Chiller tube visual inspection

[incontrol]

Got a new PM and noted it calls for "Chiller tube visual inspection". What does this consist of? They will pull of the endbells.

[btexpress]

Basically just that, a visual inspection to determine the condition of the waterside of the tubes. They could be slimed up or have considerable amount of mud/dirt in them. Personally, if I went through the trouble of opening up the evap bundle,I'd punch them to make sure they were clean and had no restrictions or debri in them. It is somewhat unusual to check/clean the evap tubes since the loop in normally closed.

[ga1279]

Yes thats all there is, but most of the time it only involves the condenser as it is an (open) loop and more prone to scale, mud and tube sheet corosion. It can also tell you how the water treatment chemicals are working and if any changes are necessary. Have you thought about a baseline Eddy Current Test. If your customer thinks about selling the building this falls under "Due Dilligance" and it is one of the best parts of a PM program.

[ozone drone]

Condenser tube inspection is usually done in the winter or spring before season start-up. You're looking for scale build up on the tubes or debris that could get by the strainer at the condenser pump inlet. Like the other guys said, see how your water treatment is doing. Also check the strainers and tubes if your running high head or notice high condenser approach temps.

[airworx]

remeber the tubes are copper, take a knife and scrap one of the tubes and then use common since. if tubes are not just have a film, then brush if scale has hardened then brush and acidize.

[mattm]

Ask your water treatment guy about a boroscope. Many have them and will go through maybe 20 tubes in each pass and video tape it for you to look at. You'll get a great view of your tubes. Eddy Current should be done about every 5 years at least on condensor and evaporator tubes.

[incontrol]

Thanks. Just fyi it does not have a tower, this is evap. VERY old recip.