What area is most susceptible to corrosion when an impingement plate is installed on an exchanger bundle?

The area that is most susceptible to corrosion when an impingement plate is installed on an exchanger bundle is the exchanger shell near the impingement plate. This is because the purpose of an impingement plate is to redirect the flow of fluids within the heat exchanger, which can lead to localized turbulence and increased velocity at the shell side near the plate. The intense flow conditions can contribute to erosion and corrosion in the materials of the shell.

When fluids are forced against a surface at high speeds, the continuous impact can wear away material, creating not just erosion but also promoting corrosion in that specific area. The combination of high flow dynamics and potential accumulation of aggressive substances at this localized point creates a significant risk for corrosion to occur.

Other areas like the lower shell course, exit nozzle area, and tube sheets might present risks for corrosion as well, but they generally do not experience the same immediate impact from redirected flow as the area near the impingement plate does, making that specific location particularly vulnerable.