. 5. Each time the heat transfer fins are re-compressed, pay attention to the scale position from the previous compression; be careful not to over-compress the rubber gasket, as this will reduce its service life. 6. When replacing the rubber washers of the heat transfer fins, the entire section must be replaced to avoid uneven gaps between the fins, which could affect the heat transfer efficiency. Generally, when clean water is used for circulation at the start of operation, there may be slight leaks, but these leaks will disappear on their own once the temperature reaches the sterilization level. If the leakage does not stop, the heat transfer fins must be pressed together more tightly. If this still does not work, it is necessary to check the rubber gaskets; it is also possible that the heat transfer fins are not arranged in order according to the numbers on them, and this should be corrected.