The Standard in Tube Cleaning

Tube Cleaning – The Problem

Biofouling is organic debris that adheres to the inside diameter of the tube surface or blocks the intake flow at the tubesheet. All tube fouling will increase flow velocity, reduce heat transfer, increase back pressure and decrease efficiency of the condenser. Biofouling will substantially increase fuel costs.

Slime/Algae is bacteria that adheres to the condenser tube surface. This biofouling will reduce the usable tube surface area, will have a negative effect on heat transfer, will constrict cooling water flow and will significantly decrease plant performance. These biological organisms will aggravate and accelerate corrosion, erosion and cause pitting of the condenser tubes.

Barnacles/Mussels/Clams block cooling water flow at the tubesheet and/or adheres to the inner diameter of the tube surface. This debris will increase flow velocity which will accelerate tube erosion.

Foreign Material lodged downstream in the tubes causing flow deflection, will result in localized pitting, eventually leading to premature tube failure.

Scale is a hard deposit that adheres to the condenser tube surface. This scale will reduce heat transfer, decrease plant performance and will cause pitting of the condenser tubes.