Aftercooler bundle pressure test setup

[Robert Vetrano]

Quick one……would 1/2” Starboard suffice on each end of the bundle w a gasket, and 4 threaded rods to tighten, for pressure test purposes…….or should that be a steel plate on each end?

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[Russ]

Ah, very good point on the “stored energy” issue. How about if I fill the water side nearly to full with water first, then air pressurize to 15 psi and see if it holds overnight…, would that be a thorough test?

[Rob Schepis]

Yes, your conclusion is valid. Never would the aftercooler see that type of pressure during normal use since you’d have the “boost pressure” on the air side and the “pump pressure” on the seawater side. Max delta would be if racing the engine in neutral as the seawater would be pumping but there’d be no boost pressure on the air side. Just be careful with pressurized air, a lot of “stored energy” in compressed air as opposed to non-compressible water….

[Russ]

Rob, it is my plan to leave the hoses attached to my aftercoolers when I remove them, plug the hose ends with pvc caps/plugs, clamp those down, replace one zinc with a fitting this is fitted with air inlet valve and a pressure gauge, pressurize to 25 psi and leave overnight. If the pressure holds overnight I would be able to conclude the core must be sound. I was then going to service, reassemble and repeat the test with a positive outcome confirming the reassembly was sound. At that point I would install and go. If either test fails I will of course need to do further work, but if the water side holds 25 psi before and after, wouldn’t it be safe to conclude it is going to hold water, and also not further field test for misting with the airhorn off once it is mounted back on the engine? 6BTA 330’s btw.

[Rob Schepis]

Yes, a pressure test for leaks using pressurized water on the water side. Leave it pressurized for awhile and check for any signs of water on the air side. Sometimes it’s easier than making a test rig for air that is 100% air tight. But not full city water pressure. The 25psi range is sufficient. You could also cap off the seawater hose ports and use a zinc hole for your water connection adapter. Many ways to skin this cat….

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Robert Vetrano

[Robert Vetrano]

Excellent pics. Thanks. I can source no prob from my welder.

In the picture w the water hoses, is this a water pressure test in addition to just compressed air? To look for leaks?

[Tony Athens]

NO……..5/8″ minimum but we use 3/4″ 6061 T6 aluminum is what you need……..

Tony

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Robert Vetrano

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