How to Prevent Fouling in a Heat Exchanger

Most people are familiar with heat exchangers since basic car radiators and home air-conditioning units use the technology. Heat exchangers transfer heat from a liquid through a solid surface. As a result, hot air within a home or car is eventually cooled as it moves through an air-conditioning unit. However, heat exchangers are prone to fouling, or debris buildup, within their tubular or plate assemblies, limiting their functionality. Luckily, fouling can be prevented through strategic design methods and cleaning.

Brush
Water jet
Scraping tool

Instructions

- 1
  Choose a heat exchanger with corrugated, or wrinkled, tubes. The small folds along the exchanger's internal tubing causes friction against the moving liquid. Turbulence will prevent fouling accumulation.
- 2
  Make sure that the heat exchanger uses smooth turns throughout its tubular or plate design. Sharp turns within the heat exchanger slow the liquid's flow. As a result, more debris can settle across the exchanger's internal surfaces.
- 3
  Clean the heat exchanger periodically. Depending on the design, heat exchangers should have access points for separating the main tubular or plate assembly. Use a brush, water jet, or scraping tool to remove the fouling. Use caution to prevent accidental damage to the exchanger's internal structure.
- 4
  Choose a copper material for the heat exchanger's body. Heat exchanger plate and tubular assemblies commonly use copper alloys for overall construction. This material tends to prevent excessive fouling, especially for biological buildup. Make sure that the alloy consists of at least 70 percent copper for the best prevention.

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