Cleaning in place
SWEP heat exchangers are normally self-cleaning, thanks to highly turbulent flows.
In applications with a high risk of fouling or scaling, e.g. due to high temperatures, hard water, or high pH levels, cleaning may be required to maintain efficiency.
This is achieved quickly and easily with cleaning in place, a method of cleaning the interior surfaces of closed systems by circulating a fluid. Disassembly is not required.
When is cleaning required?
Although a BPHE is less susceptible to fouling and scaling, it might need cleaning over the course of its life time if it is working in conditions of high temperatures, a high concentration of particles in the water, hard water, or high pH levels.
Monitoring performance regularly will help you ensure the system is working with maximum efficiency, preventing energy waste and unplanned downtime.
There are two indicators of the need to clean your BPHE: temperature differences and pressure drops. Make sure that water flow rates are according to specification, to ensure the indicators are not affected by flow rate changes.
- Temperature differences less than specified indicate signs of fouling of the channel plate.
- Pressure drops higher than specified indicate fouling constricting the channel passage and thus increasing velocity.
How do you clean a BPHE?
SWEP BPHEs are cleaned quickly and easily with cleaning in place, a method used for the interior surfaces of closed systems, such as pipes, vessels, process equipment, and filters.
A chemical fluid is circulated through the unit, without the need for disassembly. The chemicals dissolve or loosen deposits from process equipment and piping, giving uniform removal and lower overall operating costs. SWEP heat exchangers can be equipped with customized cleaning in place ports to make it even easier.