Cleaning External Surface of Gas Fired Heater Tubes
Cleaning External Surface of Gas Fired Heater Tubes
(OP)
I have a gas fired heater on an LNG plant and I would like to clean the external surface of the tubes in the convectiona and radiation sections. Are there any chemicals than can be used to aid in removal of deposits? Also, what is the best method of cleaning to use?





RE: Cleaning External Surface of Gas Fired Heater Tubes
RE: Cleaning External Surface of Gas Fired Heater Tubes
Usually when done in place they are hydroblasted or CO2 blasted. It would be very difficult to clean for most arrangements. Most hydroblasters have surfactants and detergents they can add to the hyrdroblast solution to assist in cleaning.
Whatever method you choose needs to take into account the type of scale, condition of tubes, material tubes, and many other factors.
RE: Cleaning External Surface of Gas Fired Heater Tubes
We have a HGRS boiler (115,000 lbs/hr) @ 650 psig, 750F, in a thermal reduction (NOx)unit that requires periodic cleaning of the tubes due to feathers from refractory dust. These tubes are sand blasted using Al2O3 abrasive and a very good operator. One thing is we have hooked a vacuum system to help collect the residue. We tried water blasting, 15,000 psi, but it took too long and it took too long to dry the refractory. We still water blast the preheater section. This boiler has a Atemperator.
All our Therminol Vaporizers of D-Tube construction have been sand blasted several times in their 50 yr, operation.
We have partially abrasive blasted our power boiler due to having to burn high Vanadium fuel oil for short periods.
No matter which approach you undertake make sure you have experienced people to do the work.
RE: Cleaning External Surface of Gas Fired Heater Tubes
While unclesyd has listed several remedies, it would be better to know what is in your fuel and what types of deposits you have plus more information on how your convection section is constructed.
rmw