The influence of plate heat exchanger on pressure fluctuation of lubricating oil system and its solution

Plate heat exchangers are widely used in modern industry, especially in the power industry, because of their efficient heat exchange performance, compact structure and easy maintenance. However, when applied to critical systems such as lubricating oil cooling, small deformation can cause instantaneous fluctuations in lubricating oil pressure, which can affect the safe operation of the equipment. 

The core component of the plate heat exchanger, the thin stainless steel sheet, will undergo micro deformation when the pressure difference changes on both sides, which will lead to a change in the internal volume of the heat exchanger. Specifically, the pressure drop on the cooling water side causes the volume of the side to shrink, while the volume of the oil side expands accordingly, thereby absorbing a part of the lubricating oil and reducing the oil pressure of the system. 

In order to solve the problem of lubricating oil pressure fluctuation caused by the characteristics of plate heat exchanger, the following measures can be taken: 

Adjust the protection logic: Optimize the protection Settings of the lubricating oil low kick-off standby pump and appropriately extend the start delay time to avoid unnecessary protection actions triggered by instantaneous pressure fluctuations.

Accumulator installation: The accumulator is added at the key position of the lubricating oil supply pipeline to buffer the instantaneous pressure drop, ensure the stability of the system pressure, and reduce the impact on the main equipment.

Through the above method, while maintaining the efficient operation of the system, the potential risks caused by micro-deformation of the plate heat exchanger can be effectively prevented, and the safe and stable operation of important equipment can be guaranteed.