Preventative Maintenance Checklist
PLATE HEAT EXCHANGERS
Implementation of a preventive maintenance plan keeps SPX FLOW products running at optimal levels and protects your product investment. Use the below checklist to schedule regular product
inspections and part replacements using SPX FLOW genuine spares to extend your products lifecycle.
*Maintenance frequency is dependent up production hours, product/process conditions, and required regulatory inspection approvals.
For more detailed repair information, download a copy of the required pump manual from the SPX FLOW website.
Contact your local distributor for repair service and genuine SPX FLOW parts orders.
MAINTENANCE FREQUENCY*
DAI LY
(150 HRS)
WEEKLY
(150-300 HRS)
MONTHLY
(300-500 HRS)
EVERY 3 MONTHS
(500-1000 HRS)
EVERY 6 MONTHS
(3,000 HRS)
POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS
SOLVE WITH
GASKETS
Inspect gaskets for deterioration and
cracking. Pull gasket tab, should not
tear, be brittle or be hard.
X
• Elastomer degradation happens overtime, can be
normal or caused by the product or excessive heat.
• Replace the elastomer material with Genuine SPX FLOW
gaskets to withstand chemical attack or excessive processing
temperatures.
Inspect gaskets for deterioration and
hardening.
X
• Leaking at low temps or at startup.
• Fingernail test the gasket- press thumbnail into gasket
to make an impression. If impression stays in the gas-
ket, it needs to be replaced. If it goes away, the gasket
has enough elasticity for continued use.
• Elastomers used at relatively high temperatures tend to harden
and their sealing performance at low temperatures will deteriorate.
Because of this, it is essential to avoid cold start-ups at high
pressures.
• Replace gasket material with Genuine SPX FLOW gaskets.
Inspect gaskets for proper fit in plate
gasket grooves.
X
• Pressure and temperature spikes can cause sealing
gaskets to expand or contract.
• Pressure must change slowly in plate heat exchangers, as plates
breathe during pressure changes and may cause movement or
flexing.
• Shock cooling may cause sudden contraction of sealing gaskets.
Store gaskets in proper environment.
X
• Gasket materials can dry out and become brittle is
exposed to certain environments.
• It is recommended to store gaskets in a black or opaque plastic
bag, sealed to prevent the ingress of air, moisture, contaminants
and UV radiation.
• Store away from sunlight and ozone producing equipment such as
welders and electric motors.
Estimated Gasket Storage Life • Nitrile: 3 years, EPDM: 5 years
PLATES
Inspect plate pack for leaks.
X
• Leaks can be caused by Improper gasket installation,
not enough plate tightening, or normal gasket
degradation.
• Reinstall gaskets into plate gasket grooves.
• Tighten plate pack one turn.
• Do not over-tighten, as over-tightening can cause plate damage.
Replace gaskets.
Regularly inspect and test plates for
integrity (no pin holes or cracks)
X
• Use approved testing procedures to regularly test the
integrity of the heat transfer plates.
• SPX FLOW can provide approved testing processes.
• Working fluids can cause gaskets swelling, and plate
deformation, which in turn can cause leaking.
• Replace plates immediately if leaking is detected.
• Under normal operation and process material, the average life of a
plate is expected to be 7-8 years.
Estimated Plate Life • Normal usage: 7-8 years
Flatness of Head
X
• Over time due to constant force or corrosion, the Head
can bow.
• Check the Head for flatness. If there is deflection, replacement
is recommended.
• Over time, deflection can increase the probability of the plate pack
not sealing.
MOVING PARTS
Flatness of Follower
X
• Over time due to constant force or corrosion, the Head
can bow.
• Check the Follower for flatness. If there is deflection, replacement
is recommended.
• Over time, deflection can increase the probability of the plate pack
not sealing.
Inspect tie bars for wear.
X
• Tie bars are heavily loaded and need to be regularly
lubricated.
• Lubricate tie bars with Never-Seez to maintain free movement.
Piping Loads
X
• Unless otherwise specified, the nozzle loads on indus-
trial units are designed to meet API specifications. If
there are consistent loads present that exceed these
specs, they can force the frame out of alignment
which can cause leaks, damage plates and/or frame
components.
• If excessive piping loads are found, action must be taken by owner
to reduce these loads or risk potential catastrophic damage to the
heat exchanger.
• SPX FLOW Engineering can confirm the nozzle loading specifica-
tions for each APV heat exchanger.
Top Bar
X
• The plates are hung on and supported by the Top Bar.
It is critical the Top Bar is straight and not warped. If
there is warping or deflection, the potential for the
plate pack to not consistently seal is significantly
increased. A warped Top Bar can also cause misalign-
ment of the plate pack which may damage the plates.
• If a warped tie bar is found, it should to be replaced as soon as
possible.
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