M10-MFM-90P

Common issues

• Gasket degradation over time causing seepage between plates, especially after thermal cycling
• Plate fouling (scaling, biological growth, or corrosion product) on the seawater side reducing heat transfer
• Cross-contamination between the two fluid circuits if a plate develops a pinhole or crack
• Corrosion or erosion of plates in the seawater circuit, particularly at flow entry points
• Tightening bolt corrosion making disassembly for cleaning difficult
• Reduced cooling performance from increased fouling resistance not being caught until temperatures trend upward

Inspection checklist

• Check LT/HT cooling water temperature differential against the design/reference values for signs of fouling
• Inspect plate pack for external leakage at the gasket line, particularly after any pressure or thermal transient
• Open and inspect plates for scaling, pitting, or gasket wear at the scheduled interval
• Check tightening bolts and plate pack dimension against the manufacturer's assembly measurement
• Verify pressure drop across the unit has not increased significantly versus baseline, indicating fouling
• Inspect for any sign of cross-contamination between circuits (oil in cooling water or vice versa)

Service intervals

Typical intervals for this design class, not the manufacturer’s figures for your model. The manufacturer’s manual is binding.

Typical wear limits

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

Critical spares

• Gasket set matched to the M10-MFM-90P plate pattern
• Plate set (spares for plates found pitted or cracked at overhaul)
• Tightening bolt and nut set

Safety

• Depressurise and isolate both circuits before opening the plate pack
• Allow the unit to cool before opening if operating on the HT circuit to avoid scald injury
• Follow the manufacturer's specified tightening sequence and dimension when reassembling to avoid gasket blow-out under pressure

Class survey

Plate heat exchangers in engine cooling service are typically part of Continuous Survey Machinery for essential cooling systems. Surveyors expect evidence of periodic opening/cleaning and gasket condition records, and may request pressure test results after reassembly for units in critical cooling duty.