The Importance Of Using High Pressure Waterblasting For Commercial Plants

By Author: supriyo banerjee
Total Articles: 739
Comment this article

High pressure waterblasting is very different from the power washing typically done around residential homes. While both processes involve water, they are usually not used for the same purposes. Waterblasting is actually reserved for commercial applications.


Basic Function

High pressure waterblasting is used for getting rid of deposits, industrial grime, oxidation and fouling on commercial items like large pipes, heat exchangers, and boilers. The pressure delivered by most home use power washers is normally in the range of 2000 to 5000 psi. A commercial waterblasting system operates in the range of 10,000 to 40,000 psi. This type of blast requires a specific type of nozzle in order to keep the water aimed in a tightly focused area.


Benefits

High pressure waterblasting has several benefits over other types of industrial cleaning. First and foremost it does not use any chemicals. This makes it a safe option for the environment, employees and the workplace. There is no need for chemical clean-up or specific precautions. Secondly, there is no damage ...
... to the surface being cleaned. For large commercial operations this type of cleaning is not only efficient but also cost-effective as well. Third, it is normally faster than other types of clean-up. This results in less down time, allowing the workforce to get back to the job at hand sooner. Finally, the wastewater and debris can be easily removed via a vacuum hose attached to the water nozzle. This results in a clean area ready for work once the high pressure waterblasting is finished.


Perfect for Heat Exchanger Cleaning

The specific design of the high pressure waterblasting equipment makes this a perfect method for heat exchanger cleaning. Removing blockages and cleaning out the interior portions of the large tubes can be easily accomplished with the waterblast nozzle. By cleaning the heat exchanger at regular intervals down time due to fouling or deposit build up is reduced. This means better operating times and more production, leading to higher revenues.


The high pressure waterblasting technique also prevents any damage to the heat exchanger. Since water is the only element used in the cleaning there is no danger from chemicals harming the equipment or any employee in the area. Cleaning the tubes without disturbing the working of the heat exchanger will prolong the working life of the machine. This makes the technique very desirable for plant managers that operate chemical plants, petroleum refineries, power plants and nuclear heat exchangers.


Management often struggles with the stress of keeping a plant operational and profitable. There are an endless number of employee issues, equipment needs and responsibility to the community to consider. When a plant is down due to a problem, the stress seems to grow exponentially. Successful plants will attest to the benefits of having a regular cleaning schedule as one of the main reasons for their success. Using high pressure waterblasting on regular intervals can keep heat exchangers operating at full capacity and allow the plant to stay on track towards meeting its goals.

Larry Chandler is a freelance writer for The Merrick Group, provider of high pressure waterblasting as well as heat exchanger cleaning. Visit their online site to learn more about their services and products at www.merrickgroupinc.com