FRP Composite Solution Returns Heat Exchanger to Service
- Composite technology strengthens heat exchanger
- Detailed development and implementation of QA/QC procedures
- Repairs safely completed in scheduled turnaround
- Location: United States
- Contractor: STRUCTURAL
With operating temperatures above 400ºF, a heat exchanger in a chemical processing plant was developing cracks over 3 years in the carbon steel shell which led the owner to remove it from service.
To replace the heat exchanger, a contractor would need a 24-month lead time and the costs would be high. STRUCTURAL partnered with the owner to develop an alternate solution using a high temperature resistant composite product that could be installed during an upcoming scheduled outage to return the exchanger to service.
STRUCTURAL developed a comprehensive project plan that included moving the equipment off site for quality assurance purposes. To achieve a maximum bond and long-term performance of the composite system, the team wrapped the repair areas followed by force heat curing throughout the repair resulting in an 18-layer composite.
