Tube Mapping / Plugging Services

Condenser and heat exchanger tube leaks can lead to costly problems such as excess back pressure, dissolved oxygen, and corrosion. Ultimately, the problems associated with tube leaks impact system efficiency and the power plant’s bottom line. Fairtex Group offers various tube plugs that can be used to repair these costly tube leaks.

Taking a unit out of service for a leaking tube can be very costly in terms of the loss of production or damage to your plant. These leaks can be easily prevented by incorporating our tube services into your maintenance cycle.

As part of Fairtex Group's cleaning and leak detection packages, we can carry out our tube mapping services where we will identify the location of any tube plugs and check that the corresponding tubes are plugged at the opposite end. We will also identify damaged plugs and replace them with new ones. These simple measures can make the difference in the continued operation of your plant, as opposed to taking it out of service and incurring a loss of production while a leak search is carried out.

Tube Removal

Occasionally, the need arises when a tube or a number of tubes will need to be removed for further physical inspection. We have trained personnel who can safely remove the tube(s) and refit a dummy tube in its place to seal the tube sheet. We can also arrange the analysis of the tube under laboratory conditions to examine it for defects and to determine the likely cause.

Tube Insert Removal / Replacement

Our experienced staff has all the necessary tools to remove and refit all types and brands of erosion inserts, including metal and plastic.

"PLUG-IT" TUBE PLUG The Rico "Plug-It" Tube Plug offers a new and inexpensive way to seal leaking heat exchanger tubes safely and with a minimum of fuss.

The two components that make up the tube plug (the main body and a nickel-plated expansion pin) are all produced from advanced polymer materials. This combination of materials, along with the unique design of the product, results in the ability to withstand temperatures of up to 150°C and working pressures of up to 130 psi.

Double Rubber Tube Plug

Manufactured to fit condenser and heat exchanger tubes from 5/8" to 1 1/4" ID. The plug is designed to withstand a range of temperatures, vibrations, and pressures up to 150 psi.

It features an oversized washer that fits over the tube opening and a double rubber body that adjusts to fit the tube wall, providing a tight fit. Suitable for tubes with a larger tube ID that has been expanded into the tube-sheet than the rest of the tube. Available in brass, stainless steel, titanium, bronze, and monel.