Chemical plate cleaning
Chemical cleaning-in-place systems and descalers for removing scale, rust, and biofouling inside plate heat exchangers.
Plate heat exchangers
Plate heat exchangers are widely used in HVAC and industrial process systems for their high efficiency and compact design. However, due to continuous operation and exposure to various fluids, these systems will accumulate fouling such as scaling, biological growth, or particulate buildup over time. This fouling will reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase pressure drop, negatively impacting system performance. Regular cleaning and maintenance are essential to maintain optimal efficiency, prevent operational issues, and prolong equipment lifespan.
Fouling issues in plate heat exchangers
Plate heat exchangers are found in all types of industries and used for a wide variety of applications. Depending on the media flowing through either side of the plates, deposit buildup like scaling, rust and/or biological fouling will occur. In most cases scaling (calcium carbonate) forms on the plates and decreases the overall heat transfer and thus the efficiency of the system. Removing these deposits is therefore critical. Goodway Benelux provides solutions to clean all types of plate heat exchangers, such as: gasketed, brazed and welded.
Commonly found deposit types in plate heat exchangers are:
- Sediment (silt, mud, sand)
- Biological growth (biofilm)
- Rust (corrosion)
- Scaling (calcium carbonate)
Effects of fouling in plate heat exchangers
When plate heat exchangers become fouled, the heat transfer efficiency of the system is significantly reduced. Below, you can find some of the effects of fouling in a heat exchanger.
- Reduced heat transfer rate: Fouling acts as an insulating layer on the heat exchange surface, which impedes the transfer of heat from the hot fluid (typically refrigerant) to the cooling water. This reduces the overall heat transfer rate, as the fouling material (such as scale, dirt, or biological growth) increases the thermal resistance between the fluids.
- Increased energy consumption: Because the heat transfer rate decreases, the heat exchanger may need to work harder to achieve the same cooling effect. This typically results in an increase in energy consumption, as the compressor has to operate longer or at higher power to maintain the desired temperature.
- Shorter equipment lifespan: Continued fouling can cause wear and tear on equipment due to higher operational stresses, both from increased energy consumption and from the constant need to pump water against higher pressure drops. This can lead to more frequent maintenance, repairs, and ultimately a shorter lifespan for the plates and other components.
- Corrosion and damage: Certain types of fouling, especially biological or the buildup of scale, can cause local corrosion in the heat exchanger plates. Over time, this corrosion can weaken the plates, potentially leading to leaks or ruptures that would require expensive repairs or replacement.
Different heat exchanger types
Goodway®’s chemical cleaning systems and descalers are suitable for a wide range of plate heat exchanger types. The descaling solutions have been tested and approved by leading manufacturers such as SWEP and Multistack, and are also referenced in Trane manuals for PHE cleaning.
Goodway®’s solutions can be used for the following types of plate heat exchangers:
- Gasketed type plate heat exchangers
- Brazed plate type plate heat exchangers
- Welded type plate heat exchangers
- Plate and shell type heat exchangers
Note: Gasket lifetime is reduced by up to 50% when the plate heat exchanger is disassembled. This reduction is caused by the repeated compression and decompression of the plates.
Cleaning-in-place (CIP)
With many cleaning technologies, it is often necessary to partially or completely disassemble heat exchangers, whether plate heat exchangers, shell-and-tube designs, or boilers. Disassembly can be time-consuming and may lead to complications, such as leaks caused by incorrect reassembly.
In contrast, a preventive cleaning-in-place program offers an effective solution. CIP requires minimal disassembly and uses chemical circulation to clean the system. This method ensures that even the smallest corners and hard-to-reach areas are thoroughly cleaned – places where mechanical or other cleaning methods cannot reach. The system can remain on site, and components like the plate pack can stay compressed, simplifying the process and reducing the risk of errors.
Goodway Benelux provides complete solutions for CIP cleaning, including descaling pump systems, compatible cleaning chemicals, and accessories. In addition, their experienced team can offer guidance based on past projects and provide expert advice tailored to the specific challenges.
Interested in what Goodway Benelux offers for:
Plate heat exchangers
From pre-sales inquiries to technical support, Goodway Benelux is available to assist customers at every stage. The company also provides on-site support, training, and product demonstrations. Their dedicated sales representatives and project engineers are ready to answer questions and provide guidance throughout the entire process.