Have you ever had your boiler tubes cleaned? These pipes are supposed to be regularly maintained so as to prevent soot and other particles from accumulating and causing system inefficiency. The dirtier these pipes are, the more fuel the unit has to use in order to reach the desired temperature.
There is a variety of cleaning methods that provide effective sediment removal, such as automatic air-driven cleaners, acoustic cleaning, water lances, soot blowers, even explosives. Each method is specific in its benefits and requirements, requiring careful consideration.
Make sure you learn more about the above-mentioned cleaning methods in detail.
Automatic systems
Automatic boiler tube cleaning is gradually increasing in popularity as an alternative to the older methods. These systems use air compression in the process and require previous elimination of severe sediment build-ups in order not to damage the tool. After getting rid of the accumulated sediments, you are only supposed to put the device inside the tube and wait for it to finish the process of cleaning.
In order for the boiler pipes to be perfectly clean, the brush of the tool should be bigger than the pipe. Don’t forget to take diameter measurements prior to picking a brush. When placing the brush inside, make sure not to push it so as to avoid damage.
The procedure should be performed frequently, once every three weeks. There are numerous automatic air-driven cleaning systems in the online market, such as putzmaus-america.com, designed for safe and easy operation. Since some of these tools are prone to corrosion, always add a little oil following the procedure. Nevertheless, by choosing stainless steel brushes, you won’t have to worry about corrosion.
Acoustic cleaning
Acoustic cleaning is an older but still popular method, using the power of acoustic energy to remove dry particles such as ash. In order for such a procedure to be performed, acoustic horns are supposed to be installed on the unit.
Moreover, this method is sought-after because of its safe character. There is no risk of causing any damage to the tubes, as acoustic cleaning uses sounds to eliminate deposits. Also, the unit doesn’t have to be turned off in order for it to be cleaned. It can be done while the unit remains in function, which isn’t the case with most of the other methods.
Water lances
Another more powerful method of boiler tube cleaning is the use of water lances. This procedure involves water jets, whose pressure exceeds 1200 gallons a minute. Consequently, it’s highly preferred when removing both dry deposits and slag. With the use of a hydro-blast apparatus, slag can be cleaned from a large distance of as many as forty feet.
Nevertheless, due to the high pressure used in removing slag sediments, this job is best performed by professionals. When interested in trying water lances, you are advised to contact a professional boiler tube cleaner to check whether your unit can withstand the pressure of hydro-blasting. Click here to learn more about the formation of slag.
Explosives
One of the oldest boiler tube cleaning methods is the use of explosives for the purpose of removing deposits. Even though the name sounds scary, this type of cleaning is still considered remarkably convenient. Despite the use of explosives in the process, usually dynamite, the pipes sustain no damage.
Prior to using the explosives, the unit has to be shut off. It’s an extremely time-efficient method, suitable for areas with no water to spare. Instead of using water to clean the pipes, dynamite will perform an even better job in a shorter time.
Use of soot blowers
When water lances prove ineffective, soot blowers are worth giving a shot. These tools rely on steam and air to clean and prevent slag from building up inside boilers. Similar to using automatic boiler cleaners, you won’t have to turn off the unit in the course of the process. The role of soot blowers is to improve the efficiency of these units by preventing soot from accumulating on the tubes.
Furthermore, there are multiple types of soot blowers to choose from like wall blowers, long retractable soot blowers, air heater blowers, and fixed rotating models. Soot is infamous for causing fires in sooty boilers, as it increases the temperature in certain parts of the tubes. When exposed to high temperatures, the materials of the pipes become weaker until they result in unit failure.
Ultimately, the majority of boilers are equipped with soot blowers by manufacturers. In case yours lacks such a feature, it can be installed afterwards. Nowadays, the latest models come with smart soot blowers, which don’t require users to give them a cleaning command but start the process whenever they consider it’s necessary.
Reasons to clean your boiler tubes
Regular unit maintenance is required for increasing the efficiency and longevity of boilers. When the tubes become dirty, the unit automatically becomes less efficient as far as heating is concerned. It will take much longer to heat the water inside the pipes. The longer you leave the boiler without maintenance, the more particles will accumulate in the tubes.
Over time, these sediments take the role of shields, preventing the water from getting heated. As a result, the unit will not only need more time but also more fuel to perform its previous function. Energy bills will see an increase in price as well. Avoiding regular maintenance is only doing harm to these devices, thus eventually leading to system failure.
Given the traditional tube cleaning process is both time-consuming and exhausting, homeowners are advised to invest in either a product or professional services. There is a myriad of affordable products you can purchase without overstraining your budget.
Final word
Make sure you take good care of your boiler.
Regular pipe cleaning is vital for avoiding system failure and terminating the life of your unit prematurely.
The moment you notice changes in its efficiency, take the necessary steps to restore its original function!
