Chiller Tube Cleaning Methods

November 9, 2017 | Blog

Cleaning of chiller tube is paramount so as to achieve the peak performance. It requires the use of the best cleaning equipment that can clean it completely and can make it free from the contaminants. Throughout many years, we have employed plenty of chiller tube cleaning methods, some become successful and some have left the race. It is important to opt for the potential tube cleaning method so as to get the best results. Automatic chiller cleaning is the key to keep the heat exchangers at peak efficiency. The following article is the discussion of several tube cleaning methods along with their advantages.

Rod and Brush Method

Perhaps it is the oldest chiller tube cleaning methods. This usually involves the length of the rod along with nylon or wire brush larger than the tube’s inner diameter. Basically, the tube is flushed with water from a hose and then brush is manually pushed through the tubes. This method is very cheap and requires little training or expertise.

Tube cleaning Guns

This is the latest method to clean the chiller tubes. It makes the use of compressed air or water or high-pressure water alone to propel the cleaning projectile through the tubes to eliminate deposits. With its fast speed, the tubes are cleaned within little or no time. Like the previous method, it also requires little expertise or training.

Chemical cleaning

Cleaning of the chiller tubes with the help of chemicals is yet another method to remove the contaminants from the surface of the tube and thus increases its efficiency. It employs the use of an acid solution which is circulated through the tube bundle so as to break down or soften the scale deposits in the tube. Though this method is quite costly but can clean the tubes completely.

Rotary Tube Cleaners

This chiller tube cleaning machine uses either an electric or air motor in order to rotate the flexible shaft. It is encased in the plastic casing and transport the water to the cleaning tool. These cleaning tools are capable of cleaning all sorts of deposits including hard scales. This tube cleaning method is affordable and quite simple to perform. Apart from this, it requires only one operator and thereby reduces the cost of the laborers. These rotary tube cleaners range from simple to more advanced models with variable speed and bi-directional rotation. Also, it is the most effective method of cleaning new chillers that use internally enhanced tubes.