Dear Guys
We have a propylene Heat exchanger with SA179 Killed tubes (no. of tubes 2465 ). Frequent tube leakage has been bothering us in this heat exchanger. Before, I proceed to explain my query, plz see the pressure specs of exchanger ( from construction drawing)
Pressure Shell Side Tube Side
Hydrotest 29.85 kg/cm.2 19.95 Kg/cm.2
Max.allow. 19.95 kg/cm.2 13.31 kg/cm.2
Working press.
Operating pr. 16.19 kg/cm.2 5 kg/cm2 kg/cm.2
With the given parameters, i understand that shell & tubes are hydrotested separately at shop. However, at site while checking tube leaks during the shutdowns.
1. Which is the safe value of pressure testing i shell use for cheking tube leaks during shut downs?
2. What should be the medium of pressure fluid ?
3. Normally we are testing with the propylene available in the shell & use the soap bubble test to chek leaky tube.Is it ok ?
4. If I plan to use Nitrogen for PT, should there be any effect on the pressure values to be used for leak testing ?
Thanks in anticipation
We have a propylene Heat exchanger with SA179 Killed tubes (no. of tubes 2465 ). Frequent tube leakage has been bothering us in this heat exchanger. Before, I proceed to explain my query, plz see the pressure specs of exchanger ( from construction drawing)
Pressure Shell Side Tube Side
Hydrotest 29.85 kg/cm.2 19.95 Kg/cm.2
Max.allow. 19.95 kg/cm.2 13.31 kg/cm.2
Working press.
Operating pr. 16.19 kg/cm.2 5 kg/cm2 kg/cm.2
With the given parameters, i understand that shell & tubes are hydrotested separately at shop. However, at site while checking tube leaks during the shutdowns.
1. Which is the safe value of pressure testing i shell use for cheking tube leaks during shut downs?
2. What should be the medium of pressure fluid ?
3. Normally we are testing with the propylene available in the shell & use the soap bubble test to chek leaky tube.Is it ok ?
4. If I plan to use Nitrogen for PT, should there be any effect on the pressure values to be used for leak testing ?
Thanks in anticipation
