CASE HISTORY OF ON-LINE CONDENSER TUBE CLEANING.

Condenser tubes with helical internal ribbing have been offered for several years. One such tube is of the multiple helix type that reportedly requires areas of only one-third to two-thirds those of smooth tubes. Thus, the incentive for chiller manufacturers to use internal helical ribbed tubes, especially with new energy conservation demands, is apparent. The ribs cause increased turbulence at the water side film boundary and increased heat transfer surface per tube. The potential problem with such internal ribs, however, is that deposits from the circulating condenser water can collect in the valleys between the helical ribs. Automatic brush cleaning system increases performance and efficiency with lowered energy and maintenance costs.