Can Double Wall HXs Be Cleaned Using High Pressure Water?
Double wall plate and frame heat exchangers (HXs) are designed to prevent cross-contamination, making them critical for applications like potable water, food processing, and pharmaceuticals.
A common question is: Can double wall HXs be cleaned using high pressure water?
Yes, high-pressure water jetting is an effective method for cleaning double wall HXs, particularly for stubborn fouling. However, it requires careful execution to avoid damaging delicate components.
What Are Double Wall HXs?
Double wall HXs feature two plates between fluid channels, ensuring no mixing of fluids if a plate fails, as noted by T.H. Industrial Solutions. This design is vital for potable water systems under municipal codes, making regular cleaning essential to maintain performance and safety.
How Are Double Wall HXs Cleaned with High Pressure Water?
High-pressure water jetting, often at pressures up to 2,500 bar (36,000 psi), removes tough deposits like scale, marine growth, or debris from HX plates. The process typically involves:
- Disassembly: Plates are separated to allow precise jetting, as high-pressure cleaning often requires manual application
- Jetting: A 10 hp gas pressure washer, used by Heat Exchanger Ontario, effectively removes dirt and biofilm, though it may be less effective for scale or rust.
- Inspection: Post-cleaning, dye penetrant testing checks for cracks or pinholes, ensuring plate integrity, a practice emphasized by T.H. Industrial Solutions.
- Reassembly: Plates and gaskets are reinstalled carefully to maintain the double wall’s protective barrier.
Effectiveness of High-Pressure Water Cleaning
High-pressure water cleaning is effective for double wall HXs because it:
- Clears Stubborn Fouling: Removes hardened scale and marine growth, restoring heat transfer efficiency
- Targets Complex Geometries: Penetrates corrugated plate designs for thorough cleaning.
- Reduces Chemical Use: Minimizes reliance on chemicals, eco-friendly when wastewater is managed
Limitations and Considerations
- Risk of Damage: Excessive pressure can harm plates or gaskets, especially in stainless steel or titanium HXs
- Time-Intensive: Disassembly and cleaning can take 2–3 days, compared to faster Clean-in-Place (CIP) methods
- Wastewater Management: Generates significant wastewater, requiring proper treatment
- Professional Expertise: Services from Total Heat Exchanger Solutions, ensure safe cleaning.
When to Use High-Pressure Water Cleaning
High-pressure water cleaning is ideal for double wall HXs with severe fouling, such as marine growth or hardened scale, where CIP or chemical flushing is insufficient. It’s common in industries like power generation or marine applications. For routine maintenance, CIP is often preferred to avoid disassembly.
Conclusion
Double wall HXs can be effectively cleaned with high-pressure water, particularly for tough deposits, but careful execution is needed to protect their anti-contamination design. Industry leaders like T.H. Industrial Solutions offer expert services to ensure efficiency and safety. Trust professionals to maintain your double wall HXs.
