Heat Exchanger Tube Cleaning: Advanced Grit Blasting for Superior NDE Readiness

What is Heat Exchanger Tube Cleaning?

Curran’s advanced dry grit blasting technology uses patented high-velocity nozzles to remove tenacious scale, fouling, and deposits from heat exchanger tube IDs. Our turbulent, high-pressure air delivery system provides 2X standard velocity for complete surface preparation, achieving NACE 1 white metal cleanliness without water introduction. This process enables superior NDE data acquisition for IRIS, RFT, and ECT inspection methods while extending equipment reliability.

2022 Summer Tube ID after coating removal

Field Proven Results

0 + Years

Field-Proven Experience

0 % +

Cleanliness Factor Achieved

0 X Velocity

Air & Grit Delivery Speed

Currently Used by These Super Major Refineries

The Industry Challenge

The Problem

Traditional hydro blasting and mechanical cleaning methods fail to achieve inspection-ready tube surfaces. Repeated cleaning cycles create project delays and compromise NDE data quality.

36,000 PSI

High-pressure water inadequate

The Grit Blasting
Solution

Curran’s patented dry grit blasting delivers first-time cleanliness with predictable cleaning schedules and superior surface preparation.

No Rework

Required cleaning cycles

YouTube Thumbnail 16

Key Benefits

What Heat Exchanger Tube Cleaning Can Do For Your Site

Our advanced grit blasting technology removes fouling and scale to restore heat transfer efficiency while preparing tubes for accurate inspection. This process reduces maintenance costs, extends equipment life, and enhances system reliability through superior surface preparation.

1. Enhanced NDE Data Quality

Enhanced NDE Data Quality

Complete scale removal enables accurate defect detection with greater fill factor and reduced background noise for faster data acquisition.

Grit Blasting 3

Predictable Cleaning Schedules

Established per-tube cleaning times eliminate rework cycles and provide reliable turnaround planning with consistent results.

3. No Water Introduction

No Water Introduction

Dry abrasive process prevents moisture-related corrosion while eliminating drying time before inspection procedures.

4. Mitigate Erosion Acceleration

Extended Equipment Life

Thorough cleaning reduces corrosion potential and maintains tube integrity for continued reliable operation.

5. Extend Equipment Life

Improved Heat Transfer Efficiency

Fouling removal restores thermal performance, reducing energy consumption and enhancing system performance.

6. Minimize Pressure Drop

Reduced Maintenance Costs

First-time cleaning quality minimizes repeated procedures and associated downtime expenses.

Your Next Steps

Field-proven grit blasting technology for superior heat exchanger tube preparation and inspection readiness

Initial Assessment

Site walkdown and equipment requirements discussion with plant representatives

Equipment Mobilization

Stage blast pots, dust collectors, and containment systems per project specifications

Cleaning Execution

Execute systematic tube cleaning using calibrated dwell times and patented nozzles

Quality Verification

Complete video probe inspection and plant representative acceptance

Frequently Asked Heat Exchanger Tube Cleaning Questions

01

Our high-velocity grit blasting effectively removes tenacious scale, calcium carbonate, fouling deposits, and corrosion products from tube surfaces.

02

Grit blasting provides superior surface preparation without water introduction, eliminating drying time and achieving consistent first-time cleaning results for accurate inspection data.

03

All technicians are trained at Curran headquarters, equipment undergoes pre-operation inspection, and comprehensive PPE including air-supplied hoods and safety protocols are mandatory.

04

Vacuum-tight containment systems with 1200 CFM dust collectors capture all waste debris, eliminating nuisance dust and providing clean work environments.

05

We test 6 tubes with incremental 5-second intervals, inspect with video probes, and establish optimal cleaning times with plant representatives for consistent results.

Difficult To Clean Heat Exchanger Tubes?

Request Technical Documentation

Please enter your name and email. We’ll be in touch soon.