56 | INSTALLATION, OPERATION and MAINTENANCE MANUAL
12.1. Disassembly
Close the shut-off valves and drain the heat exchanger as much as possible.
Disconnect any pipes connected to the follower or connector grid. Measure and record
the compressed dimension of the plate pack before loosening the tie bars.
Loosening and tightening of tie bars in the APV range of plate heat exchangers can
normally be accomplished with ratchet wrenches/ spanners. Larger plate heat
exchangers may require hydraulic equipment or pneumatic/ electric torque converters.
As for any bolted vessel, bolts must not be slackened or tightened
indiscriminately. Use a sequence that balances the opening on the right and left
sides of the heat exchanger throughout the process.
In the process below, dimension X is the initial compressed dimension of the plate pack
(Figure 41).
1) Loosen all tie bars in 3mm (1/8 in.) increments to “X + 5%”. At this point the tie
bars above and below the ports may be removed, if applicable.
2) Loosen the remaining tie bars in increments of up to 6mm (1/4 in.) to “X + 10%”.
3) Remove all tie bars except 1 to 4 for plate heat exchangers where the distance
between tie bars 1 and 3 is less than 1200mm (4 ft.). Loosen tie bars 1 to 4,
moving in that order, in increments of max. 12.5mm (1/2 in.) until all tie bars
become loose.
4) Remove all tie bars except 1 to 6 for plate heat exchangers where the distance
between tie bars 1 and 3 exceeds 1200mm (4 ft). Loosen tie bars 1 to 6,
moving in that order, in increments of max. 12.5mm (1/2”) until all tie bars
become loose.
5) When using hydraulic tightening tools, ensure that each tie bar is loosened
approximately equally (+/- 3mm or 1/8 in.) during opening.
6) When the plate pack is fully released and the tie bars removed, the APV GPHE
can be opened by pushing the follower back against the end support.
Always wear protective gloves and cut-resistant sleeves when handling plates
or any other objects with sharp edges (nuts, tie bars, safety screens, etc.). See
Figure 44.
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