Installation / Operation Instruction Manual

BLP SERIES Install, Operation, and Maintenance Manual
SECTION 4: MAINTENANCE
Rev-1 Bradford White • 200 Lafayette St. • Middleville, MI 49333 Page 48 of 83
BrutePlate Manual Phone: [phone] • Website: www.BradfordWhite.com 02/26/2020
4.3 PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER MAINTENANCE
This section describes how to clean and maintain the BLP Series heat exchangers, including
disassembly and inspection instructions for the Plate and Frame heat exchangers.
4.3.1 General Heat Exchanger Maintenance Procedures
 Every six months to one year check temperatures and flows against the commissioning
data.
 Check general condition and look for any signs of leakage.
 Wipe clean all painted parts and check surfaces for signs of damage.
 Check bolts and bars for rust and clean.
 Lightly coat threaded parts with molybdenum grease or a corrosion inhibitor (ensure that no
grease, etc., falls onto the plate gaskets).
4.3.2 Clean-In-Place (CIP) Cleaning
CIP cleaning is preferable when the scaling deposits on the plates are soluble. When CIP
cleaning is used routinely, intervals between heavier maintenance is extended and gasket life is
improved.
Two suggestions for cleaning solutions appropriate for plate and frame heat exchangers are
listed below:
DEPOSIT TYPE
SOLUTION
Organic materials
and grease
Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH)
 Maximum concentration = 1.5%
 Max. Temp. = 185 ºC.
 Mixture for 1.5% concentration = 1.32086 gallon.
 30% NaOH per 26.4 gallon water
Limestone and
other minerals
Nitric Acid (HNO3)
 Maximum concentration = 1.5 %
 Max. Temp. = 149 ºC.
 Mixture for 1.5% concentration = 2.4 ltr.
 HNO3 62% per 0.63 gallon water
 Nitric acid also has an affective build up effect on the passivation film of
stainless steel.
CAUTION!
 Nitric acid and Sodium Hydroxide may cause injury to exposed skin, eyes, and mucous
membranes. Use of protective eyewear and gloves is strongly recommended.
 Under no circumstances should hydrochloric acid be used to clean stainless steel plates,
nor should hydrofluoric acid be used to clean titanium plates.
Instructions for use of a CIP system are on the next page.