Tube Tech International proved that previous industry standards for cleaning such equipment with U bends were inadequate and, for the first time on this unit, Tube Tech gave not only the straight legs, but also the U sections a complete internal clean.

SGS Korea (www.kr.sgs.com/home_kr_v2.htm?selen=1) was awarded a contract to provide Leak Testing of a heat exchanger tube and tube-tube sheet in a refinery in Ulsan, Korea on March 16, 2010. This Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) method was used for the very first time on a heat exchanger.

The SGS team of four experts successfully performed Leak Testing (link to: www.kr.sgs.com/srs/special_leak_test_srs/helium_leak_test_srs.ht ..) of a heatexchanger tube and tube-tube sheet using helium gas during the two days of testing. The gas was introduced into the internal space of the heat exchanger and over pressurized. Consequently, the gas flew through welding flaws, cracks or pin holes and was sucked into a sniper attached to a helium mass spectrometer. Following the ionization of the gas in the ion chamber by an electronic beam, the helium ion collector gathered the helium ions and sent an amplified signal to the indicator. The leakage could be measured by the signal strength.

Due to SGS’s extensive experience in Non-Destructive Testing (www.ndt.sgs.com/) the leakage in the welding area of the heat exchanger was successfully identified and reported to the client. The successful completion of the project resulted in SGS receiving further contracts for NDT services from this client.

For the very first time, SGS applied Leak Testing, which had been limited to LNG carriers until now, to a completely new field. As Leak Testing of a heat exchanger tube and tube-tube sheet proved to be successful, SGS will expand its NDT technologies to new industrial fields.

In addition to Leak Testing of heat exchangers, SGS provides Heat Exchanger Life Assessment System (HELAS) (www.sgs.com/ndt-heat-exchanger-life-assessment-system?serviceId= ..), which is based on the measurement of ultrasonic immersion length, converted into the corrosion depth inside cooling water or air fin type tubes.

About SGS Industrial Services

As the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company, SGS offers a complete package of inspection in and around heat exchangers, in order to create a full set of data which is easy accessible and ready for follow-up. Several inspection and testing technologies and tools can be applied depending on your preferences and technical requirements.

The SGS Group is the global leader and innovator in inspection, verification, testing and certification services. Founded in 1878, SGS is recognized as the global benchmark in quality and integrity. With more than 56,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,000 offices and laboratories around the world.

The article is taken from the following press release:

Leak testing of heat exchanger provided by SGS.

Press Release.

A typical example of this instrument is located in cars, more familiarly known as radiator, where it works as a means to transfer heat from the water of the engine, to the air through the generator. There are several types of radiators and each is crafted to suit the application where each is used.

After certain period of time of heat exchanger operation, it will be inefficient. Hence, a better way to increase the capacity of working with the heat exchanger tubes is a complete cleaning. There are a number of advantages of cleaning the heat exchanger. The first reason is to protect the system of sudden and unexpected errors. Apart from this, they will also function properly and the cleaning will also improve the efficiency of the device. Check the heat exchanger tubes at least once every three months to lengthen the life of your heat exchanger and will make you have every penny’s worth of your investment.

Since the cleaning of heat exchanger tubes is beneficial, how does one do it? What are the procedures for cleaning? Here are some points to consider:

* Pull the heat exchanger unit from any electrical devices. This is followed by removal of loose materials found close. This will prevent possible pushing of these materials towards the tube’s interior once you start brushing.

* The next thing to do is remove the material inside the tube before you use the appropriate size of the brush to clean. Nylon brush cleaning process each sound within the pipe and the removal of existing materials or furniture inside.

* Sometimes the cleaning of the interior is not enough for you by just scraping the internal walls to remove the materials of the tube. It is important that you scratch using materials that are less strong than the materials from the heat exchanger materials to avoid damaging the tubes.

* After all the above step, let the water rush through the inside, to remove other materials not perfectly taken out by scraping. It will also lighten up the interiors.

Cleaning your heat exchanger tubes is a job anyone can do if they know how. If you are a do it yourself then you should have no trouble with this task.

There are several methods to clean exchanger tubes. Here are a few of them; one is to use chemicals for the cleaning. Another is to use high-pressure water system. One last method is to employ mechanical cleaning using brushes, scrapers and abrasive balls. These are the best ways to clean the tubes.

Regular cleaning of the exchanger tubes should prolong the life of the entire unit. It will help it work at its maximum efficiency as well.

Many people use a heat exchanger system to heat their swimming pools these days. Having the ability to clean your own exchanger tubes would be a good way to save money and keep your system in top working order.

It would be beneficial to clean the exchanger tubes every few months. At least inspect them to see if they need to be cleaned. If they do not need to be cleaned, and then make sure that, they are thoroughly cleaned twice a year.

In order to clean the exchanger tubes properly, they must be removed from the system. Remove any loose material that is near the ends of the tubes and inside them as well. Use a brush and push it down the tube to get the cleaning started. The brush should have good strong nylon bristles. This helps to loosen and remove any loose materials inside.

During this brushing process, you may find that there is some material stuck to the sidewall of the exchanger tube. A plastic or metal scraper will help to remove anything that is stuck to the wall. Be careful not to damage the tube. Do not use a scraper that is harder than the material of the wall of the tube.

Try not to scratch the wall of the exchanger tubes as it could cause the tube to not function as well as it should because particles could stick to the scratches in the tube. Therefore, a plastic scraper would be best.

As a last step in cleaning the exchanger tubes, you could use a water jet to force out any loose particles that were missed with the previous methods. If you have any calcium deposits on the tubes then you will need chemicals to remove them.

Now you have the basics for cleaning your exchanger tubes. Gather as much information as possible before tackling this do it yourself job.

Your guide to everything you have ever wanted to know about a exchanger tubes and heat exchangers. We also provide information on various types and brands of heat exchangers. Visit our site today! http://www.theheatexchangers.com

By M. Applebaum

In the past couple of weeks we have experienced our first taste of fall and cooler temperatures. With nighttime temperatures dropping into the 50s, some people are beginning to use heating systems.

It is also the time of year that we begin to see advertisements recommending cleaning of the heating system ducts. Especially with growing concerns about mold and other indoor air contaminants, cleaning of ducts seems to be a no-brainer. But is it really worth the cost?

Unfortunately, there is not a yes or no answer to this question. The decision to have your ductwork cleaned is an individual one. To help you make a decision, here are some facts:

Q What is duct cleaning?

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