Heat Exchanger And Condenser: CTI Shield/Seal™
The CTI Shield/Seal is a thin-walled metallic tube insert made of highly durable alloys. The Shields, also known as ferrules, are expanded – either mechanically, hydraulically, or a hybrid of the two – into existing damaged tube ends, adding years of service to the condenser and heat exchanger
Condenser and Heat Exchanger Tube Repair
U.S. Patent No. 4,941,512
In 1976, CTI developed a condenser and heat exchanger tube repair technique that today is recognized as the most widely used cost-effective system in the world. The CTI Shield/Seal™, is a thin-walled metallic tube insert made of highly durable alloys.
The Shields, also known as ferrules, are expanded – either mechanically, hydraulically or a hybrid of the two – into existing damaged tube ends, adding years of service to the condenser and heat exchanger. Shields may be used as a tube repair for those suffering from:
- Tube end erosion / corrosion
- Stress Corrosion Cracking
- Crevice Corrosion
- Localized pitting
- Ammonia grooving
- Improper tube expansion
- Weakened tube-to-tubesheet joints
Choosing the proper alloy of the Shield is critical. Selection is based on existing condenser and heat exchanger materials, the service of the condenser and heat exchanger, and the reason for the tube repair. Typically, the shield alloy selected is superior, but galvanically compatible, to that of the existing condenser and heat exchanger tubes.
Tube repair materials available range from:
- Copper Alloys (Brass, 90/10, & 70/30 CuNi)
- Stainless Steel (austinetic, ferritic, duplex)
- Nickel based (C-276, Alloy 400 & 600, Ni 200, etc.)
- High Temperature (310S, 316H, etc.)
- Plus many more
An extensive inventory is maintained to accelerate response time for customer requirements.
The installation of Shields into new heat exchangers is becoming more and more popular. OEM's have called on CTI for Shields that will allow years of additional service life to the exchanger at a relatively low cost. Haldor Topsoe has recently included the use of CTI Shields into their design of new Waste Heat Boilers.
Since 1976, CTI has installed over 6 million shields in over 40 countries for electric utilities, refineries, chemical plants, and commercial marine. The United States Navy has installed over a half million CTI Shields into condensers and heat exchangers spread across 60 ships.
Why replace the entire tube when only the first few inches need repair?
From steam condensers to HP Feedwater heaters, CTI has the answer that will SAVE YOU MONEY.