NEWS RELEASE

CLAM SHELL BELLOWS REPAIR ON HEAT EXCHANGER

Saves the Cost of New Tubes for BASF

Many fixed tube heat exchangers have a bellows ele-

ment in the shell to allow the tubes to expand at a differ-
ent rate than the shell. A leak in this bellows cannot be
tolerated and the repair is generally considered to be
very expensive because it is believed that the tubes must
be removed to replace the bellows. Senior Flexonics
Pathway has developed a bellows replacement proce-
dure called a clam shell technique that eliminates the
need to retube the exchanger, thereby saving time and
money. Following is an example of a typical clam shell
repair that was done at Senior Flexonics Pathway’s shop.
The same procedure can be done at a job site anywhere
in the world by Senior Flexonics Pathway OnSite Ser-
vices personnel. Total turnaround time can be a matter
of days in an emergency.

2400 Longhorn Industrial Drive, New Braunfels, Texas 78130

Ph: (830)629-8080 Fax: (830)629-6899 email: info@myej.net

NR 71
Copyright © 2001 Senior Flexonics Pathway.
(Continued)

Repair procedure for BASF: 9. New covers were installed.

1 . The heat exchanger was received at 10. The completed assembly was prepared for ship-
Senior Flexonics Pathwayand visually inspected. ment and returned.

2. The existing bellows covers and shipping bars were With the new clam shell bellows installed, the
removed. heat exchanger is good for many years of additional ser-
vice.
3. The failed bellows was removed by grinding and the
attachment surface was inspected to check for any
cracks in the base metal.

4. The bellows attachment surface was measured to

accurately determine the as-built diameter of the shell.

5. A new bellows was built to ASME Section VI I I re-

quirements and cut in half for installation by the clam
shell technique.

6. The new bellows was fit to the existing shell and

tacked in place followed by fillet welding of the bellows
to the shell and full penetration welding of the bellows
longitudinal seam.

7. All bellows welds were dye penetrant . examined and

visually inspected.

8. The shipping bars were reinstalled to protect the bel-

lows in transit.

To find out more about

expansion joints for
ClamShell bellows re-
pairs, contact Senior
Flexonics Pathway.