CB26

Common issues

• Internal leak through the brazed plate pack causing cross-contamination between circuits
• External corrosion at connections, particularly with dissimilar metals or poor water treatment
• Fouling/scaling on the water side reducing thermal performance
• Freezing damage on refrigerant duty if flow or antifreeze protection is insufficient
• Vibration-induced fatigue cracking at connections in poorly supported installations

Inspection checklist

• External visual check for leakage or staining at brazed joints and connections
• Performance check - approach temperature and pressure drop against design/baseline
• Insulation condition check for moisture ingress (if insulated)
• Support bracket and mounting inspection for vibration damage
• Internal leak check via pressure decay or dye test if cross-contamination is suspected
• Upstream strainer/filter check

Service intervals

Typical wear limits

Ranges are typical for this design class. Always confirm against the manufacturer documentation for your serial number.

Critical spares

• Complete replacement unit - brazed plate exchangers are not field re-brazeable in most cases
• Connection gaskets/seals at pipe flanges
• Inlet strainer/particulate filter that protects the brazed plate pack from fouling
• Mounting brackets and vibration isolators
• Temperature and pressure sensors fitted at the connections
• Insulation cladding/jacket, if fitted
• Pipe unions and flange sets at the connections

Safety

• Design pressure up to 33 bar - treat as a pressure vessel for isolation/lockout during work
• Hot water/district heating duty - scald hazard from surface temperature and any leak
• Cross-contamination risk between circuits if an internal leak develops

Class survey

As a pressure-containing heat exchanger, this unit falls under the vessel's pressure equipment/heat exchanger survey items where fitted in essential systems. Class typically expects evidence of periodic performance/leak checks and, for essential cooling/heating duties, inclusion in the machinery survey scope. Design pressure (33 bar) and plate material (AISI 316) should be recorded in the ship's technical file.

Estimated lifetime: Brazed plate heat exchangers of this class typically give 10-15+ years service in clean, well-treated water systems; life is strongly dependent on water quality and fouling/corrosion control rather than running hours - confirm against Alfa Laval's application-specific guidance.