Build the cleaning strategy into the selection rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Suspended solids, crystallisation, biological growth, chemical reactions, solidification and corrosion can produce different deposits. State particle size and loading, solubility changes, freezing or solidification risks and the service history of any existing exchanger.
Channel geometry and flow velocity affect heat transfer, pressure drop and the tendency for deposits to attach. A higher velocity is not a universal remedy: pumping limits, erosion risk and fluid properties must be considered.
CIP circulates a suitable cleaning solution through the equipment. Chemical compatibility, concentration, temperature and disposal requirements must be established for the actual materials and deposit. There is no single cleaning chemical or procedure suitable for all duties.
Reversing flow can be considered for some loose deposits. Suitability depends on the channel geometry, contamination, connected system and operating instructions. It should not be assumed to remove hard scale or restore an obstructed exchanger.
An openable shell may provide access to the plate pack exterior or shell-side surfaces, depending on construction. Welded internal passages have different access limitations. Confirm which surfaces are accessible and what disassembly is permitted.
Record flow, inlet and outlet temperatures and pressure drop at a known operating point. Compare subsequent readings at comparable conditions. A change may arise from fouling, flow variation or system control, so diagnosis should precede cleaning.
No. Welded channels remove interplate gaskets, but fouling, inspection and system maintenance still need to be considered.
No. Select the cleaning process for all wetted materials, the deposit and the equipment instructions.
Send the equipment designation, operating data, pressure-drop trend, fluid composition, cleaning history and description of the problem.
Provide both fluids, flow rates, inlet and outlet temperatures, operating and design pressures, allowable pressure drop and material requirements. For an existing installation, include the nameplate and arrangement drawing.