What methods are people using to remove scale from shell-and-tube water condensers?
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Over time, the heat exchange efficiency of shell-and-tube water condensers declines. What methods do people use to remove scale from such condensers?
Last edited by Fan Zhou Wu Hu on 2009-8-16 01:37: Descaling of shell-and-tube water condensers – jet cleaning is used on the tube side; acid washing may be applied if necessary； Shell-side core extraction, cleaning, and pickling. Ultrasonic scale inhibitors can be used to prevent scaling, and they are quite effective. Especially on the circulating water side.
1. Clean using chemical methods; it is best to engage a professional company for this task. 2. Use high-pressure cleaning
Chemical cleaning is sufficient; anti-scaling agents should be used on a daily basis
High-pressure water cleaning on the tube side, chemical cleaning on the shell side, or high-pressure water cleaning after core removal.
Chemical cleaning should be used as little as possible, as it can cause corrosion to the equipment; it is recommended to use high-pressure cleaning, as it is both time-efficient and convenient. Henan and Beijing have professional cleaning companies.
Do you mean the water side when you talk about scaling? If so, pickling should be used along with a corrosion inhibitor. We use acid cleaning to remove scaling on the water side of the condenser in our facility. Later, we changed the water on the water side to soft water, and from then on we never had to worry about cleaning off scale again. You might as well argue for that too, and modify the water system. (I also tried rinsing it with high-pressure water, but it didn’t work; the effect wasn’t noticeable.) Personal opinion, for your reference