HRSG Chemical Cleaning Services
Heat Recovery Steam Generators are among the most performance-critical assets in combined cycle power plants, cogeneration facilities, and industrial processes. Over time, internal surfaces accumulate scale, corrosion products, oils, and deposits that reduce heat transfer efficiency, restrict flow, and drive-up fuel consumption. Left unaddressed, these contaminants lead to overheating, tube failures, and costly unplanned outages.
At Tanqeb, we deliver engineered HRSG chemical cleaning programs tailored to your specific deposit types, metallurgy, and operating conditions — covering both pre-commissioning cleaning of new units and shutdown cleaning during planned maintenance.
- Pre-Commissioning Chemical Cleaning
New HRSGs enter service carrying manufacturing oils, protective coatings, mill scale, construction debris, and temporary preservatives. If not removed before startup, these contaminants cause boiler foaming, turbine carryover, and accelerated corrosion during early operation — undermining reliability from day one.
Our pre-commissioning cleaning process addresses every contamination source:
Step | Description |
Oil & Grease Removal | Alkaline degreasing solutions circulate through all circuits to dissolve and emulsify manufacturing lubricants and protective oils |
Mill Scale & Rust Removal | Acid cleaning eliminates iron oxides and mill scale from tube interiors and drum surfaces, preventing downstream damage after startup |
Copper & Deposit Removal | Complexing agents and inhibitors remove copper deposits without attacking base metals |
Passivation | Protective oxide layers restored post-cleaning to prevent flash rusting and ensure long-term corrosion resistance |
System Flushing | Multiple demineralized water flush stages remove all chemical residues before the unit enters service |
Inspection & Validation | Visual inspection and chemical analysis confirm that cleaning objectives have been fully achieved |
A properly executed pre-commissioning clean ensures your HRSG starts up reliably, achieves design heat transfer rates immediately, and avoids premature tube failures.
- Chemical Cleaning & Sediment Removal During Shutdown
Even with rigorous water treatment programs, operating HRSGs gradually accumulate hardness scales, iron oxides, silica deposits, and other foulants. These deposits act as thermal insulation — forcing the unit to consume more fuel to maintain steam output. In advanced cases, under-deposit corrosion, hydrogen damage, and tube ruptures follow.
Deposit Assessment
Every shutdown cleaning begins with deposit sampling and laboratory analysis to determine composition, thickness, and solubility. This drives chemistry selection and ensures effective cleaning with minimal time and chemical consumption.
Engineered Chemical Program
Custom cleaning solutions are formulated based on deposit analysis, using:
- Inhibited acids (hydrochloric, sulfamic, citric, or EDTA-based) for scale dissolution
- Complexing agents for iron and copper deposit removal
- Surfactants and penetrants for oil and organic deposit breakdown
- Neutralizers and passivators for post-cleaning protection
Circulation Cleaning
Temporary circulation loops with high-capacity pumps deliver cleaning solutions through all circuits at controlled temperatures and velocities — ensuring complete surface contact and thorough removal of accumulated foulants.
Sediment Removal
Lower drums, headers, and dead legs accumulate significant sediment during operation. Our procedure includes:
- Manual or vacuum-assisted sediment removal from accessible areas
- High-pressure flushing to dislodge compacted deposits
- Continuous filtration to remove suspended solids from circulating solutions
- Final inspection to verify internal cleanliness
Rinsing & Neutralization
All circuits are thoroughly rinsed with demineralized water following chemical cleaning. Alkaline neutralization steps confirm complete removal of acid residues before the unit is returned to service.
Waste Management
All spent chemicals and removed sediments are contained, characterized, and disposed of through licensed waste management channels in full compliance with environmental regulations.
Industries We Serve
- Combined Cycle Power Plants
- Cogeneration Facilities
- Industrial Boiler Systems
- Petrochemical and Refining
- Waste-to-Energy Plants
- District Heating Systems
The Tanqeb Commitment
Whether you are commissioning a new HRSG or restoring performance during a planned outage, Tanqeb delivers measurable improvements in heat transfer efficiency, fuel consumption, and operational reliability — backed by full documentation, strict safety protocols, and compliance with ASME guidelines and manufacturer recommendations.
Tanqeb restores your HRSG to the performance it was designed to deliver.
