Condenser Cleaning

  • Recirculating cooling tower entering the condenser at low temperature and leaving at high temperature frequently contains minerals or other contaminants that deposit on the inner surface of the condenser tubes as scales and fouling. Scale accumulation will accelerate with high condensing temperatures and use of make-up water with high mineral content. Cooling towers collect dust and foreign materials which also form fouling on the condenser tubes.

  • In order to achieve maximum efficiency, the condenser must remain as free of these deposits as possible. Even a thin layer on the inside tube surfaces reduces the heat transfer ability of the condenser. Indications of scale deposits are decreased water flow through condenser, reduced temperature differential between entering and leaving condenser water, and increase in condenser approach value with high condensing temperatures.

  • LCIPI provides mechanical and chemical cleaning method for condenser tubes. The mechanical cleaning method is used primarily to remove sludge and other loose materials from the condenser tubes. This is done by running a round brush (swabbing rod assembly) from end to end through the tubes to loosen deposits.

Chemical cleaning is an essential part of the cleaning procedure. With this treatment, scale is dissolved and flushed away by circulating a chemical solution through the tubes and headers. Internal condenser components are composed of copper, steel and cast iron.

LCIPI offers Hydralchem HC208, descaling compound for this purpose. Depending on the type of material of construction of the condenser unit, the quantity and concentration of the cleaning descaling compound and the duration of cleaning are carefully determined by the technical team. LCIPI ensures safety precautions relative to the handling of the chemical. Also, scaling and corrosion inhibitor is applied after the cleaning to protect the tubes from accumulating deposits again.

Service engineers provide recommendations on how to effectively achieve the temperature goal for chilled water, by also minimizing power consumption.