Heat Exchanger Cleaning

Heat exchanger cleaning methods have not changed much over the last several decades. The main method still used is pressure jetting.

The main drawbacks of this method are that it is slow and at times inefficient. In addition, it costs a fair bit to have this done. Here is a brief description of a standard heat exchanger cleaning process.

The cooler is isolated from the system and the water is drained out. Hoses from the pump or heater are connected to couplings. The cooler is filled with a mixture of water and concentrated cleaner. The optimal temperature at the time of cleaning is fifty to sixty degrees Celsius. The cooler is flushed for five minutes to remove any potential loose particles or scales.

The normal cleaning time is from one hour to five hours. In addition, the pH values are checked at the time of the cleaning. The cooler is then emptied and flushed with normal cooling water for approximately fifteen minutes. One reason why the methods have not changed for so many years is that companies are not comfortable with trying a new method. They prefer to stick with the old ways.

They do not want to try anything new; they are potentially stuck in their old ways. In addition, companies that require heat exchanger cleaning are reluctant to try another cleaning company or they have long term cleaning contracts that cannot be broken. However, with the advances in technology you would think that new methods would be developed and embraced.

There is newer heat exchanger cleaning methods being developed, which requires a more skilled worker than the older methods of cleaning. Briefly, let us describe some of the newer methods currently under development. Newer heat exchanger cleaning methods include the ability to clean the unit without having to move them.

This results in a faster and more thorough cleaning. In addition, these new methods have the ability to clean tight radius bends. One of the main benefits of this system is the fact that cleaning times are being greatly reduced. Moreover, in the past there were exchangers that were difficult to clean due to their location or position, new cleaning technologies are allowing these particular units to be more accessible.

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