Skip to main content

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.
http://www.thompsonindustrialservices.com/Comprehensive-Services/Water-Blasting.aspx


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.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Sponge Blasting Cleaning Technology - Things You Should Know Before Using It

Industries highly prefer   sponge blasting   cleaning technologies for removing any coating and even for profiling. It is a much safer practice than traditional dust removal procedures. Like any other trending cleaning technology, this one also comes with its benefits, problems, solutions, and application knowledge. Before you use this technology of cleaning in your factories, you need to understand how it works and what clauses are attached. What is sponge blasting, and how does it work? Sponge abrasive blasting technology is a relatively new process of cleaning. It is a favourite alternative to hydro blasting,  pneumatic blasting , or dry-ice blasting technologies.  The process involves the mechanism of blasting synthetic sponge material, embedded within micro-abrasive fragments. It is a safe cleaning technology that assures you of little rebounding or dust formation. Unlike hydro blasting technologies, this is a drier option for cleaning purposes. Even the...

Introduction to Boilers Tube and Cleaning Procedure

Boiler tube is a very vital tube mainly used in industries. It is a tube which is attached with the boilers for the passage of the hot gas from a sealed container. Mostly the primary material of the tube is metal which is placed inside the boilers. Not only hot gases but sometimes this is also used for passed hot steam from water boilers. The boiler tube, hence, is always susceptible to different damages.  Hence boiler tube cleaning is essential. Some of them are as follows: Boiler feed water corrosion Graphitization Thermal fatigue Corrosion fatigue These kinds of damages can be overcome by cleaning of the boiler by the professionals. Why is professional need essential for cleaning? Boiler tube cleaning has to be done by the professionals because they can ensure that no internal parts are being damaged during the cleaning process. Professionals can make use of various latest technologies that would make the task easier. Moreover, they are efficie...

Technologies Used In Industrial Boiler Tube Cleaning

Eminent companies emphasize on regular boiler tube cleaning. Why is it so necessary to clean boilers? Boilers used in Industrial places often get coated with slack if used on regular basis. This always results in reducing the efficiency of a boiler by 1%-4%. This ultimately calls for more fuel utilisation in order to increase the effect of heat on boiler tubes. In short companies need to clean their boiler tubes on regular basis by using modern technologies to increase the industrial output. Technologies used boiler tube cleaning: Modern technologies mostly emphasize on automated boiler tube cleaning methods along with the utilization of updated software. This ensures 100% clean tubes and higher performance efficiency of boilers. Some common methods that are used now days for boiler cleaning are-           Automated process of hydroblasting           Hydroblasting in high volume with huge pumps       ...