Before jumping to any conclusions it is prudent to check where the leaks are from. It could be from the breach on the tube (a hole etc) or from the origination of small gaps between the tube plate and the expanded portion of the tube.
Procedure to be followed for leak detection/ finding in shell and tube type cooler:
- Drain water completely from drain valve.
- Remove water chamber
- Fill condenser shell with fresh water and apply air pressure or water pressure of 1kg/cm2 to the upper part of the shell.
- Dry up cooling pipe and tube sheet so as to locate leakages easily.
Steps to rectify the leaks of shell and tube type heat exchanger:
The procedure should to be based on the findings.
