Monday, September 21, 2015

Facts On Heat Exchanger Tube Plugs

By Daphne Bowen


When it comes to selection of the devices to be used in heat exchange, it is the house engineers and designers who have to take action. Also, the tube plugs manufacturers have their role to play. Going about it blindly will give a bad outcome. Water quality, design of the devices and techniques of operating and maintaining the devices affect the choices made. Below is an outlook of facets of heat exchanger tube plugs.

On water quality, consider the temperature, PH, residual manganese and chlorine, sulfide level, chloride level, dissolved oxygen, the water purity and the tendency to form sediments. Ions of iron, sodium, magnesium and calcium are less likely to form deposits and this is why their concentration goes up in coolers of water boilers. The type of alloys used to make the plugs depend on the chloride concentration in the H2O .

Soluble oxygen many a time causes corrosion of converter tubes. To prevent this, protective compounds should be added. Their mode of action should address reduction of amount of oxygen in water. Copper allows are lacking when it comes to protection in water highly concentrated with oxygen. An excellent alternative titanium.

When chlorine is mixed with water, the end product is very corrosive. Since chlorine is the only product which performs well in purification of water, its use is extensive. It is upon the selectors of tube plugs to think of ways to reduce the bad effects hypochlorite causes. One of the ways is adding suitable compounds into the H2O to reduce this effect. The effects are far-reaching if the H2O temperature is high.

Less pH indicates the presence of strong acids. These compounds have high corrosive powers. In addition, alkaline solutions have a similar effect. Ensuring these compounds are not in high concentration in the water can effectively address the situation. The pH should be kept as near neutral as possible.

Manganese and also iron are the main elements behind water discoloration while it is being deposited. Stainless steel tube plugs cannot offer protection when the water is fresh. However, copper ones perform very well. The main determinant of the type to go for is the purpose you want the plug to serve.

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.

After the purchase of the plugs, it is important to get the details of their operation and maintenance right. This way, the devices will offer you the maximum benefits and they are likely to serve you for longer duration of time. The above mentioned factors influence the product cost significantly but if you get a quality product, the cost of maintenance will be reduced.




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