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Heat
exchanger tubes affected by fouling .
SoundClean – keep process equipment clean
Fouling , the unwanted accumulation of materials on surfaces , is a pervasive issue across numerous industries , significantly impacting efficiency and incurring substantial economic costs . MultiSonic ’ s SoundClean system offers an innovative solution by utilizing ultrasonic technology to prevent and eliminate fouling , thereby enhancing the lifespan and performance of heat exchangers and other critical equipment while also reducing environmental impact .
By Felix Wallner , Sales Director , Multi Sonic GmbH
The problem : Fouling In the technical field , “ fouling ” means unwanted soiling in the form of deposits and growth on surfaces . Either raw materials contained in liquids are responsible for this – in water , for example , it would be salts and paraffin in crude oil – or material that was externally added , such as sludge , sand or organic substances . Particles eventually settle on the surface , thereby hindering the flow rate and the transfer of warmth and thus leading to reduced efficiency through the decreased performance of warmth transfer .
Fouling affects equipment in most industries , from the energy sector , paper manufacturing , and print production to the food industry and processing of mineral oil . Fouling in heat exchangers , machines and pipes is an underestimated phenomenon globally . It is estimated that performance losses through fouling contributes to economic damages amounting to approx . 0.25 % of the gross domestic product of industrialized countries , which translates into losses of billions . Studies show that apart from the massive economic consequences , fouling could be responsible for 1 to 2.5 % of worldwide carbon emissions in heat exchangers alone . If the system ’ s output remains constant , additional energy is required to compensate for the decreased output . In case of further clogging of pipes , cleaning of the equipment is inevitable . For this process , large objects frequently must be dismantled and be laboriously cleaned pipe for pipe . This often interrupts production for several days and the use of chemicals and large amounts of water results in pollution of the environment and nature .
The solution : SoundClean system To extend the lifespan of heat exchangers , systems and pipes , MultiSonic developed the ultrasound system www . heat-exchanger-world . com Heat Exchanger World September 2024
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