Periodic
cleaning of coil surfaces is essential to minimize contamination build-up
and remove potentially harmful residue.
Remove Surface-Loaded Fibers
Surface-loaded fibers or dirt should be removed with a vacuum cleaner.If a vacuum cleaner is not available, a soft brush may be used.In either case, the tool should be applied in the direction of the
fins.Coil surfaces can be
easily damaged (fin edges bent over) if the tool is applied across the fins.NOTE:Use of a water
stream, such as a garden hose, against a surface loaded coil will drive the
fibers and dirt into the coil.This
will make cleaning efforts more difficult.Surface-loaded fibers must be completely removed prior to using a low
velocity clean water rinse.
Periodic Clean Water Rinse
A
periodic clean water rinse is very beneficial for coils that are applied in
marine or industrial environments.However,
it is very important that the water rinse is made with a very low velocity
water stream to avoid damaging the fin edges.
CAUTION
Harsh Chemical and Acid Cleaners
Harsh
chemical or acid cleaners should not be used
to clean outdoor or indoor coils.These
cleaners are very difficult to rinse out of the coil and will cause very
rapid corrosion of aluminum fin collars where they are in contact with the
copper tubes.If there is dirt below the surface of the coil, use an
automatic dishwasher detergent solution and then rinse with low velocity
water stream.
Precoated and Postcoated Coils
Chemical
cleaners, including household bleach, should not be used on precoated or
postcoated coils.The procedure
employing automatic dishwasher detergent outlined above is satisfactory for
precoated coils.
High Velocity Water or Compressed Air
High
velocity water or compressed air should never be used to clean a coil.The force of the water jet or compressed air will bend over
the fin edges and high air-side pressure drop will result from the damage.
