Being an informed client always beats not knowing what’s going on. We love when clients ask us questions, and helping them to make the best decisions for their applications.
A major electric automotive manufacturer client recently asked us a question about the difference between cleanable coils with removable headers and non-cleanable coils without removable headers, and in answering their question, we realized that this information deserves to be shared with a broader audience.
So, what’s the difference between cleanable and non-cleanable coil designs? Well, besides the obvious, there are some details to explore.
Greg Ewing, a long-term salesperson at Mainstream Fluid and Air walks us through the basics by providing the below information.
Cleanable Coils with Removal Headers
The removable header coils allow you to run a cleaning brush down each tube. Basically, you unbolt the header plate/box, and you have all the tubes accessible. The cleanable coil design restricts the circuiting options open to us so that the standard coils can be more efficient and have higher capacity.
Some notes on the cleanable HDR coils to consider:
- HDR Boxes are typically held in place with ½” bolts on 1.5” – 2.5” centers. There is a specific instruction sheet included with the coils, which lists the process for removal and replacement.
- We recommend that the HCR gasket get replaced anytime the header is removed for cleaning.
- We recommend that the header bolts be re-tightened after arrival at the site, and before pressurizing the coil as vibrations and handling can affect the seal.
Non-Cleanable Coils with Non-Removable Headers
Non-removable header coils will have a standard round header that is connected to one or two of the rows of the coil. These coils will have vent and drain connections in the headers for service, but the tubes will not be accessible for cleaning with brushes. Drain header coils have additional headers so that every single row of tubes has its own drain.
Over 90% of water coils are built as standard, non-removable header types. So long as the water quality is good and the coils are monitored, drained, and flushed periodically, they will work fine and provide good heat transfer efficiency.
What’s next?
We hope you found this information helpful in your next coil purchasing decision. If you have any questions you would like answered, or would like a quote on a coil, don’t hesitate to contact us.
