Top 10 Cleaning and Inspection Challenges: No. 7
Air Cooled Condenser (ACC) Cleaning
Based on an extensive survey of 500 refinery operators, ACC cleaning ranks seventh among the most prevalent cleaning challenges. In this in-depth discussion, we will explore the issues around air-cooled condenser fouling and solutions to restore efficiency and maximise productivity.
Introduction
Air Cooled Condensers (ACC) are widely utilized in arid regions and areas with strict environmental regulations on water usage. They are used across various industries, including power plants, waste to energy plants, the chemical and petrochemical industry, and oil refineries. By efficiently condensing the exhaust steam from steam turbines, ACCs enable the return of condensate to the boiler without any loss of water.
The Challenge
Reduced efficiency of air cooled condensers can have a detrimental impact on production, resulting in lost time and increased maintenance costs. This inefficiency is often caused by debris accumulation, especially if the ACC is located near agricultural land. Over time, airborne particles progressively obstruct the cooling fins of the condenser, leading to a significant decrease in efficiency.
Traditional ACC cleaning methods typically involve rope access or scaffolding, which come with additional costs and safety concerns. Operators have identified that even semi-automated cleaning systems, while moderately effective, are time-consuming when it comes to debris removal.
The Solution
Tube Tech offers an online ACC cleaning service. With our unique telescopic lance system, our technicians can work from manways inside the apexes, eliminating the need for scaffolding. Moreover, we provide a mobile access platform to ensure easy access to the top of the ACC units for controlled passes across the fins. Our ACC cleaning systems are designed to protect delicate aluminium fans from any damage.
Conclusion
Air Cooled Condensers (ACCs) not only eliminates the need for water and reduces emissions, but it also ensures that there is no discharge of hot water into the environment. ACCs require minimal maintenance, but when cleaning is necessary, it is advised to utilize advanced techniques. Tube Tech offers a safe, efficient, and effective solution for ACC cleaning, reducing the reliance on rope access and scaffolding.