Chiller Coil Calcified....

[H22ATypeS]

OK..I have a chiller with a lot of calcium build-up inside and on the Ti coil. I've been adding vinegar daily to try to loosen it up. So far it looks like a failed attempt....Anyone know what is the best way I can free up this so I can get it back up to optimal cooling efficiency.

Thanks
Allen

 

[WarDaddy]

GREAT question, I have one that I feel the same thing is happening to.

 

[WarDaddy]

How are you adding vinegar?

I read a post that they were pumping vinegar water solution through the chiller. Sounds like a great idea. Make a nice vinegar solution in a 5 gallon bucket, drop your pump in there and let it run a day or so. Should be clean in a day I would guess.

 

[DRC69]

I would use something like a bathroom/tube cleaner.
Since it's a mineral deposit any product for the shower/tube is going to work OK.
It's not going to hurt Ti or Stainless Steel.
Wal-Mart is a good place to start.
JMO

 

[GTR]

I cleaned mine this spring before I needed to use it. I just attached hoses to input and output and filled it up with vinegar and left it for a week and then rinsed it out.

I keep a salt bucket full of vinegar on hand for soaking and rotating pumps, powerheads and parts. All 8 of my heaters are already all cleaned up and ready to go back in when needed (can't wait).

It can take several days to get heavy build-up off and you might not have the luxury of doing it this time of year.


SteveU

 

[WarDaddy]

http://www.cleaning.com/instructions.php4?id=123

 

[H22ATypeS]

I'd like to stay away from harsh chemicals just because there's a possibility of residual toxins left over inside the chiller. I know it's not going to hurt the coil but it might hurt the tank once it's plumbbed back in.

I think i just have to keep letting it run with vinegar until everything loosens up.

Thanks
Allen

 

[GTR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7826629#post7826629 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DRC69
I would use something like a bathroom/tube cleaner.
Since it's a mineral deposit any product for the shower/tube is going to work OK.
It's not going to hurt Ti or Stainless Steel.
Wal-Mart is a good place to start.
JMO

I don't doubt that to be true and I use pool acid for quick cleaning if I can't wait for the vinegar to work...but... these chillers cost way to much for me to take any risk. Also inside the chiller it will be difficult to see if all deposits are removed and those leftover deposits could be holding some of the chemical used for removal to be released into the tank later. With small parts you can see that it's all clean.

SteveU

 

[GTR]

Allen, I just think you need to fill it up and let it sit.

SteveU

 

[H22ATypeS]

That's what I've been doing....I guess i'll wait some more....tick-tock.....tick-tock.....tick-tock.......

 

[GTR]

Is it making bubbles? if it is it's working. As I said it could take some time since you can't help it along mechanically.

SteveU

 

[H22ATypeS]

yup fizzles everytime....tick-tock.....tick-tock.....tick-tock.......

 

[Orochimaru]

Don't know what your coil looks like and how easy to take it off from the unit, but if you could, use a jewelry cleaner(sonicator) fill with vinegar. It should speed up the process by breaking up the calcium deposit.

 

[golfish]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7826597#post7826597 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WarDaddy


Make a nice vinegar solution in a 5 gallon bucket, drop your pump in there and let it run a day or so. Should be clean in a day I would guess.

This is how I clean mine

 

[loc01]

How about muratic acid? the stuff they use for swimming pool. I have used this on radiator it worked great and fast too. I think it will work but just don't leave it in there for more than 10 minutes.

Loc