Innovas Technologies is pleased to announce that the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) has expanded its use of the Helios Automatic Tube Cleaning System as part of ongoing upgrades to its central utility plant infrastructure. The project builds on more than six years of successful operation with the Helios system already in service on the UNL campus as highlighted in our previous case study with UNL.
Having experienced the performance benefits of continuous tube cleaning firsthand, UNL selected to extend the use of Helios to additional chillers within its central plant systems. This expansion reflects the university’s long-term commitment to improving plant efficiency, reducing maintenance requirements, and ensuring reliable cooling capacity to support campus operations.
For the past six years, the Helios Tube Cleaning System has helped UNL maintain clean heat exchanger surfaces by automatically circulating cleaning balls through the chiller tubes while the equipment remains in operation. By preventing the buildup of scale, biofilm, and debris on both the condenser and evaporator tubes, the system allows chillers to operate at or near design efficiency throughout the cooling season.
University of Nebraska East Campus and City Campus chillers.
Over time, even small amounts of fouling can significantly increase energy consumption and operating costs in large central plants. By keeping tubes continuously clean, the Helios system reduces compressor workload, lowers electrical demand, and minimizes the need for manual or chemical cleaning. These benefits translate into measurable savings in energy, labor, and maintenance while also helping extend the service life of critical equipment.
The decision to expand the Helios installation demonstrates the value of proven performance in real-world operating conditions. After years of dependable service, the system has become a trusted part of UNL’s plant operations strategy, providing a reliable layer of protection against fouling and efficiency loss.
Central utility plants serving large campuses must operate with a high level of reliability while controlling operating costs. Automated tube cleaning provides a practical and cost-effective way to maintain peak performance without interrupting plant operation, making it an important tool for facilities that run continuously throughout the year.
With this latest project, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln continues to strengthen the efficiency and reliability of its cooling infrastructure while reinforcing the role of the Helios Tube Cleaning System as a proven solution for long-term fouling prevention in large central plant applications.
