A heat exchanger is the most important component of a cooling or heating system. Its failure can have a significant impact on the efficiency of your system and comfort if on a HVAC application. Understanding the major causes of heat exchanger failure may help you avoid an emergency collapse of your cooling or heating system. These are the most common heat exchanger problems to look out for.
Rusting
Condensation or untreated process water may result in rust developing within your heat exchanger. Corrosion may quickly build up inside and outside of the heat exchanger, particularly if the system is switched of and stagnant for periods of time. Without immediate attention, the rust will slowly destroy the heat exchanger.
Corrosion
Corrosion in a heat exchanger is the result of the complicated chemical interaction of fluids and other elements moving in the exchanger. Corrosion can occur in the exchanger’s shell, over the tube, on the sheet, and in other areas. High Chlorine levels are especially are very corrosive and can lead to “chlorine-cracking”. Without a protective layer, the heat exchanger is more prone to corrosion. As metal deterioration accelerates, your HVAC system becomes more vulnerable to harm. If you detect corrosion in your heat exchangers, call your service provider immediately for the appropriate treatments.
Fouling
Heat exchangers typically foul as the result of limited fluid flow and the combined qualities of hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layers. This situation has an impact on the entire performance of your HVAC system. Optimizing heat exchanger designs is one of the most effective fouling reduction measures. Additional causes of fouling include chemical changes, biological causes such as organism growth, poor filtration of fluids that lead to precipitation of dirt in the heat exchanger, and corrosion. More frequent cleaning by professionals will help prevent fouling.
Efficiency tests.
We can assist with in-process test methods to establish the condition and efficiency of your heat exchangers. Infra-reanalyses of the flow patterns in the heat exchanger combined with flow volumes and temperature analyses can be used to check conditions.
Contact Centromac for details
Prevent these heat exchanger problems by identifying the cause. If you suspect any problems in your heat exchanger or HVAC systems, an experienced and qualified professional can help you find and remedy any challenges.
If you would like to know more about our heat-exchanger maintenance services or request a quote, get in touch with a representative from Centromac today. Alternatively, free to continue browsing our website for additional information on our complete range of offers.