In trying to improve the performance of a distillation tower, I discovered the reboiler has significant fouling on the tube side. The tubes are brass and the fouling material has historically been largely composed of nickel and aluminum. Mechanical cleaning by waterblasting will eventually work, but can take a number of days, based on past history. Additionally, the end result of mechanical cleaning is often less than satisfactory. With the unit sold out for the foreseeable future, I can't afford a week long cleaning that does not completely work.
Does anyone know of an acid that would help dislodge the nickel and aluminum, but would not corrode the brass tubes? Anyone with experience with a similar problem?
Does anyone know of an acid that would help dislodge the nickel and aluminum, but would not corrode the brass tubes? Anyone with experience with a similar problem?
