PTFE Expansion joints
The challenge
The maintenance department of a Dutch waste processor has had problems in the flue gas scrubber system for many years. Rubber compensators are used here that are subject to wear and tear under the influence of the medium. As a result, the compensators have to be replaced every year. These replacements are highly undesirable, unplanned and costly.
At the customer's request, Hanwel has come up with a solution with a longer stand time that reduces the need for costly replacement work.
.png)
How did Hanwel help?
After reviewing and analyzing the problem, it was concluded that the medium required PTFE expansion joints instead of rubber expansion joints. Hanwel measured the current compensators on site and worked out a technical proposal where the replacements are interchangeable 1 on 1. This eliminated the need to modify the current plant.
As a first step, three PTFE expansion joints were installed as a test. After two years of trouble-free operation, two expansion joints were examined at the customer's request for strength and material thickness, among other things. The results were recorded in a report and, based on the successful results, the customer decided to equip the entire scrubber with PTFE expansion joints during the next stop.
Both during and after the plug, Hanwel provided supervision during the assembly and commissioning of the expansion joints to make sure everything was installed within specifications. The installation was then commissioned without any problems.
Furthermore, a proposal was written for preventive maintenance to ensure that the client can continue to run smoothly for the next few years.
The result
With the replacement of the current expansion joints, the customer's wear and tear problem is solved. This prevents new unplanned and unwanted replacement work.
Because Hanwel was present at every stage to assist, the client was relieved as much as possible. During the entire process from measuring and analyzing the problem to the actual installation in the system, our contacts were available and present so that the customer was able to focus on what is crucial: production.
