Waterside Boiler Cleaning

The waterside of a heating unit is where the boiler water is present, this water is heated through thermal conduction, creating steam. Over time, scale deposits are formed when calcium, magnesium, and silica, commonly found in most water supplies, react to form a continuous layer of material on the waterside of the boiler (boiler tubes, surrounding steel, etc.). The prevention of scale formation in firetube boilers can result in substantial energy savings. Scale creates a problem because it typically possesses a thermal conductivity, an order of magnitude less than the corresponding value for bare steel. Even thin layers of scale serve as an effective insulator and retard heat transfer. The result is overheating of boiler tube metal, tube failures, and loss of energy efficiency. Fuel consumption may increase by up to 5% in firetube boilers because of scale. The boilers steam production may be reduced if the firing rate cannot be increased to compensate for the decrease in combustion efficiency.

Waterside Boiler Cleaning Maintenance Service

Scotch Marine Fire/Water Tube Style Boilers

Shut-off electrical and fuel supplies as necessary. Isolate the boiler by closing the main steam gate valve and boiler feed water valve, drain the boiler, and open all hand hole, manhole, and capped ports. Using a high-powered pressure washer, power wash the interior of the waterside through all open ports to dislodge scale and debris from the interior steel boiler tubes and flush out all dislodged scale and debris through the boiler drain. Replace the existing water level gauge glass equipped with necessary seals and reinstall all existing covers on opened hand hole, manhole, and capped ports equipped with new gaskets. Refill the boiler and open the main steam gate valve and boiler feed water valve.

Cast Iron Sectional Boilers

Shut-off electrical and fuel supplies as necessary. Isolate the boiler by closing the main steam gate valve and boiler feed water valve, drain the boiler, and remove all plugged and capped waterside piping. Using a high-powered pressure washer, power wash through all unplugged/uncapped waterside ports to dislodge scale and debris from the boiler. Replace the existing water level gauge glass equipped with necessary seals and reinstall all existing plugs and caps to the exposed waterside piping. Refill the boiler and open the main steam gate valve and boiler feed water valve.

Modular/Atmospheric Boilers

Shut-off electrical and fuel supplies as necessary. Isolate the boiler by closing the outlet water valve and boiler water feed valve. Drain the boiler and disconnect and remove the draft hood, top jacket panel, and flue cover. Using a high-powered pressure washer, power wash the interior heat exchanger bundle free of any corrosion or scale build-up. Reinstall the flue cover, top jacket panel, draft hood, and replace gaskets as necessary.

Waterside Boiler Cleaning