Shell & Tube Service -> Individual Tube Testing
Testing shell & tube exchangers at regular intervals is recommended especially when cross-flow contamination of fluids is undesired and could lead to harmful consequences. As part of our shell & tube exchanger service at InKorr, we regularly perform tube-side and shell-side hydro-pressure testing or gas detection testing. Whilst these tests can help identify a cross-leak between the separate channels, they may not always be accurate in finding the exact number or location(s) of leaks. Moreover, if there are multiple leaking points, the smaller leaks may not always appear until the tubes with larger leaks are plugged or replaced, increasing the repair time and costs and the downtime of the equipment.

This is why InKorr can also perform individual tube testing for the shell & exchangers we service. Our service technicians have the tools and experience to do the testing in our workshop or on-site. We can service and test most tube sizes:
– from 3/8″ to 1 1/4″ OD with the pressure tube tester
– larger tube sizes or uncommon tube shapes with the vacuum tube tester
Individual tube testing is a simple and reliable way to check the integrity of every single tube. The tubes are pressurized with air (or vacuum) and sealed with the tube tester. The tube tester pressure gauge is monitored for any change in pressure, indicating the presence of a leak. All the tubes in the exchanger can be systematically checked and any failures are noted.
Other key benefits include:
– Low test pressures since air is used as the testing medium
– Can be performed with the heat exchanger in-situ with just the bonnets removed
Contact us to find out more about individual tube testing for your shell & tube exchanger. Our service team will be happy to help you find a solution for your service or repair needs.
