1)
Stock all Recommended Spare Parts – Stocking all recommended spare parts helps ensure that scheduled or unscheduled maintenance can be performed when needed.
2)
Annual Inspection of Ejector Internals – Ejectors should be inspected for internal damage, wear, or build up on an annual basis or as often as a unit’s turnaround schedule allows. This allows issues to be corrected before they cause serious performance problems and allows one to identify parts that are likely to need replaced during the next shutdown.
3)
Evaluation of Ejector Diffuser Thicknesses – Many ejectors are fabricated from plate. For these ejectors, the diffuser wall thickness should be measured via a UT thickness instrument. This can be used to detect thinning diffuser walls prior to failure during operation. Other ejectors are made from castings and must be internally inspected. The internal throat diameter should be measured and compared to design. Also, the internals should be checked for evidence of steam erosion, pitting, and corrosion.
4)
Cleaning of Condensers – Condensers should be cleaned on the shell and tube sides annually or as often as a unit’s turnaround schedule allows. This is done to ensure the condensers continue to operate to their full capability and to help prevent them from operating at higher pressures, which could cause vacuum problems.
5)
Evaluation of Condenser Tube Condition – Condenser tubes should be eddy current tested for thinning. Tubes can then be plugged or replaced as needed. It also allows for the overall condition of the bundle to be monitored over time so one can properly plan for re-tubing or replacement. When replacement of the entire unit or tube bundle is needed, make sure to use a replacement that is specifically designed for a vacuum condensing service.
6)
Evaluation of Condenser Shell and Waterboxes – The condenser water boxes should be checked for corrosion and any sacrificial anodes should be replaced when required. This can prevent leaks or failures during operation. Internal waterbox coatings, if furnished, should be inspected and repaired as needed.
7)
Cleaning of all Condensate Drain Lines and Hotwells – Condensate drain lines and system hotwell vessels should be cleaned on a regular basis, especially in processes that are prone to fouling. This will help prevent a restriction in those lines that could cause drainage issues and ultimately vacuum problems.
8)
Cleaning of all Steam and Cooling Water Strainers – All cooling water and steam strainers should be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent high pressure drops. This should be done to help insure good steam pressure and cooling water flows to the system.
