Fin-Tube Coil Cleaning; Water Side Heat Exchanger Maintenance - Trane RTXC-XE Series Installation, Operation And Maintenance Manual

Replacing the Oil Filter

Fin-tube Coil Cleaning

Water Side Heat Exchanger Maintenance

RTXC-SVX003D-EN
Trane Polyolester Oil is the approved oil for the RTXC-XE/XE-HSE units. Polyolester oil is
extremely hygroscopic meaning it readily attracts moisture. The oil cannot be stored in plastic
containers due to the hygroscopic properties. As with mineral oil, if water is in the system it will
react with the oil to form acids. Use
Table 9. POE Oil Properties
Description
Moisture content
Acid Level
The filter element should be changed if the oil flow is sufficiently obstructed, or oil analysis failed.
Two things can happen: first, the unit may show an "Oil Filter Change Recommended" warning
message, or secondly, the compressor may shut down on a "Low Oil Flow" diagnostic.
Clean the fin-tube coils at least once a year or more frequently if the unit is in a "dirty"
environment. A clean coil will help to maintain unit operating efficiency. Follow the detergent
manufacturer's instructions to avoid damaging the coils.
To clean the coils, use a soft brush and a sprayer such as a garden pump type or a high-pressure
type. A high-quality detergent such as Trane Coil Cleaner (Part No. CHM-00255) is recommended.
See RTAC-SVG01B-EN for maintenance and cleaning procedures.
Note: If detergent mixture is strongly alkaline (pH value greater than 8.5, an inhibitor must be
added).
Hazardous Chemicals!
Coil cleaning agents can be either acidic or highly alkaline and can burn severely if contact with
skin occurs. Handle chemical carefully and avoid contact with skin. ALWAYS wear Personal
Protective Equipment (PPE) including goggles or face shield, chemical resistant gloves, boots,
apron, or suit as required. For personal safety refer to the cleaning agent manufacturer's
Materials Safety Data Sheet and follow all recommended safe handling practices. Failure to
follow all safety instructions could result in death or serious injury or equipment damage.
Proper Water Treatment!
The use of untreated or improperly treated water in a RTXC may result in scaling, erosion,
corrosion, algae, or slime. It is recommended that the services of a qualified water treatment
specialist be engaged to determine what water treatment, if any, is required. The Trane Company
assumes no responsibility for equipment failures which result from untreated or improperly
treated water, saline or brackish water.
Since the water side heat exchanger is typically part of a closed circuit, it does not accumulate
appreciable amounts of scale or sludge. However, if cleaning is deemed necessary, use the
cleaning methods recommended as following.
• Use a nondestructive tube test to inspect the evaporator tubes at 3-year intervals.
Note: It may be desirable to perform tube tests on these components at more frequent intervals,
depending upon unit application. This is especially true of critical process equipment.
•
Tube fouling is suspect when the approach temperature is higher than predicted. Standard
water applications will operate with less than a 5.6°C (10°F) approach. If the approach
exceeds 5.6°C (10°F) cleaning the tubes is recommended.
If the annual tube inspection indicates that the tubes are fouled, two cleaning methods can be
used to rid the tubes of contaminants. The methods are:
Table 9 to determine the acceptability of the oil.
Acceptable Levels
less than 300 ppm
less than 0.5 TAN (mg KOH/g)
WARNING
CAUTION
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