Other Services Provided at American Efficiency
- Single Tube Pressure Testing on Heat Exchangers
- Boroscope Inspections
- Pipe Line Testing
- Project Management
- Staff Augmentation
- Condenser Consulting
Single Tube Pressure Testing on Heat Exchangers
On large heat exchangers such as main condensers in electric generating facilities, the most efficient and economic method of inspecting for tube leaks is with the system on line using helium. But when a system is unable to be isolated on line the single tube pressure inspection is the next best method. AES is able to pressure test each independent tube on small to large heat exchangers for tube leakage. AES has inspected heat exchangers with as few as 40 tubes up to those with 15,000 tubes.
Each individual tube is pressurized to a predetermined pressure and evaluated for a predetermined time frame based on the specifics of the system. If a pressure loss is indicated two additional qualifying inspections are conducted prior to the tube being permanently plugged. All tubes that are identified as leaking are noted, photographed, and entered into the electronic report.
Boroscope Inspections
AES provides a crew with a boroscope capable of capturing images and video of spaces not accessible to man. Our boroscope is capable of looking inside piping, heater chambers, and other tight areas to conduct visual inspections and assess the need for maintenance or other corrective actions.
AES crews have also been deployed for the specific purpose of evaluating the internals of critical systems for foreign material that could damage a system during start-up and/or operation. The removal of foreign material prior to start-up can save the facility millions of dollars. A complete report of the procedure conducted on the specific system, findings, photographs, and video are all compiled in a final report. The report allows the customer to assess their system so outage planning and proper repairs can be made efficiently.
Pipe Line Testing
AES has been contracted to inspect pipeline for several different reasons, including a new construction integrity evaluation prior to service; a general outage inspection to ensure the pipelines integrity prior to returning to service; and an evaluation of the integrity of a repaired/replacement pipe and on-line pre-outage inspections so repair plans can be made in advance.
The pipeline is pressurized with helium to a predetermined value which is usually driven by the systems operating pressure. Once pressurized, welds, flanges, valves, and all other components associated with the system are inspected for the release of helium. All components that are identified as leaking are noted, tagged, photographed, and entered into the electronic report. Any repairs made on components are re-inspected and any changes are noted in the final report.
Project Management
AES offers project management to plants that chose to conduct helium inspections or tube cleaning in-house. Although plant personnel are familiar with their operating system and the components that are potential sources of leakage, there are times when AES’s years of experience are vital in identifying the exact source of leakage. AES will offer one of our Project Managers to work with your team to a successful end in the identification of the source(s) of leakage.
AES also offers Project Managers to assist with plant’s in-house tube cleaning needs. Our Project Managers will provide leadership on the methodology our crew applies while in the field, hands on cleaning assistance, the documentation necessary to assess station needs for the next outage’s tube cleaning.
Staff Augmentation
AES offers professional personnel to plants that chose to conduct helium inspections or tube cleaning in-house. Plants may have their own leak detection and/or tube cleaning equipment but don’t always have the personnel to fully staff the effort. AES will offer the use of our technicians to work with your team to a successful end in the identification of the source(s) of leakage or the cleaning of heat exchanger tubes.
Condenser Consulting
Due to AES’ exposure to the various types of condensers in the electrical generating industry we have been called upon to provide our professional opinion on a consulting basis on several occasions. AES has also been successful in leading efforts to pull together other industry experts to evaluate and produce a resolution to many different types of issues that plague the end user. AES is dedicated to obtaining a resolution to any problem existing on condensers.
To choose AES for your condenser inspection
& tube Cleaning needs, call us at 877-816-9081.
We are available for you 24 hours a day, every day.
