How Effective Is Using High Pressure Water to Clean Plate & Frame Heat Exchangers?
Plate and frame heat exchangers (PHEs) are vital for efficient heat transfer in industries like HVAC, food processing, and power generation. Fouling from scale, rust, or organic matter can reduce performance, increase energy costs, and risk system failures.
A common question is: How effective is using high pressure water to clean plate & frame heat exchangers?
High-pressure water jetting is highly effective for removing stubborn deposits, but its success depends on proper execution
What Is High-Pressure Water Cleaning for PHEs?
High-pressure water jetting uses a concentrated water stream, often at pressures up to 2,500 bar (36,000 psi), to dislodge tough fouling like scale, marine growth, or debris from PHE plates. This method, is particularly effective for severe fouling that Clean-in-Place (CIP) or chemical flushing cannot fully address. It often requires disassembling the PHE for precise cleaning.
Effectiveness of High-Pressure Water Cleaning
High-pressure water cleaning is effective for PHEs because it:
- Removes Stubborn Deposits: It clears hardened scale, calcium carbonate, and biological fouling, restoring heat transfer efficiency methods.
- Targets Complex Geometries: The high-pressure stream reaches tight spaces and corrugated plate designs, ensuring thorough cleaning.
- Reduces Chemical Use: It minimizes reliance on harsh chemicals, making it eco-friendly when wastewater is managed properly.
How High-Pressure Water Cleaning Works
- Disassembly: PHEs are dismantled to access plates, as high-pressure cleaning typically requires manual application, per industry standards.
- Jetting: Technicians use high-pressure water jets, as practiced by Heat Exchanger Ontario, to remove debris without damaging plates.
- Rinsing and Inspection: Plates are rinsed and checked for damage (e.g., cracks or pinholes) using dye penetrant testing
- Reassembly: Plates and gaskets are reinstalled, ensuring proper sealing, as emphasized.
Limitations of High-Pressure Water Cleaning
- Risk of Damage: Excessive pressure can harm delicate plates or gaskets, especially in stainless steel or titanium PHEs
- Time and Labor: Disassembly and cleaning can take 2–3 days, as noted in traditional methods, compared to faster CIP systems.
- Wastewater Management: High-pressure cleaning generates significant wastewater, requiring proper treatment to meet environmental regulations
Best Practices for High-Pressure Water Cleaning
- Combine with Chemical Cleaning: Pair high-pressure jetting with chemical flushing for severe fouling
- Use Professional Services: Experts like T.H. Industrial Solutions ensure proper pressure settings to protect components.
- Monitor Fouling: Schedule cleaning when differential pressure reaches 7–10 psi, indicating fouling
- Environmental Compliance: Manage wastewater to comply with regulations
When to Use High-Pressure Water Cleaning
High-pressure water cleaning is ideal for PHEs with severe fouling, such as marine growth or hardened scale, where CIP or chemical methods are insufficient. It’s commonly used in industries like power generation or marine applications. For routine maintenance, CIP or chemical flushing may be preferred to avoid disassembly,
Conclusion
High-pressure water cleaning is highly effective for cleaning plate and frame heat exchangers, particularly for tough deposits, but requires expertise to avoid damage and manage wastewater. Industry leaders like T.H. Industrial Solutions offer professional services to ensure safe, efficient cleaning.
