SERVICES

Heat exchanger overhaul

Complete refresh. Maximum performance. Lifetime extended.

A heat exchanger that is showing wear delivers less heat transfer, loses capacity and increases your risk of failure. Think leaks, corrosion, deformed plates, corroded tubes or damaged gaskets. When cleaning is no longer sufficient, overhaul offers the most durable solution.

At Blue Orange we overhaul heat exchangers completely according to professional standards: disassemble, clean, test, repair and rebuild. In our workshop or – where possible – on site.
Your installation will perform almost like new again after this.

"We don't just fix contamination - we restore performance. That starts with an honest diagnosis and ends with a heat exchanger that does what it's supposed to do again."
Joey Vredebrecht
Director - Blue Orange

When do you choose to overhaul a heat exchanger?

Overhaul is necessary when a heat exchanger has structural or recurring problems, such as:

  • leaks that keep coming back

  • cracks, deformations or metal loss

  • severe corrosion

  • worn or hardened gaskets

  • damaged plates or contaminated bundles

  • pressure loss or abnormal flow

  • performance loss that cleaning cannot solve

Overhaul extends life by 3-10 years on average, depending on exchanger type and operating conditions.

What does revision entail? Our approach step by step

Blue Orange works according to a transparent and technically sound revision process.

1. Diagnosis & technical examination

We always start with a thorough inspection:

  • visual inspection of plates, tubes, bundles and gaskets

  • penetrant test (crack detection)

  • pressure test (hydrostatic test)

  • measurement of flow/pressure drop

  • analysis of efficiency and temperature differences

  • checking for corrosion and material deformation

With this, we determine exactly what needs to be replaced, cleaned or repaired.

2. Disassembly

We completely or partially disassemble the heat exchanger:

  • take apart record packages

  • pull out bundles

  • remove end caps

  • remove gaskets

  • inspect couplings and flanges

Everything is securely packed, labeled and prepared for cleaning.

3. Cleaning (chemical or ultrasonic).

Part of any overhaul is deep cleaning.
We choose the best method based on contamination and material:

✔ Dry cleaning

For scaling, sludge, rust, water/glycol contamination.

✔ Ultrasonic cleaning

For CACs, air coolers, oil coolers, delicate plates and marine coolers.

After cleaning, all parts are completely clean, degreased and free of deposits

4. Repair & replacement

Depending on the state:

  • gaskets replaced

  • replace plates in case of deformation or cracks

  • repair or renew bundles

  • Welding or splicing (if permitted)

  • sanding/repairing end covers

  • renew gaskets and seals

  • correcting plate direction

  • build up plate packages in correct pressure/order

We use high-quality, brand-independent parts (GEA, Kelvion, Alfa Laval, NRF, etc.).

5. Precision Construction

We completely rebuild the heat exchanger to OEM specifications:

  • correct gasket tension

  • plate position and flow patterns

  • proper compression of record package

  • correct assembly of bundle and end covers

6. Testing & final inspection

We test and validate everything:

  • pressure test

  • leak tightness test

  • flowtest

  • final inspection of all parts

  • performance measurement before and after overhaul

Reporting & advice for your heat exchanger overhaul

After the overhaul, you will receive a complete and clear overhaul report.
This will tell you exactly what the condition of your heat exchanger is and what performance you can expect.

You will receive, among other things:

  • A complete overhaul report with all work performed

  • before and after photos, so you can see exactly what has been repaired and cleaned

  • test results of pressure tests, flow measurements and final inspections

  • an honest maintenance recommendation, tailored to your installation and operating load

  • a recommended maintenance interval so that you avoid breakdowns and downtime

  • recommendations for future cleaning or inspection, based on the findings during the overhaul

  • Any areas of concern that may pose future risks

  • advice on gaskets, plates or bundles that will last for years to come – or will need attention in the foreseeable future

This gives you all the information you need to keep your plant safe, efficient and operating – without unexpected surprises.

Sectors

Recognizable for your industry?

01.

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Industry

Industrial heat exchangers often run continuously and face:

  • high temperatures

  • aggressive process streams

  • lime and sludge

  • pressure differentials

Overhaul prevents production losses and significantly extends service life.

02.

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Maritime

Shipping facilities are heavily loaded by:

  • salt

  • oil pollution

  • confined spaces

  • few maintenance moments

Especially charge air coolers, oil coolers and engine water coolers benefit from overhaul.

03.

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Agricultural

Agricultural companies work with:

  • water/glycol systems

  • cooling systems

  • process cooling in greenhouses

  • milk and production cooling

Overhaul prevents loss of capacity and ensures product quality.

How do we proceed?

Every project at Blue Orange goes through the same clear structure. So we work quickly, precisely and completely transparently, from intake to completion.

Analysis & inspection

We check the heat exchanger for wear, corrosion, leaks and cracking.
This allows you to see immediately what needs to be repaired or replaced.

Disassembly & cleaning

We completely disassemble the heat exchanger and clean all parts:

  • ultrasonic for fine or marine fouling

  • chemical for lime, sludge or water side scale

Everything becomes clean and ready for recovery.

Recovery & construction

We replace worn gaskets, plates or tubes and repair damaged parts.
Then we rebuild the heat exchanger to OEM specifications.

Testing & Reporting

We perform a pressure test, leak tightness test and final inspection. You will know exactly how much capacity has been restored.

You will receive a clear overhaul report with photos, test results and a maintenance recommendation.
If desired, we also provide transportation or scheduling for subsequent inspections.

Specifically, what does an overhaul provide?

  • life extension of 3-10 years

  • restored cooling capacity

  • lower temperatures in process or engine

  • less energy and fuel consumption

  • optimal flow and pressure

  • no leaks or malfunctions

  • installation meets technical requirements

  • lower cost than replacement

Why?

Choosing Blue Orange?

Because every minute of downtime counts, and every detail makes a difference.

Active 24/7

we respond quickly, even outside office hours

Rapid intervention:

often operational again within 48 hours

30%

Measurable result

up to 30% more efficiency

25%

Longer lifespan

up to 25% more years of use

Get your heat exchanger overhauled

Request an inspection or overhaul recommendation:

Get in touch – our specialists are standing by.

When cleaning is no longer sufficient, or when structural problems occur such as leakage, corrosion, deformation or pressure loss.

Repair focuses on one component. Overhaul is a complete technical refresh including inspection, cleaning, repair and testing.

On average once every 5-10 years, depending on sector, load and maintenance.

Plate changers: 1-3 days.
Shell & tube: 2-7 days.
Marine coolers: depending on bundle & contamination.

Yes, a complete overhaul requires disassembly to inspect and repair every part.

Yes, we work with high-quality OEM equivalent parts and replace all gaskets and damaged plates.

Yes, on gaskets, labor and parts. Duration depends on type of exchanger and usage.

Small cracks are often weldable, but for severe damage we replace the plate for optimum safety.

Depends on type, size, contamination and damage. Often 50-70% cheaper than complete replacement.

Yes, that is even standard in our approach.

Yes. We are brand independent and overhaul all makes and types.

Cleaning sometimes yes; complete overhaul usually in our workshop because of equipment and testing facilities.