Electric Power 66453
Innovations in Cleaning Technology for Condensers: Case Studies
Eric H. Fayard
Conco Systems, Inc
Verona, PA
efayard@concosystems.net
KEY WORDS
Condenser, Condenser Tube Cleaning, BWR Condenser Cleaning, PWR Condenser Cleaning,
Tube Cleaning, Tube Fouling, Calcium Carbonate Removal, Scale Removal.
ABSTRACT
Poor performance of the condenser can often restrict the output capacity of the plant. Sensitivity
to condenser fouling is affected by the heat transfer characteristics of the deposits present,
cooling water type, flow and temperature, among other things. This increase in sensitivity and
restriction in output is a common contributing factor to operating losses. Taking corrective action
is required to restore the plant to optimal operating conditions.
Innovations in condenser tube cleaning technology targeting site specific fouling conditions have
resulted in dramatic improvements in plant performance, megawatt output and in fossil plants,
reduced CO2 emissions. Additionally, reliability and availability are improved as protection from
under-deposit corrosion and higher levels of cleanliness are achieved therefore limiting the costly
downtime and damage to key components affected by condenser tube leaks.
Optimizing the performance of the condenser for maximum output depends on selecting and
applying the most effective cleaning methodology. This task is significantly impacted by the
deposition or fouling characteristics present, corrosion phenomena and the effectiveness of the
technology applied for removing it. Recognizing different situations call for different measures
and innovation is often required to achieve the best solution, this paper presents real cases that
required different approaches to yield the best results.
Tube fouling characteristics are reviewed, innovations in cleaning technology are introduced and
real cases where improvements in plant performance have been achieved through the successful
applica