A plate heat exchanger maintenance and inspection schedule is dependent on many factors including environment (time, temperature and concentrations), frequency of use, and, in some cases, a mandate from a regulatory agency.

Different industries have different maintenance requirements, and different processes have different effects on your heat exchanger. It is always best to establish a preventative maintenance schedule to maximize up-time.

Some reasons why you would open a heat exchanger are:

• Visual inspection – ensure a clean in place process is working
  
• Cleaning – Some industries do not clean in place and require a manual cleaning
  
• Change plates and or gaskets
  
• Internal leakage
  

Regular maintenance will help ensure that your plate heat exchanger stays sanitary and operational. Regular PHE service procedures generally include:

• Pre-teardown: Valving off unit, draining of fluids, disconnection of pipes, verification of plate pack arrangement, and primary leak/contamination tests (such as Thermaline's patented CCT system)
• Teardown: Loosening of tie-bolts, disassembly of unit
• Cleaning: Gasket removal (if possible), plate cleaning
• Inspection: Start/flow gasket inspection and replacement as needed, plate inspection, frame and component inspection
• Reassembly to previous, exact configuration and optimal tightening of plate pack for maximum reliability and performance.
• Verification of unit functioning as desired.

Opening your plate heat exchanger is the first step in inspecting the gasket and plate condition.

Thermaline's service experts are able to provide maintenance and repairs as well as help create a maintenance plan for your plant.