Plate heat exchangers are widely used onboard ships for central cooling, freshwater cooling, lubricating oil systems and other heat-transfer applications. Their compact design provides efficient heat transfer, but damaged plates, worn gaskets, incorrect compression or internal fouling can cause leakage and reduced performance. Our Plate Heat Exchanger Repair in Lome service provides inspection, overhaul and repair support for vessels at Lome Port and anchorage.

A plate heat exchanger can develop problems between two separate fluid circuits. Seawater may enter a freshwater system, cooling water can mix with another medium, or external leakage may occur around the plate pack. These conditions require accurate inspection to identify the damaged component and restore the integrity of the exchanger.

PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER INSPECTION

Inspection begins with checking operating temperatures, pressure differences, flow conditions and visible leakage. If internal inspection is required, the plate pack can be opened according to the manufacturer's recommended procedure.

Individual plates are examined for corrosion, pitting, erosion, cracks, deformation and damaged sealing areas. The condition of the plate surface is important because even minor defects can result in cross-contamination between circuits.

The frame, tie bolts, guide bars and connection points are also checked for damage or abnormal wear.

GASKET REPLACEMENT AND REPAIR

Gaskets are among the most important service components in a plate heat exchanger. Age, excessive temperature, chemical exposure and incorrect compression can cause gasket deterioration.

Damaged or hardened gaskets can be removed and replaced with suitable replacement elements. Gasket seating surfaces are inspected and cleaned before the plate pack is reassembled.

Correct positioning and compression are essential. If the plate pack is tightened incorrectly, it may leak externally or reduce the designed flow passages inside the exchanger.

PLATE DAMAGE AND LEAKAGE DETECTION

When fluids begin mixing between circuits, the problem may be caused by a cracked or perforated plate. Individual plates can be examined for visible damage and, where appropriate, tested to identify leakage.

Corrosion and pitting are given particular attention in seawater applications. Severely damaged plates may require replacement rather than repair to ensure long-term reliability.

Plate alignment is also checked during reassembly to ensure that the heat-transfer passages remain correctly formed.

PRESSURE TESTING AND REASSEMBLY

After repair, the plate heat exchanger is reassembled using the correct tightening arrangement. The compression dimension of the plate pack is checked to help ensure proper sealing and flow characteristics.

Pressure testing can then be carried out where required to verify the integrity of the repaired exchanger and identify any remaining leakage. Operating temperatures and pressure conditions can also be monitored after installation.

Our Plate Heat Exchanger Repair in Lome service is suitable for central cooling systems, jacket-water coolers, lube oil cooling, seawater cooling and other marine heat-transfer applications.

For a ship calling at Lome, repair work can be coordinated with planned maintenance or port operations. Whether the ship has external gasket leakage, cross-contamination, damaged plates or reduced cooling performance, professional inspection and repair can help restore the plate heat exchanger to reliable service.