Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers: Tips & Tricks for Purchasing Part 2

 

Comparison among different quotations of Plate Heat Exchangers is not so easy...Let's go ahead on Part 2 of Tips & Tricks with additional criteria to take into consideration.

Country of Origin

In the Middle East often made in China and made in India  products are rejected (especially in Oil & Gas) therefore even if Vendor is European, it is crucial to verify before P.O. is released which workshop will be used for manufacturing PFHE. Also Subsuppliers are involved: tightening bolts can not made in India or gaskets made in Sri Lanka...

In recent years local content is becoming very important (Saudi Arabia, U.A.E.,Qatar, Russia)

The average local content percentage of tender is calculated by dividing total local content (C24) by the total tender value net of exempted imported content (C22).

Banned Country Destination

Due to geopolitical reasons sometimes final location of Projects are banned by Manufacturer State. For long time Russia was banned by Europe and US. Iran,Yemen and Sudan are still under discussion. For these reasons EPC Contractors are forced to look for alternative Vendors located in South Korea, Malaysia etc.

Before to post a P.O. it is important to verify if Manufacturer is allowed to export to final destination...

Plate Thickness

Due to technology progress design of plates are improved. From 1,0 mm recently it is possible to get 0,4 mm, with less cost and better heat transfer coefficient.But also costs are different, less material less cost. Better to compare different Vendors with same thickness.

API 662 on Plate Heat Exchangers for General Refinery Services mentioned

Drip Tray & Insulation

When PFHE is installed at hot temperature locations, drip tray and insulation are a must to include. Check if all Vendors included in basic price or as option

Special Tools

Closing a plate pack could require a pneumatic spanner in case of large size PFHE. 

No dynamometric torque wrench is required. 

Minimum Design Metal Temperature (MDMT)

Typical  Frame material according to ASME VIII Div.1 is SA516-Grade 70

In case of very low temperature (lower than -20 °C) in outdoor locations (like Russia, Kazakistan, Azerbaijan etc.) could be required different material so called calm iron

Documentation in different languages

EPC Contractors are usually asking for documentation in english, but often when Russia is final destination also russian is required. Main issue is selection of documents to be provided in two languages...Vendor is considering main documents, like General Arrangement drawing, spare parts and ITP. Buyer is including several parts such as data sheets, mechanical calculations, material certificates etc. 

Translation cost could reach up to 500,000 Euro for a project of 1,5 Mln Euro...

Better clarify during negotiation

Carrying bar design

When frames are manufactured locally by distributors, sometimes carrying bars are just with circular section (just a pipe) instead of five points contact to stabilize plate pack so that plates are not supported on the top. Check Carrying Bar design!

                            Five-point alignment system on Alfa Laval gasketed plate heat exchangers

Stud Bolts on connections

If connections are stud bolts type, Vendor is not including as standard bolts...

Check before release P.O. that stud bolts are included. 

In large size PFHE it could represent a significant amount of money!

(continue)