Careers Hot Convection Cleaning FAQ
At IGS, our Hot-tek® services are designed to keep fired heaters and process units operating safely and efficiently, all without the need for costly shutdowns. Below, our experts answer the most frequently asked questions, drawing on decades of real-world experience across refineries, petrochemical plants, and power facilities worldwide.
Hot-tek® HCC FAQ: Efficient Online Cleaning for Fired Heaters
1- What range of improvement in the stack temperature can be delivered by hot convection cleaning?
Results vary depending on fouling and access, but clients typically see a noticeable reduction in stack temperature and improved heat transfer efficiency, directly lowering fuel consumption.
2- Do you need to reduce the heater duty for Hot Convection Cleaning?
HCC can be completed safely online, without impacting production for heaters operating under negative pressure.
3- How does IGS online clean between the rows within the convection section bundle?
We can only clean the top and bottom rows on standard tube bundles. If there is enough space between the individual rows of tubes, we can clean them. For a more thorough cleaning, we recommend TubeTech’s Robotic Convection Cleaning during scheduled turnarounds.
4- What kind of material is used for the hot convection cleaning?
Our Hot Convection Cleaning uses CO₂ pellets, no fluids or chemicals are introduced.
5- Where does the debris go during cleaning?
The light-weight debris goes out of the filters/stack, and the heavier material falls to the floor.
6- Can IGS perform this service if the customer has concerns about expelling used chemicals into the atmosphere?
The method uses only CO₂, which sublimates without leaving residues or harmful emissions.
7- What is the root cause of convection fouling and do you work with this?
Common causes include friable refractory, fuel contaminants, and external pollutants (such as dust in desert or coastal environments). IGS mitigates fouling caused by refractory degradation using Cetek Refractory Encapsulation coating.
8- Would it cause any problems with the detection systems for contaminants after the online cleaning?
In decades of online cleaning operations, we have never experienced any issues with the detection systems.
Trusted Online Maintenance Without Shutdowns
IGS Hot Convection Cleaning offers an effective, environmentally responsible way to improve heater efficiency while staying online.
Explore Hot Convection Cleaning or learn about advanced options like TubeTech Robotic Defouling for your next turnaround.