Scaling in methanol coolers and treatment measures
Thread Content
In methanol distillation, condensers (reboilers) are used, with circulating water flowing outside the tubes and methanol liquid flowing inside them. Over time, scaling occurs in the condenser, which can even block the heat exchange tubes, severely affecting the efficiency of heat exchange. Why is this? What factors cause it? What range is favorable for control to have a minimal impact on the heat transfer of the condenser? Thank you! ! !
Because the circulating water tank is outdoors, the water inside gets dirty; over time, scaling occurs on the heat exchangers. Therefore, it is necessary to control the turbidity of the circulating water, and when it becomes too dirty, the system has to be shut down for cleaning
Scaling is inevitable; circulating water evaporates and gets concentrated, and there is always a certain degree of concentration. The levels of calcium and magnesium ions in the water increase significantly, and coupled with the presence of dust and other contaminants from the environment, scaling is unavoidable. This requires cleaning, a proper process design, and the selection of suitable equipment. Evaporative cooling is a good device for preventing scale formation.
There is an online cleaning method using a gel ball pump; you can consult the manufacturer about it.
Our methanol water cooler has methanol gas flowing outside the tubes, while circulating water flows inside them. It needs to be cleaned every three to four months; cleaning is done more frequently in summer. The unit is shut down, its two end caps are removed, and the pipes are cleared using mechanical tools, after which they are rinsed with fire-fighting water. This method yields good results and takes little time – production can be resumed on the same day.
The original poster is talking about circulating water flowing outside the tubes, and also mentions that scaling can block the heat exchange tubes. So it’s not circulation that causes the blockage of the heat exchange tubes, right? Is there scaling of other impurities during the methanol condensation process?
Just get one then; it won’t affect production.