What is the adhesion of a plane-tube exchanger?

The adhesion of a plane-tube heat exchanger is a structural element of this device, which is designed to ensure proper sealing and stability of the connections between parts. In heat exchangers of this type, heat is exchanged between two media that flow in separate spaces: one medium flows through the pipes, and the other flows around the pipes, inside the exchanger housing.

The main functions of the adhesion are:

• Sealing: The buttress provides a tight connection to prevent media leakage between the pipe and plane space.
• Structural stabilization: A buttress stabilizes the tubes and casing, ensuring the mechanical integrity of the heat exchanger.
• Connecting components: The buttress can be used as a place to connect different segments of the heat exchanger, such as when assembling or disassembling the unit.

How important is the correct flatness of the rebate?

Maintaining the proper flatness of the contact surface in a shell-and-tube heat exchanger is crucial to its proper operation and has a direct impact on several important aspects:

1. Sealing: A flat adhesion surface provides a better seal between parts of the heat exchanger. If the flatness error is too large, leaks can occur, leading to media leaks, reduced exchanger performance and potential mixing hazards with media that may be harmful or reactive.
2. Durability and strength: Uneven surfaces can lead to uneven stress in heat exchanger materials, which can cause deformation, cracking or other mechanical damage over time. Checking the flatness of the adhesion before installation or during refurbishment reduces the risk of such problems and increases the life of the exchanger.
3. Operating safety: Proper surface adhesion is crucial to the safety of heat exchanger operation. Leaks can lead to leakage of hazardous substances, posing a risk to personnel and the environment. In addition, the appropriate flatness of the surface minimizes the risk of equipment failure during high-pressure operation.
4. Operating and maintenance costs: Maintaining the flatness of the adhesion surface can significantly reduce the costs associated with heat exchanger maintenance and repair. Leaks and damage due to unevenness may require more frequent servicing, resulting in additional costs and downtime for the device.

The process of measuring the exchanger’s adherence:

1. Preparing for the survey: the first step is to properly prepare for the survey (situational analysis) including ensuring that all health and safety rules applicable to the site are met.
2. Data collection: surveyors install measuring equipment and use a computer to take physical spatial data (measuring points) that will be used to analyze the geometry of the abutment.
3. Analysis of results: on the basis of the collected data, the surveyors analyze the data with specialized in measurement software.
4. Work report: after the analysis is completed, a detailed report is presented with the results of the flatness
5. Recommendations: the report gives recommendations and guidelines: e.g. “deformed surface requires re-machining”.

In the case below, the flatness of the exchanger was 0.18mm over the entire measured area.

Summary

Checking the flatness of heat exchangers in the petrochemical industry is key to ensuring proper sealing, durability and safety.
We recommend regularly checking flatness before installation, after welding, or during repairs so as to avoid problems and downtime during installation.

If you would like to find out how we can help you set up or analyze the geometry of machines working in your company: contact us HERE.