Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to our customers top questions
Supply Chain
How do we contact SCM?
Email ‐ SCM@altexinc.com
Phone ‐ Main Switchboard
Who do we contact for general inquiries?
SCM Manager
What are your shipping and receiving hours of operation?
Open Daily during the week from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm
Do you have after hours coverage?
Yes based on planned deliveries or shipments
Who do I contact for after hour deliveries or shipments?
Project Manager or Project Coordinator
Where do I send material or equipment?
Altex Main Address with attention: Receiving
What are your response times for regular inquiries?
Within 24 hours
How do I get information about shipping requirements?
Email‐ SCM@altexinc.com
Phone‐ Main Switchboard
How do I order spare parts?
Email‐ SCM@altexinc.com
Phone‐ Main Switchboard
Who do I contact about global Supply Chain issues?
SCM Manager
Engineering
U-bends thinning calculations for all rows.
The greatest thinning will occur in the row with the smallest bend radius. Calculations are not needed for the remaining rows.
Baffles design thicknesses per ASME code?
The baffles are not designed according to the ASME standard. They are not pressure parts. Their thickness is specified in the TEMA.
What is a Fiver Plate?
A Fiver plate is a partial baffle that covers the outer 5 rows of the tube field. This can be used at the shell inlet and outlet to reduce tube vibration.
Why is the tube wall reduction only 1-3% in our tube-to-tube sheet configuration with a strength weld?
Per UW-20 in ASME VIII Div. 1, a strength weld is equal to or larger than the axial strength of the tube. A light roll of 1-3% is sufficient with a full-strength weld.
What is the difference between a nut stop and nut relief HB Forging?
A nut stop forging has a thicker neck under the flange than a nut relief so that the nut flats sit flush on the nozzle neck, not allowing it to rotate. This eliminates the need for a wrench on the under side of the flange during bolt up. A nut relief style has a thinner neck and requires a wrench to hold the nut when torquing to attached piping.
Quality Control
Do you have CWB level 2 techs on staff?
Yes, we currently have 3 CWB level and are working to get more Certified.
What procedures do have? (Do you have hydro procedure, PWHT procedure, etc.)
Yes, Altex has a variety of procedures in relation to the work that is performed, available upon request.
Are calibration records/ logs available?
Yes, all calibration records are available and are added to job files as applicable.
How do welders get instruction/ verify weld procedure?
Welders are given instruction by the supervisor and all weld procedure are available for review in the formen or QC offices.
How in Material/ Consumables controlled?
Material is controlled as per Altex QC manual. All material markings, MTRs and are to be verified during receiving and releasing and traceability to be maintained through out the
fabrication process.
Can we get 48hrs notice for inspection (what is the schedule/planning)?
We do the best we can in planning/coordinating inspections with the progress in the shop. There is times were 48hrs notice can not be given due to schedule delays and unforeseen situations.
How are drawing/documents controlled?
Documents are controlled as per QC manual, a log is kept of all documents that are received and sent through our document control.
Are ITPs progressively signed off?
Yes, we are to sign the ITP as the job progresses, certain items can not be signed till all information pertaining to the item is retrieved a put in the Job file. i.e MTRs, welder qualifications.
How are non‐conformances handled?
NCR are handled as per QC manual, once an NCR is issued it is to be logged and a Corrective action report(if applicable) is to be done completed. All NCRs are then review with SR.management during a Quarterly review.
Is a punch list utilized for outstanding/ open items that need to be addressed?
We have punch list developed that is to be used for outstanding items. This one thing that we need to use more consistently it is sometimes missed and not used.
When will final documentation/ turnover be provided after completion?
Final packages are typically ready after we receive as‐builts ready weeks after shipment, depending on the workload/backlog.
Who will be the contact for inspections?
The main contact for inspections is typically one of our QC examiners during the day which is assigned to the project.
Are welder qualifications/continuity up to date?
Yes, these qualifications/continuities are kept up to date by our welding examiner.
Who are your sub‐contractors, have you reviewed their procedures, have they been approved, what is the procedure for approval?
We use several sub‐contractors, and all NDE procedures are reviewed regularly and as changes occur to the codes and standards. Other suppliers are audited by SCM and QC when applicable and our internal review procedure is followed.
Safety
What is your TRIR?
Dependant on hours vs recordable incidents – available upon request as per Jim Lepp
Where is the Muster Points Located?
South end of 42 st or in parking lot of Field house for all operation north of 69 ave.
What is the signal for an evacuation?
Out building like the commercial bldg.3 blasts on a claxon horn Main shop and office is the electronic audible alarm
Who is our emergency Contact?
Jim Lepp or Sonya Brake
Do we require a site orientation?
Yes, Lynda at reception for visitors and through Supply Chain for contractors
What are the PPE requirements?
Addressed in the site orientations
Can we take pictures?
Only after approval from the President or a VP.
Are your cranes certified and what capacity are they?
Up to 150k lbs on the heavy lift side and inspected annually by a certified technician.
Where are your workers treated for injuries?
For minor injuries at Medi Centers that are certified Occupational Injury Service Clinics that work in conjunction with WCB, All serious injuries are taken to Emergency.
Do your workers have First Aid Training
Some do but all Supervisors and foreman are trained in Standard First Aid / AED.
Is your Pandemic Plan up to date?
Yes, our pandemic response plan is up to date and is reviewed and revised as needed to align with the changing dynamic of Covid19 – Kept with the HR Department.
Does Altex have a Joint Health and Safety Committee?
Yes, our committee has been fully functional since 2018 when the legislation was introduced.
Careers
Who should I contact in HR?
General inquiries sent it to: HRandPRinquiries@altexinc.com
Recruitment inquiries: Applicants, please send your resume to HRRecruitment@altexinc.com
Why is the position vacant?
It’s either a new position due to growth of the company; or the employee quit, or retired or transferred within.
What is the turnover rate of employees at Altex?
No one ever leaves. Our employee retention is very healthy and turnover is very low. This is due to our excellent management and work culture.
What is the culture like at Altex?
The culture is the character and personalities of our organization. The culture is family oriented, very positive, great talent in every department which means we have strong leadership, innovative, excellent quality and customer service.
We have fantastic engagement! For our permanent staff, we offer Service Awards, Nomination Awards, Scholarship Awards, Educational Program, Employee Referral Program and much more!
How quickly can you respond?
If you are an applicant and you are selected, HR will contact you directly.
Is Altex a Union environment?
We have a combination of Union, Non-Union and Salary employees.
Our Manufacturing & Field Operations are unionized. Others are non-unionized.
What type of benefits are offered?
We offer various benefits based on your employment type (Unionized or Non-Unionized).
Benefits are offered after 90 days from hire date.
Overall, we offer an excellent benefits package to our employees. Altex pays 100%!
For our Union employees, we comply with our Union Agreement.
All permanent employees receive the following:
- Group Insurance such as Life Ins, AD&D, Dental, Health, STD and LTD
- Virtual Health Care
- Employee Assistance Program
- GRSP applies to Non-union and Salaried (Unionized employees is part of the Agreement)
For our Non-Union employees, we recognize 12 Statutory Holidays. Union employees paid per agreement.
What is the probation period?
90 days is the norm
What is Altex’s working hours?
We have different working hours depending on the department and type of work:
- Office Hours, standard: Monday – Thursday: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm (1/2 hour lunch) and Friday: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm (no lunch).
- Office Hours, flexible: Core hours are 9am-3pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-12pm Fridays.
We have three (3) shifts in our shop:
- Days: Monday-to-Thursday
- Nights: Monday-to-Thursday
- Weekend Days: Friday-to-Sunday.
Do you allow employees to work from home?
Based on the position, we may offer working for home.
Finance
Name of Financial decision-maker
Tim Carlson
What is the contact name for main person in charge of invoicing and accounts payable?
Cindy King AR, Zoe Newby AP
Can we have permission to close out open purchase orders?
Would your company be interested in an early payment program ?
Altex does not take part in this program, but it is offered by some companies
How quickly can you process a USD wire or EFT?
1 business day if urgent
What are your payment terms?
Net 30
We would like a quote, please provide your best price & delivery. Please provide references from US and CAD vendors
Yes, we can provide both
Does your company provide statements ?
Yes
Can you please provide an expected payment date?
Yes
What is your preferred payment?
EFT or Cheque
Can you please confirm the invoices on the statement are entered to be paid?
We can always provide this information. If an invoice is not in our system but on a statement, we request a copy of that invoice to enter for payment
Project Management
Who to contact?
- Project Management Office, PMO@altexinc.com
- Emergency Hotline: 780-468-6862
How quickly can you respond?
- Within 24hrs
Are you Union?
- Office is non-union
- Shop is union – Boilermakers Lodge 146
Are you looking for information on a specific project?
- Altex Job# ______
- Client PO# ______
Commercial Operations
What is your shop loading? What delivery can you offer?
Available delivery depends on the scope of work and material lead times. Please let us know your required delivery date and anticipated award date.
What is your engineering lead time?
Issued For Approval (IFA) drawings are typically 3-4 weeks after receipt of order, but can take more or less time depending on the scope and complexity. This can be expedited as needed.
Can you meet ASME Section VIII-Div.1, TEMA R, and API 660?
Yes, we regularly design and build to meet these requirements.
Do you build air-cooled (fin-fan) type heat exchangers?
Yes, we design and build air-cooled heat exchangers to meet ASME VIII-Div.1 and API 661. Our standard design is forced-draft, and we offer fully winterized (with warm air recirculation) as needed due to process or operation.
Do you build sulphur/sulfur condensers or waste-heat boilers?
Altex designs and builds sulphur-condensers and waste-heat boilers to ASME VIII-Div.1 and ASME I. FEA and thermal design are provided as needed.
Can you provide a thermal, vibration, and/or hydraulic guarantee?
We offer performance guarantees for new exchangers using industry standard HTRI software. To provide the guarantee, we need detailed process data to accurately model the performance.
Do you provide mechanical guarantees?
Yes, we provide mechanical guarantees that the design and materials meet ASME, specified requirements, the local design authority (CRN), and are acceptable for the design conditions.
What is your warranty period?
Our standard warranty period is 12 months after start-up, or 18 months after shipment (whichever occurs first).
Can you propose metallurgy suitable for the process?
No, unfortunately we do not employ a metallurgist and are not familiar with your process conditions and/or the corrosion mechanisms.
I need an existing shell & tube or air-cooled heat exchanger (or pressure vessel) re-rated for a higher pressure and/or temperature. Are you able to help?
We try! In general, we need detailed as-built drawings and calculations, along with a recent UT survey to confirm actual thicknesses. In addition to performing the re-rate, we can also perform modifications (if needed) in the field or in our shop.
I was told a mechanical re-rating was not possible, why is that?
Sometimes the existing units are too old, too corroded, and/or have too little design information and we’re unable to perform a mechanical re-rate. In such an instance, we will offer a quotation to design/build a replacement at the new design conditions. It may also be more economical to purchase new.
Can you perform a thermal design check or re-rating on existing shell & tube or air-cooled heat exchanger?
Yes, provided the details/drawings for existing exchanger are available and the new thermal process data is sufficiently complete.
Does Altex offer design and budgetary pricing support on pre-FEED, FEED, and other budgetary type projects?
Yes, please contact us to discuss.
Can I order spare heat exchanger parts (gaskets, bolting, plugs, motors, fans, louvres, etc)?
Yes, please contact our Supply Chain department directly here scm@altexinc.com
I need replacement heat exchanger components (bundle, channel, shell, dollar plate, bonnet) – Can Altex help?
Yes, Altex can fabricate replacement shell & tube, air-cooled, and pressure vessel components. In addition, we engage our engineering and QC departments to check that designs meet ASME Code and CRN requirements.
Our shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger is not operating properly, can Altex help us troubleshoot?
Yes, Altex routinely assists our clients with troubleshooting heat exchangers that are under performing and/or experiencing vibration, fouling, and other issues. In general, we need thermal/process data and detailed drawings. It is important that the actual process operating conditions are known, especially if there are upset cases or intermittent problems.
Our shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger is fouling and/or corroding quicker than we expected, can you help diagnose?
A: We can help review the design against the process conditions as well as offer cursory review of the material selection. These issues can be caused by process conditions that have deviated from the original in terms of flowrates and/or temperature, or, this can occur when process chemistry has evolved over time. A revised exchanger design and/or upgraded metallurgy are ways to solve this issue.
Our air-cooled (fin-fan) exchanger is freezing in winter conditions – what can we do?
We will review the design, process, and site conditions. We can provide retrofit options that may include re-circulation, insulation, heating, bundle redesign, or a combination of these.
I need a rush (emergency) shell & tube or air-cooler bundle or re-tube – can you help?
Yes, please send us the drawings and details via sales@altexinc.com. Let us know the timing required. We will respond ASAP.
We have a leaking shell & tube or air-cooled heat exchanger bundle, can you help?
Yes, we can repair and/or plug leaking tubes at site or in our shop. Please contact sales@altexinc.com with details and timing.
We have a body flanged joint that will not stop leaking, can you help?
Yes, our field or shop divisions can help! Typically flanged joints are disassembled, checked for flatness/tolerance, measured for thickness against drawings/calculations, and repairs performed via weld build-up and/or portable machining. Gasket selection can play a role too!
I need a replacement heat exchanger but don’t have the drawings, can you help?
Yes, we can reverse engineer the existing unit or design a new unit based on the process conditions and physical limitations (piping, supports, etc).
Can you design a shell & tube heat exchanger with tubesheets based on the TEMA thickness calculation?
This was industry standard prior to the introduction of ASME UHX in 2004, and afterward there were several years of customers asking for the thicker of the two calculations, but this practice has mostly been discontinued in updated client specifications. In fact, TEMA itself specifies that their tubesheet thickness calculation should only be used for non-Code exchangers. Altex only calculates tubesheet thicknesses based on UHX calculations.
Can we replace double-jacket non-asbestos filled (DJNAF) gaskets with Kammprofile type (serrated metal core) gaskets?
In general, yes, but please contact us for your specific application. Kammprofile type gaskets are considered industry standard, and very seldom do we fabricate new exchangers with anything else. Kammprofile perform much better in sealing and preventing leaks.
Can you meet NACE MR0103 or NACE MR0175 and other sour-service requirements?
Yes, we can meet either NACE specification to resist stress-corrosion cracking (SSC) in sour-service refining and petroleum services. Generally, sour-services require chemistry-controlled plate, post-weld heat-treatment (PWHT), and 100% radiographic inspection. Additional requirements vary by service and customer.
Can you meet API 934 A, API 934 C, and/or API 942 for heavy-wall Chrome-Moly or steel in hydrogen service at elevated temperatures and high pressures?
Yes, we design and build thick-wall shell & tube heat exchangers in 2-1/4Cr-Mo and 1-1/4Cr-Mo (Grade 11 and 22) materials that meet the challenging API specifications. This includes Feed Effluent type exchangers, and those with weld-overlay (347 SS for example).
We have a shell & tube exchanger with high viscosity and high fouling on the shell-side process – is there anything we can do to improve performance?
If the shell-side viscosity exceeds 50 centipoise (cP), you may gain significant performance improvement by going with a Helixchanger (helical) baffle type shell & tube heat exchanger. Capital and operation costs may be reduced with a Helixchanger design by reducing size, quantity, cleaning intervals, extended life, or a combination of these.
Do you offer enhanced tubes or tube inserts to improve performance?
We can offer twisted-tape or wire-turbulators inserts, and/or low-fin tubes to enhance the performance of shell & tube heat exchangers. The actual performance gained by these enhancements must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as the process conditions dictate their effectiveness (if any). It may be more cost effective to simply increase the size of the exchanger.
Do you offer EM Baffle, Phillips Rod Baffle, or Strip Baffle type shell & tube heat exchangers?
EM Baffle is a licensed technology, but we can design and build rod-baffle or strip-baffle type exchangers if the shell-side process and flow-rates make conventional segmental baffles unsuitable (damaging vibration, high velocities, and/or high pressure drops).
What are typical requirements for hydrogen service?
This depends on the application, processes, and service – typically the following is required:
Self-reinforced nozzles (reinforcing pads not permitted)
Threaded connections not permitted 100% radiographic inspection.
What are Bluesky or Greyloc (aka Greylock) nozzles?
These are metal-to-metal clamp-style connectors used instead of conventional RF (raised face) flanged connections. They are intended to improve leak-free seals, especially for high-pressure applications. We can provide this style upon request.
What does 2RG mean?
This is shorthand for two-ring-groove and expanded, which is our standard means of mechanically attaching the tubes to the tubesheet(s). This is a cost-effective method of assembly, and tubes are usually expanded to a depth of about 2 inches. Sometimes 3RG (three ring-grooves) are used if the tubesheet is clad so that one ring-groove is also in the clad layer.
What’s the difference between strength-welded and seal-welded tube-tubesheet joints?
Strength-welded tube-sheet joints are 2-pass TIG welds and are usually specified for fixed tubesheet (AEL, BEM, NEN) type exchangers, and/or when process leakage between streams is prohibited. Seal-welded tube-sheet joints are a single-pass TIG weld and are used to prevent leakage between process streams. Typically, strength-welded joints only have a light expansion to set and center the tube, whereas seal-welded joints require that the tube is mechanically secured to the tubesheet, often with two ring-grooves & hydraulic or pneumatic tube-expansion.
What is PWHT?
PWHT is the abbreviation of Post-Weld Heat-Treatment. PWHT is a stress-relieving process that is used after welding to reduce hardness and risk of stress-corrosion cracking. This is typically required for sour-services, but PWHT is also required for floating head covers and channel as dictated by TEMA (number of passes, channel/nozzle diameter ratio).
What is RT, UT, VT, MPI/MT, FT, HT, PMI, LPI?
These are all means of non-destructive testing (NDT) aka non-destructive examination (NDE).
- RT – Radiography testing
- UT – Ultrasonic testing, including phased-array type
- VT – Visual testing
- ET – Eddy-current testing
- MPI – Magnetic-particle inspection
- LPI / PT – Liquid penetrant inspection / dye-penetrant testing
- HT – Hardness testing
- FT – Ferrite testing (used to verify stainless and duplex steels)
- PMI – Positive material identification (usually used to verify non-carbon steel components)
Air-Cooler / Fin-Fan
Can we maintain the existing piping dimensions for replacement Air-cooler tube bundles?
Yes, always. We not only match the existing bundle dimensions for in-kind replacements but also maintain the same overall dimensions for upgraded designs. When customers want better performance or higher duty to meet their new process, we offer new bundle designs with 1 to 3 additional rows of tubes without needing any piping modifications in the field.
Are different fin types used based on heat transfer/surface area calculations?
No, the fin selection is based on the process/operating temperatures. L-fins are the most common and economical option. For temperatures ranging from 270° F to 750°F, Embedded, Extruded fins are offered.
When do I need Winterization/freeze protection?
Process fluids with water, or gases with Hydrate formation possibility, or High viscous/high pour point fluids need Warm air-recirculation system.
Do I need heaters to operate warm air re-circulation system?
No, Warm air that exits from top of the bundle is re-circulated within the bundle. Emergency heaters are used for winter start-ups/shutdowns as back-up. When there is No Glycol supply at the plant, Electric heaters are used but they consume lot of electricity.
Material - Grades
What are the standard materials for a carbon steel shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SA-179 tubes, SA-516-70N plate, SA-350-LF2 Cl1 forgings and SA-333-6 piping material.
What are the typical materials for a 304/304L stainless-steel shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SA-213-TP304 seamless or SA-249-TP304 welded tubes, SA-240-S30400 plate, SA-182 F304 forgings
What are the typical materials for a 316/316L stainless-steel shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SA-213-TP316 seamless or SA-249-TP316 welded tubes, SA-240-S31600 plate, SA-182 F316 forgings.
What are the typical materials for a duplex stainless-steel shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SA-213-S31803/S32205 seamless or SA-249- S31803/S32205 welded tubes, SA-240- S31803/S32205 plate, SA-182 F60 forgings. We also offer duplex in other grades, including super duplex S32520, S32550, S32750, and S32760.
What are the typical materials for an Inconel alloy 625 shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SB-444-N06625 seamless or SB-704-N06625 welded tubes, SB-443-N06625 plate, SB-564-N06625. We can also offer Inconel alloy 600 grades.
What are the typical materials for an Incoloy alloy 825 shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SB-163-N08825 seamless or SB-704-N08825 welded tubes, SB-424-N08825 plate, SB-564-N08825 forgings. We can also offer Inconel alloy 600 grades.
What are the typical materials for an Hastelloy C276 shell & tube or air-cooled (fin-fan) heat exchanger?
Typically, SB-622-N10276 seamless or SB-626-N10276 welded tubes, SB-575-N10276 plate, SB-564-N10276 forgings.
