Hi All, I am working at Linear Alkyl benzene plant. We have problem of frequent leakage from one exchanger ( Condenser ) with CS tubes . Shell side media is cooling water and tube side is benzene. Out of total 42 tubes, 9 tubes have been plugged so far. Can any body please help me to explain this problem. Regards, Mumtaz

Mr. Mumtaz, Please specify clearly the kind of failure. Is it cooling water induced or the process side induced failure? In the process industries the cooling water heat exchangers are very prone for cooling water corrosion failure, if the cooling water system is not treated properly. It is also important to know the origin of the cooling water. If possible get the cooling water analysis done and ask fro the micro-organism counts. Corrosion of cooling water Heat exchnger tubes happen more in the new plants, where the plant commissioning leaves lots of rust and deposits in the system. Do write to me in details as I would try to get you some feedback on your problem. Regards, Shabbar Hussain Caltex Refinery, Brisbane Australia

Dear Krish, Thanks for your reply. We are using potable water as a cooling water. Exchanger is fixed tubesheet ( both tubesheets fixed ) type and we cant expose the tubes for visual inspection. Regards, Mumtaz