How to restore plate evaporator cleaned with sulphamic acid?
Answers
Explanation:
Plate heat exchangers are found in both the gas cleaning and strong acid section of an acid plant. The maintenance and care required for either of the units is identical.
Cleaning
Fouling of the plate exchange can occur on both the cooling water and sulphuric acid sides of the exchanger although fouling on the cooling water side is most common. Cleaning-In-Place (CIP) allows the exchanger to be cleaned without the need to open and dismantle the entire unit which can be very time consuming.
Packaged CIP system may be available from the vendor but can be easily made up if none is available. A typical CIP will consist of a reservoir for holding the cleaning solution or chemical, a circulating pump, valves, piping and flexible hose. The vendors recommendations for cleaning the unit should be followed.
If the deposits and buildup in the exchanger are severe, the unit may need to be dismantled for manual cleaning of each plate. In some cases the plates can be left hanging from the carrying bar while each plates is scrubbed with a soft brush and running water. The plates are then rinsed with a high pressure hose.
If a cleaning solution is required to clean the plates, the plates should be removed from the frame and scrubbed with a soft brush and cleaning solution and then rinsed with water.