oil cooler clean?

[kimbo]

hi all... anyone know the best way to clean out an oil cooler?
i want to fit one on the feed to my reactor and i can't afford a new one so i've got to use a second hand unit and i want it to be CLEAN! (internaly).... ideas on supa clean flushing techniques please..... thanks in advance..... kimbo

[nst6563]

Is it aluminum or steel?

If it's not aluminum, this may sound odd but a hot solution of NaOH could be run through it with a pump as it's used to break up oil and clean drains.

Otherwise, aluminum or not, running a degreasing detergent through it and then give a thorough rinsing with distilled and acetone should do it.

[myoldyourgold]

I want to fit one on the feed to my reactor

If you are going to use a cooler on the feed side of the reactor and you are using NaOH or KOH you better use a stainless steel cooler. Aluminum will get destroyed and pollute the electrolyte quite quickly. You should not need a cooler if your reactor is running properly anyway. The steel coolers still react with the electrolyte and could cause problems over time.

[kimbo]

ok ...maybe i'll ditch the cooler idea till i know how hot things are gonna get.
just trying to think of every eventuallity... thanks guys.