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cleaning a plate and frame heat exchanger

zepfan
zepfan Member Posts: 408
does anyone know the best mild detergent to use when scrubbing down the plates of plate and frame heat exchanger? the manufacture recommends using nitric acid, and water. I do not want to use any acids if necessary, because we would be scrubbing them down on the roof of the building (rubber roof) thanks to all

Comments

  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    What's on the plates?

    Nitric acid and mild detergent have somewhat different properties.  What is the residue you are trying to remove?
  • zepfan
    zepfan Member Posts: 408
    just dirt

    Mostly dirt and other stuff found in an open cooling tower system
  • SWEI
    SWEI Member Posts: 7,356
    Try it

    can't hurt to try a couple of plates and see how they fare.  Sounds like you don't have very hard water there (or have been treating your water diligently.)  If you do have lime stains, a lower pH will help -- though Sulfamic, citric, and acetic acids are more commonly used.  Nu-Calgon has been recommended here a few times, though I have no personal experience with it.
  • PZdescaling
    PZdescaling Member Posts: 3
    Acid Free, All-in-One Descaler

    Since your heat exchanger made of multi material, in order to not hurt your equipment, I would recommend you to use 1st TECH Biodegradable Descaler. It is acid free descaler, and works for cleaning the rubber material parts.

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