Coil Cleaning
An
air conditioning system has two coils, usually made of copper tubes
with aluminum fins. The evaporator coil, or indoor coil, is often
described as the "cold" coil because it provides indoor cooling.
The coil works by absorbing heat from the indoor air that is blown
over by the air handler's fan. The condenser coil or outdoor coil
is the "warm" coil as it rejects the heat as a fan blows outside
air over the surface.
Coils - they're everywhere
Coils are found in refrigeration equipment
including those used in supermarkets and restaurants. It is not
uncommon to find hundreds of "through-the-wall" fan coil
units in a hotel, dormitory or apartment building. As the air moving
over the coils contains dust, dirt, pollen, moisture and other contaminants,
the coils get dirty and become less efficient. In addition, the
evaporator coil and its condensate pan can become fouled with pollen,
mold spores and other biocontaminants that can have adverse effects
on indoor air quality. If not maintained, the moisture around the
evaporator coil can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold.
Dirty Coils Waste Energy and Cost Money
A coil fouled with dirt and grime cannot supply proper heat transfer
and results in greater energy consumption. Equipment operating with
dirty coils can use up to 37% more energy than those with clean
coils. Additionally, a dirty system’s cooling capacity can be reduced
by as much as 30%. Dirty coils increase operating pressure and temperatures
that breakdown the compressor’s lubricant and can result in equipment
failure. A failed compressor means no cooling and costly repair.
Coil Cleaning Frequency
A coil cleaning program should be instituted when the coils are
new, clean, and should be performed with a frequency to prevent
deterioration of the coils. This can be as often as four times a
year (monthly cleaning is reported in some areas). If they do not
already exist, install easy to open panels to gain access to the
coils. This will make the job much easier and consequently, the
more likely to be done when coil cleaning is necessary.
How to Clean Coils
If the coil is contaminated with a light dust or dirt not adhered
to the fins, blowing low pressure compressed air across the fins
or the use of a soft bristle brush may be sufficient. Applying
a plain water or mild detergent solution to the surface, allowing
it to sit for a short time then rinsing is employed in some cases.
More aggressive deposits call for the use of stronger cleaning solutions
or solvents as required.
Coils can be steam cleaned but require extra care. Steam
must be applied at low pressure and the stream kept parallel to
the fins to prevent folding the fins over.
Another popular coil cleaning method employs the use of a garden-type
pump sprayer to apply foaming chemical to the coil surfaces.
The foam is allowed to dwell on the surface to saturate the fins.
The foam is then vacuumed up and the process repeated. Finally,
the coil is rinsed with clean water from a hose.
Perhaps
the most popular cleaning method used in recent years is using pressure
washers to clean coils. Pressure cleaning coils may increase
airborne Macromolecular Organic Dust (MOD) which must be contained
to the area being cleaned. Pressure cleaning should be done
in the opposite direction of air flow through the coil. A
cleaning solution can be applied before the pressure rinse using
the built in chemical injection system on the pressure washer or
a hand sprayer. Care must be taken when using a pressure washer
to avoid damaging the fins on the tubes. Water leaving the
coil should be free of particulate. If it is not, repeat the
process.
Recently, Goodway introduced its line of CoilPro coil cleaning
machines.The Model CC-140
is a self contained two-wheeled cart with its own built in water
and chemical tanks that can operate on building power or an integrated
rechargeable battery. It can carry 5 gallons of water or can be
connected to the building water supply for continuous operation.
It supplies a water stream at up to 140 PSI at 1 GPM by means of
one of four available spray nozzles. The on-board battery and water/chemical
tanks allow for use anywhere. Additional models include the CC-600
AC powered unit which delivers up to 600 PSI at 1.6 GPM for thicker
coils and the CC-100
backpack coil cleaner unit for extreme portability. These products
have been enthusiastically received by maintenance professionals
and they represent the first true real break-through developments
in coil cleaning in a long time.
Coil Cleaning Chemicals
There are many acid and alkaline based cleaners available to clean
coils. These chemicals clean by creating a chemical reaction between
the cleaner and the metal that harms the surface of the metal. This
damages the coils by causing metal loss over time. Acid and alkaline
based chemicals carry with them an inherent danger to personnel
and equipment.
The foaming properties of many coil cleaning formulations is important
to help float debris our of the coil body where it can be rinsed
away.
While some chemicals are advertised as "no rinse", many believe
that all cleaning chemicals should be thoroughly rinsed from the
surface to prevent coil damage.
To clean coils, Goodway offers CoilShine,
a biodegradable, expanding foam detergent specifically formulated
for use with the CoilPro. This is a non-acidic, non-fuming solution
that can be safely washed down drains. CoilShine-BC is a commercial
grade, ready-to-use mold inhibitor for HVAC systems that helps prevent
the growth of odor, stain and damage causing organisms such as mold,
mildew and fungi.
Don't Forget the Condensate Pan
The air drawn across a cooling coil contains water vapor which
condenses and collects in a pan under the coil called a condensate
pan. The pan is connected to a drain line to keep the pan from overflowing
and causing damage to the air handler or other building structures.
As it is generally wet, microorganisms can form colonies in the
condensate pan. Cleaning the condensate pan and checking for proper
drainage is an important part of the coil cleaning process.
To help prevent growth of these organisms, the pan should be treated
between cleanings with a biocide. Goodway's PanCare is one example.
PanCare is formulated to prevent the build-up of slime and harmful
bacteria in condensate pans. It kills 99% of Legionella Pheumophilia
and Salmonella Typhii Bacteria. It also contains a ruse inhibitor
and an acid rain neutralizer and will work for up to 3 months on
a 3 to 5 ton system.
Goodway's Line Of Coil Cleaning Products
Backpack
CoilPro Coil Cleaner
Goodway’s CC-100 Backpack CoilPro makes your job
easier. The unique battery powered coil cleaner is the solution
for all your mobile and hard to reach coil cleaning applications.
Spray bottles and pump sprayers are simply not effective in penetrating
most coil beds. In addition, many “coil cleaner” chemicals can
actually damage the coils or create noxious fumes. After a lot
of customer input, our engineers have redesigned our unique coil
cleaning system, containing all of the features needed in a truly
mobile package!
Features:
Backpack
CoilPro with Dolly
Goodway’s CC-100-D Dolly mounted CoilPro makes your job easier.
This unique battery powered coil cleaner is the solution for all
your mobile and hard to reach coil cleaning applications. Spray
bottles and pump sprayers are simply not effective in penetrating
most coil beds. In addition, many “coil cleaner” chemicals can
actually damage the coils or create noxious fumes. After a lot
of customer input, our engineers have redesigned our unique coil
cleaning system, containing all of the features needed in a truly
mobile package!
Features:
CoilPro
Self Contained Coil Cleaning System
Goodway’s CC-140 CoilPro Battery Powered Coil Cleaner is the
solution for your coil cleaning applications. Spray bottles and
pump sprayers are simply not effective in penetrating most coil
beds. In addition, many “coil cleaner” chemicals can actually
damage the coils or create noxious fumes. This unique coil cleaning
system is most efficient when used with our non-fuming CoilShine,
environmentally friendly expanding foam detergent.
Features:
CoilPro
with CoilVac
The total coil cleaning system! Sames as CC-140 but with CoilVac
Dry HEPA Vacuum mounted on dolly, including filters,stainless
steel tank, 6' vinyl crush proof hose, two piece 36" wand, 19"
flexible extension wand, 3" dual bristle dusting brush, 3" long
bristle dusting brush, 5" blower/bulk pickup nozzle, four piece
29" flat wand with crevice tool tip and 6" flat brush, CoilVac
mounting bracket and tool bin. The CC-140 is designed to be flexible.
The unit can be used for just about any coil cleaning application.
It can operate on AC power, or on its integrated rechargeable
battery.
Features:
CoilPro Coil
Cleaner
For washing those thick, hard to reach coils, turn to the CC-600
High Flow CoilPro Coil Cleaner. With an output water pressure
of 300 or 600 PSI at 1.6 GPM, this unit delivers the cleaning
force necessary to penetrate thick coil beds. When used with CoilShine,
our environmentally friendly, non-fuming, expanding foam detergent,
it will give you the cleanest coils possible.The CC-600 is designed
to be used on large multiple-pass coil beds. It operates on AC
power. The unit can connect to a 3/4" water line for continuous
operation, or can draw from either of its own 5 gallon tanks.The
operator simply applies a thick layer of CoilShine, Goodway's
expanding foam detergent, using the custom foaming nozzle.
Features:
CoilPro
Cleaner with CoilVac
The CC-600-KIT Same as CC-600 CoilPro but also includes a CoilVac
Dry HEPA Vacuum so the operator can first vacuum heavy debris
from the coil before applying chemical and spraying down with
the CoilPro. Both the CoilPro CC-600 and CoilVac operate on AC
power. The CC-600 can connect to a 3/4" water line for continuous
operation, or can draw from either of its own 5 gallon tanks.The
operator simply applies a thick layer of CoilShine, Goodway’s
expanding foam detergent, using the custom foaming nozzle.
Features:
CoilPro Jr.
The CoilPro line of coil cleaners has become the industry standard
for HVAC maintenance professionals. In a constant effort to provide
our customers with products designed for their specific application,
the CoilPro Jr. was created.
What our Customers Say
Anthony Rizzica, Senior Engineer at Yeshiva University's In New
York, NY
When asked about the performance of the CoilPro,
"We actually cleaned the coils so well that we gained
almost 50 to 60 tons worth of cooling last summer and saved around
$75,000.00 to $80,000.00. If I had to put a return on investment
on it, I would say for every 25 to 50 coils that we clean, the
machine pays for itself".
When asked what other savings does Anthony see using the CoilPro,
"Well man-hours are a saving - it only takes one man to operate.
It's convenient. What used to take us a week, we now do in two
or three days."
When asked to compare the CoilPro to conventional pressure washers,
"It’s more portable, it’s definitely lighter in weight. I like
the tanks that hold the chemical and water – there’s no hose involved.
The battery pack is a great saver, too. We don’t have to worry
about cords being plugged in, people tripping, hazards and all.
Safety is always a concern around here."
View Goodway's Coil Cleaners
Goodway Technologies Corporation
Goodway Technologies Corporation was founded in 1966 by Per K. Reichborn.
Since its earliest days, the company has built a reputation for
manufacturing the highest quality cleaning systems in the world.
"This commitment" says Reichborn, "not only extends
to our manufacturing, but to everything we do, every day, for every
product and service. Achieving this high quality of performance
is the shared responsibility of each employee in every department."
Today, Goodway cleaning machines span the
globe. From Afghanistan to Zimbabwe, Goodway equipment is used
in over 125 countries and on every continent, including Antarctica.
To view a complete line of Goodway cleaning
machines or to receive more information about a Goodway cleaning
machine or to purchase a Goodway cleaning machine please visit
Goodway.com or contact
Goodway Technologies Corporation at 1 800 333-7467.
