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The Different Heat Exchanger Cleaning Methods Available

It is highly important to have a considerable knowledge of the different types of foulants or build-up present in the tubing for effective cleaning of condenser tubes. Depending on the awareness, different approaches could be undertaken. It is now possible to make a thorough heat exchanger cleaning. The results found are worth the effort made. With a small increase in water flow, the money saved on decreased fuel costs would be a considerable amount. Also, if the tubing is kept in a better condition, the equipment will be kept in service for a longer duration.
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With proper heat exchange cleaning, it is possible to avoid costly replacement. For good maintenance of condenser tube, there are a good number of methods available,many of which are pretty traditional. One mechanical approach that is resorted to is hydro-blasting and is actually forcing water through the tubing under high pressure.  

Although, it is possible to remove much debris with this method, there are possibilities of some pitting and damages to smaller joints. It is seen that as soon as water starts flowing again, the surface again begin to collect foulant due to the roughness of the surface. Hence, though this method is suitable in most circumstances, it may not be the best method of heat exchanger cleaning always. 

Another method that has been tried includes a cocktail of six different chemical agents, which included a 12% foaming hydrochloric acid solution. The result showed the presence of little surface roughness, but there were concerns about ecological implications. Yet another approach in cleaning involved driving nylon or wire brushes and rubber plugs through the tubing as water is forced at high pressure. The danger of damage done to softer tubing was also considerable, especially copper alloy tubing. 

The mineral crystallization leading to corrosion of crevice by itself can be prevented by the use of clarification process. Recently a much better and safer method of heat exchanger cleaning, which included Boiler tube cleaning, especially during online maintenance, has been tested and found to be quite successful and environmentally-friendly. In this process, plastic scrapers or spring-loaded metal are shot through the system with a force similar to a high pressure water gun. The result is a thorough cleaning of metal without affecting the joints or softer copper alloy tubing. 

Additionally, for special tubing needs, one can use custom designed scarpers. This is widely adopted nowadays and is the most efficient and cost-effective method to clean heat exchanger. There is no damage done to the tubing itself and the cleaning is perfect without any surface roughness. 

Hence, the use of tube scraper cleaning method seems to be the most thorough and effective method nowadays, though offline cleaning could be adopted in some respects.

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