Premature tube failure is a leading cause of downtime in heat exchangers operating in corrosive environments. Stress corrosion cracking is a common tube failure mode in corrosive environments, impacting any number of tubes in a vessel. While stress corrosion can be difficult to identify in the field, there may be ways to reduce the likelihood of occurrence.
Mechanical joining is a crucial process in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, and heavy machinery. It’s used to create a leak-free seal between a tube and a fixed container by expanding the outer diameter of the tube into a series of grooves. This cold working process offers significant sustainability advantages over traditional methods like welding and brazing.
Mechanical joining is the process of joining a tube to a fixed container, like a flange or fitting. Widely used in applications such as hydraulic fittings, transmission blocks, and fluid lines, it offers a cost-effective alternative to welding or brazing.
Tube expanding is a technique used to create a secure connection between a tube and tube sheet, by compressing the outer diameter against a fixed surface. This process ensures a leak-proof joint that is crucial for the proper functioning of heat exchangers and other pressure vessels.
When choosing a burnishing tool, there are many different styles to choose from. One tool that offers some added versatility is a sizing tool. Although sizing and roller burnishing tools are employed to achieve smooth internal bores and part features, they operate differently. Understanding the advantages of a sizing tool, will help you select the right tool for the job.
Two primary types of burnishing tools are single roll and multi-roll style tools. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each method, manufacturers can make informed decisions to optimize their burnishing processes and improve the quality and performance of their products.
Plugging leaking tubes in heat exchangers is a critical maintenance task. However, this seemingly straightforward procedure can present a multitude of challenges that can impact both the success of the plug and the overall maintenance process. These challenges include creating a secure seal due to suboptimal tube conditions, limited reach and accessibility, and the availability of suitable plugging materials.
Heat exchangers are essential for many industries, but their performance can be significantly impacted by fouling and corrosion. These can lead to reduced efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and potential safety hazards. Understanding the mechanisms, impacts, and prevention strategies for fouling and corrosion is crucial for ensuring the optimal operation of heat exchangers.
Welding, brazing, and mechanical joining are all methods used to connect two or more pieces of metal. Each method has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, making it suitable for different applications. The choice of method depends on factors such as the materials being joined, the desired strength and durability of the joint, the environmental factors the joint will experience, and the cost and complexity of the process.
Burnishing, a cold working process, offers a multitude of benefits for the aerospace industry. By improving surface finish, increasing hardness, and introducing compressive residual stresses, burnishing enhances the performance and durability of critical components. This article delves into the specific applications of burnishing in engine components, landing gear, bearing surfaces, and fuel systems.
