Pictures before deposition
Pictures after sediment removal
Chemical cleaning of air fans at the 10th refinery with Mitreh MDA8380 foam spray
The reduction in the efficiency of air coolers in refineries is often due to the accumulation of environmental deposits such as dust, moisture, oil and salt, which not only increases the process temperature, but also multiplies energy consumption and maintenance costs. At the 10th refinery, the specialized team of Abrizan successfully performed the chemical cleaning operation using Mitreh MDA8380 sediment removal solution and the non-pressure foam spray method, and won the full satisfaction of the refinery's technical management and inspection.
Why did the air fans at the 10th refinery suffer from a decrease in performance?
Air coolers in operating units in humid and industrial areas such as southern Iran quickly become contaminated. At the 10th refinery, laboratory analysis showed that the deposits were a combination of:
- Ambient air particles (industrial dust)
- Humidity due to proximity to the sea
- Oily materials and process pollutants
These layers blocked heat transfer, leading to increased process temperatures and reduced fin life.
Why was the foam spray method chosen for air fans?
Unlike mechanical methods (such as high-pressure water spraying or brushing), the foam spray method offers the following key advantages:
- Very low pressure: Prevents bending or tearing of delicate fins.
- Longer solution residence: Foam holds the chemical evenly on the surface.
- Deep penetration: The solution penetrates the underlying layers of the deposit and dissolves greasy and mineral contaminants.
In this project, this method was implemented in full coordination with the Tenth Refinery’s Technical and Inspection Unit and in compliance with all safety standards.
Why is Mitreh MDA8380 solution ideal for this task?
Mitreh MDA8380 formulation is specifically designed for washing air fans and air condensers and has the following features:
- Full compatibility with common alloys: aluminum, carbon steel and copper-nickel.
- High activity at neutral to mild pH without risk of corrosion or surface degradation.
- Ability to simultaneously remove mineral deposits, oil, grease and biofilm.
This solution has minimal side effects, unlike strong acids or alkalis, without the need for extensive final rinsing.
Is chemical cleaning safe and environmentally acceptable?
Yes—provided that smart formulations such as Mitreh are used:
- MDA8380 raw materials are biodegradable.
- Standard spark-proof equipment and personal protective clothing were used during the application process.
- The resulting effluent was managed and treated using refinery methods.
This approach strikes a balance between operational efficiency and environmental responsibility.
When should air fans be chemically cleaned?
Signs of the need for specialized cleaning include:
- Increase of 5 degrees or more in process outlet temperature
- Increase in pump or fan power consumption
- Reduced airflow (measured with an anemometer)
- Observation of greasy or white layers on the fins
In these situations, periodic cleaning with a miter is a cheaper and smarter alternative than replacing the fins or stopping the unit.
Sediment removal operations carried out by a team of drainage specialists
Conclusion: Smart cleaning, preventive maintenance
Chemical cleaning of air fans is not just a maintenance task, but an operational strategy to reduce costs and increase process reliability. With Abrizan solutions, you can maintain the performance of your equipment for years, without physical damage or expensive downtime.
If you need expert advice to identify the type of deposit or the optimal selection of chemicals, Abrizan specialists, with more than 20 years of experience in advanced laboratories, are ready to provide customized solutions to various industries.
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