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Fire tube boilers are one of the oldest and most common types of boilers used in various industries and residential settings. They are called “fire tube” boilers because the hot gases produced by the combustion of fuel pass through tubes surrounded by water in the boiler’s outer shell. The heat from the hot gases transfers through the tube walls to the surrounding water, converting it into steam.

How do fire tube boilers work? Let’s take a look at the general areas of construction, maintenance, and safety surrounding fire tube boilers.

Fire Tube Boiler Construction

Fire tube boilers consist of a cylindrical shell or drum containing water, with multiple fire tubes running through it. The tubes are positioned inside the water-filled drum, and hot gases from the combustion process pass through these tubes.

Fire Tube Boiler Heat Transfer

Heat transfer occurs through the tube walls as hot gases flow through the tubes. This process heats the water surrounding the tubes, generating steam within the boiler.

Fire Tube Boiler Efficiency

Fire tube boilers are generally less efficient than water tube boilers due to the larger volume of water contained in the shell. However, they are still widely used for their simplicity and ease of maintenance.

Fire Tube Boiler Capacity Range

Fire tube boilers can be designed to handle a wide range of steam capacities, making them suitable for both small-scale applications (e.g., residential heating) and large industrial processes.

Fire Tube Boiler Safety

Fire tube boilers have a relatively lower pressure compared to water tube boilers, making them safer in certain applications. However, they can still pose safety risks if not operated and maintained properly.

What Are Fire Tube Boilers Used For?

Fire tube boilers are commonly used in various industries, including manufacturing, food processing, textile, and chemical industries. They are also used for heating buildings and providing hot water in residential settings.

Fire Tube Boiler Limitations

Fire tube boilers, like all boilers have some limitations. They may not be suitable for high-pressure steam requirements or applications with fluctuating steam demand. Additionally, the relatively large water volume inside the boiler can lead to slower steam generation and response times compared to water tube boilers.

Despite these limitations, fire tube boilers remain popular due to their simplicity, ease of operation, and versatility in various applications. Proper maintenance and adherence to safety guidelines are critical to ensure their safe and efficient operation.

How are Fire Tube Boilers Cleaned?

The cleaning procedure for fire tube boilers is essential to maintain their efficiency, prevent corrosion, and prolong their operational life. Regular cleaning helps remove accumulated scale, sludge, soot, and other deposits that can hinder heat transfer and reduce boiler performance. Let’s take a look at the general cleaning procedure for fire tube boilers.

Preparing for Fire Tube Boiler Cleaning

• Shut down the boiler and allow it to cool to a safe temperature.
• Isolate the boiler from the rest of the system, including disconnecting electrical power and fuel supply.

Fire Tube Boiler External Cleaning

• Inspect the external surfaces of the boiler for any dirt, debris, or oil.
• Clean these surfaces using a suitable cleaning agent and water.

Fire Tube Boiler Soot and Scale Removal

• Open the boiler’s front and rear doors to access the fire tubes.
• Use brushes, scrapers, or pneumatic tools to remove soot and scale deposits from the fire tubes and the combustion chamber.
• Be careful not to damage the tube surfaces while cleaning.
• Vacuum the loose debris and residues from the combustion chamber and tube surfaces.

Fire Tube Boiler Chemical Cleaning

• If severe scaling or stubborn deposits are present, chemical cleaning may be necessary.
• Prepare a suitable cleaning solution as per the manufacturer’s recommendations or industry standards.
• Circulate the cleaning solution through the fire tubes, allowing it to dissolve and loosen the deposits.
• Drain the cleaning solution and flush the boiler with clean water to remove any remaining residue.

Fire Tube Boiler Water Flushing

• Thoroughly flush the boiler with clean water to remove any loose particles, chemicals, or cleaning agents.
• Ensure that all the tubes, combustion chamber, and other internal components are clean and free of debris.

Fire Tube Boiler Post-Cleaning Inspection

• Inspect all the cleaned components for signs of damage or wear.
• Replace any damaged or worn-out parts as necessary.
• Reassemble the boiler, ensuring that all connections are secure and tight.
• Restart the Boiler

RYDLYME FEATURES:

• Biodegradable
• Dissolves 2.2 lbs of scale per gallon of RYDLYME
• NSF/ANSI 60 certified
• Non-corrosive and safe for personnel

Heat exchangers are vital components in various industrial processes, ensuring efficient heat transfer between hot gases and cooling mediums like water or air. However, over time, the accumulation of scale can hamper their performance, leading to decreased efficiency, increased energy consumption, and maintenance challenges. In this article, we’ll discuss the common issue of scale buildup in gas cooler heat exchangers and explore how RYDLYME Descaler can effectively dissolve scale and restore these heat exchangers to OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.

The Challenge of Scale Buildup

Scale buildup, often referred to as mineral deposits, is a pervasive problem in heat exchangers. It occurs when the cooling medium, typically water, contains dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. As the water is heated and undergoes temperature changes, these minerals precipitate and form solid deposits on the heat exchanger’s surfaces. Over time, scale can accumulate within the heat exchanger’s tubes, pipes, and passages, resulting in several negative consequences:

1. Reduced Efficiency: Scale acts as an insulating layer, hindering the transfer of heat between the hot gas and the cooling medium. This decreased efficiency can lead to higher energy consumption and reduced performance.
2. Flow Restrictions: The accumulation of scale can obstruct the flow of the cooling medium, causing further reductions in heat transfer efficiency.
3. Maintenance Challenges: Scale buildup necessitates frequent cleaning and maintenance, leading to downtime and increased operating costs.

To address these issues and restore the heat exchanger to its optimal functioning, a solution is needed. RYDLYME Descaler presents an effective way to dissolve scale and rejuvenate gas cooler heat exchangers.

RYDLYME Descaler: The Solution

RYDLYME Descaler is a powerful, biodegradable, and non-toxic descaling solution that has been designed to tackle scale buildup in a wide range of industrial equipment, including gas cooler heat exchangers. Here’s how RYDLYME effectively dissolves scale and brings the heat exchanger back to its OEM specifications:

1. Safe and Environmentally Friendly: RYDLYME is non-toxic, non-corrosive, and environmentally responsible. It poses no risks to the personnel using it or to the surrounding environment.
2. Effective Scale Dissolution: RYDLYME is specifically formulated to target and dissolve scale and mineral deposits. When circulated through the heat exchanger, it rapidly dissolves scale and removes it from the surfaces.
3. Versatile Application: RYDLYME can be used in a variety of heat exchanger designs, including shell & tube exchangers, plate exchangers, and finned tube exchangers, making it a versatile solution for different industrial settings.
4. Minimal Disruption: The descaling process with RYDLYME can often be performed in place, reducing the need for extensive dismantling and downtime. This minimizes production interruptions and maintenance costs.
5. Restored Efficiency: Once the scale is removed, the gas cooler heat exchanger’s efficiency is significantly improved. Heat transfer is optimized, resulting in lower energy consumption and improved system performance.

The Descaling Process

The descaling process with Rydlyme Descaler typically involves the following steps:

1. Preparation: The heat exchanger is isolated, and any loose scale or debris is removed.
2. Circulation: RYDLYME is circulated through the heat exchanger using pumps and hoses. The solution is circulated until the scale is completely dissolved.
3. Rinsing: After descaling, a thorough rinse with water ensures that any remaining RYDLYME and scale residues are flushed out.
4. Inspection: Once the process is complete, the heat exchanger is inspected to ensure that it has been restored to its OEM specifications.

By following this descaling process with RYDLYME, gas cooler heat exchangers can be rejuvenated and brought back to their original efficiency and performance levels, all without the need for expensive replacement or extensive downtime.

Cheese, a beloved dairy product enjoyed worldwide, goes through a complex manufacturing process that requires precise temperature control. Heat exchangers play a vital role in this process, facilitating the efficient transfer of heat to pasteurize milk and accelerate curd formation. However, an insidious issue can plague these essential components – scale build-up. In this article, we will delve into the challenges posed by scale build-up in heat exchangers used in cheese manufacturing and explore solutions to mitigate this problem.

The Cheese-Making Heat Exchanger

Heat exchangers are indispensable devices in cheese manufacturing. They are responsible for heating milk to the appropriate temperature and maintaining it throughout the process. By passing hot water or steam through a network of tubes, the heat exchanger efficiently raises the milk’s temperature, ultimately ensuring the safety and quality of the cheese product.

The Scale Build-Up Challenge

Scale build-up is a common problem faced by industries that rely on heat exchangers, including the cheese manufacturing sector. Scale refers to mineral deposits, primarily calcium and magnesium, that accumulate on the heat exchanger’s surfaces. These deposits can form for several reasons:

1. Hard Water: Many regions have hard water, which contains high levels of minerals. When hard water comes into contact with the heat exchanger’s hot surfaces, it can lead to the precipitation of minerals and the formation of scale.
2. High Temperatures: The cheese-making process often involves high temperatures. As the hot milk passes through the heat exchanger, any minerals present in the milk can precipitate and contribute to scale formation.

Impact of Scale Build-Up

Scale build-up in heat exchangers can have detrimental effects on cheese manufacturing:

1. Reduced Heat Transfer Efficiency: The scale acts as an insulating layer on the heat exchanger’s surfaces, reducing the rate of heat transfer. As a result, more energy is required to achieve the desired temperature, increasing operational costs.
2. Decreased Equipment Lifespan: Scale build-up can lead to corrosion and pitting of the heat exchanger’s surfaces. Over time, this can significantly reduce the equipment’s lifespan and necessitate costly repairs or replacements.
3. Food Safety Concerns: In cheese manufacturing, ensuring the pasteurization of milk is critical to prevent microbial contamination. Scale build-up can hinder the uniform heating of milk, potentially compromising food safety standards.

Dissolving Scale in Cheese Manufacturing Heat Exchangers Using RYDLYME Descaler

We recently published a case study looking at how RYDLYME fixed a lime slaker problem at a renewable energy plant. Descaling is a necessary part of the cleaning and maintenance process for any renewable energy plant. Let’s take a look at some of the types of renewable energy plants where descaling with RYDLYME could make a huge difference in both efficiency and operating costs.

Renewable Energy Plants

While renewable energy plants generally have fewer issues with scale and mineral deposits compared to conventional power plants, there are a few types of renewable energy plants that may require descaling in certain components. These include:

Geothermal Power Plants

Geothermal power plants utilize heat from the Earth’s core to generate electricity. In some cases, the geothermal fluids or brine that are extracted from the underground reservoirs can contain high levels of dissolved minerals and scale-forming substances. These minerals can accumulate and form scale deposits within the geothermal wells, heat exchangers, and other components. Descaling is necessary to remove these deposits and maintain the efficiency of the plant.

Solar/Thermal Power Plants

Solar thermal power plants use concentrated solar energy to generate electricity. In some designs, parabolic troughs or solar power towers use heat transfer fluids such as synthetic oils or molten salts to capture and store thermal energy. Over time, these heat transfer fluids can degrade and form deposits or scales that reduce the efficiency of the system. Descaling may be required to remove these deposits and ensure optimal heat transfer.

Biomass Power Plants

Biomass power plants produce electricity by burning organic materials such as wood pellets, agricultural waste, or dedicated energy crops. The combustion process can result in the formation of ash deposits and fouling on heat exchange surfaces, boilers, and flue gas pathways. Regular descaling is essential to maintain the efficiency and performance of these components.

It’s important to note that some renewable energy plants do not require descaling. Many types, such as wind farms and photovoltaic solar power plants, do not involve fluid-based systems or heat transfer fluids. 

That said, routine maintenance and cleaning (degreasing, etc) may still be required in these plants for optimal performance and longevity.

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630-820-8888

Thank you to everyone that stopped by our booth at WEFTEC 2023!

Apex Engineering Products’ team had a great time showing attendees just how RYDLYME Descalcificador biodegradable will dissolve struvite and other hard mineral deposits within pumps, pipelines, digesters, belt presses, screw presses, centrifuges, heat exchangers and other water operated equipment!

RYDLYME Descalcificador biodegradable is used to safely and efficiently dissolve tough mineral deposits such as water scale, limescale, calcium, and rust from boilers, chillers, cooling towers, condensers, heat exchangers, struvite, and more!

Recommended by the U.S. Navy and countless OEMs, RYDLYME descaling chemical is NSF-registered for use in various industries and applications including beverage, pharmaceutical, bottling, and food processing plants, as well as NSF/ANSI standard 60-certified as a cleaner for potable water systems and manufactured in an ISO 9001 Certified Facility.

RYDLYME FEATURES:

• Biodegradable
• Dissolves 2.2 lbs of scale per gallon of RYDLYME
• NSF/ANSI 60 certified
• Non-corrosive and safe for personnel

APEX Quarterly

Third Quarter 2023

Inside this edition…

• USING RYDLYME TO DESCALE BOILERS – AVOID CRITICAL SHUTDOWNS IN THE COLD!
• RYDALL HD – BIODEGRADABLE HEAVY DUTY DEGREASER!
• RYDLYME DESCALES COOLING TOWER AND HEAT EXCHANGER!
• And much more!

Call for more information!

630-820-8888

Descaling products are commonly used in various industries for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Some of the industries that frequently utilize descaling products include:

Food and Beverage Industry

Descaling products are crucial for maintaining cleanliness and efficiency in commercial kitchens, food processing plants, and beverage production facilities. They help remove mineral deposits and scale buildup from equipment such as coffee machines, dishwashers, steamers, boilers, and heat exchangers.

Hospitality Industry

Hotels, resorts, and other hospitality establishments use descaling products to clean and maintain equipment like coffee makers, steamers, dishwashers, and water heaters. This ensures that these appliances function properly and provide a high level of service to guests.

Manufacturing Industry

Various manufacturing processes involve the use of industrial equipment and machinery that are susceptible to scale and mineral buildup. Descaling products are used to maintain the efficiency and longevity of equipment such as cooling towers, heat exchangers, boilers, and pipes.

HVAC and Cooling Systems

Descale products are employed in the maintenance of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, as well as cooling towers. These products remove scale, rust, and other deposits from coils, pipes, and heat exchangers, allowing the systems to operate efficiently and effectively.

Automotive Industry

Descaling products find use in automobile manufacturing and maintenance, particularly for removing scale and mineral deposits from radiators, engine cooling systems, and automotive parts that come into contact with water.

Water Treatment Plants

In water treatment facilities, descaling products are utilized to clean and maintain various equipment involved in the treatment process, such as filters, membranes, pumps, and heat exchangers.

These are just a few examples of industries that utilize descaling products for cleaning and maintenance purposes. Descaling products can be used to treat problem areas in virtually any industry using mechanical hardware.

Descaling is a necessary process to remove scale and mineral deposits, ensuring optimal performance, and energy efficiency, and prolonging the lifespan of equipment in various industrial settings.

• Biodegradable
• Dissolves 2.2 lbs of scale per gallon of RYDLYME
• NSF/ANSI 60 certified
• Non-hazardous, non-corrosive and safe for personnel

Call for more information!

630-820-8888

In industries where large-scale boilers are utilized, the accumulation of scale and mineral deposits poses a significant challenge. Over time, these deposits can impair boiler efficiency, increase operational costs, and even lead to equipment failure. However, Apex Engineering Products Corporation has come to the rescue with their advanced 15MDC industrial descaling system. Designed to efficiently remove scale and deposits, this system, when paired with RYDLYME descaler, ensures optimal boiler performance and longevity. Let’s delve into the remarkable features and benefits of this powerful combination.

The 15MDC: A Robust Industrial Descaling System

The 15MDC descaling system is a flagship descaling system from Apex Engineering Products, renowned for its superior engineering and effectiveness in tackling scale and deposits. This state-of-the-art system offers advanced features and benefits that make it an ideal choice for descaling large boilers.

Targeting Scale Build-Up: The Power of RYDLYME Descaler

RYDLYME, a highly effective and industry-leading descaling solution, is the perfect companion for the 15MDC industrial descaling system. It is specially formulated to dissolve mineral deposits and scale from a wide range of equipment, including boilers. When combined with the 15MDC system, RYDLYME descaler exhibits outstanding performance in removing scale, ensuring restored efficiency and extended equipment lifespan.

Unmatched Versatility and Efficiency

The 15MDC system is designed to tackle various descaling challenges effectively. Its versatile application makes it suitable for descaling not only large boilers but also heat exchangers, chillers, condensers, and other equipment in diverse industrial settings. With its high flow rate and pressure capabilities, the 15MDC system ensures thorough and efficient descaling, reducing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Cost-Effectiveness and Return on Investment

By investing in the 15MDC system and RYDLYME descaler, industrial operators can benefit from substantial cost savings. Regular descaling prevents energy inefficiency, reduces fuel consumption, and mitigates the risk of costly breakdowns and repairs. The combination of the 15MDC system and RYDLYME descaler ensures an impressive return on investment by maintaining optimal equipment performance and prolonging its operational life.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

The 15MDC system is designed with user convenience in mind. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive valves make it easy to operate, even for non-technical personnel. View more videos, here.

RYDLYME FEATURES:

• Biodegradable
• Dissolves 2.2 lbs of scale per gallon of RYDLYME
• NSF/ANSI 60 certified
• Non-hazardous, non-corrosive and safe for personnel

APEX Quarterly

Second Quarter 2023

Inside this edition…

• USING RYDLYME TO DESCALE A COOLING TOWERAND CHILLER ON THE SAME LOOP!
• RYDALL MP DEGREASES EQUIPMENT IN A CNC FACILITY!
• RYDLYME DESCALES CHILLER AT A FINANCIAL INSTITUTION!
• And much more!

Scale & Descalers: What to Know

Many common industrial cleaning suppliers are labeled descalers. This may confuse some people as it sounds like a specific application that only deals with ‘scales.’ This is not the case–descalers handle all sorts of blockages, deposits, and buildups typically found in industrial settings.

There are a few common general questions when it comes to scale and descalers. These questions deal with definitions and the applications of descalers. Let’s take a look.

What is Scale?

In general, scale refers to a thin, hard layer or coating that forms on the surface of an object due to the buildup of various materials or substances over time. The term can be used in a variety of contexts including industrial manufacturing, processing, refining, and machinery (among others).

What is Scale Buildup?

Scale buildup refers to the accumulation of mineral deposits on surfaces such as pipes, faucets, and appliances that come into contact with hard water. Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.

When hard water flows through pipes or comes into contact with surfaces, the minerals can gradually build up and form a hard, crusty layer, known as scale. Scale buildup can clog pipes and reduce water flow, and can also damage appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and coffee makers by reducing their efficiency and lifespan.

Scale buildup can be particularly problematic in areas with hard water, and can be a common issue in homes and buildings that use well water or municipal water supplies that have high levels of minerals.

To prevent scale buildup, it is recommended to use a water softener, which removes the minerals from the water before it enters the plumbing system. Regular cleaning of surfaces and appliances that come into contact with hard water can also help prevent scale buildup.

What is a Descaler?

An industrial descaler is a chemical product used to remove mineral scale buildup from industrial equipment and machinery that come into contact with hard water. The buildup of mineral scale can reduce the efficiency of equipment, leading to increased energy costs, reduced throughput, and even equipment failure.

Industrial descalers are formulated to dissolve mineral scale without damaging the underlying equipment. They are typically used in a variety of industries, such as power generation, oil and gas, food and beverage processing, and manufacturing.

The specific type of industrial descaler used depends on the type and severity of the scale buildup, as well as the type of equipment being cleaned. Some descalers are formulated for specific applications, such as cleaning heat exchangers, boilers, or cooling towers.

How do Descalers Work?

Industrial descalers work by dissolving and removing mineral scale buildup from equipment and machinery in industrial settings. The specific mechanism of action depends on the type of descaler being used, as well as the type of mineral scale being removed.

In general, industrial descalers contain chemicals that react with the mineral scale, breaking down its chemical structure and causing it to dissolve. This chemical reaction can generate heat, so it is important to use an appropriate descaler for the specific type of equipment and mineral buildup and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damage to the equipment.

Some industrial descalers are formulated to work on specific types of mineral scales, such as calcium carbonate or iron oxide. Others may be more general-purpose, designed to work on a range of mineral buildup. The effectiveness of a descaler depends on factors such as the strength and concentration of the product, the duration of contact with the mineral buildup, and the temperature and pressure of the equipment being cleaned.

Descalers may or may not be biodegradable. Descalcificador biodegradables can be easily disposed of in most drainage systems. Non-Descalcificador biodegradables have special disposal requirements.