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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the specifications related to fluid mixing and seepage limits in heat exchangers, particularly focusing on the importance of these parameters in various applications. Participants explore whether such specifications exist in manufacturer literature or standards and their relevance to operational integrity.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the existence of specifications regarding fluid mixing and seepage through the tubesheet of heat exchangers, questioning its importance across different applications.
  • Another participant notes that nuclear-powered steam generators, which are shell and tube heat exchangers, adhere to a standard of zero leakage at hydrostatic test pressures, indicating the high cost of addressing leaks.
  • A participant mentions that control valves have classes of leakage, prompting a question about whether similar classifications exist for heat exchangers or if tubesheets can be considered leak-free in practical terms.
  • Some participants assert that the purpose of shell and tube heat exchangers is to prevent fluid mixing, suggesting that leakage is not a practical concern.
  • One participant emphasizes that leakage should be non-existent, particularly in the context of their work with charge air coolers.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There appears to be a general agreement among participants that leakage through tubesheets is not acceptable in practical applications, particularly in critical systems like nuclear steam generators. However, the existence of formal classifications for leakage in heat exchangers remains uncertain, indicating some disagreement or lack of consensus on this point.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference specific applications and standards, but there is no consensus on the existence of formal specifications for leakage in heat exchangers beyond anecdotal evidence. The discussion also highlights the potential variability in definitions and standards across different types of heat exchangers.

Who May Find This Useful

Engineers and professionals involved in the design, manufacturing, and maintenance of heat exchangers, particularly in industries where leakage could have significant operational implications, may find this discussion relevant.

Muti
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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
 
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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.
 
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.
 
Muti said:
. 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.
 
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Muti said:
[ ... ] Doug statement can be taken as there is no leakage through tubesheet practically.
To the limits of Minimum Detectable Activity.
 
Hi, If
 
Hi, I work for a company called Vestas aircoil who design and manufacture charge air coolers and there should be no leakage at all.
 

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