Monday, August 31, 2015

Getting Conversant With Heat Exchanger Tube Plugs

By Daphne Bowen


Designers, engineers and manufactures of heat exchanger devices are the people responsible for selection of proper materials for the process. Following that, they should consider a number of factors in the selection process. The three main aspects influencing the choice are operation and maintenance processes, the design of the materials and the water quality. Below is an elaboration of heat exchanger tube plugs.

Water quality is affected by the level of chloride, sulfide, manganese, residual chlorine and dissolved oxygen. Other specs which have an effect on the quality of water include sedimentation capacity, temperature and pH level. The ions of calcium, sodium, magnesium and iron are known to go up in water coolers. It is the amount of chloride ions in the water that dictate the alloys to use in manufacture of tube plugs.

Soluble oxygen has a big impact on tube corrosion. Based on this occurrence, it is important to put additives in water to reduce its amount. Sulfates bring this problem too. If you go for tubes which are made from copper or stainless steel when the concentration of oxygen is high, there are likely to disappoint you. They also do not function well if the water passing therein has a lot of dirt. Going for something that has excellent performance will save you the frustrations.

When chlorine is dissolved in water, the resulting compound is hypochlorite and it causes corrosion very fast. Chlorine is a popular element used in water purification. That is why the tube plugs should be made with consideration to this. The alloy should be resistant to corrosion. Also, the corrosion will happen faster if the temperatures are high.

Low pH means that the corrosion of plugs will happen quickly. The acidic compounds typically have low pH. Nonetheless, use of copper alloys in manufacture of devices can eliminate this problem. Besides strong acids, strong alkalis are corrosive too and they will cause damages to the tubes. The best alternative is ensuring that the pH of the water components is near neutral.

Discoloration of water as it gets deposited is seen if the ions of manganese element and iron are high in water. Some plugs perform badly when the H2O is fresh. Understanding the properties of the product that will be passing through the tube will guide you in purchasing the product that will offer you the maximum advantages.

Mass absorption or tube sediment are key factors in determination of thermal transfer degree when using heat exchangers. Creation of sediments in the plug inner surface decreases thermal transfer. Additionally, it reduces resistance to thermal transfer and also the level of flow section. The resistance offered is termed as fouling factor. Its calculation is not easy and many are the times estimates are given.

When it comes to use and maintenance of these plugs, care should be taken. These are the main factors which will determine how long the devices will last. The product cost is a big influence of the choices made. To remember is that it is better to go for a costly one but spend less on maintenance.




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