LEAKAGE at HEATEXCHANGERS

[etha123]

Hi there,
I´m looking for methods to detect heat exchanger leaking for Shell And Tube Typ HE.
I have a lot of old and big HeatExchangers, which I can´t move from the plant, to check them regulary. I do so but are there methods to check the leak tightness while in process?

In case of a damage a mixture of the two media is not acceptable.
I do know that those new typ of heatexchangers exist, with that double-tube safety thing, but I can´t replace my Heatexchangers.
I have water in the shell side and some slurry in the tube side?

Is it possible to use some manometers on each side of the HE to detect a leakage?
or what else is possible
Thanks a lot

 

[gerhardl]

You can of course mount instruments with as fine scale as possible to give alarm if anything deviates from 'normal'. You will the have to determine normal variations and if/when instruments are commercial available able to detect the 'irregular' deviations.

Pressure, temperature, flow, energy transfer, pumping variations spring to mind.

It might also be possible to add a tracing medium to the highest pressurized side, and measuring the leakage by measuring for the tracing element on the other side.

Radioactive isotopes (as used in medicine) within allowable limits might be a possibillity. if not regularily perhaps as a slight overpressure test at certain intervals?

If you test dry you could perhaps try the same with some gas, and gas detecting (non-radioactive).

 

[ash9144]

Best way is to check low pressure stream for components of high pressure stream.

 

[weeeds]

We perform Helium Leak Testing on such used equipment. The testing can be performed on site, often without removing the bundle. The Helium dissipates quickly and will not contaminate your process fluids. The exchanger does not have to be very clean which saves a great deal of grief. Extremely small leaks can be pinpointed and repaired with minimum down time and cost.
This is a great tool for this application.
Walt