One of the main problems on Air Fin Coolers is the Header bending, caused by the tightening of the bolts on the flange Headers; because of that, the thermo- fluid-dynamic efficiency of the equipment is compromised.
In fact, this bending header deformation allows the fluid erroneously to go through the header groove and not through the inner finned tubes (see picture), finally not being cooled for the process. Furthermore, this fluid passage could start erosion phenomena damaging pass-rib and header, increasing the quantity of fluid moving in the other wrong area of the equipment.
Another risk is the mass flow rate loss inside finned tubes consequently increasing drop pressure caused by inner dirtiness lay down.
Moreover, if the load of the bolts is limited to avoid the Header bending, then it could happen to have not the correct pressure along with the gasket seat with consequent fluid leaks.
