Is Fluid Mixing/Seepage Limit a Crucial Specification for Heat Exchangers?

[Muti]

Is there some specification in manufacturer's literature or some standards about limit of fluid mixing/ seepage through tubesheet of any particular heat exchanger. Is this an important parameter of specification or it does not matter in every application. If such parameter exist, what is its importance?
Thank you

 

[Doug Huffman]

Nuclear powered steam generators are merely shell and tube Hx. Zero leakage is the standard at hydrostatic test pressures. A leaking tube sheet joint will be plugged at great expense.

 

[Muti]

control valves have classes of leakages through seat. Are there some "classes" too for HXs or tube sheet can be considered leak free for practical purpose. Doug statement can be taken as there is no leakage through tubesheet practically.

 

[billy_joule]

. Doug statement can be taken as there is no leakage through tubesheet practically.

Correct. The purpose of a Shell and tube HX (along with all non-contact HX) is to exchange heat without mixing the two fluids so it's a given that there is no leakage.

 

[Doug Huffman]

[ ... ] Doug statement can be taken as there is no leakage through tubesheet practically.

To the limits of Minimum Detectable Activity.

 

[astat101]

Hi, If

 

[astat101]

Hi, I work for a company called Vestas aircoil who design and manufacture charge air coolers and there should be no leakage at all.