Deposits on heat transfer surfaces build up gradually, and their amount grows with every operating period. Regular (planned preventive) cleaning keeps equipment within its design parameters and costs much less than recovery after a failure. We take equipment under regular maintenance: we inspect it, clean it on schedule and protect the metal after cleaning.
What is included
- Scheduled routine cleaning. The interval is agreed with the customer based on the operating mode and the quality of the heat transfer medium; work is carried out during scheduled shutdowns and the off-season, without unplanned stoppages.
- Condition monitoring between cleanings. Monitoring of pressure drop, temperature difference and hydraulic resistance; if necessary, determination of the specific contamination of heating surfaces (g/m²) from tube samples.
- Inspection and diagnostics before cleaning. Examination of the equipment and, if necessary, video inspection (endoscopy) of internal surfaces. We determine the composition and thickness of deposits.
- Chemical protection. After cleaning — neutralisation of chemical residues, water rinsing and passivation of the metal; corrosion and scale inhibitors to slow down re-fouling.
- Reporting. A certificate of completed work and recommendations on the timing of the next cleaning.
Why regular maintenance
- stable heat transfer and no growth in fuel consumption;
- fewer unplanned shutdowns and emergency repairs;
- longer equipment service life;
- work is planned in advance and fits into the annual budget.
Cleaning methods
- Chemical flushing — dissolving deposits with chemicals circulated through the internal cavities of the equipment, followed by neutralisation and passivation of the metal; used where tools cannot reach.
- Hydrodynamic cleaning — breaking up deposits with a high-pressure water jet using high-pressure units, channel-cleaning hoses and special nozzles; for tubes, channels and vessels accessible to the nozzle.
- Mechanical cleaning — removal of dense and fully blocking deposits with manual and power tools; as a rule, requires disassembly or opening of the equipment.
- Dry ice blasting (cryoblasting) — gentle cleaning of accessible surfaces with solid carbon dioxide pellets, without chemicals, water or abrasives.
- Laser cleaning — non-contact removal of rust, mill scale, carbon deposits and coatings from accessible metal surfaces.
The applicability of a method to specific equipment is determined after inspection and agreed with the customer; methods are often combined. The methods used for each type of equipment are listed in its description on this page.
What we need for a quote
- list of equipment: type, model, quantity;
- operating mode and heat transfer medium;
- when the last cleaning was carried out and by which method;
- convenient windows for the work.
Frequently asked questions
How often is cleaning needed?
It depends on the quality of the heat transfer medium and the operating mode. We determine the interval after the first inspection and refine it based on subsequent ones.
Why passivate after flushing?
Passivation creates a protective layer on the cleaned metal and reduces corrosion after cleaning and during downtime.
How is scheduled maintenance formalised?
By a contract listing the equipment and the work schedule.