Here’s a top ten list from the Apache Large Tank team on the types of repairs that usually can be accomplished at the customer plant.
1. Repair Heat Jackets
One of the main causes for heat jacket repair is the quality of the water used in the steam process. If the water has heavy minerals or chloride, it can degrade the internals of the heat jacket. Apache recommended checking water quality and using filtered water to prevent early corrosion.
2. Replace Outlet Valves, Seals, O-Rings and Gaskets
This list of parts replacement is typically found on a preventative maintenance schedule.
3. Repair Leaks
Leaks are often the cause of over pressurizing from water to steam, often referred to water hammering. A loud pinging sound may be the result of improper steam introduction.
4. Repair Product Contact Surfaces
Some products are caustic and may degrade vessel internals. In other cases, the processor makes a change to the application requiring a finer RA (roughness average).
5. Agitator and Shaft Repairs
Agitator damage can be caused by a tool dropping into the tank or from structure fatigue. In some extreme cases, a worn-out shaft can cause drive damage. Apache Field Services have also exchanged agitators and drive on-site due to a change in the processor’s application.
6. Changing or Repairing Heating and Cooling Coils
Leaks in coils may be a sign of corrosion from water quality. Physical damage would be another reason for repair, as well as a process change required by the customer.
7. Repair Sidewalls
Unless there was physical damage to a side wall, a repair may be the results of deterioration from an acidic application.
8. Relocate Nozzles and Fittings
In many instances, the processor has made a change in the process piping. In other instances, there has been a change in the tank’s application requiring different nozzles and fittings.
9. Add Agitation to a Non-Agitated Tank
When this type of service is performed on a tank, it is the result of a change in the tank’s purpose and application.
10. Add Capacity to a Tank
Tanks have been spliced onsite and sections added to add capacity to a tank.
The Field Service Team works closely with engineering and quality assurance for full compliance of the vessel. If the repair is required for ASME R-Stamp, Apache’s ASME repair technicians will work with the customer, NDE firm (if required) and third-party inspector during the process and will provide the R stamp documentation once complete.
Apache’s Field Services offer audit services to check internal RA, inspect welds, and detect leaks, recommended on an annual basis. If you are overdue for a tank audit, contact Josh Schladweiler, Field Services Parts manager at 920-344-1454.
