The fouling factor in heat exchangers stands for the resistance to heat flow through the walls of the tubes in the heat exchanger, reducing the efficiency of the whole unit. The fouling itself is caused by slime, mineral deposits and foreign matter sticking on the walls of the heat exchangers, and solidifying into a solid surface that impacts the water flow and heat exchange and distribution.

 

We introduce regular, high frequency cleaning with Eqobrush to avoid any fouling buildup. Otherwise, cost increases and performance loss is to be expected.

 

Two main types of residue

 

  • Hard residue is caused by various salts being deposited inside the tubes. High frequency automatic cleaning system can clean the deposits before they harden, and regular cleaning interruptions can be avoided. Once scaled the salts have to be removed by chemicals or manual brushing, cleaning and de-scaling of the hardened deposits.

 

  • Soft slimy residue, that is often caused by algae. This type of residue is caused by organic organisms covering the walls of the heat exchanger. As time goes on, a slimy organic substance covers the walls of the pipes. Low water speeds in the tubes cannot prevent the slime layer to adhere. Cleaning it is either a matter of chemicals or mechanical high pressure cleaning, or other brushing techniques.

 

Both types of residue create resistance of heat flow in the system, thus making your whole process of cooling less efficient. A good way of maintaining constant optimal performance is fitting your heat exchanger system with the EqoBrush technology.

 

The EqoBrush system for constant cleaning

 

The EqoBrush technology targets the fouling factor of heat exchangers directly, by not even letting the residue to form in the first place. How is that done? Tube brushes are inserted small catch baskets connected to the system pipes. These brushes are moved up and down the tubes by alternating the flow direction of the water in the tubes via a flow reversing valve.

 

By never letting your system overgrow you are always keeping it in pristine condition, which means more efficiency and less unnecessary expenditure.