Too rusty

[Woznme]

This ammonia heat exchanger control column got too rusty, close to perforation is a couple places so it has to go:




New one is gonna be staino.
In the past I'd do this on pipe stands but as I bothered to build a welding table, might as well use it. Got vee blocks for it as well, should come in handy.




Working with the table was very awesome and kinda fun. I've used it plenty before of course, first time on a pipe job though. Here it is pressure tested, pickled and ready to go to site.




Done and done.




Dirty deeds done dirt cheap.

[Bls repair]

Why didn’t you use unions on new one?

[Woznme]

Screwed joints are notorious leaks points in ammonia systems (getting cold and hot all the time, parts can move over time). The original one was yankee built, you guys see to like screwed joints alot over your way, much equipment from Uncle Sam comes that way. Down here we avoid them where possible so being fully welded and tested, removed 35 possible leaks points.

[BD1]

Looks good !
Some systems I've worked on, specs called for socket welds and flange connections.

[Woznme]

They're simple float switches for liquid level control. Inside is a ball float with a vertical spindle of stainless steel threaded rod (not magnetic) with a steel nut (magnetic) threaded to the right height inside the vertical tube. The hermetically sealed switch assembly slides down over the tube and has a hinged switch inside with a magnet on the end. As the float rises and the steel nut reaches the vicinity of the magnet, the switch closes. Can be wired for normally open or closed.
The lower switch controls the operating level, the upper switch is a safety cut out.

[OPUS FERRO]

Woznme - ^ ^ ^ . . .

Screwed joints are notorious leaks points . . .
from Uncle Sam . . .
Down here we avoid them where possible . . .

As a US tradesman - I take exception - there is
'nary a leak' from anything I have screwed . . .


Opus






.

[farmersammm]

You're good if they call you in to fix that. Ammonia leaks are deadly.

[farmersammm]

Woznme - ^ ^ ^ . . .



As a US tradesman -I take exception - there is
'nary a leak' from anything I have screwed . . .


Opus



.

Uh............maybe ya need to increase the volume, and pressure?

[Woznme]

It's what you're used to I guess. Been sniffin ammonia a long time, you get used to workin with it without loosing respect for it. Weld to code and WPS. X-ray tested so you bring your A-game with you every day. Seen superb welders put on their skirts and run away screaming at the first whiff. So I guess when there's a problem, that's when they call for the sons of bitches.

Mind you I wouldn't like to attempt some of the repairs you do.

[Welder Dave]

Worked in a vessel shop that had to cut open a vessel that was used with sour gas (hydrogen sulfide) to replace internals. It was steamed and all safety precautions were taken but it still stunk up the entire shop with a rotten eggs smell for a few days.