What temperatures can the HEPCO plugs be used at?
The HEPCO Silicone Tube Plugs can be used in temperatures from -58° F to 248° F. If higher temperatures are present, the Hytrel washers and collar can be substituted with matching nut and bolt material.
What is the maximum pressure range for the HEPCO Silicone Tube Plug?
HEPCO double silicone tube plugs are tested at 200* psi pressure and are not recommended for high pressure use. Single plugs are typically used for 60 psi and below. (*7/8″-1 1/4″ sizes up to 200 psi – 5/8″-3/4″ doubles up to 150 psi prolonged use.)
Can it be used in a nuclear facility for plugging heat exchangers with low level radiation?
The silicone expandable part is rated for 109 rads – the hytrel (washers and collars) at 107.
How long will the HEPCO plug last in service?
The HEPCO Silicone Tube Plug has a 20 to 30 year life expectancy in service, even greater at lower temperatures and with periodic spot checks.
Can it only be used in cooling water applications?
No – it can be used for almost any heat exchanger application circulating acids, except where solvents are being used.
Can the HEPCO plug be used in coated heat exchangers?
It is one of the only expandable plugs that is recommended for this application.
Will it provide a better seal than other plugs?
In almost all cases, it will seal better because of it’s tremendous flexible qualities. It will conform to almost any tube distortion or pitted surface area.
What other benefits are there in using the HEPCO Silicone Tube Plug?
- It will not distort tube or tube sheets like metal plugs
- It is easily installed
- It will not fail due to cracking or rotting like rubber will
- It can be re-used
- It will not add to corrosion or galvanic problems because no metallic parts touch the inside of the tube
