Headers can usually be taken off of shell and tube heat exchagers to allow physical cleaning of the inside. If the heat exchanger was specified correctly cleaning of high fouling fluids would have been considered.
If you explained what the "dirt" was and why you need it cleaning tipsters will be able to offer specific solutions.
In addition to describing the 'dirt' and whether internal (clogged?) or external, you need to specify the HXer materials and type of construction: welded vs. brazed vs. gasketed. This way, one can determine the most effective cleaning solution.
For several types of all-SS (304, 316) welded HXers, I have used nitric acid to remove internal scale (hard water) and external deposits. Once clean and rinsed, used nitric again to passivate the SS.
Have also used bead blasting to do the primary cleaning of heavy external scale, with electrocleaning to finish up, again followed by passivation.
As tickle mentioned above, the HXer specifications should have allowed for proper cleaning without damage. For example, to allow nitric acid cleaning, welded construction is preferable to brazed.
Thanks
The fixed type exchanger shell side is A-516 GR60 and tube side is A-179. The dirt is rust in shell side.
The spiral type exchanger shell side is A203 GR.P and tube side is A249 Gr.TP304.The dirt is carbon.
Usually the pressure is for the rating of the tube. In our case the exchanger has even seen some polymer buildup. We connected our hot cyclohexane to the exchanger. It cleaned the exchanger with ease. I have heard of a material called GRUBs which works very well and does not need to be heated. The material is obtained in limited amounts from France.
You can very easy cleaning your heat exchanger if you take the HCl with corrosion inhibitor like SOTIN. Wich inhibitor and how match acide you need it depend only about type materials your exchanger and how match carbonate you need cleaning. Naimely if is smole part carbonat inside the heat exchanger you canh take smole concetration HCL and circle wash exchanger caple times. DONT FORGET USE CORROSION INHIBITOR!!!
If you need details and example you can contact me.
Best regards!
