International. A good part of the energy costs of a facility is represented by chillers. Therefore, the timely maintenance of this equipment is essential when developing efficient operations, avoiding effects on productivity due to breakdowns and downtime.
Knowing the above, Goodway Technologies emphasizes that although postponing the cleanup work may seem a tempting possibility, such a decision can later be more expensive, if a repair of greater magnitude is required or if there is a loss of efficiency.
The importance of proper maintenance
Cooling tubes are prone to the accumulation of sediment and polluting residues. This occurs in all chillers, regardless of the frequency of cleaning or the purity of the water inside the equipment. Such buildup in pipes is known as "fouling" and as its thickness increases, the overall system loses its capacity and uses more energy compared to a clean chiller.
Additionally, lack of cleanliness causes corrosion and reduced heat transfer through the system. As heat transfer efficiency decreases, operation and maintenance costs increase.
Conversely, a proper cleaning routine can help reduce fouling and also control the growth of harmful microorganisms, such as the bacteria that causes Legionnaires' disease. Additionally, potential health risks resulting from poor indoor air quality are mitigated.
Below, ACR Latinoamerica presents the best tips and practices to prevent undesirable situations, according to Goodway Technologies.
What to consider
- There are solutions and equipment for cleaning chiller tubes that are portable and easy to use, even by a single person.
- Water treatment alone will not keep the pipes clean.
- Even the smallest amount of scale can affect the efficiency of a cooler.
- Routine cleanings and visual inspections should be implemented in addition to water treatment.
Tools for efficient cleaning
- Rotary tube cleaners: Ideal for cleaning tubes, these units deliver water to the brush at the end of the shaft, removing deposits as they come off.
- Chemical water softeners: can dissolve calcium, lime, oxide, lithium carbonate and other types of duct deposits that come into contact with hot water. It is necessary to check the product label to see what materials the product can be used with.
- Brushes: Placing brushes in the tube cleaner can help remove soft, light scale deposits.
