Tube patterns describe how the tube holes are distributed through a tube sheet. Manipulating tube patterns helps increase flow but these modifications can create challenges for tube expansion.
Historically, many railroad companies used steam locomotives for transportation. Today, most steam locomotives are reserved for private rails, museums, and other charity organizations. As these systems age, they present several unique maintenance challenges that can arise due to the design and location of these units. Understanding the composition of locomotive boilers, as well as the maintenance needs, can make restoration jobs a little bit easier.
Tube cleaning is a necessary part of any vessel maintenance process. Depending on the application, water, gases, and other caustic chemicals can be run through the unit. Overtime, these compounds cause deposit build-up inside of the tubes, resulting in a loss in operating efficiency.
To get the best performance out of a vessel it’s important that it maintains necessary operating capacity. While there are several preventative maintenance procedures that can prolong the life of the vessel, eventually a decision on retubing or replacing the unit will need to be made.
When needing to use and install mechanical tube plugs, having the correct tools for the job can make it easier and quicker to get the job. Below are step by step instructions to help overcome this challenge.
Training programs can benefit to all organizations, especially, those in competitive markets. From improving operator retention, boosting productivity, and cutting job costs, training is a great investment to ensure your staff is up to date on all the latest industry practices.
Pneumatic tools are utilized in a variety of tube tool applications from expansion to cleaning. While the power source is often determined based on operator preference, there are some applications where air may be required or preferred over electric. However, to get the best life and performance out of pneumatic tooling, it’s important that the quality of air and the amount used is regulated correctly.
Confined spaces are one of the most common challenges boilermakers face during tube installation and maintenance. From squeezing into drums, to working in tight utility rooms, space constraints are present in all aspects of the job. In order to get the job done quickly and effectively, it’s important that operators have the proper tooling on hand. Using the wrong tooling can make the job harder and pose safety concerns.
Standards and processes are at the core of every business. From internal operating procedures to federal regulations, there are many different types of standards a company must follow in order to be successful. Therefore, it’s important to know how to identify what standards impact your business and how to adopt them.
Similar to a shell and tube heat exchanger, air coolers are made up of stacked finned tubes with header or water boxes on either end of the vessel. While air cooler maintenance can be challenging, there are a few tips and tricks that can help make the process easier.
