Heat Exchanger Descaler

Problem: Scale buildup on heat exchanger tubes can inhibit effective cooling and damage equipment. Until now, heat exchangers were removed from ship and cleaned ashore resulting in high costs and long equipment down-times.

Solution: MTTC, in conjunction with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock, Philadelphia, developed special circulating pumps that could be used shipboard with the new mild-acid cleaners. The new process was tested and approved.

NAVY POC:
Ralph Wood
NAVSEA-PHILADELPHIA-622
(215) 897-7498

 

Benefits

Estimated Navy Cost Avoidance:

Minimum annual:          $4,000 K

Minimum 15 Year:      $60,000 K

Fleet Impact: In the past, Sailors spent more time removing and reinstalling heat exchangers than actual cleaning time. Now they can be cleaned in place in 4 hours, versus 2 weeks previously. The associated cooling systems can continue to be used for training and maintenance. Much less damage occurs since heavy equipment is not being moved.

Status: Complete

Fleet Approval

U.S. Navy has issued a message to the fleet authorizing the use of in-situ heat exchanger cleaning by authorized Intermediate Maintenance Activity (IMA) personnel. All IMAs are now qualified. This device is now the preferred method to clean these devices.

Applications:
• All surface ship heat exchangers.
• Submarine and nuclear use restricted pending analysis of metal removal rates.