What is used to clean retubed or new boilers?

When cleaning retubed or new boilers, alkaline detergent is the preferred choice. This is because alkaline detergents effectively remove oils, greases, and other contaminants that may be present from manufacturing or during assembly processes. The caustic nature of alkaline detergents helps in breaking down these substances, ensuring that the internal surfaces of the boiler are left clean for optimal operation.

Additionally, using an alkaline detergent is safer for the materials typically used in boiler construction, as it minimizes the risk of corrosion that can occur with acidic cleaners. This can help in prolonging the life of the boiler and ensuring that it operates efficiently and safely.

While other cleaning methods like acid washing may be appropriate for descaling or removing rust, they can be harsh and are generally not recommended for initial cleaning of new or retubed boilers. Steam cleaning and solvent mixtures, while effective for some applications, do not provide the same level of comprehensive cleaning specifically aimed at removing various types of contaminants. Therefore, alkaline detergent stands out as the most suitable option for this particular task.