Manufacture of Shell and Tube Heat Exchanger and its requirement for insertion of the Tube Bundle, that witnessing of this activity (bundle insertion) is carried out by Decundi inspection personnel. We carry out inspection of the weld preparation at both ends of the Shell of the Exchanger and based on the thickness of the Shell we will give the assurance that the weld preparation will be smooth (no kerf or chatter) and the bevel will either be a 37 ½ degree single bevel with a 1/16” landing or a 45-degree single bevel with a 1/16” landing (refer to thickness of Shell).
In the example seen in the pictures below, the Shell of the Exchanger made from SA-516-70 material, Tubesheet made from Type 304L material and tubes which are noted to be Type 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel material. Before bundle insertion Decundi inspector carry out inspection for assurance that a suitable lubricant (example grease) is applied to the ID of the Shell following which, insertion of the Tube Bundle is carried out.
During insertion of the Tube Bundle our inspector assure that the Tube Bundle is not dropped and that the Tubes are not banged against any stationary object which could restrict the flow of product through any affected Tube(s). We also ensure that no undue force is used to insert the Tube Bundle into the Shell of the Heat Exchanger. Inspection for the fit up of the Tubesheet and the Shell is then carried out and our inspection personnel assure to our client that there will be a 1/8” root opening at the Tubesheet to Shell joint (see weld preparation above). Deposit of the root pass is then carried out employing the GTAW process.
