Cleaning agent for heat exchangers
A problem frequently encountered in almost all applications is
the build-up of deposits on heat transfer surfaces. Alfa Laval
supplies a wide range of cleaning agents suitable for removing
most of these troublesome deposits. These cleaning agents
have been specifically developed for use in heat exchangers.
The time-consuming work of opening plate heat exchangers
can thus often be avoided by using an Alfa Laval Cleaning in
Place (CIP) unit.
All Alfa Laval cleaning agents have been tested in Alfa Laval’s
own laboratories. Provided the recommended instructions are
adhered to, Alfa Laval guarantees that these cleaning agents
do not damage plates, gaskets or glue.
Concept
An Alfa Laval CIP unit is connected to the heat exchanger,
and AlfaCaus is mixed with water in the CIP unit. This mixture
is then heated, and circulated through the heat exchanger,
which is cleaned within a couple of hours.
AlfaCaus is a strong alkaline cleaning liquid with a caustic
soda base. It is specifically designed for the removal of
biological matter, fat, oil and other organic deposits from
heat exchangers and related equipment.
Features and benefits
• AlfaCaus is environmentally friendly, and is easily
biodegradable.
• Tested in Alfa Laval’s own laboratories, which means that
Alfa Laval guarantees that plates, gaskets or glue are not
damaged.
• Can be used in combination with AlfaAdd, which provides
even better cleaning results on oily and fatty surfaces and
where biological growth occurs. AlfaAdd also reduces any
foaming.
Instructions for use
The normal mixing ratio for biological matter, fat, oil and other
organic deposits is 1 part AlfaCaus to 9 parts of water.* **
The recommended cleaning temperature is 50–70° C
(122–158° F).
The recommended cleaning time is 2–6 hours.*
AlfaCaus can be mixed with AlfaAdd (0.5–1 vol% to total
diluted solution) to provide better cleaning results on oily and
fatty surfaces and where biological growth occurs. AlfaAdd
also reduces any foaming.
* Water must be added first.
** The pH level must never be less than 12 during the
cleaning process. To increase the pH level, more AlfaCaus
must be added to the solution.
*** Depends on the amount of fouling present in the heat
exchanger, the size of the heat exchanger, the cleaning
temperature and the concentration of the cleaning liquid.