Tube Cleaning Services:

At RICO we offer a variety of different services to clean heat exchanger tubes. We have many years of experience in resolving tube fouling issues. These services include the Mechanical Scraper System (see below), High Pressure Water Jetting, the Air Mate TM Pellet Launcher System, the ARW Tube Cleaning Machine, and Rydlyme - the world's leading biodegradable descaler. All these processes with the exception of the Mechanical Scraper System (see Agents Required) are available for use by the client and can be purchased direct from RICO. Please see our Products Page for more information.

Why Clean Tubes?

- Fouling Removed
- Tubes Restored To Working Condition
- Improved Heat Transfer
- Better Vacuum
- Extended Tube Life
- Increased Condenser Efficiency
- Additional Power Generation
- Energy Conservation
- Major Fuel Saving

Bio-fouling of tubes can result in reduced heat transfer, loss of Mw capacity, accelerated corrosion and shorter tube life. Water sources present differing fouling problems with different deposits found in the tube, e.g. silt, slime, wood, and shells. All these affect tube performance as much as stubborn fouling culprits like calcium carbonate or manganese scale, because these deposits vary so should the methods for cleaning them.

Mechanical Scraper System

RICO operates a comprehensive cleaning range using our unique water pump system to generate water pressure to propel the cleaners down the tubes cleaning as they go.

Our range of mechanical tube cleaners include:

Plastic Scrapers / Brushes Removes soft silty deposits and obstructions. Gives a gentle clean.
Phosphor Bronze Scrapers Very effective scale and debris remover for older tubes and tubes with materials such as cu ni, 70/30, 90/10, aluminium brass etc. A far less aggressive clean than the steel cleaner and will not cause any galvanic reaction in the mentioned type of tubes.
Steel Scrapers The most aggressive scraper - removes 95% of all debris including hard scale and manganese deposits. Where pitting is in progress, the corrosion products are swept out of the tube and the pit flushed clean. Ideal for titanium tubes - not recommended on copper / brass type tubes.

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE IS MORE COST EFFECTIVE THAN AN EXPENSIVE REPLACEMENT