Cleaning agents for heat exchangers and heating systems
Professional flushing equipment and cleaning agents for heat exchangers and heating systems
Over time, magnetite (scale, rust and sludge) accumulates in heating systems, greatly reducing heat transfer efficiency and potentially causing equipment failures. Brazed plate heat exchangers, whose small channels clog quickly, are especially sensitive to deposits. To restore the system's original performance, professional flushing equipment and specialised chemical reagents must be used.
CIP flushing stations and mobile units with flow reversal
CIP (Clean-In-Place) units or mobile flushing pump sets (e.g. Kamco) are used for effective cleaning. The main function of these units is to create a strong flow and flow reversal (change of direction), which helps to dislodge long-standing deposits.
- Chemical manufacturers: Fernox, Adey Professional, Sentinel, Kamco.
- Acid cleaners: for dissolving scale and hard mineral deposits.
- Alkaline / neutral chemicals: for sludge, organic deposits and flushing old systems.
How to select flushing equipment and chemicals correctly
- System volume and pump capacity: For domestic boilers, lower-capacity mobile pump sets are enough, while industrial heat exchangers or large apartment buildings require powerful CIP stations.
- Chemicals by type of deposit: Universal cleaners (Adey MC3+, Fernox F3 or F5) are used to remove magnetite and sludge. For hard scale - strong acids, but they must be compatible with the system metals (copper, stainless steel, aluminium). The causes of deposit formation are described in more detail in the Why heat exchangers fail guide.
- Temperature factor: Chemicals work most effectively at a temperature of 40-60 °C. Raising the temperature to this range shortens the flushing process from days to a few hours.
The flushing process step by step
- Preparation and diagnostics: The level of contamination is determined and the system tightness is checked.
- Chemical flushing (CIP circulation): A flushing station is connected to the system. A cleaner is used (Kamco, Fernox F3 or F5). The process speeds up greatly when the flushing solution is heated to 40-60 °C and the flow reversal function is used regularly.
- Neutralisation and rinsing: After acid flushing, a neutraliser must be introduced and the system rinsed with clean water until the outgoing water becomes clear and of neutral pH.
- Prevention and protection: A protective inhibitor (Fernox F1 Protector or Adey MC1+) is added to the clean system. It is recommended to integrate heat exchanger accessories, such as magnetic dirt separators.
FAQ about flushing equipment
When does a heating system and heat exchangers need flushing?
If you notice that radiators heat unevenly (cold at the bottom), the boiler runs noisily, heating bills have risen, or the heat exchanger temperature difference (delta T) does not meet the norms. In commercial facilities, preventive flushing - every 2-3 years.
Which chemicals should be used - acid or neutral?
Acid solutions are usually needed to remove scale from plate heat exchangers. For general cleaning of sludge in radiators (especially those with aluminium parts) and underfloor heating, neutral or mildly alkaline cleaners (Fernox F3, Adey MC3+) are recommended.
Can heat exchangers be flushed by yourself?
Not recommended. Without knowing the exact chemical concentration, without assessing the system metals and without a flow-reversal pump, there is a high risk of damaging the heat exchanger (eating through the braze) or causing leaks.
Not sure which flushing chemicals or CIP equipment suit your system? Contact the Amegata engineers - we will help you select safe and effective solutions for your heat exchangers and heating networks. Expert help is especially important when choosing chemicals according to your system metals (copper, stainless steel, aluminium).