During on-site operation and maintenance, plate-fin heat exchangers often experience issues such as outlet temperatures deviating from design values, uneven channel pressure drops, or mismatched interface orientations. For these operating conditions, the HX-55 plate-fin heat exchanger provides the following key points from a maintenance perspective.
If an increase in pressure drop is observed for a certain fluid, first check whether the corresponding channel is blocked. Compare the design pressure drop with the measured value; if the deviation exceeds 15%, it is recommended to shut down and purge with dry compressed air, or use chemical cleaning. The cleaning agent must be compatible with the fin material to avoid corrosion.
When multiple fluids exchange heat, outlet temperature deviation may be caused by uneven flow distribution. Check the valve opening of each channel and rebalance the flow if necessary. If the target still cannot be met, verify whether the design conditions are consistent with the actual parameters, such as single-plate heat transfer area and design pressure. The design pressure, design temperature, and dimensions of the HX-55 heat exchanger can be determined through negotiation based on operating conditions.
Before installation, be sure to verify the interface orientation and piping route to avoid rework caused by misalignment. During routine maintenance, regularly check the flange sealing surface for leaks, and tighten bolts evenly in a diagonal sequence. During shutdown, drain all accumulated liquid to prevent freezing cracks or corrosion.
It is recommended to record inlet and outlet temperatures, pressures, and flow rates every shift and establish trend files. If parameters are found to drift slowly, cleaning or maintenance can be scheduled in advance. If dust accumulates on the fin surface, it can be cleaned with a soft-bristle brush to avoid damaging the fins.
