Tube-Side Cleaning

We clean tubes... Inside and Out!

Since 1995, National Heat Exchange Cleaning Corporation has been using its patented technology to clean the shell-side of heat exchangers and coolers. Today, NHE cleans tube IDs with a variety of methods: Goodway rotary brushes, shooting scrapers, drills, hones, and now with our Hydrolazer with Auto Lance Feeder cleaning 3 tubes at a time with pressures up to 20,000 PSI. No deposit is too tough for us!

We offer complete cleaning and refurbishing of all types and sizes of heat exchangers including:

Main Condensers
Surface Condensers
Shell and Tube
Plate and Frame
Open Frame
Lube Oil Coolers
Seal Oil Coolers
Transformer Coolers

Feed Water Coolers
Oil Pre-Heaters
Hydrogen Coolers
Boiler Feed Pump Coolers
Pulverizer Coolers
Air Compressor Coolers
Motor Coolers
Marine Coolers

Tube Testing

National Heat Exchange Cleaning Corporation has a variety of tube testing methods available.

Tube Testing For either static air pressure testing or vacuum testing, all that is needed is a plant air connection. With a static air pressure test, once plant air is connected that air injection gun is placed into one end of the tube, while the plugging appliance is placed into the other end. Air is then injected into the tube. Any reduction of pressure will be indicated on the integral pressure gauge revealing even the smallest tube leak. Vacuum tests are conducted in the same manner. Air pressure is used to generate a vacuum and any reduction in vacuum is shown on the integral gauge. leaking tubes can then be either plugged or replaced.

Tube to tube sheet integrity can be tested using either a vacuum test or individual tube hydro test, providing the face of the tube sheet will allow a proper seal.

If we have access to the complete heat exchanger, (shell and tube nest), we can hydro test the complete unit, ensuring everything is in proper working order before being brought back on line.

Tube Plugging

National Heat Exchange Cleaning Corporation can test and plug heat exchangers and condensers accurately and permanently, using JNT Technologies Torq N' Seal tube plugging system. We are certified Torq N' Seal distributor and installation contractor.

All we need from you is the correct tube size (OD and gauge), as well as the correct tube sheet to tube sheet length (face to face), and access to one end of the heat exchanger.

With this information, tubes can be tested and plugged from one end. This means only one end needs to be opened; greatly reducing labor costs and down time. To plug the far end of the heat exchanger, the plug is placed into the tube on a breakaway rod, sized to the tube sheet to tube sheet measurement. When the proper installation Torq is reached, the breakaway pops like a pop rivet allowing the rod to be removed. This controlled installation force protects surrounding tubes and adjacent ligaments. The process is then repeated on the near end. Torq N' Seal produce a leak tight seal even under extreme thermal and pressure cycling, and will not damage your heat exchanger. This seal is permanent - that is, until you want to remove them. Should you need to retube or perform other maintenance, the plugs are easily removed.