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Hello all,
Had a question regarding if a code hydrotest is required on a new heat exchanger bundle? With regards to Section VIII, would the requirements be different based on the type of bundle it is? For example, a U-tube bundle that has rolled only tubes would require no welding vs a U-tube bundle with seal welded joints vs a straight tube bundle that has a floating that has welding on it? My thoughts were a new bundle was built to Section VIII so therefore should be code hydro tested in some capacity. I would think internally (tube side), but that have not been our site's historic practices.
Our site practice has always been to perform a tube side shop test and code test on the shell side when new bundle is installed if shell side has higher design pressure. If tube side has higher design pressure, specify the new bundle have test plate built so code test can be done in the shop and then a leak test (typically done at design pressure) be done on the shell side to verify no roll leaks or other issues during transportation & install. These practices are under review and trying to get a full grasp on code requirements. I do understand PCC-2 Article 3.12 Section 6 states the following:
Following completion of the inspection, a pressure test
or tightness test in accordance with Article 5.1 SHOULD be
considered, particularly if the integrity of the
tube-to-tubesheet joint is in question.
But where does a complete new bundle fall under? It is a pressure containing component so would it not be required to be tested on the tube side always? Thanks in advance for your time.
Had a question regarding if a code hydrotest is required on a new heat exchanger bundle? With regards to Section VIII, would the requirements be different based on the type of bundle it is? For example, a U-tube bundle that has rolled only tubes would require no welding vs a U-tube bundle with seal welded joints vs a straight tube bundle that has a floating that has welding on it? My thoughts were a new bundle was built to Section VIII so therefore should be code hydro tested in some capacity. I would think internally (tube side), but that have not been our site's historic practices.
Our site practice has always been to perform a tube side shop test and code test on the shell side when new bundle is installed if shell side has higher design pressure. If tube side has higher design pressure, specify the new bundle have test plate built so code test can be done in the shop and then a leak test (typically done at design pressure) be done on the shell side to verify no roll leaks or other issues during transportation & install. These practices are under review and trying to get a full grasp on code requirements. I do understand PCC-2 Article 3.12 Section 6 states the following:
Following completion of the inspection, a pressure test
or tightness test in accordance with Article 5.1 SHOULD be
considered, particularly if the integrity of the
tube-to-tubesheet joint is in question.
But where does a complete new bundle fall under? It is a pressure containing component so would it not be required to be tested on the tube side always? Thanks in advance for your time.