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Member Post posted an update
Evaporator Tube Leak – Need Advice on Plugging Method
Hello everyone,
I have a water-cooled chiller with two tubes leaking in the evaporator bundle. The tubes are 1/4 inch inner diameter (copper).
I’m looking for the proper and accurate way to plug the leaking tubes to avoid further issues and ensure reliable sealing.
Should I use brass or stainless plugs? And do you recommend using an expanding plug, welded plug, or another method?
Any guidance or tips from your experience would be highly appreciated.
Thanks in advance!Member Post, Member Post and 6 others12 Comments-
I have plugged a lot of tubes with the 2 piece expanding type brass plugs. I usually dry everything out, clean the outer portion that comes into contact with the tube, and the tube wall, then add some Loctite to the outer ring.
Seems to have worked good when we did them at the factory. Just make sure you get one that is sized right.
When you tap it in, you will notice a change in pitch when it is fully set. It will change from a high pitch ping to a thud if that makes sense
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@the-chiller-guys I agree 100% . I use red locktite.
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See my other comment, but just an FYI. You can plug up to 10% of the tubes without causing issues on most manufacturers.
If you guys have a bunch of them in the future, you will need to retune the machine when you cross that threshold
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@the-chiller-guys ,Thank you very much for your support.😊
In case we decide to manufacture the plugs locally, I’d really appreciate it if you could share the recommended dimensions (drawing /sheet ) [If available] for this plug design that would be compatible with 1/4-inch tubes.-
@muhammedh I would personally recommend you buying a kit.
I haven’t had to have one made, maybe some other guys will tune in. i will also make a couple calls, and see if i turn up with something.
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@muhammedh didn’t find anything on making them.
Some guys have made some one piece tapered plugs from brass for temporary, but they didn’t have very good luck1-
@the-chiller-guys okay thanks alot 🙏
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https://www.elliott-tool.com/tube-tools/tube-plugs/
I’ve used these, the company can help you with the size selection.2 -
brass plug and red lock tight. If the tube is cracked and not just pin hole leak , I like to bevel the ends of hard copper that is small enough to fit in cracked tube, incase the tube brakes it is supported and not resting on tubes below it , causing another leak
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