U stamped HE channel gasket replacement

[ary8203]

A new shell and tube heat exchanger (fixed tubesheet) with U-stamp received from fabricator shop. tube side design pressure 12 bar. Before installation at site, it was discovered that the manufacturer has used undersized bolts at girth flange for channel box up though the bolt holes were drilled for correct bolts size. There is plan to replace the bolts by dismantling channel and box it up with new gasket and correct size bolting. Gasket joint integrity will be checked by tube side pneumatic test at 2 bar.

Is above approach OK? Does this require approval of AI?

 

[SnTMan]

ary8203, the approach seems OK to me. I suppose it might possible to replace the bolts a few at a time to avoid breaking the joint. Unless of course it has already begun to leak, in which case the gasket should be replaced. You do say "befoe installation", but replacing the gasket might be the best course.

Not sure about the AI, but I'd consult. Has the correct sized bolting been noted on the U1? I suppose it now falls under NBIC in any case.

Best of luck,

Mike

The problem with sloppy work is that the supply FAR EXCEEDS the demand

 

[r6155]

Where was the manufacturer's inspector?
where was the AI?

Regards