Tube Leakage - 210 MW Main Turbine Oil Cooler

Dear sir,

followings are the specification of the cooler.

Type - shell and tube type

Nos. of tube = 1250

Tubes plugged = 48

Tube size (L x OD xID ) = 3600mm x 16mm x 14mm

surface area = 210 Sq m

Inlet oil temperature = 65 degree cen.

outlet oil Temp = 40 Degree cent.

Inlet cooling water = 30 Degree cen.

Oil side design pr= 10 kg/sq cm

water side pressure = 6 kg/ Sqcm

Tubes failed at outlet zone near the outer most periphery of the cooler. As suggested we are panning to replace the tube bundle assembly that is a costly item and will take time therefore please suggest immediate remedy pertaining to operation or maintenance work that will make it reliable for some period.

Thanks.

Sorry I have no time to answer your question at this late time...........I have to get up at 0400 to catch a plane............I will see if I can log on tomorrow afternoon sometime.

Can you tell me where the tubes are failing, or is it random failure.

Sorry, but I need a little sleep.

I did not read your previous answer correctlt..........you have told me where the tube failures are occuring..........must have been tired..........anyhow that's my excuse.

I assume the failure is at or very close to the tube plate. This being the case it may well be worth a try to use something like Devcon bronze putty or Belzona 1321 which is specifically designed for re-building of all corrosion/erosion damage.

Both of these products can be drilled, tapped, etc., however one note of caution, when you get around to carrying out the major repair on the heat exchanger, i.e. re tubing, you will obviously have to remove the product used in the makeshift repair, but it is machinable.