Innovas Technologies is pleased to announce that Purdue University has selected the Helios Automatic Tube Cleaning System to provide continuous fouling protection across more than 30,000 tons of cooling capacity at its West Lafayette campus central utility plants. The installation supports Purdue’s ongoing commitment to improving energy efficiency, reducing maintenance requirements, and maintaining reliable cooling performance across its district energy infrastructure.
As part of the project, Purdue will implement the Helios Tube Cleaning System on both the evaporator and condenser sides of selected chillers. Protecting both heat exchanger surfaces ensures that the chillers can maintain peak thermal performance by preventing the buildup of scale, biological growth, and debris that typically reduces efficiency over time.
Fouling is one of the most common causes of performance loss in large central plant chillers. Even small accumulations inside condenser and evaporator tubes can significantly increase energy consumption and lead to higher operating costs. By continuously circulating cleaning balls through the tubes while the chiller is in operation, the Helios system keeps heat transfer surfaces clean without requiring shutdowns or manual cleaning, allowing the equipment to operate at design efficiency throughout the cooling season.
For a campus the size of Purdue’s West Lafayette facilities, the impact of maintaining clean heat exchangers is substantial. With more than 30,000 tons of cooling capacity in service, even modest efficiency improvements translate into significant reductions in electrical demand, operating cost, and long-term maintenance labor. The Helios system also reduces the need for chemical cleaning and mechanical brushing, helping extend equipment life while minimizing operational disruption.
The decision to protect both evaporators and condensers reflects a comprehensive approach to plant efficiency. While condenser fouling is often the primary focus, evaporator fouling can also degrade performance and increase compressor workload. By addressing both sides of the chiller, Purdue is ensuring that its cooling systems operate as efficiently as possible under varying load conditions.
Innovas Technologies continues to work with universities, district energy providers, and industrial facilities around the world to deliver automated tube cleaning solutions that provide measurable, long-term results. The Purdue University project represents another example of how the Helios Tube Cleaning System helps large central plants maintain peak performance while controlling energy and maintenance costs.
With the addition of Helios at the West Lafayette campus, Purdue is strengthening the reliability and efficiency of its cooling infrastructure while supporting its broader goals for sustainable and cost-effective campus operations.
