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Condenser
Condenser tube fouling is indicated when the approach
temperature (the difference between the condensing
refrigerant temperature and the leaving condenser water
temperature) is higher than predicted.
If the annual condenser tube inspection indicates that the
tubes are fouled, two cleaning methods—mechanical and
chemical—can be used to rid the tubes of contaminants.
Use the mechanical cleaning method to remove sludge and
loose material from smooth-bore tubes.
To clean other types of tubes including internally-enhanced
types, consult a qualified service organization for
recommendations.
Figure 71. Typical chemical cleaning setup
Pipe
Connections
Circulator
Pump
1. Follow all instructions in
Installation," p. 111
to remove waterbox covers.
2. Work a round nylon or brass bristled brush (attached to
a rod) in and out of each of the condenser water tubes
to loosen the sludge.
3. Thoroughly flush the condenser water tubes with clean
water.
4. Scale deposits are best removed by chemical means.
Be sure to consult any qualified chemical house in the
area (one familiar with the local water supply's
chemical mineral content) for a recommended cleaning
solution suitable for the job.
Note: A standard condenser water circuit is composed
solely of copper, cast iron, and steel.
NOTICE
Unit Corrosion Damage!
Failure to follow instructions below could result in
corrosion damage to the unit and tubes.
Follow proper procedures when using corrosive
chemicals to clean water side of unit. If unsure, it is
recommended that the services of a qualified
chemical cleaning firm be used.
CDHH-SVX003C-EN
Shutoff
Valves
Cleaning
Solution
"Waterbox Removal and
Recommended Maintenance
Important: All of the materials used in the external
circulation system, the quantity of the solution,
the duration of the cleaning period, and any
required safety precautions should be
approved by the company furnishing the
materials or performing the cleaning.
Remember, however, that whenever the
chemical tube cleaning method is used, it must
be followed up with mechanical tube cleaning,
flushing, and inspection.
Evaporator
Since the evaporator is typically part of a closed circuit, it
may not accumulate appreciable amounts of scale or
sludge. Normally, cleaning every three years is sufficient.
However, periodic inspection and cleaning is
recommended on open evaporator systems, such as air
washers.
Waterbox and Tubesheet Protective
Coatings
Trane recommends that coated waterboxes/tubesheets—
regardless of the type of protective coating included—be
taken out of service within the first one to three months of
operation for inspection. Any voids or defects identified
upon inspection must be repaired. If the water quality is
known to be highly supportive of corrosion (i.e., sea water,
etc.), inspect the coating system at one month; if the water
quality is known to be relatively benign (i.e., normal treated
and clean condenser water), inspect the coating system
within three months. Only when initial inspections show no
problems are present should subsequent maintenance
intervals be increased.
Sacrificial Anodes
The replacement schedule for the optional zinc or
magnesium anodes can vary greatly with the
aggressiveness of the water that is in the system. Some
sites could require anode replacement every two to three
months while other sites may require anode replacement
every two to three years. Trane recommends inspection of
anodes for wear sometime within the first several months of
the anodes being placed into service. If the observed loss
of anode material is small, then the interval between
subsequent inspections can be lengthened. Replace the
anode and/or shorten the inspection interval if the anode
has lost 50 percent or more of its original mass. If anode
depletion occurs very quickly, consult a water treatment
specialist to determine if the anode material selected is
correct for the application.
107
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