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Air-Cooled Coil Fin Damage → Increased Airflow Resistance (ΔP Rise)

Likely causes

External impact (tools, debris)

Check: aluminum fin bent > 20% → effective area reduced

What to do: Fin comb restoration: select comb matching fin pitch (typically 12~14 FPI), comb only in vertical direction, avoid excessive force

Dust/oil accumulation on coil face

Check: fin gap clogged (pitch effectively reduced from 1.8 mm to 0.5 mm)

What to do: Coil cleaning: low-pressure wash ≤ 2 bar + apply alkaline coil cleaner (pH 10~11), wait 10 min, then rinse

High-pressure washer direct spray (> 4 bar)

Check: fin deformation and coating damage

What to do: Measure fan ΔP: measure static pressure before/after coil; if > 50% above normal, cleaning or combing required

Ice left after defrost cycle

Check: residual ice between fins → reduced airflow cross-section

What to do: Damage > 30% of coil face: replace coil panel section (full replacement is cost-prohibitive)

Fan overspeed or blade detachment

Check: direct impact on coil

What to do: Prevention: install protective guard around coil; mandate angled spray ≤ 2 bar during cleaning

Field tip

Warm the coil to room temperature (≥ 15°C) before fin combing to prevent additional aluminum fin breakage.

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