Skip to main content
Follow us on: 
Positive Material Identification

Portable Metal Analysis.

Trained THS service technicians will provide rapid alloy identification using a Portable Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 100G XRF Analyzer on or off site.
The Niton XL2 provides immediate nondestructive chemical analysis of common alloy materials with unparalleled accuracy. Verification certificates are generated and provided with every analysis.

Portable Metal Analysis – Positive Material Identification
Portable Metal Analysis in action
Niton XL2 100G SS - Service
Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 100G XRF Analyzer
Niton XL2 100G SS - DISPLAY

Our Thermo Scientific Niton XL2 analyzers provide THS Service many advantages:

  • Precise elemental analysis of alloy materials
  • From turn on to trigger pull to near instantaneous results
  • Rugged design for the most challenging industrial environments
  • Completely nondestructive test

Can Any Thickness of Plate Be Serviced on PHEs?

Plate and frame heat exchangers (PHEs) are critical for efficient heat transfer in industries like HVAC, food processing, and power generation. Their plates, typically ranging from 0.4mm to 1.0mm in thickness, are prone to fouling and wear, requiring regular servicing.

A common question is: Can any thickness of plate be serviced on PHEs?

Yes, PHE plates of various thicknesses can be serviced, but the process requires careful consideration to avoid damage

Understanding PHE Plate Thickness

PHE plates, often made of stainless steel or titanium, vary in thickness (e.g., 0.4mm for high-efficiency units, 0.7mm or thicker for durability. Thinner plates (0.4mm) are more delicate, while thicker plates withstand higher pressures but may be harder to clean due to complex fouling patterns.

How Are PHE Plates Serviced?

Servicing methods for PHE plates include:

  • Clean-in-Place (CIP):  CIP systems, circulating chemicals like citric acid dissolve scale without disassembly, suitable for all plate thicknesses.
  • Chemical Flushing: Heat Exchanger Ontario uses portable units to circulate mild acid solutions for 6–8 hours, effective for 0.4mm to 1.0mm plates, though hardened scale may require additional methods.
  • High-Pressure Water Jetting: For severe fouling, T.H. Industrial Solutions employs a 10 hp gas pressure washer, but thin plates (0.4mm) risk denting or puncturing if pressure exceeds safe limits.
  • Inspection and Testing: Dye penetrant testing, used by T.H. Industrial Solutions, detects cracks or pinholes, critical for thin plates prone to the “pop can effect” (flexing-induced cracking).

 

Risks and Considerations by Plate Thickness

  • Thin Plates (0.4mm): Highly susceptible to damage from high-pressure jetting or aggressive chemicals Over-tightening during reassembly can deform gasket grooves
  • Thicker Plates (0.7mm–1.0mm): More durable but may retain stubborn fouling, requiring combined chemical and mechanical cleaning
  • Material Compatibility: Chemicals must match plate materials (e.g., titanium or stainless steel) to avoid corrosion
  • Environmental Compliance: Spent chemicals must be neutralized

Effectiveness of Servicing Across Plate Thicknesses

Servicing restores efficiency by removing fouling, which can cause a 20% thermal efficiency loss even at paper-thin levels. CIP is effective for all thicknesses, while high-pressure cleaning suits thicker plates better. Regular servicing every 5–6 years or at 7–10 psi differential pressure prevents severe fouling

Conclusion

PHE plates of any thickness can be serviced using CIP, chemical flushing, or high-pressure jetting, but thinner plates require extra care to avoid damage. Industry leaders like T.H. Industrial Solutions offer tailored services to ensure safe, effective maintenance.

T.H. Industrial Solutions Inc. (THS) has been servicing industrial plate and frame heat exchangers as with shell and tube heat exchangers.  Professionally solving process problems across Canada since 2009. THS head office is located in Pickering, Ontario with a 6,000 square foot service center in Hamilton, Ontario.

Today there are fewer qualified people in this industry that know the products and understand the applications. Utilizing hands on experience and knowledge that has been gained by our THS sales and service technicians for over the past 30 years, we will take the time to understand what you require and strive to provide a prompt, educated and accurate response at a competitive price.

Our Heat Exchanger Cleaning Services, along with heat exchanger gasket replacement systems, and knowledge of heat exchanger gasket materials make THS your Industrial Heat Exchanger Service Solution

THS Logo
HEAD OFFICE

1550 Bayly Street, Unit 15
Pickering, ON L1W 3W1

T 905 831-4963

SERVICE CENTER

76 Harlowe Road, Unit 4 - 7
Hamilton, ON L8W 3R6

T 905 318-0777
F 905-318-8422

Contact THS SERVICE


Proudly Canadian logo

©2024 T. H. Industrial Solutions Inc.  SITEMAP