Trane Modu manual Mechanical Cleaning of Condenser and Economizer Coils

Owner Maintenance

Also, a drain plug is at the bottom of the inlet condenser manifold and in the outlet pipe near the unit’s left side. Remove these plugs to drain the condensers. Be sure to open the vent plugs at the top of the condenser inlet and outlet manifold. See Figure O-M-7 on page 105.

When refilling the condenser/waterside economizer coil system with water, provide adequate water treatment to prevent the formation of scale or corrosion.

!CAUTION

Failure to provide adequate water treatment in condenser systems may result in coil and condenser fouling or undue metal damage.

Cleaning the Condenser

Note: Using improperly treated or un- treated water in this equipment may result in scaling, erosion, corrosion, algae, or slime. Engage the services of a qualified water treatment specialist to determine what treatment is advisable. The Trane Company warranty specifically excludes liability for corrosion, erosion, or deteriora- tion of Trane equipment. Trane assumes no responsibilities for the results of the use of untreated or improperly treated water, saline, or brackish water.

Condensing water contains minerals that collect on the condenser tube walls. Cooling towers also collect dust and foreign materials that deposit in the condenser tube. The formation of scale or sludge in the condenser is indicated by a decreased water flow, low temperature difference between inlet and outlet water, and abnormally high condensing tem- peratures.To maintain maximum condenser efficiency, the condenser must remain free of built-up scale and sludge. Clean the condenser either mechanically or chemically.

Mechanical Cleaning of Condenser and Economizer Coils

1.Turn off the condenser supply water. Remove drain plugs discussed in the “Draining the Coil” section on page 94.

2.Remove the condenser’s left side to expose the condenser tubes.

3.Rotate a round brush through the tubes to loosen contaminant.

4.Flush tubes with water to push the sludge out through the drain opening in the bottom of the supply header and the return pipe.

5.To clean the economizer tubes, remove the cast iron header plates at the coil’s right end between the inlet and outlet headers (4-row coils; 2-row coils do not have cover plates at right end). Rotate round brush through tubes from left end to loosen contaminants. Flush tubes with water.

6.Replace condenser end plates and clamps. The end plates must be centered when tightening the clamp.

7.Replace coil headers with gaskets and torque bolts to 50 ft.-lb.

8.Replace drain and vent plugs.

Chemical Cleaning of Condenser and Economizer Coil

Chemical cleaning removes scale deposits built up by minerals in the water. For a suitable chemical solution, consult a water treatment specialist. The condenser water circuit is composed of copper, steel, and cast iron.

The chemical supply house should approve or provide all materials used in the external circulating system, along with the quantity of cleaning material, duration of cleaning time, and safety precautions necessary for handling the cleaning agent.

108 SCXG-SVX01B-EN