Leakage from Plate and frame exchanger

[sgoel]

Hello Friends

We are facing external leakage (gasket) from a plate and frame exchanger. It happens only when the flow rate is increased beyond a certain value.

Exchanger is supplied by Alfa laval.

Request suggestion for possible causes which can result in leakage with increased flow rate.


Thanks

Shanky

 

[Latexman]

Plate pack too loose. Re-torque the bolts.

Good luck,
Latexman

To a ChE, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.

 

[EdStainless]

Are you exceeding the pressure rating?

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[don1980]

High flow rate means higher pressure drop across the exchanger. It appears there is a weak gasket that doesn't leak at normal rates (normal pressure) but does leak when the pressure rises due to the higher flowrate. The first step is to follow Latexman's suggestion - try tightening the plate-pack by torquing the frame bolts. Hopefully that will work because taking the unit apart and replacing the gaskets is a big job.

 

[EdStainless]

If it has leaked you need to take it apart and replace gaskets. It may leak less when you lower the pressure but you have damaged the gaskets and you will get weeping, perhaps between passes if you don't fix it.

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P.E. Metallurgy, Plymouth Tube

 

[isuarez]

If the leak is only present when the flow rate is increased, this means that the gasket is not the problem, but the operation conditions are. Check the operating conditions and compare with the HE design conditions. If the increased flow rate is in the allowable desing conditions, i think you should talk with the exchanger's supplier.

A temporary solution may be increasing the bolt's torque, but be careful, too much torque may damage the bolts and gasket.

I'm termal and mechanical designer of heat exchangers and pressure vessels.

I hope my answer be helpful.