Alfa Laval CB400-MAX

Visual inspection inside heat exchanger after opening plate package; UV light detection—white spots indicate water-soluble scaling, black spots indicate oil-soluble deposits. Monitor pressure drop across unit during operation as early fouling indicator. If fouling detected, perform optimized CIP (Cleaning-in-Place) with custom-formulated cleaning agents (2–4 hours typical duration). Backflushing (3× daily, 30-second pulses) may prevent accumulation.

During operation: inspect for any liquid weeping from gasket glands or plate boundaries—must be zero. Perform periodic integrity testing (recommended every 2 years per Alfa Laval): place donor fluid in primary path, recipient fluid in secondary path, apply positive pressure differential, monitor electronically for donor fluid leakage into secondary circuit. On brazed/fusion-bonded units (CB, AlfaNova), inspect solder/bond lines for microcracks using visual inspection and dye-penetrant testing if available.

Monitor inlet and outlet temperature differentials during operation. Document frequency and magnitude of temperature swings. For brazed CB units, be especially cautious—Alfa Laval notes brazed units are sensitive to large, sudden, frequent temperature changes. Inspect solder-joint interfaces during maintenance outages for hairline cracks. Check tightening torque of frame bolts according to Alfa Laval specifications; incorrect bolt load accelerates fatigue. Request Alfa Laval assessment if temperature cycling frequency exceeds design envelope.

Visually inspect all gasket grooves when plate package is opened—look for cracks, discoloration, swelling, or hardening. Confirm gasket material compatibility with both heat transfer media (check Alfa Laval compatibility matrix). If cracks detected or if unit has been in service >5–7 years, replace gaskets with certified Alfa Laval equivalents using correct groove placement procedure. After replacement, perform torque-down sequence per manual and conduct integrity test before restart.

After opening plate package, inspect plate surfaces under good lighting for pitting, discoloration, or rust staining—prioritize gland/seal areas and plate corners where stagnation may occur. In marine service, perform visual assessment annually or after seasonal lay-ups. For high-corrosion marine duty, verify AlfaNovaM (all-stainless-steel) is in use rather than standard CB (which may have dissimilar metals). Confirm flush/circulation program is followed to prevent salt/sediment accumulation. If pitting observed, consult Alfa Laval on material upgrade or replacement.

Monitor differential temperature across inlet and outlet on each circuit. Uneven temperatures indicate distribution maldistribution or internal blockage. Inspect plate inlet and outlet ports visually for debris or sediment before opening. Compare actual thermal performance (capacity, outlet temperature) against design baseline—significant drop indicates fouling or flow restriction. If blockage suspected in narrow channels, perform flushing with appropriate solvents (per CIP protocol) or request Alfa Laval chemical cleaning. Verify inlet filtration is active to prevent future particulate ingress.