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Cover Story
If needed , Total Cleaning can also cover casing refinishing , eddy current testing , and tube repair or replacement .
Their collaboration with TC Machinery BV has led to the development of an apparatus offering an efficient and secure environment for the superior thermal cleaning of heat exchangers . What makes these ovens exceptional is the ability to regulate oxygen and temperature , allowing accurate monitoring of the gasification of organic fouling during the cleaning process . Additionally , the company ’ s large-scale units can handle multiple exchangers at once , assuming they share the same specifications , size , weight , and fouling type .
More than just cleaning With its presence in the Netherlands , Belgium , France , Germany , and Slovakia , Thermo-Clean is equipped to cater to businesses across Europe with its comprehensive “ 10-step total care heat exchanger cleaning service “ aka Total Cleaning . Total Cleaning is the foundation of Thermo-Clean ’ s approach to heat exchanger maintenance , ensuring maximum efficiency , reliability , and longevity . Traditional cleaning methods , such as water jetting and chemical washing , fail to deliver a truly comprehensive clean . These methods remove only superficial dirt , leaving behind persistent fouling that compromises performance and energy efficiency . Thermo-Clean ’ s advanced thermal cleaning technology , however , offers a complete solution that restores heat exchangers to their original state . The process begins with the placement of the heat exchanger into a specialized oven where
Before ( left ) and after ( right ) of a heat exchanger through thermal cleaning . temperatures gradually rise to 420 ° C in a controlled environment . At this stage , organic contaminants are broken down and converted into gas . These gases are then recovered and used as fuel for the ovens , making the process both environmentally friendly and cost-efficient . What remains of the fouling is reduced to fine dust , which is then rinsed away , leaving behind a heat exchanger that is completely free from historical contamination . This method is effective even in hard-to-reach areas that traditional cleaning techniques cannot access . The benefits of thermal cleaning extend beyond just cleanliness . A heat exchanger that is 100 % clean operates with better throughput , consumes less energy , and enjoys an extended service life . Unlike on-site cleaning , which can be hazardous and environmentally damaging , Thermo-Clean ’ s process significantly reduces waste and water consumption . Every kilogram of contamination is converted into just 50 grams of ash , and water usage is cut by 95 % compared to conventional methods . “ But Total Cleaning is not just about the cleaning itself ,” begins Robert “ it ’ s a fully managed process designed to unburden the customer from start to finish . We take complete responsibility for transportation , maintenance , and reinstallation , ensuring a seamless experience . Additionally , with this method , we were able to achieve minimal downtime by cleaning not only the entire heat exchanger , but also its shell . ” Their structured 10-step process guarantees efficiency and reliability at every stage : 1 . The customer removes the complete heat exchanger and its shell for transport .
2 . Thermo-Clean arranges secure transportation to the nearest specialized facility .
3 . The unit is carefully disassembled , including removal of heads and floating heads .
4 . If necessary , a preliminary cleaning is performed to safely extract the heat exchanger from its casing .
5 . The thermal cleaning process is executed in in-house developed pyrolysis ovens , followed by high-pressure water jetting to remove remaining residues .
10 Heat Exchanger World March 2025 www . heat-exchanger-world . com