SPS343 Skid Mounted Pumper Caterpillar


Heat Exchanger - Clean

Usage:

SPS343 8ZZ
To help keep the heat exchanger clean, the use of a water strainer before the heat exchanger is strongly recommended.

Unless the water system for the heat exchanger is sealed, debris may enter the water. Debris in the water will reduce the efficiency of the heat exchanger. This can result in excessive water temperatures that may require an engine shutdown. Preventing debris from entering the water and/or filtering the water will reduce the need for cleaning.

The quality of the water can also affect the performance of the heat exchanger. Buildup such as sediment and scale reduces the heat transfer characteristics of the plates. The pressure differential of fluids that flow through the heat exchanger is increased. Corrosion can occur beneath the buildup. The buildup can result from sources that are organic and/or inorganic.

The quality of the water can be monitored with water analysis. Treatment of the water can help to reduce the buildup. If it is not practical to treat the water, experience can help to determine a schedule for cleaning the heat exchanger. Water analysis and analysis of the buildup will help to determine the method for cleaning.

The combination of these two factors indicate that the heat exchanger requires cleaning:

  • Inability of the heat exchanger to maintain the temperatures that are desired

  • Increased pressure differential of the fluids that flow through the heat exchanger

Frequently record these parameters during operation:

  • Aftercooler inlet water temperature

  • Inlet manifold air temperature

  • Jacket water coolant temperature

  • Pressure differential of the fluids that flow through the heat exchanger

Compare the data to previously recorded data. Clean the heat exchanger, if necessary.

Ensure that the machinery will not operate when this maintenance is performed. Attach a "DO NOT OPERATE" tag or similar warning tag to the controls before performing maintenance or repairs.

Cleaning the heat exchanger involves the following procedures:

  • Draining the heat exchanger

  • Disconnecting the coolant lines

  • Removing the strainer

  • Opening the heat exchanger

  • Cleaning the plates of the heat exchanger

  • Closing the heat exchanger

  • Replacing the strainer

  • Connecting the coolant lines

  • Filling the cooling system




Illustration 1g00815199

Components of the heat exchanger

(1) Carry bar

(2) Frame plate

(3) Pressure plate

(4) Tightening bolts

(5) Channel plates(engine jacket water)

(6) Channel plates(aftercooler)

(7) Partition plate

Draining the Heat Exchanger

Note: See this Operation and Maintenance Manual for information on the interval for changing the coolant.

------ WARNING! ------

Pressurized System: Hot coolant can cause serious burns. To open the cooling system filler cap, stop the engine and wait until the cooling system components are cool. Loosen the cooling system pressure cap slowly in order to relieve the pressure.

----------------------

    Note: If the heat exchanger is hot, wait until the temperature of the heat exchanger is reduced to approximately 40 °C (104 °F) before proceeding.

  1. Prepare a suitable container for the coolant.

    Note: For complete draining, all of the circuits of the heat exchanger must be ventilated.

  1. Drain the heat exchanger. Remove the filler caps from the expansion tanks.

  1. Open the valves for the aftercooler, the cooling water, and the jacket water. Allow the coolant to drain.

    After the coolant has drained, close the valves.

Disconnecting the Coolant Lines




    Illustration 2g00815090

    Couplings

    Note: It is only necessary to disconnect the lines on the side of the heat exchanger with the carrying bar.




    Illustration 3g00814976

    Detail of a typical coupling

    (1) Coupling

    (2) Sleeve

    (3) Retainer

    (4) Gasket

    (5) Tube

    (6) Bolt

  1. Disconnect coupling (1) by loosening bolt (6). Remove the coupling and the bolt. It is not necessary to remove retainer (3) and gasket (4) .

  1. Note these characteristics of the tubes:

    • Original position

    • Orientation

    • Depth of insertion

  1. To enable the heat exchanger to be opened, move the tube out of the sleeve and away from the heat exchanger.

Opening the Heat Exchanger and Closing the Heat Exchanger

Note: A 175-5063 Repair Kit is necessary in order to complete this maintenance procedure.




    Illustration 4g00815990

    Positions of the bolts

    (1-6) Bolts

    (7) Strainer cover




    Illustration 5g00819565

    (8) Carry bar extensions

    (9) Support column

  1. Before opening the heat exchanger, measure dimension (A). Record the measurement.

  1. Clean the bolt threads that are outside of the pressure plate with a steel wire brush. Coat the threads with a thin layer of multipurpose grease.

  1. Remove the nuts and remove the strainer cover (7) .

  1. Remove the strainer.

  1. Install the carry bar extensions (8) and the support column (9) from the 175-5063 Repair Kit .

  1. Remove bolts (3) and (4) .

  1. Multiply dimension (A) by 1.05.

  1. Loosen bolts (1), (6), (2), and (5) in this sequence to the length that was calculated in Step 7.

    Note: Do not exceed 10 mm (0.4 inch) (2 turns per bolt) across the width of the heat exchanger. Do not exceed 25 mm (1 inch) (5 turns per bolt) vertically.

    To open the heat exchanger, remove the bolts in sequence.




    Illustration 6g00505816

    Diagonally marked plates

  1. Mark the outside of the plates diagonally and/or number the plates in sequence. If the plates are removed, this is useful for reassembly.

  1. Clean the carrying bar. Slide the pressure plate to the support column.

    Note: When possible, clean debris from the plates without removing the plates. Refer to"Cleaning the Plates".

    ------ WARNING! ------

    Bare hands can be injured by the plates of the heat exchanger. To help prevent hand injuries, always wear protective gloves when handling the plates.

    ----------------------

    Note: Handle the channel plates carefully. Do not damage the gaskets.

  1. Only remove the plates if the material that is fouling the heat exchanger cannot be easily removed. Remove the plates, if necessary. Clean the plates. Refer to"Cleaning the Plates".

  1. After the plates are clean, hang the plates.

    Hang the number one plate against the frame plate. Orient the gaskets of the plates toward the frame plate.

  1. Inspect the sealing surfaces for cleanliness.

    Inspect the gaskets for proper installation and for good condition. Ensure that the two tabs for each gasket are seated correctly. For instructions on installing the gaskets, refer to the literature that is supplied by the OEM of the heat exchanger.

    Ensure that the channel plates are hanging in the correct order.

    When the plates are assembled correctly, the edges form a honeycomb pattern. Inspect the edge of the plate assembly for this condition. To ensure that the plates are hanging in the correct order, check the plates with the data that is provided by the OEM of the plates.

  1. Clean the carrying bar. Lubricate the sliding surfaces of the carrying bar with a thin layer of multipurpose grease.

  1. Press the plate assembly together.

  1. Obtain four of the long bolts 550 mm (21.7 inch) from the 175-5063 Repair Kit .

  1. Clean the bolts with a steel wire brush. Coat the threads of the bolts with a thin layer of multipurpose grease.

  1. Install the bolts from Step 16 in positions (1), (6), (2), and (5) .

    Use a maximum of two full turns per nut. Tighten the nuts in sequential rotation. Tighten the bolts to the length that was determined in Step 7.

  1. Install the original bolts 400 mm (15.75 inch) in positions (3) and (4) .

    Tighten the bolts to the length that was determined in Step 7.

  1. Remove the long bolt from position (1). Replace the long bolt with the original bolt. Tighten the original bolt to the length that was determined in Step 7. Repeat this procedure for the three remaining positions (6), (2), and (5) .

  1. Tighten all of the bolts until dimension (A) is achieved.

    On adjacent bolts, do not exceed a difference of more than 2 mm (0.08 inch) from dimension (A) .

    On all of the bolts, do not exceed a difference of one percent from dimension (A) .

    Do not exceed the maximum torques that are listed in Table 1.

  1. Replace the strainer.

  1. Replace the strainer cover and replace the nuts.

Table 1
Maximum Torque for Bolts With Washers    
Thread Size     Torque    

25.4 mm (1.00 inch)    

42 N·m (31 lb ft)    

28.58 mm (1.125 inch)    

84 N·m (62 lb ft)    

38.1 mm (1.50 inch)    

185 N·m (137 lb ft)    

Cleaning the Plates


NOTICE

Improper methods of cleaning will damage the plates. Do not scrape or scratch the plates. Do not use a wire brush for cleaning the plates. Use a brush with soft bristles. Be careful not to damage the gaskets.





Illustration 7g00505947

Use a brush with soft bristles for cleaning. Be careful not to damage the gaskets.

(1) Gasket

Use running water and a brush with soft bristles for cleaning debris. Pressurized water at a maximum of 275 kPa (40 psi) may be used.

Dry the plates with a clean cloth.

Cleaning Buildup From the Plates


NOTICE

The use of some chemicals in cleaning solutions can cause corrosion and damage to some components. For the proper cleaning solutions, follow the recommendations that are provided by the OEM of the heat exchanger.


Different types of buildup may require different cleaning solutions. To determine the cause of the buildup, obtain an analysis of the material and the water. Consult the OEM of the heat exchanger in order to determine the proper method of cleaning to use.

Connecting the Coolant Lines

------ WARNING! ------

During operation, the fluid in the lines of the cooling system is hot and pressurized. A rupture of the coupling could cause parts and hot fluid to be expelled. Improper selection, installation, or use of the coupling could result in property damage, personal injury, or death. Install couplings that are proper for the application according to the instructions.

----------------------



Illustration 8g00814976

Detail of a typical coupling

(1) Coupling

(2) Sleeve

(3) Retainer

(4) Gasket

(5) Tube

(6) Bolt

  1. Ensure that gasket (4) is inserted to the proper length over tube (5) .

  1. Place the tube in the original position. Orient sleeve (2) with gasket (4) and retainer (3). See Illustration 8.

  1. Place the coupling over the retainer, the sleeve, and the gasket.

  1. Tighten bolt (6) to the torque that is correct for the size of the coupling.

Filling the Cooling System


NOTICE

Only use coolant/antifreeze mixtures that are recommended by the Operation and Maintenance Manual for the engine. Failure to do so can cause damage to the engine and the equipment.



NOTICE

Never use water alone without Supplemental Coolant Additives (SCA) or without inhibited coolant. Water alone is corrosive at engine operating temperatures. Water alone does not provide adequate protection against boiling or freezing.


  1. Remove the filler caps for the expansion tanks.


    NOTICE

    The vent valve or vent plug for the aftercooler must be opened in order to allow the aftercooler system to fill properly. Failure to do this will cause an air lock which will result in damage to the engine. Open the vent for the aftercooler in order to allow the system to fill properly.





    Illustration 9g00815025

    Vent plug for the aftercooler

  1. Vent the aftercooler circuit. Remove the vent plug.


    NOTICE

    Fill the cooling system no faster than 19 L (5 US gal) per minute to avoid air locks.


  1. Add the proper coolant mixture into the jacket water and aftercooler cooling systems.

    When the coolant flows from the vent for the aftercooler, close the vent. Shut the vent valve or install the vent plug.

  1. Do not install the filler caps for the expansion tanks. Start the engine.

    Operate the engine in order to purge air from the cavities of the engine block. Allow the coolant to warm and allow the coolant level to stabilize. Inspect the cooling system for leaks and for proper operating temperature.

  1. Stop the engine. Top off the expansion tanks. Install the filler caps.
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