Gasket Blow Out on Exciter Heat Exchanger

Problem

Gasket on Exciter Heat Exchanger blew out at Nuclear Power Plant. Corroded flanges were coated with Econ (epoxy), which created a smooth, uneven sealing surface. Temperature 100 deg F, 30 PSI Pressure.

Solution

The gasket was replaced with Garlock Style 3760 Multi-Swell. Style 3260 has a unique ability to swell in both oil and water applications creating additional compressive load, and more importantly unlike other swell sheets, maintains the load it generates during the swelling process. Its ability to seal well on uneven flanges makes it a good choice for epoxy coated flanges.