Breech-Lock Exchanger
High Pressure Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers
Applications
● Pressure above 90 Bar (1300 psia)
● Critical leak-free applications (H2)
● Require access
● TEMA: U-Tube, E, F and occasionally X type shell
– Hydro crackers
– Hydrotreaters
– Gas Compression
– Ammonia Synthesis
Closure design options
● Modified TEMA type C and D
– With GASKET Seals
– With WELDED seals
● LUMMUS ADVANCED BREECH-LOCK EXCHANGERTM (LABLEXTM)
● Other screw plug closures
– Various designs
LUMMUS ADVANCED BREECH-LOCK EXCHANGER® and LABLEX® are registered
trademarks of Lummus Technology Inc
Comparison of TEMA and screw Plug type exchangers
| Screw plug style closure (most types) |
Modified TEMA type C or D High pressure closure |
|
|---|---|---|
 |
 |
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| Pressure load | Absorbed by the forging, (eliminating heavy bolting) |
Up to 4 high pressure flanges and heavy bolting |
| Sealing | Replaceable gaskets are used: Kammprofile |
Diaphragm gasket: loaded by pressure bolts OR Welded diaphragm Tubesheet gasket: Welded lip seal loaded by pressure bolts |
| Adjustment during operation |
Tubesheet-to-shell joint and channel gasket tightening possible during operation |
No adjustment possible |
| Hydrotesting | Hydro testing of the Tube Bundle with the channel cover removed (A-Style) |
Hydrotesting of tube bundle performed on full assembly |
| Opening and closing | Special jig required Tightening of the joints done by small sized bolts using normal wrenches No cutting required |
Hydraulic wrench required Any welded seals must be cut |
