Breech-Lock (Screw Disc) - Channel Internals - Assembly

(for Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers)

Outer Compression Ring
Inner Compression Ring Split Ring Channel Barrel
Locker
Ring

Channel Box(Partitioned) Tube

Thread Lock Ring (TLR)
Internal Gasket
Flange Tube Sheet
Set Bolts
Internal Sleeve
Channel Cover Diaphragm Disc (Gasket Retainer)
(Typical Illustration for channel assembly & for leak study. Detailed Design may Vary)
Info on Breech-Lock Arrangement on Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers:
1 1960 : Invented and developed by Standard Oil Co. of California . The first Breech-Lock was
put into operation in 1966. Chevron was the Licencee to issue Licence to Fabricators.
Advanced Breech-Lock Arrangement 2 1982 : ABB Lummus Heat Transfer, became a licensee for the worldwide marketing of high
pressure Breech-Lock heat exchangers. Over 1400 Breech-Lock exchangers are in service
3 Compared:

4 Used in High Temperature/High Pressure Units with rich hydrogen streams in Hydrocrackers
/ Hydro-treaters, Gas Compression, Ammonia /urea Synthesis, Methanol Plants
5 Reliable High Pressure Performance Sealing. In Service Seating of Internal Gaskets. Spiral
Wound Gaskets are Used in the Girth Joints. Re-Tightening of Tubesheet Gasket, During
Operation Possible. Tightening of Gasket by Relatively Small Size Bolts. Easy and Quick
Maintenance. Eliminates the large channel cover flange and heavy bolting
6 Channel Cover is Relatively Thin and Light. Hydrostatic Load Of Channel Cover Is Absorbed
by the Channel Forging. Avoidance of High Stressed Zones in Pressure Parts
7 Ready made jigs-fixture assembly available for Easy Dismantling/Reassembly & for
Inspection. No Threaded Holes in Forging or in the Cladding.
8 2007 : After some leak problems and accidents, improvements were made to the screw
JGC Annamalai plug type and Advanced Breech-Lock Arrangement is now available.