The Practical Application and Innovation of Cleaning Technology for Condensers

Maintaining clean condenser tubes is of vital importance for reliable, efficient power generation.  Two major problems result from fouled tubes: (1) Loss of heat transfer, and (2) Under-deposit corrosion. Early identification of fouling characteristics and a fundamental knowledge of cleaning system capabilities are essential in determining the most effective cleaning technology. This paper discusses the common causes of condenser tube fouling and the practical application and innovation of cleaning technology.  State-of-the-Art methods for off-line mechanical tube cleaning are presented, and their effects on tube condition examined.