For industries that heavily rely on mechanical systems, frequent and thorough descaling practices are not a luxury, but rather a necessity. Over time, scale deposits and mineral buildup can begin to wear down equipment, disrupt manufacturing or industry processes, and wrack up hefty bills. Investing in comprehensive and regular cleaning processes is a critical way to avoid the hidden costs of infrequent and/or improper descaling.
Energy Costs
One of the most common results of infrequent descaling is increased energy consumption. Mineral deposits like scale create a barrier between equipment surfaces and the fluids they are meant to heat, cool, or circulate. As a result, machinery like boilers or heat exchangers consume more energy and power just to function, causing rising energy costs and longer run times just to achieve the same results.
Equipment Degradation
Another commonly overlooked cost of ignoring descaling is the accelerated wear and tear on equipment. When scale builds up and machinery is forced to work overtime, it can cause premature repairs and replacements of various components due to the excess stress. This maintenance can be costly and result in extended equipment downtime that can throw off manufacturing schedules and cause significant revenue losses.
Product Quality Degradation
Many industries rely on precise temperature and flow control, and pesky scale buildup can negatively affect product quality and cause inconsistent outputs. For example, heat exchangers in power plants, refineries, maritime, boilers, or the food and beverage industry need to operate within strict parameters to maintain optimum performance. The consequences of not being able to meet these benchmarks due to scale buildup can be far-reaching, including loss of revenue, premature equipment failure, safety hazards, or a damaged business reputation.
Regulatory Compliance
Regulatory standards exist across numerous industries to ensure that products are safe and hazard-free, and scale buildup can quickly cause you to fall out of compliance with these regulations. If inspections reveal that equipment is not properly maintained, including having excessive scale buildup, your company could face fines, penalties, or even forced shutdowns.
While descaling your equipment may seem like an operational expense in of itself, investing in frequent and proper descaling processes leads to significant cost-savings down the line. The hidden costs of infrequent descaling can be substantial, while preventative cleanings help protect your equipment, company, and investments.