PDA

View Full Version : Cleaning clogged condenser coils of grease



Abe
18-04-2001, 12:39 AM
I am often called out to service cabinets in Tandooree , Curry restaurants where I find the condensers thickly coated with grease. There is no way to clean these, apart from removing the condenser and replacing.

Are there any other novel methods , employing use of detergents, ect which can adquately clean the offending scum accumulation ?

The detergents available from my local trade counter bubble and blow, but are not effective

Any advice?

WebRam
18-04-2001, 12:44 AM
I used to use caustic soda, but you had to be quick ;)

subzero*psia
18-04-2001, 01:41 PM
You might try toilet bowl cleaner.... believe it or not it removes grease. It is very acidic so you have to be quick and flush with water too. I used to clean the ends of aluminum billots in preparation to coat with liquid graphite in a manufacturing facility... amazing what you pick up here and there.

750 Valve
09-07-2001, 12:08 PM
Abe, try engine degreaser- the type you buy in pressurised cans from service/gas stations. Spray on, allow to stand for 3-5 mins then hose off. If working on small unit or self contained fridge you will have to remove condenser to clean or you will electrocute yourself. Beats buying a new condenser every two years or replacing dead compressors and fan motors in a greasy restaurant fridges. Also, when its all clean, sell them grease proof filters (like those used on Manitowoc Ice machines) and clean them instead - Heaps Easier!

iwm ref
11-09-2001, 12:27 AM
Ive got Two words for you 'Alki Foam'

Its Outstanding, brilliant Alkalide, The chemical is brilliant slighty irritable if skin contacted, but for cleaning condensors its a breeze.

Add to water then Spray on condensor - let the chemical react and watch all the dirty foam from the condensor...

Where from? - ::Uk:: RPW wholesalers, NRS Also availible in stock I imagine.

Good luck, all the best

Jono

Truman Powell
14-10-2001, 12:50 AM
We used to use acid, but after several days in pain from acid burns, we decided to find a better way. HOT Water, & good de-greaser (make sure it won't harm aluminum) Wet the coil, apply the cleaner, soak, rinse off. Repeat as required. Really bad coils have required high pressure, high temperature water--a chemical injecter is nice to apply chemical and it gets it really deep into the coils.

ADS Industries in Tyler Texas (USA)(903-533-8668) makes a chemical named Combat that is really great. 409 also works.

It's surprising how much difference clean coils make!

Truman

-=freeze=-
16-11-2001, 02:56 PM
:)

This will be me first post.

We had a sales guy show up at our factory with some stuff for cleaning coils. would you believe the names"Grease Gobbler"
from a company called advanced engineering in Surrey England 01737 859 900.

It worked ok, but you have to leave it for an hour or two depending on the state of the coil.

Cant remember how much it costs per can.

Hope this helps.

Abe
16-11-2001, 07:35 PM
Ok,
Weve had lots of good tips on this one, but imagine this scenario, the condensing unit is sitting on top of the cabinet inside the kitchen, how does one use high pressure water jets, water, it is just not possible!!!
This is what I did, I popped into Wilkinsons and bought a can of aerosal oven cleaner.
Sprayed it on, it foamed, then I wiped away the excess with a damp cloth and then blew the coil with my new Makita hand held air blower
Coil is clean, shiny, well, much much better then it was!!!
How much does the oven cleaner cost?? Around £2.00
For now Im happy.
Terra

Reeferjon
21-11-2001, 06:18 PM
LOL nice 1

°Herm Medic°
05-10-2003, 01:39 AM
Yup! I work in alot of restaurants and have tried many different things, but oven cleaner or grill cleaner (undilluted) really tears up grease! I rinse with water and use alot of towels or a shop vac. I use alki-brite or con coil to brighten them up every now and again, but if it can't get past the grease film it is useless.

Latte
05-10-2003, 03:47 AM
Hello all
Grease Gobbler (vailable from HRP Pt No 291955 & NRS) Is ideal from Kitchens. It works very well & usually you only have to leave it a couple of mins for it to work. The only down side is it STINKS.
Its fairly expensive, about £5 for a 400ml aerasol but at the end of the day, he customer pays & it saves having to wash out the coil with water after.