Heat exchangers are the heart of many critical systems. From power plants to industrial chemical plants and everything in between, the heat exchanger in all of its forms is a crucial aspect of heat management systems. This is why all organizations must take heat exchanger maintenance seriously, because a heat exchanger failure can be a potentially deadly event due to risks of fire and explosions. Proper cleaning is essential to ensure that your heat exchanger is functioning correctly and efficiently.
Contaminants Reduce Efficiency
The fouling and maintenance of heat exchangers contribute to long-term reliability and overall cost reduction. Regardless if it’s new or old, heat transfer systems that utilize water or coolant fluids will accumulate mineral scales and/or oily contamination during construction or operation. These scales can significantly reduce the heat transfer efficiency of the heat exchangers due to low thermal conductivity of scales and oil sludge build up. As a result, the heat transfer and surface area contact are reduced. PES 400 Water Scale Solvent dissolves scale caused by calcium carbonate from hard water.
The slightest buildup of rust or other scales can result in a drastic reduction in heat transfer efficiency. For instance, a one-inch thick piece of steel coated with just 1/16 inch of rust has the same heat transfer characteristics as a four-inch thick piece of steel. PES 400 Water Scale Solvent and PES 450 (a water based environmentally safe, industrial strength de-greaser/cleaner) dissolves varnish caused by oil in heat exchangers.
Thermal Conductivity at Risk
The thermal conductivity of the scale is the same range as insulation materials such as firebrick. The fouling must be removed to ensure the performance of the heat exchangers meets design specifications. Heat transfer is heat energy in motion. The rate of heat transfer is how fast the heat transfers. The method by which that heat transfers is conductivity. Thermal conductivity is affected by a buildup of material on both sides of the tube wall.
Shell Side Cleaning is Essential
Varnish, lacquer, algae, oil sludge and foreign particles will build up on the shell side. A heat exchanger cleaning technician can refurbish your bundles as close to new as possible. Cleaning results in better control of your oil viscosity by being capable of controlling your oil temperature. It will help maintain pressure differentiation between the seal oil and the generator Hydrogen Pressure.
Heat Exchanger Repairs
PES 201 Ceramic Repair Paste
PES 201 Ceramic Repair Paste is a two component solvent free epoxy metal repair compound. The product has been designed for use on a wide range of metallic surfaces subject to abrasion and impact. It is suitable for emergency for repairs or part planned maintenance to equipment such as worn impellers, damaged valves, eroded separator housings, damaged pump casings, eroded pipe work, propellers, bow thrusters, rudders, corroded water boxes and eroded end plates and tube sheets.
PES 202 Ceramic Repair Fluid
PES 202 Ceramic Repair Fluid is an erosion-corrosion resistant coating for use principally in fluid flow situations. The material can be applied directly to abrasive blasted steel or to surfaces previously rebuilt with PES 101 Power Metal Paste or PES 201 Ceramic Repair Paste. It is suitable for the coating of equipment such as impellers, pump casings, valves, heat exchanger end plates, water boxes, separator housings, pipes, propellers, kort nozzles and rudders.
PES 203 Super Flow Ceramic Repair Fluid
PES 203 Super Flow Ceramic Repair Fluid is an erosion-corrosion resistant coating used principally in fluid flow situations for improving flow efficiency. The material can be applied directly to abrasive blasted steel or to surfaces previously rebuilt with PES 101 Power Metal Paste or 201 Ceramic Repair Paste. It is suitable for the coating of equipment such as pump cases and impellers, valves, pipes, propellers, rudders, jet tubes, kort nozzles and more.
Do you need to repair a crack on your heat exchanger? PES-Solutions has the product for you! Don’t hesitate to contact us with the link below for more information!