Tube Cleaning
Bi-directional
cleaning of internally enhanced tubes
Goodway introduced the first rotary flexible shaft tube cleaner
in June 1976 long before the introduction of the internally enhanced
tube. The Model RAM-1 was a single direction unit and was perfectly
adequate for cleaning the smooth bore tubes in use at the time.
By 1989, internally enhanced chillers were first being encountered
in numbers and the prevailing opinion in the HVAC industry was
that a single direction machine was not sufficient unless used
from both ends of the tube, an impractical method. If used this
way, both accelerated brush and tube wear result due to the brush
being perpendicular to the grooves of the tube on the retrieval
pass.
Goodway introduced the RAM-3R reversing tube cleaner in October,
1989 followed by the RAM-4
model in September, 1990. These machines added the feature of
reversible rotation to address the challenges posed by the enhanced
tube. Indeed, bi-directional rotation did prove to be an improvement
for cleaning enhanced tubes and was quickly accepted in the market.
Shortly thereafter, the tapered or enhanced brush was introduced
to aid in cleaning the grooves in the tubes.
Evidence began to indicate that after several years, even with
two direction cleaning, deposits did begin to collect in the grooves
of the tubes effecting the heat transfer efficiency of the tubes.
Goodway engineers began extensive research efforts to find an
improved method that would effectively clean both the lands and
the grooves in internally enhanced tubes. First, the speed of
the rotation of the brush was examined and it was discovered that
speed had a profound effect on cleaning efficiency. The ability
to match the feed rate to the enhancement pattern in the tube
greatly improved cleaning effectiveness. Since different chiller
manufacturers use different enhancement patterns, each needs a
different feed rate. The product that resulted from our testing
is the Model RAM-6
Ream-A-Matic.
Next, our engineers looked at brushes. Considerable side-by-side
testing was performed using identically prepared enhanced tubes
fouled with a calcium carbonate deposit. Our engineers tested
regular nylon and brass brushes as well as straight trimmed and
tapered abrasive nylon brushes. Brass and nylon performed best
(7 times better than single speed cleaning) but it was felt that
there was room for improvement. Through trial and error, we learned
that better results could be obtained by trimming a brass or nylon
brush to two diameters – in effect two brushes in one. The
longer bristles clean the grooves and the shorter bristles clean
the lands of the tubes. Testing showed that our “Rebel”
dual diameter brass brush can clean to bare metal in three passes
through our prepared test tubes.
Two other new features are incorporated into the RAM-6. First
is a higher volume water flush (2.2 GPM). Greater water flow more
effectively evacuates deposits from the tube as the brush removes
them. In addition, the RAM-6 is equipped to introduce cleaning
solutions into the tube on the forward pass through the tube and
automatically switch to a clear water flush on the return pass.
This feature gives the user the ability to get tubes even cleaner.
The Model RAM-6 remains a unique product among tube cleaners
offering advanced features to the maintenance professional.
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 products 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 systems
or to receive more information about Goodway cleaning systems or to purchase
a Goodway tube cleaning system please visit Goodway.com
or contact Goodway Technologies Corporation at 1 800 333-7467.
