When Cleaning is not enough
From Recovered to Reliable
Apr11, 2025

The client experienced persistent issues with a critical onboard plate heat exchanger. Despite prior attempts at cleaning and re-gasketing, the unit continued to underperform, failing pressure tests and affecting system stability.

Faced with a possible replacement scenario, the client sought an expert assessment from MARITECH.

Our Solution
MARITECH’s engineering team coordinated the safe transfer of the unit to our service center in Greece. Upon diagnostic inspection, we identified:
• Frame misalignment and signs of over-compression on several plates
• Non-standard gaskets that had deteriorated under marine operating conditions
• Incomplete fouling removal in key thermal zones
• Localized warping at plate edges affecting sealing performance

Our multi-step recovery process included :
• Flatness checks and alignment testing
• Targeted replacement of select plates (avoiding full plate pack replacement)
• Full mechanical and chemical cleaning of plates
• Re-gasketing using precision-selected gasket material, compound, and hardness for extended life in high-temp operation.

The Results
✅ PHE fully restored and reinstalled onboard
✅ Estimated €38,000 in replacement costs avoided
✅ Thermal and sealing performance validated during sea trials
✅ Client reassigned additional units for MARITECH support and lifecycle management

Client Feedback
“Clear communication, reliable outcome, no surprises. We’ve continued with MARITECH for similar units.”