Due to the operation principle, Spirelf devices can be used in all multitubular heat exchangers constructed with straight pipes, where deposits within the pipes are found.

The Spirelf system applies to all fluid up to 360 degrees C - 680 degrees F, in a liquid or partially vaporized phase, where flow velocities are between 1 and 8 ft/s inclusive, circulating in pipes of an outside diameter between 3/4 and 1 1/4 inch inclusive and of length between 10 and 33 ft inclusive.

The first applications were in the refinery industry, particularly in atmospheric distillation preheat trains in which the fight against fouling is crucial. But the Spirelf system can also be appied to other industries.

Reboilers, especially in petrochemistry, constitute another field of application. Thermosiphon type or forced flow type can be equipped without trouble at the start-up and presence of Spirelf inserts leads to a service time between cleanings of two or three times longer. The system is more efficient when reboilers are in vertical position and the ratio of vaporization is lower than 10%.

A limiting factor for the Spirelf system is the presence of large size solid materials in the flow coming from the upstream side. One or two millimeters particle size seems to be the limit.