Invented and developed in 1960 by Standard Oil Co. of California . The first breech-lock was put into operation in 1966.

Rights of technology remain with Chevron Research Company of California.

In 1982, ABB LUMMUS HEAT TRANSFER became a licensee for the worldwide marketing of high pressure Breech-Lock heat exchangers.

Over 600 Breech-Lock high pressure heat exchangers are in operation worldwide. Approximately 300 have been manufactured by IMB.

Finds applications in refinery units operating at high pressure and temperature with hydrogen rich streams such as Hydrocrackers..

HISTORY OF BREECH-LOCK CLOSUREHISTORY OF BREECH-LOCK CLOSURE

EXCHANGER BATTERY

Exchanger Assembly

Sectional viewSectional view

High Temperature/High Pressure High Temperature/High Pressure Units:Units: Hydrocrackers / Hydro-treatersHydrocrackers / Hydro-treaters Gas CompressionGas Compression Ammonia SynthesisAmmonia Synthesis MiscellaneousMiscellaneous

ApplicationsApplications

MAIN FEATURES

Reliable High Pressure Performance Reliable High Pressure Performance SealingSealing

Easy Dismantling/Reassembly for Easy Dismantling/Reassembly for InspectionInspection

Avoidance of High Stressed Zones in Avoidance of High Stressed Zones in Pressure PartsPressure Parts

In Service Seating of Internal GasketsIn Service Seating of Internal Gaskets

Hydrostatic Load Of Channel Cover Is Absorbed by the Channel Forging

No Threaded Holes in Forging or in the Cladding

Tightening of Gasket by Relatively Small Bolts

Spiral Wound Gaskets are Used in the Girth Joints

Channel Cover is Relatively Thin and Light

Re-Tightening of Tubesheet Gasket During Operation Possible.

Closure Features and Closure Features and AdvantagesAdvantages

Assembly of multiple shellsAssembly of multiple shells

Sectional ViewSectional View

Sectional ViewSectional View

Channel side view Channel side view

HASSEMBLY OF CHANNEL HASSEMBLY OF CHANNEL