Methanol Reboiler Unblocked, Descaled and Cleaned Using Safe-Trak™

Blockages & thick deposit removed quickly and safely

Summary

Operators of the UK plant of this international chemical manufacturer required a more innovative and proactive approach to the unblocking of their methanol re-boiler. Past cleaning contractors had taken over 13 shifts to clean the re-boiler with results below client expectation. Tube Tech thoroughly unblocked and polished the re-boiler to an ‘as new’ state with excellent client feedback.

Challenge

• The methanol reboiler was moved to a cleaning bay and positioned horizontally for cleaning. Tube Tech would have been happy to clean the asset vertically, in-situ to save on crane costs etc.
• 1533 tubes within the reboiler were fouled with a variety of deposits ranging from a hard boot leather type material to a sponge/foam like polymer deposit.
• As the reboiler usually transports methanol the working conditions were treated as hazardous.
• The client required an improved standard of cleanliness as previous contractors had taken too long to provide a sub-standard clean.
• The client asked for the reboiler to be cleaned to eddy current inspection standard.

Solution

• Appreciating the clients desire for a better standard of clean, Tube Tech opted to use their Safe-Trak™ system with a combination drilling and polishing head to unblock, descale and clean the tube bores.
• This semi-remote system offers greater safety as the frame is attached to the tube plate and all operatives are away from the working heads
• The technology provides 360 degree tube surface contact ensuring an enhanced cleaning standard.
• An eddy current inspection after the cleaning was completed showing no integrity issues.

Client comment

“Excellent attitude, good technology, the best clean we have had on this asset. I just wanted to reiterate how pleased I am, not only with the performance of the guys and the system, but the general attitude to the job in general was outstanding”.

Tube Tech comment

Scott Donson, Sales Manager:  “This was our first contract on the site and I strongly believe our in-house operator training programme with multiple cleaning technologies provides all our clients with an unusually high level of professionalism”