Detect heat exchanger cracks

The dairy industry could benefit from a new tester from Easytest that can detect cracks within five minutes in heat exchangers used to pasteurise...

The dairy industry could benefit from a new tester from Easytest that can detect cracks within five minutes in heat exchangers used to pasteurise products such as milk.

Dairy processors are required to test heat exchangers at regular intervals, as faults can develop that, if left undetected, could cause problems in products sold for consumption.

Most heat exchanger crack testers require the plant to be out of use for up to eight hours, says dairy consultant John Watson, who is responsible for marketing the Easytest systems. The old systems required the exchanger to be stripped down and painted with dye or pressure tested.

Already in use at some global companies, Easytest’s Hexteq crack test can be carried out by one person. When liquid is under pressure in the heat exchanger., the device uses pressure and ultrasonics to detect cracks and pinholes.

The company’s Pasflo detector uses similar technology and can be carried out while the exchanger is still running. A third system, Magnerscan, can detect flaws in vessels, tanks and silos without the use of chemicals.

All the systems give more accurate graphic reports than existing manual technology.

Contact : Easytest, Tel: 01224 861507