Plate Heat Exchanger (PHE) Maintenance
When To Open Your Heat Exchanger
A plate heat exchanger maintenance and inspection schedule is dependent on many factors including environment (time, temperature and concentrations), frequency of use, and, in some cases, a mandate from a regulatory agency.

Different industries have different maintenance requirements, and different processes have different effects on your heat exchanger. It is always best to establish a preventative maintenance schedule to maximize up-time. Thermaline plate heat exchanger (PHE) specialists can help develop a plan specific to your process. Contact us for details or to request a service proposal.

Some reasons why you would open a heat exchanger are:

Visual inspection – ensure a clean in place process is working
Cleaning – Some industries do not clean in place and require a manual cleaning
Change plates and or gaskets
Internal leakage
General PHE Maintenance
Regular maintenance will help ensure that your plate heat exchanger stays sanitary and operational. Regular PHE service procedures generally include:

Pre-teardown: Valving off unit, draining of fluids, disconnection of pipes, verification of plate pack arrangement, and primary leak/contamination tests (such as Thermaline's patented CCT system)
Teardown: Loosening of tie-bolts, disassembly of unit
Cleaning: Gasket removal (if possible), plate cleaning
Inspection: Start/flow gasket inspection and replacement as needed, plate inspection, frame and component inspection
Reassembly to previous, exact configuration and optimal tightening of plate pack for maximum reliability and performance. Verification of unit functioning as desired.