About Century Jiayuan Heat Exchange Station
Century Jiayuan is a residential community in Hebei Province, China, served by a dedicated heat exchange station. This facility is responsible for providing reliable heating to residents, particularly during the cold winter months.
The heart of the heating system is a plate heat exchanger, which transfers thermal energy from the primary district heating loop to the clean water circulating through residents' homes. The efficiency of this heat exchanger is critical—any mineral scale (fouling) on the plates acts as an insulator, reducing heat transfer, increasing energy consumption, and potentially leading to system failures.
Vulcan S100
Salt/Chemicals
Maintenance-Free
The Challenge: Plate Heat Exchanger Fouling
The heat exchange station originally relied on a traditional salt-based water softener to protect the plate heat exchanger. This approach presented several ongoing issues:
- Scale Formation: Despite softening, mineral fouling still occurred on heat exchanger plates over time.
- Efficiency Loss: Scale buildup reduced heat transfer, forcing the system to work harder and consume more energy.
- Maintenance Burden: The softener required regular salt refills and maintenance.
- Environmental Impact: Discharge of salty brine from softener regeneration was a concern.
Installation Details
Location
Facility: Century Jiayuan Heat Exchange Station
Province: Hebei, China
Serves: Century Jiayuan Residential Community
Vulcan Installation
Model: Vulcan S100
Application: Plate heat exchanger protection
Previous Method: Water softener (replaced)
Installed by: Beijing Vulcan Water
Installation Gallery
Vulcan S100 prevents fouling of the plate heat exchanger.
Step 1: Install the impulse bands on the water pipe
Step 2: Install the Vulcan S100 unit and wrap the impulse bands protective layer.
Purpose & Results
Purpose of Installation
- Replace existing salt-based water softener.
- Prevent mineral fouling of the plate heat exchanger.
- Eliminate salt purchases and maintenance labor.
- Ensure consistent, efficient heat transfer for residents.
Result
- Softener eliminated: No more salt or regeneration.
- Fouling prevented: Plate heat exchanger remains clean and efficient.
- Maintenance-free: "Set it and forget it" operation.
- Reliable heating for the community.
Benefits for District & Community Heating
Heat Exchanger Protection
Prevents fouling, maintains efficiency
Replaces Softeners
Eliminates salt and chemical costs
Zero Maintenance
No moving parts, no consumables
Eco-Friendly
No salty discharge, no chemicals
Technical Specifications: Vulcan S100
| Max Pipe Diameter: | 6 inches (150 mm) |
| Max Flow Rate: | 530 GPM (120 m³/h) |
| Power Consumption: | 2.5 W |
| Connection: | Non-invasive (wraps around pipe) |
| Maintenance: | Zero |
*Login for pricing and exact specifications.
A Smarter Way to Protect Heat Exchangers
The Century Jiayuan heat exchange station demonstrates a clear trend: forward-thinking facility managers are replacing outdated salt-based softeners with Vulcan's modern impulse technology. By switching to the S100, they eliminated chemical costs, reduced maintenance, and most importantly, ensured their plate heat exchanger remains free from fouling—guaranteeing efficient, reliable heat for the entire community.
Related Heating & Community Case Studies
Protect Your Heat Exchanger System
Join facility managers worldwide in choosing Vulcan for reliable, chemical-free scale prevention.
About the Author
Waslix (Vulcan Mineral Descaler) provides non-chemical, maintenance-free scale prevention using impulse technology. This case study documents the installation of a Vulcan S100 at the Century Jiayuan heat exchange station in Hebei, China, installed by Beijing Vulcan Water, successfully replacing a traditional water softener to protect a plate heat exchanger.
