The wetted components of an automatic tube cleaning system live in the same water the chiller sees — cooling tower loops, seawater, or river water. HyApexFlow selects materials by cooling-water chemistry, not a single default, so the SS316 wetted parts ATCS we supply for coastal and industrial sites is matched to the duty.
Standard Cooling-Tower Water
| Component | Material |
|---|---|
| Skid frame | SS304 / SS316 |
| Valves & collector | SS316 |
| Balls | Open-cell elastomer (EPDM / NBR) |
Seawater & Coastal Cooling
For a seawater condenser tube cleaning system, corrosion resistance governs service life. Wet-end parts use SS316L; where the condenser tubes themselves are titanium or copper-nickel, the ATCS is specified for titanium condenser cleaning and CuNi tube cleaning compatibility — non-abrasive balls and marine-grade seals avoid galvanic and mechanical damage.
| Requirement | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Wetted parts | SS316L |
| Titanium condenser compatibility | Yes (non-abrasive balls) |
| Cu-Ni tube compatibility | Yes |
| Coating | Marine-grade |
Tube Protection
An ATCS must never damage the tubes it cleans. We specify ball hardness and confirm compatibility with copper, Cu-Ni, stainless and titanium tubes, so continuous cleaning stays non-abrasive across the plant’s life.
Related Pages
- Ball-Type vs Brush-Type ATCS for Seawater
- Automatic Condenser Tube Cleaning System
- BMS & DCIM Integration for ATCS
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the ATCS be used on titanium condenser tubes?
Yes. For seawater-cooled titanium condensers we use non-abrasive sponge balls and SS316L wet-end parts so the tubes are cleaned without wear.
What material is used for seawater service?
SS316L wetted components with marine-grade coatings, plus elastomer balls selected for the water chemistry.
SS316L Typical Composition (ASTM A240 / A276 Type 316L)
| Element | % (max unless noted) |
|---|---|
| C | 0.030 max |
| Cr | 16.0–18.0 |
| Ni | 10.0–14.0 |
| Mo | 2.0–3.0 |
| Mn | 2.0 max |
| Si | 0.75 max |
| P | 0.045 max |
| S | 0.030 max |
| Fe | balance |
Typical mechanical (annealed): Yield ≥ 170 MPa, Tensile ≥ 485 MPa, Elongation ≥ 40%.
Cleaning-Ball Elastomer (EPDM / NBR)
| Property | Typical |
|---|---|
| Base polymer | EPDM or NBR (oil-resistant) |
| Cell structure | Open-cell sponge |
| Seawater resistance | EPDM preferred for salt/ozone |
| Diameter | matched to tube ID |
Upgrade Path for Seawater / Coastal
| Environment | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Mild fresh / closed loop | SS316L |
| Seawater condenser | SS316L + EPDM balls |
| Aggressive seawater / high chloride | Duplex 2205 |
| Max corrosion allowance | Titanium Gr.2 |
Note: Values above are published ASTM standard typicals, not a mill certificate. Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1) are available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wetted-part materials are available?
SS316L as standard, with titanium and Cu-Ni options for seawater and corrosive duty.
Are material certificates provided?
Yes, material certificates and inspection reports are available on request.
What ball material is used for seawater cooling?
Seawater-resistant EPDM or nitrile cleaning balls are standard for coastal and seawater applications.