1. Initial Log In
The first part of the regasketing service program is the initial log in. Every plate is identified, logged, and visually inspected, to determine if it merits reconditioning. In this process the objective is to identify deformation, obvious pin holes, cracks, corrosion or, even erosion. An inspection that requires a highly trained and knowledgeable team.
2. Old Gasket Removal Trained service engineers will first determine the state of your gaskets- if a portion or even all may be reused. If they must be replaced, our knowledgeable staff will select the best possible method.
This varies widely depending upon application and plate type.
3. Plate Cleaning Depending on application of operation, type and amount of fouling, our engineers will determine the proper cleaning and treatment process needed for your particular model and material. This will vary from case to case as different cleaning techniques are implemented. A carefully selected cleaning solution will be used to assure the quickest possible refurbishment. Different temperatures, agitation, and concentrations will be utilized to assure maximum cleaning efficiency.
4. Dye Penetrant Test Every plate that WCR services is dye-penetrant tested. This will eliminate any plates that may have pinholes, cracks or any other imperfections causing cross contamination.
Putting plates with these flaws can mean costly downtime or even loss of product.
5. Gasket Groove Preparation It is imperative that the gasket groove is prepped before applying new gaskets. Left-over glue can cause gaskets not to adhere properly and reduce the operation life dramatically. Rolled grooves are the #1 cause for external leakage after regasketing. If a rolled groove is not identified the plate pack will not seal properly and will again cause costly downtime. With the WCR regasketing service program this type of deformation will be identified. In most cases WCR will be able to repress the plates, saving money and extending the life of the plate.
6. Gasket Application Gasket application using superior-bonding adhesive is critical in the regasketing process. Selection of adhesive depends on the application and the operation conditions under which the plate heat exchanger will be in service. Media as well as temperatures and pressure are factors when adhesive is selected. If proper adhesive is not used the lifetime of the gaskets will be reduced dramatically. In fact, using improper adhesive can cause improper conformance of plate to gasket and result in rolled grooves, corrosion and can even cause plates to crack during assembly.
7. Heat Curing At WCR, all gaskets that are glued in are heat cured under pressure in an industrial oven for 3-4 hours at temperatures up to 310 degrees. Media as well as temperatures and pressure are factors when adhesive is selected. Correct heat curing increases the lifetime of the gasket by up to ten times that of rubber glue without curing.
8. Final Quality Control Before shipment every plate is carefully inspected for gasket straightness, solid bonding, excess adhesive, deformations and plate pack sequence. When drawings are supplied every plate pack will be returned in assembly order allowing for quick and easy installation.
Central Region
221 Crane Street
Dayton Ohio 45403
Phone (937) 223-0703
Fax (937) 223-2818
1. Initial Log In
2. Old Gasket Removal
3. Plate Cleaning
4. Dye Penetrant Test
5. Gasket Groove Preparation
6. Gasket Application
7. Heat Curing
8. Final Quality Control