FAQ - Exchanger Tube Cleaning

How long does the process take?

Cost estimations are based on
- 1min per tube for shell and tube exchangers
- 3 min per tube for Fin Fans

Time will depend on how many tubes are being cleaned, but a 600 tube exchanger can typically be cleaned within a 12 hour shift. If the tube cleaning scope only includes 25% of the total tubes (150 tubes), Curran’s tube cleaning method can complete 3-4 exchangers per shift.

How does Curran know the tubes are cleaned and ready for inspection?

Curran International will establish the blast times on each piece of equipment by blasting a sample of tubes at different times. Curran will then choose a blast time after a visual inspection of the entire length of the tube is done to ensure the tube is ready for inspection, thus eliminating re-work.

What types of tubes can Curran clean?

Curran’s tube cleaning methods can work on any size tubes, from the standard ¾” OD to +2”. Boiler and furnace tubes can also be cleaned with quick results that allow the client to obtain inspection.

Can scale in deep pits be cleaned?

Curran international developed special blasting nozzles to clean the pits of used exchanger tubes prior to coating them. These are the same nozzles that are used in the cleaning process. The grit, while traveling parallel to the tube wall will make its way into pits and clean them. This is evident in the pictures on the main tube cleaning page.