Heat exchanger gasket failure analysis should begin with the location and history of the leak, followed by a controlled examination of the removed joint. A leaking flange does not, by itself, prove that the gasket material was wrong. The useful question is which combination of gasket condition, mating surfaces, assembly practice and operating events allowed the joint to lose sealing performance. Preserve that evidence before cleaning, discarding parts or ordering an apparently identical replacement. This guide provides a practical investigation record for maintenance teams and buyers reviewing a shell-and-tube exchanger; it does not prescribe bolt torque or authorize continued operation.<\/p>\n
Identify the equipment tag, drawing revision, exchanger configuration and specific joint. A channel-cover connection, shell-side flange and process-pipe flange can have different designs and replacement requirements. Mark the leak position on a drawing using a repeatable orientation, such as the top of the installed exchanger and its inlet end. Record whether the leakage was external, suspected between process streams, or only observed during a particular test.<\/p>\n