Quincy Compressor 50093-103 - Manual (Page 60)

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In many instances, the cooling water supply for the heat
exchanger will contain impurities dissolved in solution
and/or in suspension. These substances can cause scale
formations, corrosion and fouling (plugging) of any water-
cooled heat exchanger equipment. Disregarding the
possibility that one or more of these conditions exist may
result in increased maintenance and operation expense,
reduced equipment life and emergency shutdown. In
some cases, what is normally considered plain drinking
water can contain corrosive substances that will impact
the heat exchanger life.
It is strongly recommended that a reputable, local water
treatment concern be engaged to establish the corrosion,
scale-forming and fouling tendency of the cooling water
and take steps necessary to remedy the situation if a
problem does exist. The need for water treatment may
only involve filtration (screening) to remove debris, sand
and/or silt in the cooling water supply. However, chemical
treatment methods may be necessary in certain instances
to inhibit corrosion and/or remove suspended solids to
alter the water's tendency to form scale deposits, or
prevent growth of microorganisms. The normal
maintenance program for the unit should include periodic
cleaning on the tube side (water side) of the heat
exchanger to remove deposits which enhance fouling and
corrosion.
Use of water-glycol mixtures will reduce heat exchange or
performance and result in increased or excessive operating
temperatures. The standard heat exchanges are sized for
water use only.
If overheating or fluid leakage to the water side develops,
remove the end caps and inspect for scale and corrosion.
If present, this is usually the source of trouble. In the case
of a closed system, the entire system, cooling tower,
cooler inlet and outlet lines should be inspected and
cleaned as necessary.
Except for outright mechanical failure, the solution to most
heat exchanger problems lies at the point of use. It is the,
user's responsibility to provide the proper quality of water
and to keep the exchanger clean. No heat exchanger made
will resist plugging and corrosion if the basic rules of
clean water and regular maintenance are disregarded.
WARRANTY DOES NOT COVER HEAT EXCHANGER
FAILURE, DUE TO PLUGGING OR CORROSION.