Air handling units
A solution to a sticky problem
Sugar is a sticky business… nowhere more so than when it gets into close contact with your air conditioning units, where layer upon layer of microfine granules combine with moisture and solidify on the coils
decommissioning and recommissioning are often the only option.
A I
s the sugar accumulates on the coil, growing bigger and denser, the unit’s airflow gradually reduces to a point where – to continue –
Until now…
In February 2014, Advanced Engineering began working with the University of Surrey. As a result of this partnership, revolutionary products were born.
One of the results? RTU Sucro. Purpose-built for use on indoor evaporator units, it was designed for food manufacturers and the processors industry. Read on to find out more about the origins of this compound that transformed one chocolatier’s operation.
NEW CHEMICAL REMOVES SUGAR DEPOSITS IN SECONDS
n a Derbyshire chocolate factory’s production area, its eight air-handling units had been exposed to airborne sugar over an extended period of time. Layer upon layer had built up over the years –
eventually insulating the units’ coils and aluminium with layers of solid sugar. The physical blockage prevented effective heat transfer, resulting in a sharp drop-off in efficiency. At the factory, two units directly above the chocolate mixing area suffered particularly harshly and required urgent attention. Previously, any significant blockage would result in the affected AHU being decommissioned for maintenance. Without an alternative available, until the unit was repaired and recommissioned, production was disrupted. A number of approaches to breaking down the thick sugar were considered, but none of them were ideal. What the company needed was a solution that was quick, easy, and inexpensive. Advanced Engineering’s engineers conducted an initial site visit which enabled them to examine the problem first-hand and found that, at times, some of the units had no air flow at all. The discovery was that a novel chemical would be needed to breakdown the deposits, but it would need to be something new as there wasn’t a suitable chemical solution available for the HVACR market. While there were various
formulations for different types of dirt, there was nothing specifically formulated for sugar build-up. Advanced Engineering’s lab set out to develop RTU Sucro in collaboration with the University of Surrey’s chemistry department. Trials at the chocolate factory found the product to be highly effective. The
increase in airflow on the units has improved by up to 100% in some cases as large deposits — some years old — were removed within seconds. The chocolatiers were impressed by this breakthrough as it covered
everything they needed. It was inexpensive, highly effective, simple and it was quick to use. RTU Sucro breaks sugar molecules down into smaller, easier-to-manage
chunks called monosaccharides. These are then hydrated with a water- soluble group so that the residue can be washed off easily. The oxidative-fermentation of caramelised sugar produces acidic by-products which can cause units to rust, so RTU Sucro has been formulated with mild organic salts to remove this corrosion. For medium levels of contamination, begin by isolating the unit. Then use a
low-pressure sprayer to apply a two-to-one mix of water to RTU Sucro between the coil fins. The solution should be left in place for five to 10 minutes. During this time, it will react with the deposits and create a foam blanket. Once the time is up, simply rinse with clean water and the unit will be back in operation. For heavy levels of contamination RTU Sucro can be used neat for the same effect.
September 2017
www.heatingandventilating.net
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