How to clean your plate heat exchanger to keep it in optimal condition?

1. How to clean the plate heat exchanger:

Compared to shell and tube heat exchangers, plate heat exchangers have grown in popularity over the past few decades. Generally speaking, plate heat exchangers have higher heat transfer efficiency and occupy less space. These factors have helped spark brewery interest in plate heat exchangers as an alternative to shell and tube heat exchangers. There are two methods of cleaning plate heat exchangers: cleaning in place (done by circulating chemicals through the channels of the plate heat exchanger) or manual cleaning (removing the plates from the frame and using a pressurized water jet to clean the plates individually).

CIP cleaning method:

This method allows a chemical solution to be circulated through the heat exchanger to dissolve and remove fouling from the plate surface. This method eliminates the need for a separate heat exchanger, which simplifies the cleaning process and reduces cleaning labor. Chemical cleaning is ideal because the corrugated plates clean turbulent liquids and help dissolve scale. The CIP cleaning method is a combination of time, temperature and concentration. CIP systems provide chemical and mechanical cleaning of heat exchangers. If brewery equipment prohibits CIP, operators must perform manual cleaning.

CIP cleaning of heat exchangers typically includes the following objectives:

Clean lime deposits.

Passivate surfaces to reduce corrosion susceptibility.

Neutralize cleaning chemicals before draining.

Advantages of chemical cleaning with CIP:

Faster cleaning process.

Low labor intensity.

Parts that cannot be cleaned by mechanical cleaning can be cleaned.

During the chemical cleaning process of CIP, the operator usually follows the following four steps:

Alkaline Cleaning: Removes organic buildup.

Rinse: A high-flow water rinse is often used to remove loose debris and residual residue from the alkaline step.

Pickling: Helps dissolve and soften contaminated material at a deeper level.

Final Rinse: Finally rinse the plate heat exchanger with clean water.

2. Top 10 tips for keeping your plate heat exchanger in top condition

Ensure operating conditions (temperature and flow) are within design specifications. Vent the heat exchanger at startup, but open and close valves slowly to avoid pressure surges and water hammer. Use upstream filters and strainers to remove particulate fouling and protect heat exchangers. Check daily for any changes in temperature, pressure, and any signs of external leaks. Regularly keep fastening bolts clean and well lubricated. Use condition detection technology to avoid opening the plate heat exchanger for inspection. Use clean-in-place (CIP) to avoid the need to open the heat exchanger for cleaning. Always keep spare equipment clean and dry. If the heat exchanger is out of service, flush it with fresh water and drain it completely. Protect heat exchangers from water splashes and exposure to UV rays and ozone typically produced by power supplies. Use only original spare parts for plate heat exchangers to ensure equipment performance, reliability and equipment longevity. Also, keep important spare parts in stock and follow storage instructions.

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