Heat Exchanger 1

[QUAVIET]

Sirs, I have a heat exchanger which is being used as a hot water heater for a tray washer. It has been undersized since installation. I have contacted the manufacturer and the only response I have received is for them to offer to send out a salesman. We do not want to replace this unit and have been making do. My question pertains to increasing the steam pressure on the steam side. It currently is regulated to 30PSI. and is controlled by a pneumatic on/off ball valve which is ultimately controlled by a RTD at the hot water discharge. This all functions properly. The steel shell of the steam side is rated at 150PSI @ 400F. The water side, which is a brass temp regulator is rated at 15PSI. It is adjusted to max hot water (no bypass). The specs which I have downloaded call for a steam pressure of between 2lb and 15lb. Since we are already operating the steam side at twice the pressure of the specs. Would there be any harm to remove the steam regulator and apply 100PSI which is the operating pressure of the boilers to provide more energy. I ask this because the steam side of the heat exchanger is rated at 150PSI. What has held me back is that I do not know if the coils are part of the steam side and included in the rating of 150PSI. The steam side is manufactured by Niles Steel Tank CO. Part no. 02-850. Also the following data: SH.THK .232 YR 1992, MIN HD THK .9, R.D FLAT, MIN HD THK .232, 2:1 ELP. Thank you for any advice.

 

[QUAVIET]

The best thing I ever told the Captain that was I did not apply 48VDC to the squibs of the missile in the magazine. After the enemy turned we had a hot missile in which nobody snitched me down. They wanted to give me a medal which I refused. The launcher was broke down but I wasn't told.

 

[jherbert]

hi,

as waskillywabbit stated, your situation is a disaster
waiting to happen.

Frankly, I am amazed, a 'licenced' boiler operator
you should be aware that operating plant incorrectly
is a prime cause of accidents and eould never operate
a system at twice the safe working pressure. Perhaps
your training didn't include disaster photo's.

Imagine the scenerio:

The hx fails, staff are injured, production stops for a long time.

Investigators discover plant was operated at twice rated pressure, the insurer denies liabilty due to operator error. I guess operator would lose licence, leaving yourself unemployed. long and expensive litigation
follows.

And how could one explain to the deceased's family.....
ummm, I was just trying to get the dishwasher
rinse cycle to work?

Too many good men have died already, if your employer/management are unable or unwilling
to bite the bullet, quit before someone is
seriously injured or killed under your watch.

Report problem to your local Health and Safety
they will shut down the equipment without
hesitation, again resulting in loss of
production for a long time.

my 2 cents....

cheers