Gas Integrity Testing and Clean and Crack Test Services
Get accountability and ensure compliance with food and product safety standards
We’ve been one of Australia’s leading specialist heat exchange service and supply companies since 1992. We’re here to provide a complete range of testing services to ensure that you minimise the risks of cross contamination and to comply with your Dairy and Product Safety Standards.
Our fully equipped service departments and factory trained technicians are accessible to you from both our Victorian and Queensland branches. All Thornhill instrumentation and equipment is calibrated in accordance with the relevant Australian standards and every test performed is carefully monitored with the results packaged to suit your auditing requirements. We are ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certified.
At Thornhill we undertake many methods of testing. But today we’re focusing on two of those, namely Gas Integrity Testing and the Clean and Crack Test.
Testing Methods
Gas Integrity Testing
The Gas Detection System is an in-situ test method that allows for the heat exchanger, plate or tube to be tested while still in one piece on your factory floor. Gas testing is the fastest growing test method in the market. It can be used in all industry sectors, from food to chemical, because of its inherent accuracy and safety.
As the test uses an inert gas it is non-invasive and has no effect on gaskets. It leaves no residue so is totally safe from a food safety perspective. Its accuracy is the best of all the testing methods, as being an inert gas test it doesn’t have the disadvantage of charged ions, which can have difficulty passing through small holes. And as the test is carried out in a dynamic way with the gas flowing between the plates, residue liquid is not an issue.
Clean and Crack Test
If a machine fails its gas test or a customer has identified any cross contamination, we usually recommend following up with a crack test. Once complete, we will issue you the relevant certification and all findings are recorded on the certificate of test and service report.
The seven step process involves:
- Disassembling the machine on site and removal of plates
- Engraving of plates (numbers are etched onto plate to indicate plate pack order)
- Removal of gaskets
- Chemical cleaning of plates (heated caustic tank then acid dipped)
- Crack detection and visual inspection of plates
- Installation of gasket (if glue in type gasket the glue is oven cured)
- Re-installation of plates and assembly of machine.
Data Analysis
We have spent many years collecting relevant data on the servicing and testing of plate heat exchangers. Currently, our extensive database has over 1000 machines listed, with over 85% being in the dairy industry.
The information we’ve collected on service reports and history, gas integrity tests, crack tests and holding time tests enables us to remain experts in the field and to understand the kinds of questions that our customers need answered. We electronically store the machine details including important information such as the plate type, thickness and quantities of plates. We also maintain all the other information we need to help us service plate heat exchangers.
ISO Standards and Certification
We understand the requirements and the importance of accountable testing procedures. We’re very proud of our ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certification which guarantees that you will receive the best quality products and service from Thornhill.
These standards also help keep our products and services relevant. When the standards change, we change along with them. When we work with new customers, we send our certification details so they know they can expect ISO standards to be met.
Now is the time to contact our Victoria or Queensland offices and get your plant equipment booked in for testing.
Please contact our Team today:
Melbourne Office: (03) 9310 4800
Brisbane Office: (07) 3807 4844
Email: sales@tapl.com.au
