AM Monday – Heat Exchangers; DFTO Efficiency Lives or Dies Here

AM Monday – Heat Exchangers; DFTO Efficiency Lives or Dies Here

March 16, 2026

In Direct-Fired Thermal Oxidizers (DFTOs), the heat exchanger defines system efficiency. Its purpose is to recover thermal energy from treated exhaust and transfer it back into incoming process air, reducing burner demand. When heat transfer degrades, operating costs rise rapidly.

Heat exchangers are exposed to particulate fouling, corrosive compounds, and thermal stress. Over time, deposits accumulate, surfaces corrode, and internal passages become restricted. These changes rarely trigger alarms but steadily erode performance.

Challenges:

Reduced heat transfer forces burners to compensate, increasing fuel usage. Backpressure rises, fans work harder, and overall system efficiency declines. Facilities often detect the problem only after sustained increases in fuel consumption or fan amperage.

Solutions by Ship & Shore Environmental:

Ship & Shore Environmental (SSE) inspects heat exchangers using temperature differential analysis, visual inspection, and pressure monitoring. SSE performs targeted cleaning and repairs to restore heat transfer without unnecessary replacement. Maintenance intervals are aligned with process conditions.

Results:

Recovered heat exchanger performance delivers measurable fuel savings, stabilized airflow, and extended component life. SSE’s services improve DFTO efficiency while avoiding major capital expense.

Contact us at +1 (562) 997-0233 or email service@shipandshore.com for more information. For urgent oxidizer emergencies, text or call +1 (562) 477-7557 or +1 (562) 400-4439.