Auxiliary Components of oil cooler
These parts are not on every cooler but are common in many industrial and critical applications.
- Thermostatic Bypass Valve: A crucial valve, usually mounted externally but sometimes integrated. It allows oil to bypass the cooler until it reaches its optimal operating temperature. This prevents the oil from being overcooled, which is just as harmful as being overheated.
- Pressure Relief Valve: A safety device typically on the shell side to protect the cooler from overpressure, which could cause catastrophic failure.
- Temperature Sensors / Switches: Ports or fittings for installing sensors to monitor oil inlet/outlet temperature.
- Pressure Sensors / Gauges: Ports for installing gauges to monitor pressure drop across the shell or tube side, which can indicate fouling or blockage.
- Mounting Brackets / Lugs: Attachments for securing the cooler to an engine, frame, or skid.
- Zinc Anodes (Sacrificial Anodes): Plugs made of zinc installed in the water side (end caps) to protect the more expensive metal components from galvanic corrosion.
- Gaskets & Seals: Critical for creating leak-free seals between the shell, tube sheets, and end caps. These are consumable parts replaced during maintenance.