Highlights
Benefits
- Removes contaminants without damaging fins or tubes through a customized foam applicator
- Improves airflow and cooling capacity—restoring up to 95% of original performance
- Lowers fan motor loads and improves thermal efficiency for measurable energy savings
- Provides fast, safe, and efficient cleaning during scheduled maintenance or while units are online (where applicable)
- Eliminates impact on wastewater treatment operations
- Simplifies logistics with local resource mobilization
Applications
- Refineries
- Petrochemical plants
- Industrial facilities
- Hydrogen, ammonia, and carbon capture facilities
Overview
Air-cooled heat exchangers, also known as fin fans, are critical to maintaining optimal process temperatures in refineries, petrochemical plants, and industrial facilities. Over time, debris, dust, and contaminants reduce airflow and heat transfer efficiency—leading to increased energy consumption, reduced throughput, and potential equipment failure.
This directly impacts unit processing throughput and unit vacuum pressure cut points in fractionation towers. High pressure power washing or sandblasting are typically used to clean fin fans but often destroy the fins which are necessary for cooling. These methods are also ineffective at penetrating the dirt and grime between fins effectively.
Designed for the unique challenges of refinery and chemical plant air coolers, the SureFOAM™ fin fan cleaning service offers a comprehensive, non-invasive service that restores performance, extends equipment life, and reduces operational costs. SureFOAM penetrates dirt and grime between the fins of air-cooled fin fans through a gentle yet effective cleaning process. A unique foam generator ensures the right consistency and amount of foam, maximizing its ability to deeply penetrate fin bundles, lift away buildup, and rinse clean for improved airflow and restored energy efficiency.
Pre- and post-cleaning diagnostics are also provided, and include:
- Thermal imaging
- Airflow and temperature mapping
- Energy consumption analysis
This data-driven approach helps you quantify return-on-investment and validate performance improvements.
With over a century of industrial expertise, Baker Hughes combines cutting-edge technology, field-proven methods, and global service reach to deliver unmatched reliability and performance.
Baker Hughes offers end-to-end process and pipeline services, including fin fan cleaning, as part of a comprehensive maintenance package. Contact your Baker Hughes representative today to learn more about how the SureFOAM cleaning service can help you get improved airflow and cooling capacity for optimal thermal efficiency.
