How to perform a hydrostatic test on a plate heat exchanger?

1.The following are necessary for the hydraulic test of plate heat exchangers:

1.1. Ensure the tightness of the equipment

Hydraulic test can detect whether there is leakage in the equipment under high pressure conditions, especially in key parts such as gasket joints and plate edges, to ensure the safe operation of the heat exchanger.

1.2. Verify the pressure resistance of the equipment

Plate heat exchangers need to withstand working pressure. Hydraulic test can verify its tolerance within the design pressure range to avoid structural failure during actual use.

1.3. Discover potential problems

Testing helps to discover manufacturing defects, aging or improper installation of components such as plates and gaskets in advance, reducing the possibility of failure during equipment operation.

1.4. Meet standards and regulatory requirements

Hydraulic test is a necessary requirement for many industry standards (such as ASME, GB/T, etc.) for equipment factory delivery and acceptance, ensuring that the equipment meets design and legal specifications.

1.5. Improve the safety of equipment operation

Through testing, it can ensure that the equipment operates safely under actual working conditions, avoid leakage or damage caused by high pressure, and ensure production continuity and the safety of operators.

1.6. Improve customer trust

The qualified certification of water pressure test is the guarantee of product quality and enhances customer confidence in the reliability and safety of equipment.

 

Hydrostatic testing of a plate heat exchanger is a key step in verifying the sealing and structural integrity of the equipment. Here are the specific methods:

2.Preparation before testing

2.1.Equipment inspection

Ensure that the plate heat exchanger is properly assembled and all clamping bolts are tightened to standard torque.

Check whether the gasket is intact and has no signs of aging, cracking or deformation.

Check whether the plates are clean and intact to avoid dirt or damage that may affect the test results.

2.2.Test medium

Use clean water as the test medium, and the water temperature should be between 5°C-45°C to avoid temperature differences that may cause material damage.

Avoid using water containing impurities or corrosive components to protect the equipment.

2.3.Instrument preparation

Use a calibrated pressure gauge with a range of 1.5 to 2 times the test pressure to ensure accurate measurements.

Ensure that the test pump and pipe connections are intact and free of leaks or damage.

2.4.Environmental safety

Ensure that the test area is clean and non-operating personnel are away from the site.

Operators wear necessary protective equipment, such as goggles and gloves.

 

3.Test steps

3.1.Connect the test equipment

Connect the high-pressure pump to the inlet of the heat exchanger through a hose or a hard pipe. Install a plug or valve on the outlet to ensure that the system is sealed.

3.2.Water injection and exhaust

Slowly inject water into the system and open the exhaust valve at the same time to ensure that the internal air is completely exhausted.

After closing the exhaust valve, confirm that there is no residual air in the system.

3.3.Gradually pressurize

Start the high-pressure pump and pressurize the system at a slow and uniform rate to avoid sudden high pressure and damage to the equipment.

Pressurize to the test pressure (usually 1.5 times the working pressure) and maintain it for 5-30 minutes (the specific time depends on the requirements).

3.4.Observe and record

Check whether there are signs of leakage at each joint of the equipment, especially the gasket position and the edge of the plate.

Record the pressure gauge reading to confirm whether the pressure is stable.

3.5.Decompression and cleaning

After the test is completed, slowly release the pressure to avoid sudden pressure release and shock to the equipment.

Drain the water in the system, clean and dry the equipment to prevent corrosion caused by residual moisture.

4.Notes

4.1.Pressure limit: The test pressure must not exceed the specified range of the equipment design pressure to avoid damage to the plates or gaskets.

4.2.Prohibit long-term pressurization: Avoid excessive stress on the equipment.

4.3.Prevent secondary damage: After the test is completed, the heat exchanger should be reset immediately to avoid over-tightening or loosening during the test to affect the performance.

 

5.Common pressure range

5.1.Conventional plate heat exchanger: The test pressure is 1.25-1.5 times the working pressure (such as 10 bar working pressure and 12.5-15 bar test pressure).

5.2.Special high-pressure equipment: Perform the test according to the design specifications and standards.

After completing the water pressure test, confirm that the equipment has no leakage and has returned to normal before it can be put into use.

 

6.Summary

The water pressure test of plate heat exchanger is an indispensable link before product manufacturing, installation and operation, which can effectively ensure the safety, reliability and service life of the equipment.

 

Maintenance of plate heat exchanger link.pdf