As stated in the General Description, the economizers are "mechanically maintenance free", but of course, when ancillary control equipment is added to an exchanger, such as timed automatic sootblowers, damper controls, etc., then those components will req
A routine physical inspection of the heat transfer core area will be dependent on the conditions of temperature and the quality of combustion within the flue gas stream.
On natural gas fired applications, with clean exhaust conditions, physical inspection will be minimal if proper combustion at the heat source is maintained.
Oil fired applications may require more frequent inspection of the heat transfer core area because of the greater potential for soot loading and particulate buildup on the finned tube surface.
C-B's exclusive Timed Automatic Sootblower assemblies are often recommended on oil fired or incineration applications where fouling is inevitable on a more regular basis.
Keeping the heating surface clean at all times assures the maximum heat transfer.
Soot buildup on the finned tubing from poor combustion acts as an insulator and will dramatically reduce the exchanger’s efficiency.
When the combustion source is a fuel oil grade, a good periodic maintenance schedule for inspecting the exchanger and keeping the combustion source tuned up will ensure many years of trouble free fuel savings from exhaust heat recovery.
Stainless steel inspection door panels shroud the coil(s) of all CCE Series exchangers.
The door closure of each hinged panel has a set of quick-release tension latches (requiring no tools) that enable immediate and complete access to the heat exchanger area.
Some units have bolted doors when static pressure exceeds 10.0" water column and will require a wrench to open.
The inspection and maintenance procedure can be performed without dismantling any of the piping or the stack connections.
If the Btu/hr. recovery begins to show a consistent performance drop off from the original operating condition, the sootblower (if equipped as an option) should be initiated.
If the economizer is not equipped with a timed automatic sootblower, the access door should be opened for inspection and cleaning.
A large access door (optional hinged assembly available) for tube inspection, cleaning, or tube removal is provided for use as required (CRE only).
If it has been determined the fins are dirty and need cleaning (i.e. 1/16" thickness build up on the fins), the fouled finned tube area can be manually cleaned by blowing high pressure steam or air with a lance assembly across the fins.
When manually cleaning with air or steam, first open the internal damper to the ‘bypass position’ (the damper arm should be placed in line or parallel to the exhaust gas stream).
Remove all nuts from the door flange studs, except one located opposite the hinges.
Loosen all hinge nuts.
Pull hinge side of door all the way out to where the hinge slots stop at the studs and retighten hinge nuts.8.
Remove the last nut opposite the hinge side
Pull door out until adjusting bolt hits stop. The door should be out past the bolts.
Lower adjusting bolt until door hangs freely and adjusting bolt clearsstop.
Door is ready to open.
Reverse steps to close.
Once exposed, the fouled finned tube core area can be manually cleaned by blowing high pressure steam or air through a lance assembly across the fins.
If high pressure air or steam is not available, an industrial vacuum cleaner may be substituted.
Coil Bright (a commercial cleaner can also be used in conjunction with a steam or hot water cleaning device) also offers an excellent cleaning capability if high pressure air is not available.
