Plate Heat Exchanger Manuals & Info

Date:2022-09-30 15:22:23

When To Open Your Heat Exchanger

A plate heat exchanger maintenance and inspection schedule is dependent on many factors including environment (time, temperature and concentrations), frequency of use, and, in some cases, a mandate from a regulatory agency.

Different industries have different maintenance requirements, and different processes have different effects on your heat exchanger. It is always best to establish a preventative maintenance schedule to maximize up-time. 

Some reasons why you would open a heat exchanger are:

Visual inspection – ensure a clean in place process is working

Cleaning – Some industries do not clean in place and require a manual cleaning

Change plates and or gaskets

Internal leakage

General PHE Maintenance

Regular maintenance will help ensure that your plate heat exchanger stays sanitary and operational. Regular PHE service procedures generally include: 

Pre-teardown: Valving off unit, draining of fluids, disconnection of pipes, verification of plate pack arrangement, and primary leak/contamination tests 

Teardown: Loosening of tie-bolts, disassembly of unit

Cleaning: Gasket removal (if possible), plate cleaning

Inspection: Start/flow gasket inspection and replacement as needed, plate inspection, frame and component inspection

Reassembly to previous, exact configuration and optimal tightening of plate pack for maximum reliability and performance. 

Verification of unit functioning as desired.