excess tube length on condenser tube plate

[onquin]

hello guys,

anyone can tell me why is there a need for an excess tube on tube plates of the condenser or cooler shell?is there a particular purpose?we are planning to cut those excess tubes to flatten the tube plate surface.those excess length are causing us delay when we are cleaning the tube plate and leaktesting the tube sheets.would there be a possibility for refrigerant leakage on the future?

[frank]

I'm not sure I understand the question.

Could you post a picture of the excess tube lenghts?

[Brian_UK]

If you are talking about the piece of tube that stands proud of the plate surface of a shell and tube condenser or chiller section then leave them as they are.

The short stub can be used to accept a plug if that tube starter to leak for example.

If you are suffering leaks in that area then perhaps you should investigate you cleaning methods, perhaps they are too aggresive.

[smpsmp45]

Dear Brian,

Many thanks for the perfect reply. I was aware of it, but your answer clarifies it all.

[Toosh]

Hi These tubes the extension you are talking about is there for a reason, the tubes are expanded into recesses in the tube plate, you don`t want to disturb the as you can open a can of worms ie. leaks

Regards Toosh