Heat Exchanger Tube Plugs

The plug system is fully certified by the manufacturer in accordance with the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) and meets the safety requirements. This directive sets out the requirements for pressure equipment and for its placing on the market within the European Economic Area. (Directive 2014/68/EU on pressure equipment).

• Creating a safe, reliable and durable seal
• Preserving the integrity of surrounding tubes
• Installation using controlled force
• Reliable maintenance even under the most extreme operating conditions
• Metric dimensioning
• The tube plugs underwent rigorous testing to ensure they were resistant to blow-out, leakage, deformation and breakage

Do not hammer the tube plugs into place – this causes vibrations in the heat exchanger, which may affect other tubes

Do not weld the tube plugs together – this causes thermal stresses which can lead to other tubes cracking

No need to hold stock – deliveries are made at short notice, meaning no capital is tied up

Time savings and reduced workload for staff – as there is no need for urgent in-house production on Sundays and public holidays

Just two series – for different pressure ratings. Up to 400 bar

The plug consists of a conical tie rod, a locking ring with lamellar sealing rings and a threaded pull pin with a predetermined breaking point. The plug is screwed onto the end of the corresponding tie rod. The tie rod assembly is then inserted into the hydraulic installation tool and the whole unit is inserted into the open end of the damaged tube.

During installation, the tapered tie rod is pulled through the locking ring, causing the ring to expand outwards until it comes into contact with the internal diameter (ID) of the tube. The tube and the bore in the tubesheet restrict further expansion and result in increased tensile force on the tie rod. Once the correct installation force is achieved, the tension pin breaks and the installed plug sits securely in the tube.

For the tube plug, select a material that is as similar as possible to that of the tube and/or the tubesheet, in order to minimise the effects of thermal expansion and galvanic corrosion.

The following materials are available as standard:

‘A’ for 16Mo3

‘B’ for Brass

‘C’ for Carbon Steel

‘D’ for Duplex

‘E’ for Stainless Steel 304L

‘M’ for Monel

‘S’ for Stainless Steel 316L

‘ST’ for Stainless Steel 321

‘SV’ for Stainless Steel 904L

‘T’ for Titanium

Further materials available on request

We would be happy to work with you to put together a basic plan for your shutdown, which we will hold in stock for you free of charge in our mobile warehouse. At the end, you will only pay for the tube plugs you have taken (each pack or part thereof) and for the staff. Larger quantities of a particular type or size of plug can be supplied at very short notice.