Search
Close this search box.

Heat Exchanger Cleaning

Cleaning Heat Exchangers throughout the UK, Ireland, and Europe.   

Request advice & free quote

Complete the form below and we'll be in contact

HEAT EXCHANGER CLEANING WITH PRECISION

Heat Exchangers generally fall into two categories within industry, either tube bundle heat exchangers or plate heat exchangers, with a further sub-category of having some heat exchangers as fully sealed units. Precision Processing is experienced at processing all types of heat exchangers and has successfully cleaned heat exchangers for cement works, chemical manufacturing, plastic component manufacturing, power generation, dairy industry, as well as other heat exchangers such as marine engine coolers and industrial lube oil coolers.

With our range of chemicals and techniques, we can offer a process that will best remove the process contaminants from your heat exchangers. Each overall process involves a series of process steps which build together to enable the successful refurbishment of the parts. We also can strip down and rebuild heat exchanger units at our dedicated processing facility. We can rebuild, re-seal and gasket units, as well as effect minor repairs and offer both pneumatic and hydrostatic testing of cleaned units.

FAQ'S - HEAT EXCHANGER CLEANING

What is heat exchanger cleaning?

Heat exchanger cleaning is the removal of fouling and scale build-up from the heat exchanger. Fouling and scale build-up prevent the heat exchanger from operating efficiently. Over time fouling and scale build-up can become so prevalent that the flow within the channels is restricted, thus reducing heat exchanger efficiency to a great extent. Depending on the type of heat exchanger in question, cleaning can be either mechanical cleaning, chemical cleaning or a mixture of both.

Where are heat exchangers typically used?

Heat exchangers are used in a range of process industries and are typically used to heat or cool various process fluids through indirect heating and cooling. As the range of industries varies, the range of fouling varies, but common uses of heat exchangers are in boilers where you will have rust and hard water scale fouling, oil cooling systems where you will have oil varnish fouling, and hot gas cooling systems where you will have combustion product fouling.

 

How often should heat exchanger cleaning occur?

Heat exchanger cleaning should be undertaken when the efficiency of your heat exchanger is reduced, which you typically notice by temperature drift of your process fluids, or when the flow of material through the heat exchanger reduces (in line pressure increases). Depending on your process and conditions you may not see either of these two effects, in which case your heat exchanger should be taken off line for inspection at least on an annual basis to ensure it is fit for purpose. 

 

What chemicals and equipment should be used when cleaning heat exchangers?

High pressure water jetting and wet blasting techniques are common methods to mechanically clean your heat exchangers. These methods are only useful when you can physically see and treat the surface of the parts which are fouled. Alkali or Acid processes are typically used to chemically clean your heat exchanger, although this should be undertaken by a specialist cleaning company who knows what they are doing.

 

How much does heat exchanger cleaning cost?

The cost of cleaning a heat exchanger is typically a fraction of the cost of replacement, and good maintenance and upkeep of your heat exchangers especially through routine cleaning, will ensure the heat exchanger is fit for purpose and running as efficiently as possible.

Complete the form at the top/ bottom of the page, let us know your requirements and we will provide an accurate costing free of charge.

 

How successful/ useful is heat exchanger cleaning?

Routine cleaning of your heat exchangers maintains the efficiency in your process equipment, which therefore has an overall positive effect on your process. Almost all heat exchangers can be cleaned, some to a greater extent than others. Success of heat exchanger cleaning can be quantified by testing flow through the heat exchanger and comparing to manufacturers data, but also following cleaning when the unit has been returned to service, the efficiency can also be measured, thus giving a positive indication of success.

Contact us for advice or a free quote

Call us on 028 7186 1600 or click the box below to us an email

© 2021 the precision group | made by mad

Steven Pimblett

Head of Finance

After studying accountancy at Queen’s University of Belfast and qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 2001, Steven “moved to industry” in 2002, holding senior finance roles with several local businesses.  

Steven joined The Precision Group in 2019 and was appointed Finance Director in 2020.  Steven leads Precision’s experienced and dedicated Finance Team.  He constantly strives to maximise the long-term financial performance of the Group via the provision of robust, considered and pragmatic guidance to both internal management and the board.  

In addition, Steven, together with the finance team, manage the day to day finances of Precision and provide accurate and timely information to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders.    

Eddie Finn

Head of Technical Services – Construction & Building Division

Eddie joined The Precision Group in 2016 as Head of Technical Services for the Construction & Building Division.

With over 25 years’ experience within the Construction & Building Sector, Eddie has managed many large scale construction projects across the UK and Ireland.  

Along with a wealth of industry experience, Eddie holds numerous professional qualifications and accreditations, including MCIOB, ACIBE, IOSH, NVQ Level 7 in Construction Senior Management and the Constructions Skill Register Black Construction Management Card.

Not content with standing still, Eddie is currently working towards the NEBOSH National Certificate in Construction Health & Safety.

Alan Stringer

Senior Contracts Manager

Alan is one of the company’s longest-serving employees, having joined the Precision Group in 2000 as a Specialist Contracts Manager.

He is currently responsible for the development and management of the Precision Group’s specialist technical services, primarily within the Utility Data Capture arena.  Latest projects include the Cork City DAP, which was one of the largest European drainage asset surveys completed in recent years.

Alan often represents the Group at various international water and engineering sector forums.  In his spare time, he is a motorcycles and rugby enthusiast.

“Our dedicated Utility Data Capture team offer specialist asset surveying and data management services across the UK, Ireland and Europe. It is imperative we remain at the forefront in terms of the technology we utilise, both on site and within our back office, including the provision of industry leading data packages designed to exceed our clients requirements.”

Kevin Lynch

HSE Manager

An experienced HSE Manager, Kevin’s primary role within the Group is to lead a positive HSE culture throughout the company and bring practical HSE solutions to the day-to-day operations of the business. 

Kevin provides professional advice and support for the Group’s Contract Managers, Supervisors and other staff in relation to all health, safety and environmental matters, including client site audits.

As HSE Manager, Kevin has overall responsibility for compliance with all current legislation, including codes of practice and relevant standards, across The Precision Group. He also manages the Group’s Integrated Management System, including ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001, ensuring critical control points are monitored effectively.

With over 30 years’ experience within the Fire and Rescue Service, Kevin brings a wealth of experience to the role.

Seamus McCallan

Operations Manager – Construction & Building Division - Asbestos

After being involved in his family business for over 15 years,  Seamus joined The Precision Group as one of two Contracts Managers, overseeing all projects within the specialist Asbestos division.

Now head of the Group’s Asbestos Division, Seamus has primary responsibility for over 20 staff, managing projects in excess of £1.5m last year.  With over 25 years’ experience within the Asbestos and Demolition / Construction industries, Seamus has a wealth of experience within the sector, paired with exceptional communication and leadership skills.

Seamus places significant emphasis on open and transparent communication, fostering strong relationships between clients, contractors and internal stakeholders alike, to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

“Having experienced several changes within the Industry over the past three decades, the ability to improvise and adapt in any given situation is essential.  As a team, we continually strive to deliver the best service in our field”.

Kevin Williams

Managing Director

Kevin has a long history with The Precision Group, beginning his tenure as Financial Controller, some 20 years ago.  His career quickly progressed to Finance & IT Director, leading to his current position of Managing Director in 2013.

As a Chartered Accountant, Kevin has a steely interest in the financial planning and management for all Precision Group Companies, playing a pivotal role in the overall strategic direction of the Group.  Kevin is an inclusive Managing Director, leading the Senior Management team and empowering them at every opportunity to push forward.

In Kevin’s words –

“The company started over 30 years ago as a local contract cleaning company; I am proud to have been part of the company’s growth to become one of Northern Ireland’s most diverse business providers.  Today, in addition to our core Facilities Management services, we offer a host of other specialist services including asbestos removal, thermo-chemical cleaning and process equipment refurbishment.  We will continue to invest in the up-skilling of our workforce who are paramount to our future growth and will continue to fervently seek out opportunities in other sectors and geographic locations.  We are delighted to include some of the top players within the Global Oil & Gas industry, in our client lists.”