What would be the first indication that a...

What would be the first indication that a tube leak has occurred in area "23"? Illustration MO-0111

No comments yet

Be the first to share your thoughts!

🔍 Key Concepts

• Trace the normal flow paths into and out of area 23 and identify which part of the system it exchanges fluid with (shell side vs tube side). • Determine what fluid is inside the tubes and what fluid is outside the tubes in the heater/heat‑exchanger section, then match those to area 1 and area 3. • Think about how a leak in a tube bundle usually shows up: does the leaking fluid flow toward the higher-pressure side or the lower-pressure side, and where would that extra fluid first be seen as a level change?

💭 Think About

• Follow the piping from area 23 to see which reservoir or component (area 1 or area 3) is on the same closed circuit with it. If a tube in area 23 failed, where would the leaked fluid logically collect? • Compare the likely pressures of the two sides of the exchanger: which side is at higher pressure during normal operation, and therefore which fluid would be pushed into the other side through a leak? • Ask yourself: if fluid from the higher‑pressure side enters the lower‑pressure side, which sight glass or level pot (area 1 or area 3) would register the change first?

✅ Before You Answer

• Verify which numbered vessel is the hot oil (or working fluid) circuit and which is the cooling/condensate or drain circuit. • Confirm from the illustration whether areas 1 and 3 are each directly vented or connected to area 23, or only one of them is. • Before choosing, be sure you know which way pressure and flow normally go through area 23; the first indication will be on the side that receives unintended fluid.

🔍 Key Concepts

💭 Think About

✅ Before You Answer