The lifespan of a Brazed Aluminum Heat Exchanger (BAHX) depends entirely on the care with which it is operated and maintained, especially with respect to thermal gradients. Where there is a high frequency of temperature excursions beyond manufacturer’s guidelines, the gradual accumulation of stress events can lead to leaks in the field. Unfortunately, because BAHX don’t ‘wear’ like brake pads or tires, it is notoriously difficult to predict when these will occur.Chart would like to introduce a new technology that is capable of providing early detection of end of service life for BAHX and is entirely passive from a plant operator’s perspective. Patent pending Smart Layer™ technology won’t reverse damage but will give advance warning when a critical threshold of the operational life of a BAHX has been consumed, such that the operator can plan ahead for the unit’s repair/replacement and significantly reduce the instances where unexpected external leaks require unplanned shutdowns and expedited delivery of a replacement BAHX.
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