Keywords
Citation
(1999), "Patented heat exchanger tube plate protection system", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 46 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/acmm.1999.12846dab.006
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 1999, MCB UP Limited
Patented heat exchanger tube plate protection system
Patented heat exchanger tube plate protection system
Keywords: Britannia, Sealing, Heat exchanger, Corrosion prevention
Britannia Heat Transfer reports that it has developed an inexpensive way of extending the working life of shell and tube heat exchangers virtually indefinitely.
One of the most common causes of heat exchanger failure is erosion or corrosion of the tube ends and the tube plate face.
Britannia's patented DriSeal System claims to overcome this problem, however, by forming an impermeable barrier between the whole tube plate/tube end area and the corrosive environment of the heat transfer medium.
The Britannia DriSeal System consists of two components, the tube plate faµade, complete with a non-porous backing, which is CNC drilled to match the original tube plate configuration and the tube insert, which protects the tube ends from erosion and corrosion and fixes the faµade plate in place.
The system is available in two forms to suit differing applications. A non-metallic version is used for corrosive environments such as chemical processing. This features a locking ring and "O" ring seal to prevent any fluid seeping behind the faµade.
A range of metal inserts of "interference fit" design is also available. These are used in erosive environments such as sea water desalination plant, where exotic metals are usually not necessary.
The Britannia DriSeal system is said to be also effective in sealing cracked tube plate ligaments, which would normally necessitate replacement of the entire heat exchanger.
The DriSeal system can be either supplied in kit form or fitted on site by Britannia. The average price for the complete system is around £3 per tube end.
For further details contact: Britannia Heat Transfer Ltd. Tel: +44 (0) 1675 466060; Fax: +44 (0) 1675 467675.