Equipment Condition Assessment for Plate Heat Exchangers

We conduct plate heat exchanger assessments at two levels: external assessment (while operating) and internal assessment (during planned opening). External assessment includes frame A-dimension measurement and comparison to manufacturer targets and historical values, external leak inspection at plate pack and port connections, performance assessment through temperature approach and pressure drop comparison to clean baseline, and frame structural assessment (compression bolts, guide bars, carrying bar condition). Internal assessment (during opening) includes systematic plate-by-plate surface inspection with defect documentation (plate number, defect type, defect location, severity), dye penetrant testing of plates with suspected cracking (particularly at port holes and gasket groove intersections), gasket condition grading by zone (port gasket, field gasket, edge gasket), gasket groove condition assessment for deformation or corrosion, and plate cleaning effectiveness evaluation to determine the appropriate cleaning method for the fouling type. Frame bolt and nut condition, guide bar wear, and carrying bar deflection are assessed during the opening event. Each exchanger receives a condition report with plate condition distribution (percentage acceptable, percentage requiring cleaning, percentage requiring replacement), gasket remaining life estimate, frame condition assessment, and prioritized recommendations with scope and cost estimates for gasket replacement, plate replacement, or complete overhaul.