Air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system and method

Abstract

This invention discloses a cleaning system and method for air cooler finned tube bundles, applied to air cooler assemblies. The air cooler assembly includes a heat exchange component, a support frame, and ventilation louvers. The support frame is located below the heat exchange component, and the ventilation louvers are positioned above the heat exchange component. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system includes a spray assembly, a control valve assembly, a feed valve assembly, a collection assembly, and a roller assembly. The spray assembly is positioned above the ventilation louvers, and the spray assembly, control valve assembly, and feed valve assembly are connected sequentially. The roller assembly is located in the middle of the support frame and arranged parallel to the heat exchange component. Collection assemblies are respectively provided on both sides of the roller assembly, with one collection assembly higher than the roller assembly and the other collection assembly lower than the roller assembly. This invention includes an expandable and retractable waste collection device, which can collect detached dirt, excess cleaning fluid, and dirt-liquid mixtures, preventing dirt from falling and affecting equipment operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of natural gas compression and transportation technology, and in particular to a cleaning system and method for air cooler finned tube bundles. Background Technology

[0002] Natural gas transportation and storage require compression and pressurization to meet process requirements and facilitate pressure delivery. The compression process involves a rise in natural gas temperature, which can negatively impact the lifespan of valves and corrosion-resistant coatings within the pipeline system. Therefore, cooling is necessary after compression. For gas storage applications requiring higher pressures, multi-stage compression is necessary, resulting in a significant overall temperature increase, necessitating interstage cooling.

[0003] In tube-fin air coolers used for natural gas cooling, a large amount of dust and fiber accumulates on the outer surface of the finned tubes during long-term use. Under alternating hot and cold conditions and changes in humidity, this buildup forms a continuous and dense layer of fouling. Natural gas air coolers are generally installed in outdoor environments, and due to the influence of ventilation louvers, the top of the air cooler, which is used periodically, easily accumulates branches, leaves, and other debris. The presence of fouling and debris hinders the dissipation of heat from the natural gas inside the air cooler to the outside air, reducing the air cooler's efficiency. Furthermore, the fouling fills the gaps between the fins, reducing the airflow and increasing the fan power. Therefore, it is necessary to clean the external fouling of the air cooler.

[0004] Spiral tube-finned air coolers consist of multiple heat exchange tubes with small fin spacing and staggered arrangement, forming a complex multi-curved spatial surface. However, the fin structure has low strength and cannot withstand significant external forces, making it difficult to clean the outer surface of the finned tubes. Dirt peeling off the heat exchange tube surface can easily fall into the lower equipment of the air cooler, affecting its operation and lifespan. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this invention proposes a cleaning system and method for air cooler finned tube bundles. This system effectively treats and removes dirt and debris from the surface of the finned tubes using liquid surfactants, cleaning liquids, gas-liquid mixtures, and high-speed airflow. Furthermore, through proper system control, the various components can be combined and used in combination to enhance the cleaning effect. The system also includes an expandable and retractable waste collection device to collect the removed dirt, excess cleaning liquid, and dirt-liquid mixtures, preventing dirt from falling off and affecting equipment operation.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this invention is as follows:

[0007] A cleaning system for air cooler finned tube bundles is provided, applied to an air cooler assembly. The air cooler assembly includes a heat exchange component, a support frame, and ventilation louvers. The support frame is located below the heat exchange component, and the ventilation louvers are located above the heat exchange component. The cleaning system includes a spray assembly, a control valve assembly, a feed valve assembly, a collection assembly, and a roller assembly. The spray assembly is located above the ventilation louvers, and the spray assembly, control valve assembly, and feed valve assembly are connected in sequence. The roller assembly is located in the middle of the support frame and is arranged parallel to the heat exchange component. Collection assemblies are provided on both sides of the roller assembly, with one collection assembly higher than the roller assembly and the other collection assembly lower than the roller assembly.

[0008] Furthermore, the collection assembly includes a film roll, an unfolding film, a force-transmitting reel, a pull rope, a counterweight, and a traction rope; the film roll has a mandrel that passes through lug structures located on both sides of the support frame, and force-transmitting reels are respectively located at both ends of the mandrel; a pull rope is wound around the force-transmitting reel, and one end of the pull rope is connected to the counterweight; one end of the traction rope is wound around the reel assembly, and the other end is connected to the edge of the unfolding film, which is also connected to the film roll.

[0009] Furthermore, the reel assembly includes a drive element, a bracket, a drive shaft, and a traction reel; the drive shaft is disposed between the brackets, and one end is connected to the drive element disposed on the outside of the bracket; a pair of traction reels are also disposed on the drive shaft on the inside of the bracket; a traction rope is wound on the traction reel, and the other end of the traction rope is connected to the edge of the unfolded film.

[0010] Furthermore, the spray assembly includes multiple spray pipes, each spray pipe being equipped with multiple nozzles; one end of each spray pipe is a sealing structure, and the other end is connected to the interface of the control valve group.

[0011] Furthermore, the control valve group includes multiple regulating valves, the inlet end of which is connected to the feed valve group, and the outlet end of which is connected to the spray assembly.

[0012] Furthermore, the feed valve assembly includes multiple feed valves, each of which has a feed pipe and a feed port at its inlet end and a manifold at its outlet end.

[0013] Furthermore, the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system also includes a support structure, which is located inside the support frame and can support the collection assembly.

[0014] A method for cleaning air cooler finned tube bundles includes: controlling the flow rate, inflow order, and action position of the fluid medium input to the feed valve group by dynamically adjusting the control valve group, thereby achieving differentiated distribution and combination of different fluid media; the fluid media includes gas, gas-liquid mixture, cleaning liquid, and surfactant.

[0015] A method for cleaning air cooler finned tube bundles includes: switching and combining various cleaning methods and controlling the duration of cleaning methods for different types of dirt and debris. The cleaning methods include compressed air purging, surfactant treatment, water rinsing, compressed air carrying water for wetting, and compressed air drying.

[0016] A method for cleaning air cooler finned tube bundles includes: during the dirt removal process, collecting dirt and fallen liquid simultaneously through a collection component, causing the dirt and fallen liquid to mix and flow to a predetermined position; and using a roller assembly to unfold, overlap, tilt, and retract the collection component.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0018] 1. For the treatment of surface fouling in tube-fin air coolers, this invention can employ a combination of gas, gas-liquid mixture, cleaning liquid, surfactant, etc., to enhance fouling removal. At the same time, the top debris can be purged by sequentially controlling the valves.

[0019] 2. In the process of removing dirt, the present invention uses a collection component to collect dirt and fallen liquid simultaneously, causing the dirt and liquid to mix and flow to a predetermined location, which facilitates the subsequent collection of dirt waste.

[0020] 3. The present invention is equipped with a dirt and waste collection component that can be unfolded and retracted. Through a drive device and a counterweight, the unfolding and retraction of the film structure in the collection component is realized. Furthermore, the drive shaft and roller arranged in the middle are fully utilized to complete the unfolding and overlapping inclined arrangement of the films on both sides. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention (thin film unfolding).

[0022] Figure 2 This is the second schematic diagram of the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention (film recovery).

[0023] Figure 3 This is a front half-section structural diagram of the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning subsystem structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the collection subsystem structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of the present invention, specific embodiments are now described. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention; that is, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the invention, not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] Because spiral tube finned air coolers consist of multiple heat exchange tubes with small fin spacing and staggered arrangement, they form a complex multi-curved spatial surface. Simultaneously, the fin structure has low strength and cannot withstand significant external forces, making it difficult to clean the outer surface of the finned tubes. Dirt peeling off the heat exchange tube surface can easily fall into the lower equipment of the air cooler, affecting its operation and lifespan.

[0029] Based on this, this embodiment provides an air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system, which is applied to an air cooler assembly. The air cooler assembly includes a heat exchange component 1, a support frame 2, and ventilation louvers 3. The support frame 2 is located at the lower part of the heat exchange component 1, and the ventilation louvers 3 are located at the upper part of the heat exchange component 1.

[0030] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system of this embodiment includes a spray assembly 4, a control valve group 5, a feed valve group 6, a collection assembly 7, and a roller assembly 8. The spray assembly 4 is located on the upper part of the ventilation louvers 3, and the spray assembly 4, the control valve group 5, and the feed valve group 6 are connected in sequence. The roller assembly 8 is located in the middle of the support frame 2 and is arranged parallel to the heat exchange assembly 1. Collection assemblies 7 are respectively provided on both sides of the roller assembly 8, and one side of the collection assembly 7 is higher than the roller assembly 8, while the other side of the collection assembly 7 is lower than the roller assembly 8.

[0031] Preferably, such as Figure 4 As shown, the collecting component 7 includes a film roll 7-1, an unfolding film 7-2, a force-transmitting roller 7-3, a pull rope 7-4, a counterweight 7-5, and a traction rope 7-6. The film roll 7-1 has a mandrel that passes through the lug structures 9 on both sides of the support frame 2. The mandrel is also provided with a force-transmitting roller 7-3 at both ends. The pull rope 7-4 is wound around the force-transmitting roller 7-3. One end of the pull rope 7-4 is connected to the counterweight 7-5. One end of the traction rope 7-6 is wound around the roller assembly 8, and the other end is connected to the edge of the unfolding film 7-2. The unfolding film 7-2 is also connected to the film roll 7-1.

[0032] Preferably, the reel assembly 8 includes a drive element 8-1, a bracket 8-2, a drive shaft 8-3, and a traction reel 8-4; the drive shaft 8-3 is disposed between the brackets 8-2, and one end is connected to the drive element 8-1 disposed on the outside of the bracket 8-2; a pair of traction reels 8-4 are also disposed on the drive shaft 8-3 on the inside of the bracket 8-2; a traction rope 7-6 is wound on the traction reel 8-4, and the other end of the traction rope 7-6 is connected to the edge of the unfolded film 7-2.

[0033] Preferably, such as Figure 5 As shown, the spray assembly 4 includes multiple spray pipes (in this embodiment, four spray pipes are used as an example, corresponding to the first spray pipe 4-1, the second spray pipe 4-2, the third spray pipe 4-3, and the fourth spray pipe 4-4 respectively), and each spray pipe is provided with multiple nozzles 4-5; one end of the spray pipe is a sealing structure, and the other end is connected to the interface of the control valve group 5.

[0034] Preferably, the control valve group 5 includes multiple regulating valves (in this embodiment, three regulating valves are used as an example, corresponding to the first regulating valve 5-1, the second regulating valve 5-2, and the third regulating valve 5-3 respectively). The inlet end of the regulating valve is connected to the feed valve group 6, and the outlet end is connected to the spray assembly 4.

[0035] Preferably, the feed valve group 6 includes multiple feed valves (in this embodiment, three feed valves are used as an example, corresponding to the first feed valve 6-1, the second feed valve 6-2, and the third feed valve 6-3 respectively). The inlet end of each feed valve is provided with a feed pipe 6-4 and a feed port (corresponding to the first feed port 10, the second feed port 11, and the third feed port 12 respectively), and the outlet end is connected to a manifold 6-5.

[0036] Preferably, the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system of this embodiment further includes a support structure 9, which is disposed inside the support frame 2 and can support the collection assembly 7.

[0037] Example 2

[0038] This embodiment is based on embodiment 1:

[0039] This embodiment provides a method for cleaning air cooler finned tube bundles, including:

[0040] By dynamically adjusting the control valve group 5, the flow rate, inflow order, and action position of the fluid medium input into the feed valve group 6 are controlled, thereby achieving differentiated distribution and combination of different fluid media; the fluid media include gas, gas-liquid mixture, cleaning liquid, and surfactant.

[0041] For different types of dirt and debris, multiple cleaning methods can be switched, combined, and the duration of each method can be controlled. These cleaning methods include compressed air blowing, surfactant treatment, water rinsing, compressed air carrying water for wetting, and compressed air drying.

[0042] Preferably, when debris accumulates on the upper part of the heat exchange component 1, the first feed valve 6-1 is opened, and compressed air is introduced through the first feed port 10. Afterwards:

[0043] When the first regulating valve 5-1, the second regulating valve 5-2, and the third regulating valve 5-3 are closed, compressed air is ejected through the first nozzle 4-1 and the nozzle 4-5 located on it, blowing away the debris located below the first nozzle 4-1 to below the second nozzle 4-2. The duration of this process is Ta.

[0044] Open the first regulating valve 5-1, and compressed air is ejected through the second nozzle 4-2 and the nozzle 4-5 located on it, blowing the debris located below the second nozzle 4-2 to below the third nozzle 4-3. This process takes a duration of Tb.

[0045] Open the second regulating valve 5-2, and compressed air is ejected through the third nozzle 4-3 and the nozzle 4-5 located above it, blowing the debris located below the third nozzle 4-3 to below the fourth nozzle 4-4. The duration of this process is Tc.

[0046] Open the third regulating valve 5-3, and compressed air is ejected through the fourth nozzle 4-4 and the nozzle 4-5 located on it, blowing the debris located below the fourth nozzle 4-4 to the edge of the heat exchange component 1 or even to the outside. This process takes a duration of Td.

[0047] In this way, by purging with compressed air, the heat exchange component 1 can be cleaned by purging in stages to prevent the accumulation of debris.

[0048] Preferably, when fouling forms on the surface of the heat exchange tube bundle in the heat exchange assembly 1, the following process can be used for treatment:

[0049] Process 1: Open the first feed valve 6-1, the first regulating valve 5-1, the second regulating valve 5-2, and the third regulating valve 5-3, and introduce compressed air through the first feed port 10, and then finally blow the surface of the heat exchange tube bundle with equal pressure through multiple nozzles 4-5; this process can complete the blowing of non-dense dirt and the drying of the heat exchange tube bundle.

[0050] Process 2: Open the second feed valve 6-2, the first regulating valve 5-1, the second regulating valve 5-2, and the third regulating valve 5-3. The surfactant is introduced through the second feed port 11 and sprayed through the nozzle 4-5 to complete the activation treatment of surface dirt.

[0051] Process 3: Open the third feed valve 6-3, the first regulating valve 5-1, the second regulating valve 5-2, and the third regulating valve 5-3. The cleaning fluid is introduced through the third feed port 12 and sprayed under pressure through the nozzle 4-5 to complete the cleaning treatment of surface dirt.

[0052] Process 4: Open the first feed valve 6-1, the third feed valve 6-3, the first regulating valve 5-1, the second regulating valve 5-2, and the third regulating valve 5-3. At the same time, compressed air is introduced through the first feed port 10 and the third feed port 12. The compressed air drives the cleaning fluid and causes turbulence in the pipeline, forming atomized cleaning fluid. Finally, the compressed air and the tiny droplets of cleaning fluid are sprayed onto the surface of the heat exchange tube bundle through the nozzle 4-5, thereby completing the wetting treatment of the surface dirt.

[0053] Through the sequential combination, cyclical combination, and alternating combination of the above processes 1 to 4, the surface fouling of the heat exchange tube bundle is thoroughly cleaned.

[0054] Example 3

[0055] This embodiment is based on embodiment 1:

[0056] This embodiment provides a method for cleaning air cooler finned tube bundles. During the process of dirt peeling off, the dirt and the fallen liquid are collected simultaneously by the collection component 7, so that the dirt and the fallen liquid are mixed and flow to a predetermined position; the collection component 7 is unfolded, overlapped and tilted, and retracted by the roller assembly 8.

[0057] Preferably, when cleaning the surface fouling of the heat exchanger tube bundle, the control drive element 8-1 is activated, driving the drive shaft 8-3 and the traction reel 8-4 to rotate synchronously, thereby causing the following... Figure 3 The rotation is counterclockwise as shown. The traction rope 7-6, wound around the traction reel 8-4, is wound in, which in turn drives the unfolding film 7-2 connected to the end of the traction rope 7-6 to unfold towards the position of the reel assembly 8. Since the two sets of collection assemblies 7 are distributed on both sides of the reel assembly 8, the edge of the unfolded film 7-2 of the collection assembly 7 on the right side will be pulled to the upper part of the traction reel 8-4, while the edge of the unfolded film 7-2 of the collection assembly 7 on the left side will be pulled to the lower part of the traction reel 8-4. Thus, the unfolded films 7-2 on the left and right sides form a certain inclined surface. At the same time, when the unfolded film 7-2 unfolds under the action of the traction rope 7-6, the film roll 7-1 rotates, which in turn drives the force transmission reel 7-3 to rotate, and realizes the retraction of the pull rope 7-4, and the counterweight 7-5 is lifted to a certain height.

[0058] like Figure 3As shown, the collection component 7 on the right rotates its transmission wheel 7-3 clockwise, with the free end of the pull rope 7-4 located to the left of the transmission wheel 7-3, enabling the lifting of the counterweight 7-5. The collection component 7 on the left rotates its transmission wheel 7-3 counterclockwise, with the free end of the pull rope 7-4 located to the right of the transmission wheel 7-3, also enabling the lifting of the counterweight 7-5. After cleaning the surface of the heat exchange tube bundle, and no longer providing power to the drive element 8-1 or controlling its clockwise rotation, the counterweight 7-5, under the weight of the pull rope 7-4, drives the transmission wheel 7-3 to rotate, thus completing the recovery process of the unfolded film 7-2. Simultaneously, the unfolded film 7-2 drives the traction rope 7-6, causing it to be drawn out from the traction wheel 8-4, completing the reset action.

[0059] In summary, the dynamic adjustment of the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system allows for control of the input fluid flow rate, inflow sequence, and application location, enabling differentiated distribution of different fluids and facilitating the combination and mixing of various fluid media. Simultaneously, when using gas, gas-liquid mixtures, or liquids to remove dirt, the system's membrane collection device deploys to collect and aggregate the removed dirt and liquid, preventing them from falling into the lower part of the air cooler. Furthermore, the system can switch, combine, and control the duration of various actions, including compressed air purging, surfactant treatment, water rinsing, compressed air-carried water wetting, and compressed air drying, to achieve both effective and economical dirt removal.

[0060] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the forms disclosed herein and should not be construed as excluding other embodiments. It can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments, and can be altered within the scope of the concept described herein through the above teachings or related technologies or knowledge. Modifications and variations made by those skilled in the art that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention should be within the protection scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A finned tube bundle cleaning system for an air cooler, applied to an air cooler assembly, the air cooler assembly including a heat exchange component (1), a support frame (2), and ventilation louvers (3), the support frame (2) being located at the lower part of the heat exchange component (1), and the ventilation louvers (3) being disposed at the upper part of the heat exchange component (1), characterized in that: The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system includes a spray assembly (4), a control valve group (5), a feed valve group (6), a collection assembly (7), and a roller assembly (8). The spray assembly (4) is located on the upper part of the ventilation louvers (3). The spray assembly (4), the control valve group (5), and the feed valve group (6) are connected in sequence. The roller assembly (8) is located in the middle of the support frame (2) and is arranged parallel to the heat exchange assembly (1). Collection assemblies (7) are respectively provided on both sides of the roller assembly (8), and one collection assembly (7) is higher than the roller assembly (8), while the other collection assembly (7) is lower than the roller assembly (8).

2. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The collecting assembly (7) includes a film roll (7-1), an unfolding film (7-2), a force-transmitting reel (7-3), a pull rope (7-4), a counterweight (7-5), and a traction rope (7-6). The film roll (7-1) has a mandrel that passes through the lug structures (9) on both sides of the support frame (2). The mandrel is also provided with a force-transmitting reel (7-3) at both ends. The force-transmitting reel (7-3) is wound with a pull rope (7-4). One end of the pull rope (7-4) is connected to the counterweight (7-5). One end of the traction rope (7-6) is wound around the reel assembly (8), and the other end is connected to the edge of the unfolding film (7-2). The unfolding film (7-2) is also connected to the film roll (7-1).

3. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 2, wherein, The reel assembly (8) includes a drive element (8-1), a bracket (8-2), a drive shaft (8-3), and a traction reel (8-4). The drive shaft (8-3) is disposed between the brackets (8-2), and one end is connected to the drive element (8-1) disposed outside the bracket (8-2). A pair of traction reels (8-4) are also disposed on the drive shaft (8-3) inside the bracket (8-2). A traction rope (7-6) is wound on the traction reel (8-4), and the other end of the traction rope (7-6) is connected to the edge of the unfolded film (7-2).

4. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The spray assembly (4) includes multiple spray pipes, each with multiple nozzles; one end of each spray pipe is a sealing structure, and the other end is connected to the interface of the control valve group (5).

5. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The control valve group (5) includes multiple regulating valves. The inlet end of the regulating valve is connected to the feed valve group (6), and the outlet end is connected to the spray assembly (4).

6. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, The feed valve assembly (6) includes multiple feed valves. Each feed valve has a feed pipe (6-4) and a feed port at its inlet end, and a manifold (6-5) at its outlet end.

7. The air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a support structure (9), which is disposed inside the support frame (2) and can support the collection assembly (7).

8. A method for cleaning the finned tube bundle of an air cooler, applied to the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: By dynamically adjusting the control valve group (5), the flow rate, inflow order and action position of the fluid medium input to the feed valve group (6) are controlled, so as to realize the differentiated distribution and combination of different fluid media; the fluid media include gas, gas-liquid mixture, cleaning liquid and surfactant.

9. A method for cleaning a finned tube bundle of an air cooler, applied to the air cooler finned tube bundle cleaning system of claim 1, characterized in that, include: For different types of dirt and debris, multiple cleaning methods can be switched, combined, and the duration of each cleaning method can be controlled. These cleaning methods include compressed air blowing, surfactant treatment, water rinsing, compressed air carrying water for wetting, and compressed air drying.

10. A method for cleaning a finned tube bundle of an air cooler, applied to the finned tube bundle cleaning system of claim 1, characterized in that, include: During the process of dirt shedding, the dirt and the dropped liquid are collected simultaneously by the collection component (7), so that the dirt and the dropped liquid are mixed and flow to the predetermined position; The collection component (7) is unfolded, overlapped and tilted, and retracted by the roller assembly (8).

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