Exchanger Restoration Using Tube Liners

Full length tube liners restore corroded exchangers to service for years of continued operation. Curran installs and hydraulically expands a full length tube over an existing exchanger tube; as a tube-in-tube liner the intimate contact forms a protective barrier to corrosion. Typically, a corrosion resistant alloy is used for tube liner installations.

The installed liner eliminates the need to plug tubes from service, liners can be selectively installed where needed in the exchanger, where tube NDE inspection data shows severe corrosion indications. The installed liner restores the exchanger for continued reliable operation!

Tube liner job in process, excess liners cut to header, and then cut internally to tube projection inside header box
Tube liner job in process, excess liners cut to header, and then cut internally to tube projection inside header box

Curran can install full length tube liners during routine maintenance and unit turnarounds. Specifying alloy liners as an upgrade for an in-kind exchanger replacement – Curran install at fabrication shop is a cost effective implementation. Full length tube liners can be installed of air coolers, fin fan bundles, and shell and tube condensers.

Using a hydraulic pump, the alloy liner makes intimate contact for a full length tube-in-tube repair. The installed liner is trimmed to the end of the existing tube and mechanically roller expanded to seal ends. Tube liners are non-standard dimensions to fit existing exchanger tubes; Curran can work with the client to plan material inventory so that this repair strategy can be executed just in time.

High pressure hydraulic expansion tool, full length expansion of tube in tube liner
High pressure hydraulic expansion tool, full length expansion of tube in tube liner.

Curran Cleaning – a grit blast method to scour all deposits from tube ID – optimizes the installation of the full length tube liner and enhances thermal performance. Otherwise surface scale and deposits of poorly cleaned tubes inhibit heat transfer. It is the best way to achieve NDE clean tubes and Curran provides this turkey service in-situ with 24/7 availability.

Demo installation of tube ferrules and full length tube liners

Benefits of full length tube repair liners

  • Tube liners can be installed on corroded tubes at any location in the exchanger
  • Alloy liner is a barrier to corrosion – improves reliability
  • Curran tube cleaning & liner installation offers a turnkey solution

Contact Curran for a turnkey project estimate.