It is necessary to clean microchannel coils on a regular basis

The cleanliness of any type of air conditioning or refrigeration coil is critical for proper heat exchange, and multi port tube are no exception. As a result of this, micro channel tube are becoming increasingly popular in the industry. Cleaning procedures for multi port tube can differ from those for standard fin and tube coils, and technicians should be aware of this when performing cleaning procedures for micro channel tube. They should be prepared for these differences.

Instead of using copper or steel, microchannel condenser coils use aluminum or stainless steel. They are composed of a series of flat tubes with small channels (microchannels) through which the refrigerant flows, as opposed to conventional condenser coils. By incorporating angled and louvered fins between the flat tubes, it is possible to achieve the most efficient heat transfer possible. New tube-and-fin coils are intended to be lighter and more durable than conventional tube-and-fin coils, as well as to provide better heat transfer while using less refrigerant than their predecessors. They also consume less refrigerant, resulting in cost savings.

aluminium micro channel tube, as opposed to conventional plate fin-and-tube heat exchangers, according to Mike Heidenreich, vice president of product engineering for the Luvata HTS (Heat Transfer Solutions) Division, tend to accumulate more dirt on the coil's face and less dirt inside the fin pack, resulting in a more sanitary environment. Because aluminium micro channel tube are typically thinner in depth than conventional plate fin-and-tube heat exchangers, they can be used in higher temperatures. In order to properly clean them, it is necessary to take into account the differences in their construction.

Every piece of electrical equipment that needs to be serviced must first have its power supply disconnected before any work can be done on it. When working with chemicals, it is also necessary to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (such as safety glasses, gloves, and other similar items).

Using a vacuum cleaner (preferably one with a brush or other soft attachment rather than a metal tube) remove any surface debris from the carpet in order to prevent further damage to it. Third, make a thorough vacuuming of the carpet. Using compressed air, remove heavier particles from the machine's interior. When at all possible, a nonmetallic soft-bristle brush should be used to aid in the removal of heavier particles from the surface of the water. Under no circumstances is it permissible to use the vacuum tube or the air nozzle to impact or scrape the coil.

Because chemicals (including those marketed as coil cleaners) have the potential to cause corrosion in microchannel heat exchangers, it is not recommended that they be used for cleaning purposes. Step 3: Thoroughly rinse your hands with soap and water. The only motion that should be used is a rinsing motion. To thoroughly clean a microchannel heat exchanger, it should be removed from service and gently rinsed with water, preferably from the inside out and from top to bottom, with each fin passage being passed through several times until the water is completely clear of contaminants.
 

• Heidenreich warns that, despite the fact that microchannel fins are more durable than traditional tube-and-fin coil fins, they must still be handled with caution due to their small size

• Make sure the hose does not come into direct contact with the coil

• The use of your thumb to cover the hose end rather than the nozzle end is also recommended

• This method produces a softer spray, which reduces the likelihood of impact damage, and it is also more convenient

• According to Heidenreich, a pressure washer can be used to clean a microchannel heat exchanger; however, as with any coil-finned surface, extra caution should be exercised because it is possible to irreparably damage the coil

• His recommendations include the use of a wide-angle spray nozzle (rather than a pencil nozzle) and spraying the coil only at 90 degrees to the coil face, among other things

• It is recommended that you use the nozzle at least 24 inches away from the coil face

• You can ensure that the 90-degree angle is maintained at all times by gently sweeping your hand back and forth

   

Blow drying is an optional step in microchannel heat exchangers because the fin geometry of the exchangers encourages water to accumulate within the channels. Depending on the specific design and installation of the coil in question, blowing or vacuuming out the rinse water from the unit to speed up drying may be beneficial.

Any type of chemical cleaner or detergent, according to the manual, should only be used on  in the most extreme of circumstances. It is recommended that a cleaner with a pH of eight or lower on the pH scale and one that does not contain any hydrofluoric acid be specified because water alone has been shown to be ineffective in cleaning the coil. It is recommended that, if water alone is ineffective in cleaning the coil, a cleaner with a pH of eight or lower on the pH scale, as well as one that does not contain any hydrofluoric acid, be specified.

According to the bulletin, when using any cleaner, consumers are advised to always read and follow the manufacturer's instructions before beginning. Even if the cleaner's instruction manual states that the coils do not need to be rinsed, it is necessary to thoroughly rinse the coils after they have been treated with the cleaner. Incorrectly rinsed cleaners or detergents that remain on the coil greatly increase the likelihood of corrosion damage to the microchannel coil.