Careers PressureWave+™ Cleaning for HRSGs and Boilers
Reduce Backpressure. Recover Megawatts. Restore Reliability.
Gas-side fouling is one of the most persistent causes of lost performance in power plants. As deposits accumulate deep within tube bundles, they restrict gas flow, increase backpressure, and reduce available megawatts, often when demand is highest.
PressureWave+™ is an advanced cleaning solution that removes deep, non-line-of-sight fouling to restore heat transfer, improve efficiency, and stabilize operation – without the limitations of conventional methods.
The Hidden Cost of Gas-Side Fouling
In both HRSGs and fired boilers, fouling develops from combustion byproducts and chemical reactions:
- HRSGs: ammonium bisulfate (ABS) and iron oxide deposits
- Boilers: slag, ash, and clinker buildup
These deposits:
- Restrict exhaust gas flow
- Increase backpressure
- Reduce heat transfer efficiency
- Limit power output and dispatch flexibility
Even modest fouling can lead to megawatt losses and compounding economic impact over time
Why Conventional Cleaning Methods Fall Short
Most plants rely on chemical cleaning, CO₂ blasting, or manual methods. While effective in certain scenarios, these approaches often face limitations:
- Inability to reach deep tube bundle fouling
- High labor and scaffolding requirements
- Extended outages or downtime
- Chemical handling and disposal challenges
As fouling mechanisms evolve, operators increasingly need solutions that go beyond surface-level cleaning.
The PressureWave+™ Solution
PressureWave+™ uses controlled, subsonic pressure waves to dislodge deposits throughout the HRSG or boiler.
The process:
- Generates calibrated gas mixtures on-site
- Initiates controlled deflagration (not detonation)
- Transmits energy through tube bundles
- Loosens deposits that fall as dry debris
Unlike conventional methods, PressureWave+™ is designed to penetrate dense geometries and reach inaccessible fouling zones
Before PressureWave+ Cleaning
After PressureWave+ Cleaning
Key Advantages
- Deep Cleaning Capability
Reaches non-line-of-sight areas within tube bundles - Non-Abrasive Process
No damage to pressure parts - Dry, Chemical-Free Operation
Eliminates wastewater and disposal concerns - Minimal Setup Requirements
No scaffolding or confined space entry - Flexible Execution
Deployable online or during outages
Proven Performance Results
Field applications have demonstrated measurable improvements in plant performance:
- Backpressure reduction: up to 5–5.5 inches W.C.
- Heat rate improvement: 0.5–1%
- Debris removal: 30+ tons in a single campaign
- Megawatt recovery: restored output during peak demand
In one combined-cycle facility, over 37 tons of debris were removed, resulting in a 5.5 in. W.C. backpressure reduction and immediate efficiency gains
Applications
HRSGs (Combined Cycle Plants)
PressureWave+™ restores performance by removing gas-side fouling that restricts exhaust flow.
Ideal for:
- Units operating near exhaust or backpressure limits
- Seasonal performance degradation
- Facilities seeking megawatt recovery without extended outages
Fired Boilers
PressureWave+™ removes hardened slag, ash, and clinker deposits to restore heat transfer.
Applicable to:
The process effectively targets fused, rock-like deposits beyond the reach of conventional methods
Online and Offline Cleaning
Online Cleaning
- Performed while the unit remains in operation
- Avoids full shutdowns
- Enables performance recovery during peak demand periods
Offline Cleaning
- Conducted during planned outages
- Allows optimized cleaning strategies for severe fouling
This flexibility enables plants to align cleaning strategy with operational priorities and risk tolerance
A Smarter Approach to Maintenance
PressureWave+™ is not a replacement for all cleaning methods, it’s a strategic complement.
It is best suited for:
- Deep-bundle fouling conditions
- Performance recovery initiatives
- Facilities constrained by labor, access, or disposal limitations
By expanding the available maintenance toolkit, operators can improve asset reliability and operational resilience
Why Integrated Global Services (IGS)
- Exclusive deployment partner for PressureWave+™ in North America
- Proven field execution across HRSG and boiler applications
- Engineered approach based on pressure drop and deposit analysis
- Focus on performance outcomes, not just cleaning
Restore Performance. Unlock Capacity.
PressureWave+™ delivers a new standard in gas-side cleaning—helping power plants recover lost output, improve efficiency, and operate with greater reliability.
Request a Performance Assessment
Contact IGS to schedule an evaluation of your HRSG or boiler.