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View Full Version : Lime scale and Condenser coils don't mix!



Shakey
20-02-2007, 05:27 PM
I was wondering if any body can help me with the best condenser coil cleaner to use to remove large lime scale deposits on a remote condenser that is fitted with adiabatic cooling..... dont ask.
You can get cleaners that are more specified for cooling towers etc that remove lime scale, but am not sure what effect this will have on the aluminium.

NH3LVR
21-02-2007, 01:47 AM
Hi Shakey:)

I do not know how it is generally done in the UK, but in the US I prefer to call in or at least consult with a local water treatment person.
Of course there are many who are not good. I have a good one and refer any questions about such to him.
It is just do dangerous to add chemicals to equipment and take a chance on damage.
That is not to say that once you have a treatment for a particular type machine you need to consult on every one.

aawood1
21-02-2007, 01:44 PM
Hi Shakey, On this I would have to go with NH3LVR as I have seen the damage done by someone just adding an acid type cleaner to condenser's. What I have done in the past was send some of the lime scale away to a water treatment company and asked them to see what they could do to brake it down and remove it from the coils without damage to the base metal steel or your Aluminium. I would say that they would more than likey say that you should have used treated water from the start.
All the best Arthur.

Shakey
21-02-2007, 05:29 PM
Hey guys, thank you for your reply. The customer has already had a quote from a water treatment specialist and decided it was too expensive, hence why we are doing it. aawood1, you refer to NH3LVR.... ? Unfortunately this is one of those jobs that you get lumped with. The adiabatic cooling has magnetic filters etc for the removal of lime scale, which obviously do not do a very good job. I have suggested a small buffer tank with a dissovable tablet.

US Iceman
21-02-2007, 06:19 PM
I would suggest you mention in writing to the customer the potential problems that may be encountered and that you are not responsible for any future equipment replacments due to the "treatment process" you use.

Someone else did this project, now it doesn't work, and you could be left holding the bag, so to speak.

I would treat this very carefully to limit any future financial exposure you might inccur.

These situations alsways have the potential to turn into a "he said, she said" affair.:(

Shakey
21-02-2007, 07:58 PM
Oh yeah now I know what you mean by NH3LRV...I think I might go down that route. I might give standard condenser coil cleaner a go first before bringing in the big guns. Thanks ice man for the advice...That is one of the first things I put in my quotes...All care and no responsibility.