Scale removal device

Abstract

The present invention provides a descaling device. The descaling device includes: a cleaning head; a power supply, one output terminal of the power supply is connected to an object to be cleaned and forms a first electrode, and the other output terminal of the power supply is connected to the cleaning head and forms a second electrode; an electrolyte supply device for supplying electrolyte to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; a detection device; and a control device. When the power supply supplies power to the first and second electrodes, an electric field is formed between the first and second electrodes, whereby nano-scale bubbles are generated in the electrolyte provided on at least one of the first and second electrodes, and the dirt formed on the object to be cleaned is substantially removed physically by the cleaning head using the generated nano-scale bubbles under the action of the electric field, and at the same time, the descaling time of the descaling device is controlled in real time.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the patent application with the application number 202110556810.5, the invention title of "Scale Removal Device and Scale Removal Method", and the filing date of May 21, 2021. Technical Field

[0002] The present invention relates to the scale removal and passivation protection technologies for the surfaces of metal objects such as steel, stainless steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, copper and its alloy products, and particularly relates to the cleaning and passivation protection of large metal parts (such as bridges, outdoor power facilities, ships, oil and natural gas pipelines, etc.), as well as the cleaning and passivation protection of the heavily oil-stained surfaces of metal tableware, kitchenware, etc. Background Art

[0003] During the service process of metal products such as steel, stainless steel, and titanium alloy, due to the acid-base and oxidation environment in the use environment, oxidation reactions and galvanic reactions occur, resulting in corrosion and the formation of rust on the surface, which has a great destructive effect on the substrate. In addition, items such as tableware and kitchenware (mainly stoves and cookware) are used in a heavily oil-stained environment, and at the same time, the oil is burned into gummy greasy substances and carbides, which adhere to the surfaces of stoves and cookware, further eroding the substrate and affecting aesthetics and hygiene.

[0004] Currently, the methods for treating the dirt on the surfaces of these metal objects are mainly divided into physical methods and chemical methods. Here, in this specification, rust, sintered substances, oil stains, etc. are collectively referred to as dirt, and no distinction is made without special instructions.

[0005] On the one hand, the physical methods mainly include using iron sand, shot peening, high-pressure gas jets and water jets (hard particles are contained in the jets), ultrasonic waves, etc. to remove dirt by grinding, hitting, and ultrasonic vibration (cavitation). Specifically, such physical methods cause the object surface to bear uneven stress and leave an uneven microscopic structure on the surface.

[0006] On the other hand, the chemical methods mainly use corrosive liquids such as acids and alkalis to react chemically with the surface dirt. Such methods will have a corrosive effect on the object substrate, and at the same time, the acids and alkalis will pollute the natural environment. In addition, the electrochemical method applies an electric field using a high-frequency pulsed DC power supply, immerses the object in the bath solution, and achieves the purpose of removing the dirt on the object surface through electrolysis or chemical reactions. Currently, it is difficult for the electrolysis method to remove dirt such as sintered substances. This method requires a high frequency (0 - 30 kHz), a large current (up to 400 A), a relatively high DC voltage (up to 100 V), a large amount of solution (i.e., the item to be cleaned needs to be immersed in the bath solution), and a long rust removal time (up to dozens of minutes). For specific methods, please refer to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2.

[0007] Due to various deficiencies or defects in the performance, efficiency, environmental friendliness, and implementation convenience of the above-mentioned physical or chemical methods for cleaning dirt on metal objects, it is difficult to effectively remove various types of dirt formed on the objects.

[0008] Cited references

[0009] Patent document 1, CN111621840A.

[0010] Patent document 2, CN103343381A. Summary of the invention

[0011] The purpose of the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a descaling device and a descaling method for solving the descaling problem on the surface of metal objects. To solve the above technical problems, the embodiments of the present invention are implemented as follows:

[0012] In the first aspect, the embodiments of the present invention provide a descaling device, which includes: a cleaning head; a power source, one output terminal of the power source is connected to the object to be cleaned, a part or all of the surface of the object to be cleaned is formed with dirt, whereby the object to be cleaned constitutes a first electrode, and the other output terminal of the power source is connected to the cleaning head, whereby the cleaning head constitutes a second electrode; an electrolyte supply device for supplying electrolyte to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. When the power source supplies power to the first electrode and the second electrode, an electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, whereby nano-scale bubbles are generated in the electrolyte supplied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the cleaning head uses the generated nano-scale bubbles to physically remove the dirt formed on the object to be cleaned under the action of the formed electric field.

[0013] The technical solution (scale removal device) given above for the present invention is to apply an electric field to generate a large number of micro-nano bubbles between the surface of the cleaning object and the rolling brush head, and physically scour the surface of the substrate at a high speed, so as to strip the oxidized rust and dirt. At the same time, atomic oxygen and the protective agent of the electrolyte polish and passivate the surface of the stainless steel or steel substrate, forming a dense passivation film, making the surface of the object quickly bright and clean. The present invention subverts the traditional physical or chemical cleaning methods. The present invention includes an electrochemical method (generating micro-nano bubbles in the early stage) and a physical method (subsequently using the generated micro-nano bubbles for scale removal). Applying an electric field to generate atomic oxygen and micro-nano bubbles belongs to the electrochemical method, but the efficiency and speed of the generated atomic oxygen are several orders of magnitude higher than the existing method of electrolyzing to generate atomic oxygen by a simple electrochemical method. The physical method of micro-nano bubbles scours the basic surface at a high speed, and the cavitation blasts dirt and rust, which belongs to the physical category, but the efficiency is several orders of magnitude higher. At the same time, the above technical solution of the present invention does not have the problem of local stress damage caused by hard particles contained in methods such as shot peening and jet flow.

[0014] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the nano-scale bubbles are nano-scale hydrogen-oxygen bubbles.

[0015] According to the technical solution given above for the present invention, generally speaking, the nano-scale bubbles preferably complete the physical scale removal treatment in the form of nano-scale hydrogen-oxygen bubbles. Of course, those skilled in the art can understand that based on the different types of electrolytes in the applied electrolyte, the nano-scale bubbles may also include other ionic components such as ammonia and chlorine. Each embodiment of the present invention is only described by taking nano-scale hydrogen-oxygen bubbles as an example, and does not limit the specific components of the nano-scale bubbles.

[0016] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the scale removal device may further include: a detection device for detecting at least one of the electrical parameters of the first electrode and the second electrode, where the electrical parameters include at least one of the following items: (i) the current flowing through at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; (ii) the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; (iii) the current density of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control device, where the detection device compares the detected value of the electrical parameter detected by the detection device with the preset target value stored in the control device, and based on the comparison result, changes the magnitude of the electrical parameter in real time.

[0017] According to the technical solution given above for the present invention, better control of the relevant electrical parameters can be achieved through the detection device and the control device, so that compared with the scale removal device that does not include the functions of the detection device and the control device under the action of the electric field, a high-speed and effective scale removal effect can be better achieved.

[0018] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the power supply is a DC power supply, an AC power supply or a pulsed power supply.

[0019] According to the technical solution given above of the present invention, the present invention subverts the problem of selectivity of the power supply in the existing pure electrochemical method, and both AC and DC power supplies can be used in the present invention.

[0020] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the power supply is a portable DC charging power supply, the DC output voltage provided by the portable DC charging power supply is less than or equal to 26 volts, and the DC output current provided by the portable DC charging power supply is less than or equal to 10 amperes.

[0021] According to the technical solution given above of the present invention, since the voltage of the power supply required by the present invention is less than 26 volts and the current required is less than 10 amperes, the implementation of the technical solution is very safe and convenient.

[0022] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electrolyte includes one or more of citric acid, white vinegar, additives and water. Specifically, the electrolyte includes citric acid with a content of 1-12%, white vinegar with a content of 3-8%, additives with a content of 0.5-5%, and the remaining component is water.

[0023] According to the technical solution given above of the present invention, the electrolyte of the descaling method of the present invention is edible citric acid, white vinegar, additives, etc. This electrolyte can be recycled, is environmentally friendly and harmless to the human body.

[0024] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, both the object to be cleaned and the cleaning head are made of metal.

[0025] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning head is in the form of a metal roller, a metal sheet, or a metal brush, etc.

[0026] According to the technical solution given above of the present invention, the design of the cleaning head has a greater selection space, and can provide the shape, size of the cleaning head and the adaptation relationship with the surface of the object to be cleaned according to actual needs.

[0027] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, when the first electrode is an anode, the nanoscale bubbles are nanoscale oxygen bubbles. Or, when the first electrode is a cathode, the nanoscale bubbles are nanoscale hydrogen bubbles.

[0028] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electrolyte supply device includes: an electrolyte container for containing the electrolyte; a pump body connected to the electrolyte container through a conduit and configured to pump the electrolyte contained in the electrolyte container; and a spray head connected to the electrolyte container and the pump body through a conduit and configured to supply the electrolyte to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0029] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, one output terminal of the power supply is connected to the object to be cleaned through a wire and a connector. Preferably, the connector is an alligator clip and is clamped to the edge of the object to be cleaned through the alligator clip.

[0030] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the electrolyte supply device supplies the electrolyte to the surface of the dirt by means of manual application, spraying or immersion.

[0031] In a second aspect, embodiments of the present invention further provide a descaling method, for example, including the following steps: connecting one output terminal of a power supply to an object to be cleaned, with dirt formed on a part or all of the surface of the object to be cleaned, whereby the object to be cleaned constitutes a first electrode; connecting the other output terminal of the power supply to a cleaning head, whereby the cleaning head constitutes a second electrode; supplying an electrolyte to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; supplying power to the first electrode and the second electrode through the power supply to form an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, whereby nanoscale bubbles are generated in the electrolyte supplied to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and removing substantially the dirt formed on the object to be cleaned in a physical manner by using the generated nanoscale bubbles under the action of the formed electric field through the cleaning head.

[0032] According to some alternative embodiments of the present invention, the descaling method further includes the following steps: detecting, by a detection device, electrical parameters regarding at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical parameters including at least one of the following items: (i) the current flowing through at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; (ii) the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; (iii) the current density of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and comparing, by a control device, the detected value of the electrical parameters detected by the detection device with a preset target value stored in the control device, and changing in real time the magnitude of the electrical parameters based on the comparison result.

[0033] The technical solution (scale removal method) of the present invention as given above is to apply an electric field to generate a large number of micro-nano bubbles between the surface of the object to be cleaned and the rolling brush head, and physically scour the surface of the substrate at a high speed, so as to strip the oxidation rust and dirt. At the same time, atomic oxygen and the protective agent of the electrolyte polish and passivate the surface of the stainless steel or steel substrate, forming a dense passivation film, making the surface of the object quickly bright and clean. The present invention subverts the traditional physical or chemical cleaning methods. The present invention includes an electrochemical method (generating micro-nano bubbles in the early stage) and a physical method (subsequently using the generated micro-nano bubbles to remove scale). Applying an electric field to generate atomic oxygen and micro-nano bubbles belongs to the electrochemical method, but the efficiency and speed of the generated atomic oxygen are several orders of magnitude higher than those of the existing method of electrolyzing to generate atomic oxygen by a simple chemical method. The physical method of micro-nano bubbles scours the basic surface at a high speed, and the cavitation blasts dirt and rust, which belongs to the physical category, but the efficiency is several orders of magnitude higher. At the same time, the above technical solution of the present invention does not have the problem of local stress damage caused by hard particles contained in methods such as shot peening and jet flow. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or related technologies. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments recorded in the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can be easily obtained based on these drawings.

[0035] Figure 1-1 Schematically shows the principle of using micro-nano bubbles to clean the grease on the metal surface by the adsorption principle in the prior art.

[0036] Figure 1-2 Schematically shows the principle of removing grease on the metal surface by the existing pure electrochemical nanotechnology.

[0037] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the principle of using an external electric field to form a nano-bubble sports field to remove dirt on the surface of a workpiece according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] Figure 3 Schematically shows the scale removal principle and protection principle simultaneously achieved by using micro-nano bubbles for scale removal treatment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 4 Schematically shows the mechanical model of a single micro-nano bubble.

[0040] Figure 5 Schematically shows the mechanical simplified model of a nano-bubble group.

[0041] Figure 6Schematically shows the equivalent circuit of the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 7 Schematically shows the system block diagram of the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 8 Schematically shows the basic principle of the operation of the detection device and the control device included in the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 9 Schematically shows a partial enlarged view between two electrode plates included in the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 10 Is a schematic diagram of the control panel and the display panel provided on the control device included in the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 11 Is a flowchart of the descaling method provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0047] Next, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0048] The terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present application are used to distinguish similar objects, rather than to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged under appropriate circumstances so that the embodiments of the present application can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first", "second", etc. are generally of the same type, and do not limit the number of objects. For example, the first object can be one or multiple. In addition, "and / or" in the description and claims means at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after.

[0049] Important Terms

[0050] First, for the convenience of description, definitions of some important terms involved in the present application are given.

[0051] Micro-nano bubble

[0052] Micro-nano bubbles refer to tiny bubbles with a diameter less than 100 μm, which are further divided into micro bubbles with a diameter of 1-100 μm and nano bubbles with a diameter less than 1 μm.

[0053] Due to their characteristics such as slow upward floating speed, large specific surface area, negatively charged surface, and ability to generate free radicals, micro-nano bubbles are widely used in agriculture, fishery, industry, environment and other fields.

[0054] Dirt

[0055] In this specification, rust, sintered matter, oil stain, etc. are collectively referred to as dirt, and no distinction is made without special instructions.

[0056] Current intensity and current density

[0057] Current intensity is the amount of charge Q passing through per unit time, and current density is the current passing through per unit area.

[0058] Passivation film

[0059] The electro-chemical nano technology provided by the present invention can also cause a passivation film to be generated on the metal substrate to be processed. The principle of the protective effect of this passivation film is that under the condition of electrification and with the action of a catalytic assistant, the metal on the surface of the substrate loses electrons and is oxidized by atomic oxygen to form an oxide film. This passivation film is inert and can slow down the corrosion rate of the metal to achieve the purpose of protection. Among them, the density of atomic oxygen is the key to generating a dense oxide film.

[0060] Regarding the research on the structure of the passivation film of electro-chemical nano, it is generally considered that the surface oxide film of 304 stainless steel is a composite structure, consisting of at least two inner and outer layers. The outermost layer is Fe 2 O 3 , and the inner layer is mainly Cr 2 O 3 . Among them, Cr 2 O 3 is relatively dense and plays a protective role for the substrate. The structure and thickness of the passivation film are crucial for the protective performance of the metal object to be processed.

[0061] X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy

[0062] X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) is used to analyze the surface film structure.

[0063] Transmission electron microscope

[0064] The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) is used to observe microstructures and measure thickness, etc. The corrosion resistance of the passivation film is measured through salt spray experiments.

[0065] Nanobubbles and micro-nanobubbles

[0066] In the following description, unless otherwise emphasized, nanobubbles and micro-nanobubbles can be used interchangeably without distinction.

[0067] Traditional physical methods for scale removal

[0068] Traditional physical methods for scale removal utilize the law of conservation of kinetic energy and momentum to generate impact force by changing the velocity of the medium or the change in the reciprocating (rotating) motion state of the mechanism, thereby breaking and peeling off the dirt to achieve the purpose of cleaning. The significant feature of traditional physical methods for scale removal is that the material composition of the dirt and the substrate does not change during the scale removal process. Common traditional physical scale removal techniques mainly include: mechanical scale removal method, ultrasonic scale removal wave method, high-pressure water jet method, sandblasting method, etc.

[0069] Mechanical scale removal method: It is to scrape and polish the scale on the surface of the dirt using cutting tools, iron sand, etc. Cutting tools, iron sand, etc. may damage the object to be cleaned during operation due to their own characteristics, and the minimum part size will limit their use.

[0070] Ultrasonic scale removal method: When ultrasonic waves propagate in a solution, the distance between liquid molecules is changed, and the cohesive force between molecules is greatly reduced. Therefore, the viscosity and surface tension of the solution are significantly reduced. At the same time, the ultrasonic waves oscillate continuously, dispersing the scale particles to achieve the purpose of scale removal.

[0071] High-pressure water jet method: Use a high-pressure pump to generate high pressure for clear water, and use the high pressure to clean the surface of the oil pipe to achieve the purpose of cleaning and scale removal. This method is environmentally friendly and has low labor intensity. Generally, in order to improve the scale removal efficiency, tiny hard particles are added to the water flow.

[0072] Sandblasting method: Use a jet flow containing abrasive particles to impact the surface of the object to be cleaned, and remove rust and other impurities on the surface of the old metal.

[0073] The physical method for scale removal proposed by the present invention

[0074] Utilize the nanobubbles generated at the interface between the dirt and the metal surface by electrochemical means. Under the action of the electric field force, use the generated nanobubbles to wash the interface between the dirt and the metal surface at high speed, continuously impact and penetrate the dirt, so that the dirt is separated and peeled off from the metal surface, thereby achieving the purpose of scale removal.

[0075] Explanation of Important Principles

[0076] Secondly, to better understand the various embodiments of the present invention, the following provides a principle explanation. In particular, for the existing technology of using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator to remove scale through the adsorption principle, the differences between it and the technology provided by the various embodiments of the present invention, which uses an externally applied electric field to form a nano-bubble sports field, enabling negatively charged nano-hydrogen bubbles to rapidly aggregate towards the surface of the workpiece to be cleaned under the action of the externally applied electric field, and the nano-bubbles agglomerate and burst to release pressure to peel off dirt, are described as follows. Comparison between the existing bubble adsorption scale removal technology and the physical scale removal technology of high-speed impact on dirt by the physical method of micro-nano bubbles provided by the embodiments of the present invention

[0077] Figure 1-1 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of the principle of using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator to clean grease on the metal surface through the adsorption principle. As Figure 1-1 shown, in state I, the micro-nano bubbles 102 generated by a micro-nano bubble generator (not shown) first adsorb to the surface of the grease and oil stain 103 attached to the surface of the workpiece 101. Then, in state II, due to the upward floating tendency of the micro-nano bubbles 102, the grease and oil stain 103 are peeled off from the metal surface of the workpiece 101. Finally, in state III, the oil-containing micro-nano bubbles 102 float to the water surface, and after bursting, the grease accumulates on the water surface, waiting for subsequent removal or collection.

[0078] In addition, for other aspects of the principle of using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator to clean grease on the metal surface through the adsorption principle, reference can also be made to Non-Patent Document 1, "Research on the Application of Micro / Nano Bubble Technology in the Degreasing Treatment of Metal Surfaces", "Cleaning World", Vol. 27, No. 10, pp. 29-33, Zhang Xuefa, October 2011.

[0079] See Figure 2 , Figure 2 Schematically shows a schematic diagram of the principle of removing dirt on the surface of a workpiece by using an externally applied electric field to form a nano-bubble sports field according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0080] As Figure 2 shown, the workpiece to be processed 201 is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply, for example, and the brush head 205 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply, for example. Oxygen nano-bubbles 202 and 206 are generated on the surface of the workpiece to be processed 201 (at the bonding surface between the dirt 203 and the workpiece surface), and hydrogen bubbles are generated on the surface of the brush head 205. A large amount of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2) 207. Hydrogen peroxide is a polar molecule. Under the action of the external electric field 204, it is arranged orderly to form a nano-bubble sports field. The surface of the nano-hydrogen bubbles is negatively charged and they gather rapidly towards the surface of the workpiece to be processed 201 under the action of the external electric field 204. The nano-bubbles agglomerate and burst to release pressure, stripping the dirt 203.

[0081] Conversely, if the workpiece to be processed 201 is connected to the negative pole of the power supply and the brush head 205 is connected to the positive pole of the power supply, then hydrogen nano-bubbles 202 and 206 will be generated on the surface of the workpiece to be processed 201 (at the bonding surface between the dirt 203 and the workpiece surface), and oxygen bubbles will be generated on the surface of the brush head. A large amount of hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) 207 will be generated in the acidic electrolyte. Hydrogen peroxide is a polar molecule and is arranged orderly under the action of the electric field to form a nano-bubble sports field. The surface of the nano-hydrogen bubbles is negatively charged and impacts the dirt surface under the action of the electric field, stripping the dirt 203.

[0082] In addition, if it is an alternating current (not shown), nano-scale hydrogen bubbles and oxygen bubbles will be formed on the surface of the dirt 203. There are both impact forces and release forces of nano-agglomeration on the dirt and the workpiece surface, acting on the inner wall of the dirt and stripping the dirt.

[0083] Thus, Figure 1-1 the existing technology of using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator to remove dirt through the adsorption principle, as shown in Figure 2 the technology provided by each embodiment of the present invention, which forms a nano-bubble sports field by using an external electric field, enables the negatively charged nano-hydrogen bubbles to gather rapidly towards the surface of the workpiece to be cleaned under the action of the external electric field, and the nano-bubbles agglomerate and burst to release pressure to strip the dirt, the differences between the two include but are not limited to:

[0084] (1) In the existing technology of using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator to remove dirt through the adsorption principle, the nano-bubbles must be generated by an independent nano-generator and form adsorption at the interface between the dirt and the electrolyte (i.e., the outer surface of the dirt), as shown in Figure 1-1 . Different from this, in the technology of the nano-bubbles agglomerating and bursting to release physical pressure to strip the dirt provided by each embodiment of the present invention, the generated nano-bubbles act on the bonding interface between the dirt and the substrate (i.e., the inner surface of the dirt), that is, they impact the inner surface of the dirt at high speed physically, relatively speaking, entering the dirt interior for physical dirt removal, as shown in Figure 2 .

[0085] (2) According to the existing technology of using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator to remove dirt through the adsorption principle, as shown in Figure 1-1As shown, after the nano-bubbles combine with the oil stain, they become neutral and are not affected by the external electric field. That is to say, in the existing technology of removing scale by using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator through the adsorption principle, there is no necessity and feasibility to set an external electric field.

[0086] (3) Generally, the cleaning solution in the existing technology of removing scale by using micro-nano bubbles generated by a micro-nano bubble generator through the adsorption principle is in a neutral environment. In contrast, in the technology of the nano-bubble agglomeration rupture releasing physical pressure to peel off dirt provided in each embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning solution is in an acidic environment (this is because there are acidic substances such as citric acid and acetic acid in the electrolyte) in order to generate a large amount of atomic oxygen and hydrogen peroxide (specifically, hydrogen peroxide is beneficial to strengthening the external electric field to promote the high-speed movement of nano-bubbles, and atomic oxygen is beneficial to the passivation reaction). The concentration and movement speed of the nano-bubbles far exceed the concentration and movement speed generated by the nano-generator used through the adsorption principle.

[0087] Comparison between the existing pure electrochemical scale removal technology and the physical scale removal technology of high-speed scouring dirt by the micro-nano bubble physical method provided in the embodiments of the present invention

[0088] Figure 1-2 Schematically shows the schematic diagram of the principle of the existing pure electrochemical technology for removing scale on the inner surface of a metal pipe. As Figure 1-2 shown, two electrodes 123 and 124 are respectively arranged on the relative inner parts of the workpiece to be processed (usually a metal pipe) 121, and a certain amount of aqueous solution 122 (as shown by the wavy line 122 in Figure 1-2 ) is filled inside the workpiece to be processed 121, and both electrodes 123 and 124 are inserted into the aqueous solution 122. In addition, the two electrodes 123 and 124 are respectively connected to an external DC power supply 125 so as to form a cathode 123 and an anode 124 on the premise that the DC power supply 126 is energized.

[0089] On the premise that the DC power supply 126 is energized and the cathode 123 and the anode 124 are formed, the aqueous solution 122 undergoes an electrolysis reaction under the action of an electric current, and a high PH environment is generated at the cathode 123. The specific chemical reaction formula is shown in the formula (1) given below:

[0090] O 2 +2H 2 O+4e - →4OH -

[0091] 2H 2 O+2e - →2OH - +H 2 ↑ Formula (1)

[0092] Correspondingly, the cathode 123 generates a precipitation reaction, and the specific chemical reaction formula is shown in Formula (2) given below:

[0093] HCO 3 - + OH - → CO 3 2- + H 2 O

[0094] Ca 2+ + CO 3 2- → CaCO 3 ↓

[0095] Mg 2+ + 2OH - → Mg(OH) 2 ↓ Formula (2)

[0096] Furthermore, strong oxidizing substances such as hydroxyl radicals and chlorine gas are generated on the surface of the anode 124, and react with the organic pollutants (i.e., the dirt 127 formed on the surface of the workpiece 121 to be treated). The specific chemical reaction formula is shown in Formula (3) given below:

[0097] H 2 O - e - → ·OH + H +

[0098] 2Cl - - 2e - → Cl 2

[0099] Cl 2 + H 2 O → HClO + Cl - + H +

[0100] HClO → ClO - + H +

[0101] 2H 2 O - 2e - → H 2 O 2 + 2H +

[0102] 4OH - - 4e - → O 2 ↑ + 2H 2 O

[0103] Formula (3)

[0104] According to the above chemical reaction, an alkaline environment can promote a large amount of HCO in water 3 - to react with OH - to generate and CO 3 2- , and Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ migrate to the vicinity of the cathode plate under the action of an electric field (as shown by the reference numeral 128 in Figure 1-2 ), and the calcium hardness in the form of CaCO 3 and the magnesium hardness in the form of Mg(OH) 2 precipitate on the surfaces of the electrodes 123 and 124, greatly reducing the concentration of scaling ions in the water and playing a scale prevention role. After being treated by the electrochemical device shown in Figure 1-2 , the scale deposited on the surface of the cathode 123 has a loose structure and is easily carried away by high-speed water flow, or a special cleaning scraper can be used to clean it to ensure the electrolysis effect of the cathode.

[0105] In addition, for other aspects of the existing pure electrochemical technology for removing scale from metal pipes, reference can also be made to Non-Patent Document 2, "Influence Factors and Pilot-Scale Research of Electrochemical Scale Removal Equipment", Master's Thesis of Hebei University of Engineering (Unit Code 10076), Classification Number TU99, Pages 1-62, Li Jiabin, December 2020.

[0106] Thus, it can be seen that Figure 1-2 the technology of using the existing pure electrochemical technology to remove the scale on the inner surface of metal pipes shown in Figure 2 is different from the technology provided by each embodiment of the present invention shown in

[0107] (1) The scale removal technology using the principle of the existing pure electrochemical technology to remove the scale on the inner surface of metal pipes, as shown in Figure 1-2 , the electric field of the pure electrochemical reaction appears between the anode and cathode plates 123 and 124, and there is no electric field action between the workpiece 121 to be treated and the dirt 127 on its surface and any one of the plates 123 and 124. In contrast, in the technology of the present invention where the nanobubble clusters burst to release physical pressure to peel off dirt provided by each embodiment, one of the anode and cathode of the external power supply acts on the workpiece 201 to be treated, and together with the brush head 205 acted on by the other of the anode and cathode of the external electric field 204, a working electric field 204 is formed.

[0108] (2) The scale removal technology using the principle of the existing pure electrochemical technology to remove the scale on the inner surface of metal pipes, as shown inFigure 1-2 As shown, micro-nano bubbles generated by pure electrochemical reactions appear on the surfaces of the anode and cathode plates 123 and 124, but no micro-nano bubbles are generated between the workpiece to be treated 121 and the dirt 127 on the surface of the workpiece to be treated 121. In contrast, in the technology of the present invention for peeling off dirt by the physical pressure released by the aggregation and rupture of micro-nano bubbles provided in various embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, micro-nano bubbles are also generated between the dirt 203 and the workpiece to be treated 201.

[0109] (3) Using the principle of the existing pure electrochemical technology for removing scale on the inner surface of metal pipes for the descaling technology, as Figure 1-2 shown, the electrical properties of the formed electrodes are selective and standardized. That is to say, if the workpiece to be treated 121 is used as the cathode in electrochemical descaling, then Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ migrate to the surface of the workpiece to be treated 121 under the action of the electric field, which will unfavorably increase the thickness of the dirt, and not only cannot remove the dirt, but also unnecessarily generate dirt. In contrast, in the technology of the present invention for peeling off dirt by the physical pressure released by the aggregation and rupture of micro-nano bubbles provided in various embodiments, as Figure 2 shown, not only can the workpiece to be treated 201 be used as the cathode to work, but also the polarity of the workpiece to be treated 201 is not limited to the cathode, and it is also applicable if the workpiece to be treated 201 is used as the anode.

[0110] (4) Regarding the descaling technology using the principle of the existing pure electrochemical technology for removing scale on the inner surface of metal pipes, it is obvious that the entire descaling process is a simple electrochemical treatment process (i.e., a chemical process) without any physical process. In contrast, in the technology of the present invention for peeling off dirt by the physical pressure released by the aggregation and rupture of micro-nano bubbles provided in various embodiments, only the electrochemical method is used to generate micro-nano bubbles in the early stage, and then the physical properties of the micro-nano bubbles are utilized to complete the subsequent descaling process (i.e., a physical process).

[0111] (5) Regarding the principle of the existing pure electrochemical descaling technology for removing rust on the metal surface and removing scale on the inner surface of metal pipes is the same, only the metal cations are different (the cations of scale are calcium and magnesium ions, and the rust mainly consists of iron ions, chromium ions and other metal ions), which will not be elaborated here.

[0112] Overall System Architecture

[0113] Next, each technical solution in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0114] As Figure 3As shown in the figure, the basic principle of electro-chemical nano-scale scale removal and protection is as follows: (1) By applying a voltage, an electric field is formed between the object surface and the dirt. Under the action of the electric field, a large number of atomic oxygen and micro-nano bubbles are rapidly generated in the electrolyte, and the nano-bubbles scour the substrate surface at high speed to strip the dirt; (2) The principle of electro-chemical nano-scale protection is that the atomic oxygen generated by electro-chemical nano-scale and the protective agent in the electrolyte form a dense passivation film on the surface of the substrate such as 304 stainless steel, achieving the purpose of rapid brightening, cleaning and protecting the substrate.

[0115] When removing dirt from the tank body, an electric field needs to be applied, and the following reactions occur at the two electrodes (cathode and anode):

[0116] Anode: 2OH - - 2e → H 2 O + O, 2O → O 2 , several O 2 precipitate to form nano-oxygen bubbles.

[0117] Cathode: H + + e → H, 2H → H 2 , several H 2 precipitate to form nano-oxygen bubbles.

[0118] The chemical principle of generating nano-bubbles at the cathode and anode is clear. The fundamental reason for the scale removal by nano-bubbles is that a very high concentration is required to generate a large force, so that the scale can be removed by physical principles in a short time. Otherwise, the time is very long and the application is greatly limited. If a single bubble is represented by a mass-spring-damping model, as Figure 4 shown. Specifically, please refer to the following formula (4):

[0119]

[0120] where x, respectively represent displacement, velocity and acceleration; m, b, and k are the mass, damping and elastic coefficient of the bubble respectively; f is the electric field force received. For a nano-bubble group, it can be approximately expressed by the parallel and series connection methods of the mass-spring-damping model, as Figure 5 shown. Specifically, please refer to the following formula (5):

[0121]

[0122] where, is the equivalent mass of all bubble masses m ij (i = 1,..., M, j = 1,..., N); is the equivalent damping of all bubble dampings b ij (i = 1,..., M, j = 1,..., N); is the equivalent stiffness of all bubble stiffnesses k ijThe equivalent stiffness of (i = 1, … M, j = 1, … N) is f ij (i = 1, … M, j = 1, … N) equivalent electric field force

[0123] Using Laplace transform, formulas (6) to (7) are obtained

[0124]

[0125]

[0126] If there is no contact and scouring of dirt Meanwhile Looking at the constant force applied when powered on, it is regarded as a step signal The expressions (8) and formula (9) for displacement and velocity can be obtained as follows

[0127]

[0128]

[0129] Since the damping of the nanobubble is very small and approaches 0, the velocity is large. When observed under an Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), the velocity displacement is very high and it is difficult to detect. In addition, the electrolyte solution also conforms to Ohm's law, as shown in formula (10):

[0130]

[0131] In formula (10), I and U are the voltage and current of the electrode; E f and s are the electric field strength and the facing area between the electrodes; r and κ are the resistance and conductivity of the electrolyte solution. Based on formula (10), by transposing terms, formula (11) is obtained as follows

[0132]

[0133] In formula (11), j is the current density of the solution and the electrode plate. In addition, the electric field force is proportional to the product of the electric field strength and the area, as shown in formula (12) given below

[0134]

[0135] Since the current intensity is the electric charge Q passing through per unit time and the current density is the current passing through per unit area, formula (13) is obtained as follows

[0136]

[0137] In formulas (12) and (13), K i , K j are proportionality coefficients. As known from experiments, the pressure difference between the inside and outside of micro-nano bubbles with a diameter of 1 mm is about 0.003 atm, and the pressure difference between the inside and outside of micro-nano bubbles with a diameter of 10 μm is about 0.3 atm. It can be seen that the pressure of micro-nano bubbles is inversely proportional to the diameter. Therefore, the peeling force T exerted on the dirt is proportional to the charge number Q, as shown in formula (14) given below:

[0138] T = kQ = kj Formula (14)

[0139] In formula (14), k is the proportionality coefficient between the current density and the peeling force.

[0140] Also, according to Ohm's law, formula (15) is obtained as follows:

[0141]

[0142] Formula (16) is obtained from formulas (14) and (15) as follows:

[0143]

[0144] When T is greater than the dirt binding force, the dirt can be quickly peeled off. Thus, it can be seen that solving the nano concentration required for descaling (the quantity problem per unit time) can be converted into controlling the process electrical parameters, including: voltage V, regulating resistance R 0 , electrolyte resistance r, distance h between the plates, and electrode area s. This is the basic principle of nano descaling control. The physical action of nano bubbles to remove dirt is much more efficient than existing chemical reactions such as simple electrolytic reaction descaling, and it can often be completed within a few seconds to more than ten seconds.

[0145] Optimization of the process parameters requires knowing the coefficient k 0 in formula (16) and the value of the electrolyte conductivity κ. They are related to the dirt composition and electrolyte composition and can be obtained by fitting using the least squares method through parameter identification experiments. According to the relevant experiments of previous research, voltage V, regulating resistance R 0 , electrolyte resistance r, distance h between the plates, and electrode area s. Previous experiments have shown that there is the following quantitative relationship between the descaling time t and the process parameters, as shown in formula (17):

[0146]

[0147] Among them, the electrolyte conductivity κ is related to the dirt composition and electrolyte composition and can be obtained by fitting using the least squares method according to the experiment in Table I. The matrix format algorithm of the least squares method for identifying k 0 , κ is given below.

[0148] Formula (18) can be obtained from formula (17) as follows:

[0149]

[0150] wherein k can be indirectly obtained 0 , κ

[0151] When formula (18) is written in matrix form, formula (19) is obtained as follows:

[0152]

[0153] Formula (20) can be obtained by solving the matrix of formula (19):

[0154] α = (A T A) -1 β Formula (20)

[0155] wherein

[0156]

[0157]

[0158] Here, as Figure 6 shown, the equivalent circuit of the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, wherein the descaling device can be equivalently regarded as a circuit diagram composed of a power supply V, a regulating resistor R 0 , and an electrolyte resistor r.

[0159] In addition to the descaling treatment on the surface of the metal substrate by electro-chemical nanotechnology, based on the above description, those skilled in the art can understand that the principle by which electro-chemical nanotechnology can protect the metal substrate is that under the condition of electrification, with the action of a catalytic additive, the metal on the surface of the substrate loses electrons and is oxidized by atomic oxygen to form an oxide film. This passivation film is inert and can slow down the corrosion rate of the metal to achieve the purpose of protection, where the density of atomic oxygen is the key to generating a dense oxide film.

[0160] Specifically, as Figure 7 shown Figure 7 schematically shows a system block diagram of a descaling device 700 (shown in the dashed box in Figure 7 ) provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The descaling device 700 mainly includes three main parts (all composed of Figure 7The dash-dotted boxes therein are respectively shown as follows: (1) A portable power source 710, one output terminal of which is connected to a metal object 7006 to be cleaned, for example, through a wire 7002 and a connector 7003, forming an electrode (i.e., the first electrode), and dirt 7008 is formed on a part or all of the surface of the metal object 7006 to be cleaned; (2) A cleaning head 720, the other pole of the portable power source 710 is connected to the cleaning head 720, forming another electrode (i.e., the second electrode). Here, as Figure 7 shown, the embodiment of the cleaning head 720 is, for example, in a hexagonal shape, but the cleaning head 720 can also be in the form of a metal roller, a metal sheet, or a metal brush. The embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto; (3) An electrolyte supply device 730, the specific embodiment of the electrolyte supply device 730 can be, for example, an electrolyte container 7011 (filled with electrolyte) connected to a pump 7010 and a spray head 7009 through a conduit, forming an electrolyte spraying (spraying) system. Preferably, no matter what specific electrolyte supply method is adopted, it is necessary to make the electrolyte reach the joint surface between the surface of the metal object to be cleaned and the dirt (for example, see Figure 2 the joint surface between the elements indicated by reference numerals 201 and 203 shown; or Figure 7 the joint surface between the elements indicated by reference numerals 7006 and 7008 shown in

[0161] order to be able to form micro-nano bubbles at this joint surface.

[0162] Here, for the specific meaning of removing dirt by "physical means", please refer to the description in the above paragraph and will not be elaborated here.

[0163] In addition, "substantially" removing means removing most (for example, more than about 95%) of the dirt from the surface of the object to be cleaned within a very short time (for example, within about 5 seconds).

[0164] In addition, in an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the descaling device 700 may further include: a detection device configured to detect electrical parameters regarding at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, where the electrical parameters include at least one of the following items: (i) the current flowing through at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; (ii) the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; (iii) the current density of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control device. The detection device compares the detected value of the electrical parameters detected by the detection device with a preset target value stored in the control device, and based on the comparison result, the magnitude of the electrical parameters is changed in real time.

[0165] Specifically, as Figure 7 and Figure 10 shown, the above detection device can be as shown by reference numerals 7004 and 7005, and is used to directly or indirectly detect electrical parameters such as potential difference, current value, and current density. Furthermore, referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 the reference numeral 10001 in represents the display panel provided on the control device, which shows the electrical parameters 10015 directly or indirectly detected as described above, including but not limited to electrode area, current density, voltage, current, etc.

[0166] On the other hand, continuing to refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 the reference numerals 10002 and 10003 shown in respectively represent an output terminal of the power supply connected to the metal object to be cleaned 7006 ( Figure 7 shown) through the wire 10002 and the connector 10003.

[0167] Specifically, continuing to refer to Figure 10 , Figure 10 the reference numerals 10014 and 10016 shown in respectively provide buttons or knobs for the user to perform various operations. The number, form, and functions provided by these buttons or knobs are not limited to Figure 10 shown, but those skilled in the art can make various additions, deformations, and replacements according to actual needs.

[0168] Specifically, continuing to refer to Figure 10 , the user can select the automatic control mode or the manual control mode. On the one hand, in the automatic control mode, the detection device compares the detected value of the electrical parameters detected by the detection device with a preset target value stored in the control device, and based on the comparison result, the magnitude of the electrical parameters is automatically changed in real time.

[0169] On the other hand, in the manual control mode, the user can also manually adjust the electrical parameters through, for example,Figure 10 The knob 10014 shown is used to change various electrical parameters as described above so as to achieve better and faster passage through Figure 7 The cleaning head 720 shown substantially removes the dirt formed on the object 7006 to be cleaned physically by using the generated nano-scale hydrogen and oxygen bubbles under the action of the formed electric field.

[0170] In addition, continue to refer to Figure 8 , as Figure 8 shown, Figure 8 shows as Figure 7 a schematic diagram of the electrical parameter control principle of the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. Among them, Figure 8 the reference numerals 802 and 806 in Figure 10 respectively indicate a voltage detection instrument and a current detection instrument to detect and provide voltage values and current values in real time. In addition, the reference numeral 801 represents a power supply, 803 represents an equivalent resistance formed by a connecting member, 804 represents a variable resistor whose resistance value is changed by the rotation of a knob 10014 as shown in

[0171] Continue to refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 schematically shows a partial enlarged view between two electrode plates included in the descaling device provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. As Figure 9 shown, an electric field is formed between the rightmost surface of the cleaning head 9007 (i.e., one side on the rightmost of the hexagonal cleaning head 9007) and the opposite surface of the object 9006 to be cleaned, as indicated by the reference numeral 9012. In addition, under the action of this electric field 9012, a large number of micro-nano bubbles 9013 are generated and distributed between the rightmost surface of the cleaning head 9007 and the opposite surface of the object 9006 to be cleaned.

[0172] Actually, although not shown in Figure 9 , it is worth noting that micro-nano bubbles 9013 also exist inside the reference numeral 9008 in Figure 10 under the action of the electric field, which is achieved by the physical action of the micro-nano bubbles 9013 "penetrating" the dirt. In order to avoid confusion with other illustrated components, the micro-nano bubbles distributed between the rightmost surface of the cleaning head 9007 and the opposite surface of the object 9006 to be cleaned are not shown in Figure 10 .

[0173] Therefore, an electric field is applied between the surface of the object to be cleaned and the cleaning head (e.g., a rolling head) by a power supply. Under the action of the applied electric field, a large amount of atomic oxygen and nano-gases are generated in the electrolyte solution. The nano-gases scour between the dirt and the surface of the object to be cleaned, causing the dirt to quickly fall off. At the same time, atomic oxygen quickly forms a dense substance on the surface of the object to be cleaned, protecting the surface of the object to be cleaned from electrochemical corrosion. Through the treatment of the descaling device provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning speed of the object surface is much higher than that of the pure chemical electrolysis method, and the decontamination process is often completed within 10 seconds. Therefore, it is an efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly cleaning method.

[0174] Preferably, the power supply 710 can be a DC power supply, an AC power supply, or a pulse power supply, thereby reducing the requirements for the power supply.

[0175] Preferably, the power supply 710 can be a portable DC charging power supply, which can be conveniently used outdoors. Of course, an AC input power supply can also be selected.

[0176] Preferably, the power supply 710 is a DC voltage power supply below 26 volts, but it is not limited to a power supply below 26 volts. For safety reasons, the output voltage of the power supply 710 is controlled below 26 volts, which has lower voltage requirements than the traditional pure chemical electrolysis method.

[0177] Preferably, the output current of the power supply is controlled within 10 amperes, but it is not limited to within 10 amperes. For safety reasons, the output current of the power supply 710 is controlled within 10 amperes. If there are other electrical safety protections, the output current of the power supply 710 can also reach hundreds of amperes.

[0178] Preferably, the connecting member 7003 is connected to the object to be cleaned 7006. It can be directly clamped on the edge of the object to be cleaned 7006 with an alligator clip, or other forms such as pasting an auxiliary electrode plate to the object to be cleaned 7006 can be used, as long as the connection is reliable.

[0179] Preferably, the other pole of the power supply 710 is connected by a metal roller 7007 and rolls on the surface of the sintered material (or other dirt). Other methods such as using a metal sheet or a metal brush can also be used, as long as it is in full contact with the surface of the electrolyte solution and the sintered material (or other dirt).

[0180] Preferably, the electrolyte solution is a mixed solution of citric acid, white vinegar, additives, and distilled water. Other electrolyte solutions that can be electrolyzed in large quantities under the action of an electric field can also be used. Preferably, the electrolyte solution includes 1-12% citric acid, 3-8% white vinegar, 0.5-5% additives, and the remaining component is water.

[0181] Preferably, both the object to be cleaned 7006 and the cleaning head 7007 are made of common metals.

[0182] As described above, when the first electrode (e.g., the metal object to be cleaned 7006) is the anode, the nano-sized hydrogen and oxygen bubbles are nano-sized oxygen bubbles. Additionally, when the first electrode (e.g., the metal object to be cleaned 7006) is the cathode, the nano-sized hydrogen and oxygen bubbles are nano-sized hydrogen bubbles.

[0183] Preferably, the electrolyte supply device 730 supplies the electrolyte to the surface of the dirt, for example, by means of manual application, spraying, or immersion.

[0184] In addition, in the portable nano-electrochemical scale removal and protection device provided according to the embodiments of the present invention, technologies such as short-circuit protection, over-current protection, over-voltage protection, short-circuit alarm function, voltage regulation, current regulation, and pump flow regulation are common technologies and will not be elaborated herein.

[0185] Overall Scale Removal Method Flow

[0186] Next, referring to Figure 7 、 Figure 11 , a flowchart of the scale removal method provided according to the embodiments of the present invention is shown. As Figure 11 shown, the embodiments of the present invention provide a scale removal method, for example, including the following steps:

[0187] S1401: Connect one output terminal of a power supply 710 to an object to be cleaned 7006 through a wire, thereby making the object to be cleaned 7006 form a first electrode;

[0188] S1402: Connect the other output terminal of the power supply 710 to a cleaning head 7007 through a wire, thereby making the cleaning head 7007 form a second electrode;

[0189] S1403: Supply an electrolyte to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode;

[0190] S1404: Supply power to the first electrode and the second electrode through the power supply 710 to form an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, thereby causing the electrolyte provided on at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode to generate nano-sized hydrogen and oxygen bubbles; and

[0191] S1405: Substantially remove the dirt formed on the object to be cleaned 7006 in a physical manner by using the generated nano-sized hydrogen and oxygen bubbles under the action of the formed electric field through the cleaning head 7007.

[0192] Therefore, an electric field is applied between the surface of the object to be cleaned and the cleaning head (e.g., a rolling head) through a power source. Under the action of the applied electric field, a large amount of atomic oxygen and nano-gas are generated in the electrolyte solution. The nano-gas flushes between the dirt and the surface of the object to be cleaned, causing the dirt to fall off rapidly. At the same time, atomic oxygen rapidly forms a dense substance on the surface of the object to be cleaned, protecting the surface of the object to be cleaned from electrochemical corrosion. Through the treatment of the descaling device provided by the embodiments of the present invention, the cleaning speed of the object surface is much higher than that of the pure chemical electrolysis method, and the decontamination process is often completed within 10 seconds. Therefore, it is an efficient, energy-saving and environmentally friendly cleaning method.

[0193] Preferably, the descaling method further includes, for example, the following steps:

[0194] Detecting, by a detection device, electrical parameters regarding at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, where the electrical parameters include at least one of the following items: (i) the current flowing through at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; (ii) the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; (iii) the current density of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and

[0195] Comparing, by a control device, the detected value of the electrical parameters detected by the detection device with a preset target value stored in the control device, and changing the magnitude of the electrical parameters in real time based on the comparison result.

[0196] Through the above steps, rust (sintered matter, oil stain, etc.) is quickly removed, and a dense protective film is formed on the surface of the substrate. It is a descaling method that can be used portably, is not restricted by the site, and is safe and environmentally friendly. It can be used for corrosion removal and substrate protection of bridges, outdoor current facilities, ships, natural gas (oil) pipelines, etc., and can also be used for dirt removal and protection of roughcast parts and semi-finished parts during the machining process. It can also remove oil stains, burnt gum-like greasy substances, and carbides on tableware and kitchen utensils.

[0197] Specific Comparative Examples for Implementing the Principles of the Present Invention

[0198] Comparative Example 1 - Experiment on Removing Sintered Matter

[0199] Clean a commercial soup pot, for example, 60 cm * 60 cm. The base material of the pot is 304 stainless steel. The main dirt on the bottom of the pot is sintered matter and oily gum, with a thickness of about 1 - 3 mm. Use the above-mentioned portable descaling device 700 provided according to the embodiments of the present invention. The electrolyte solution is a mixed solution of 5% by weight of edible citric acid, 1% white vinegar, 1% additive, and the rest is tap water. And control the power supply to 6 - 12 volts and the current to 2 - 6 amperes. About 0.5 - 5 seconds after turning on the power supply, the sintered matter completely falls off, the stainless steel is cleaned very clean, and the stainless steel is polished to be as bright as a mirror. According to GB / T 25148-2010 "Test Methods for Scale Removal Rate and Cleaning Rate in Chemical Cleaning of Industrial Equipment" and GB25146 "Quality Acceptance Specification for Chemical Cleaning of Industrial Equipment", the cleaning is qualified. Using XPS and TEM analysis, the thickness of the passivation film layer is about 5 nm, and the components are Fe 2 O 3 and Cr 2 O 3 . According to GB / T 10125-2012 "Artificial Atmosphere Corrosion Test - Salt Spray Test", it passes the 24-hour assessment.

[0200] Parameter Identification Experiment

[0201] The experimental power supply is a 24V DC power supply, the brush head area (i.e., the electrode area) is 20 cm^2. Adjust the electrode voltage (i.e., the voltage between the brush head and the workpiece (object to be cleaned)) by adjusting the resistance, and measure the current and current density, record the dirt shedding time, and solve the conductivity coefficient and the model proportionality coefficient k according to the parameter identification algorithm described above 0 , κ. The obtained k 0 , κ are 0.1 and 0.75 respectively. For specific parameters, please refer to Table I below.

[0202] Table I

[0203]

[0204] Through model calculation, as long as the current density is greater than 0.1 A / cm^2, a better process parameter range can be obtained, as shown in Table II below.

[0205] Table II - Process Parameters and Results of Sintered Matter Removal Experiment

[0206]

[0207]

[0208] Comparative Example 2 - Oil Removal Experiment

[0209] Clean an oil fume machine that has not been cleaned for more than two years. The base material of the oil fume machine is 304 stainless steel, and the dirt is heavy oil stain. Using the above portable device, the electrolyte solution is a mixed solution of 5% edible citric acid by weight (WT), 2% white vinegar, 2% additive, and the rest is water. The power supply is 20 - 22 volts, and the current is 3 - 5 amperes. About 5 - 8 seconds after turning on the power supply, the oil stain completely falls off and looks as bright as new. Referring to SB / T 11104 - 2014 "Household Oil Fume Machine Cleaning Service Specification" and GB25146 "Industrial Equipment Chemical Cleaning Quality Acceptance Specification", the cleaning is qualified. Using XPS and TEM to analyze, the thickness of the passivation film layer is about 10 nm, and the components are Fe 3 O 4 and Cr 2 O 3 . According to GB / T 10125 - 2012 "Artificial Atmosphere Corrosion Test - Salt Spray Test", it passes the 48 - hour assessment.

[0210] Parameter Identification Experiment

[0211] The experimental power supply is a 24 - v DC power supply, the brush head area (i.e., the electrode area) is 20 cm². Adjust the electrode voltage (i.e., the voltage between the brush head and the workpiece) by adjusting the resistance, and measure the current and current density, record the dirt shedding time, and solve the conductivity coefficient and the model proportionality coefficient k according to the parameter identification algorithm as described above 0 , κ. The obtained k 0 , κ are 0.2 and 0.03 respectively. For specific parameters, please refer to Table III below.

[0212] Table III

[0213]

[0214] Through model calculation, as long as the current density is greater than 0.15 A / cm², a better process parameter range can be obtained, as shown in Table IV below.

[0215] Table IV - Oil Removal Process Parameters and Results

[0216]

[0217] Comparative Example 3 - Rust Removal Experiment

[0218] Clean a steel blank. The base material of the tool is Q235, and the dirt is, for example, oil stain, floating rust and aged oxide scale. The thickness of the aged oxide scale is about 1 - 4 mm. Use the above portable descaling device 700 provided according to the embodiments of the present invention. The electrolyte solution is a mixed solution of 5% edible citric acid by weight, 2% white vinegar, 3% additive, and the rest is water. The power supply is 18 - 24 volts, and the current is 5 - 10 amperes. About 5 - 10 seconds after the power is turned on, the dirt completely falls off, and the base material is well protected. According to GB / T 25148-2010 "Test Methods for Scale Removal Rate and Cleaning Rate in Chemical Cleaning of Industrial Equipment" and GB25146 "Quality Acceptance Specification for Chemical Cleaning of Industrial Equipment", the cleaning is qualified. Analyze the passivation film layer by XPS and TEM, and the thickness is about 10 nm, and the composition is Fe 3 O 4 . According to GB / T10125-2012 "Salt Spray Test for Corrosion Test in Artificial Atmosphere", pass the 12-hour assessment.

[0219] Parameter identification experiment

[0220] The experimental power supply is a 24V DC power supply, the brush head area (i.e., the electrode area) is 20 cm^2. Adjust the electrode voltage (i.e., the voltage between the brush head and the workpiece) by adjusting the resistance, measure the current and current density, record the dirt shedding time, and solve the conductivity coefficient and the model proportionality coefficient k according to the parameter identification algorithm as described above 0 , κ. Obtain k 0 , κ are 0.38 and 0.01 respectively. For specific parameters, please refer to Table V below.

[0221] Table V

[0222]

[0223] Through model calculation, as long as the current density is greater than 0.3 A / cm^2, a better process parameter range can be obtained, as shown in Table VI below.

[0224] Table VI - Process Parameters and Results for Removing Oxide Scale

[0225]

[0226] From the experimental results of the above comparative examples, it can be seen that the above portable descaling device 700 and its descaling method provided according to the embodiments of the present invention are feasible and effective.

[0227] Beneficial Technical Effects of Each Embodiment of the Present Invention

[0228] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects obtained by the embodiments of the present invention include but are not limited to:

[0229] First, the descaling method proposed by the present invention is to apply an electric field to generate a large number of micro-nano bubbles between the surface of the object to be cleaned and the rolling brush head, and use a high-speed physical method to scour the surface of the substrate, so as to peel off the oxidation rust and dirt. At the same time, atomic oxygen and the protective agent of the electrolyte polish and passivate the surface of the stainless steel or steel substrate, forming a dense passivation film, making the surface of the object quickly bright and clean.

[0230] Second, the present invention subverts the traditional physical or chemical cleaning methods. The present invention includes an electrochemical method (generating micro-nano bubbles in the early stage) and a physical method (subsequent descaling process using the generated micro-nano bubbles). Applying an electric field to generate atomic oxygen and micro-nano bubbles belongs to the electrochemical method, but the efficiency and speed of the atomic oxygen generated are several orders of magnitude higher than those of the existing method of simply electrolyzing to generate atomic oxygen by chemical means. The physical method of micro-nano bubbles scours the basic surface at a high speed, and the cavitation blasts dirt and rust, which belongs to the physical category, but the efficiency is several orders of magnitude higher. At the same time, the present invention does not have the problem of local stress damage caused by hard particles contained in methods such as shot peening and jet flow.

[0231] Third, the atomic oxygen and the protective agent of the electrolyte generated by the present invention polish and passivate the surface of the stainless steel or steel substrate, forming a dense passivation film, making the surface of the object quickly bright and clean, and obtaining effective protection, solving the protection problem that cannot be solved by the existing physical and chemical methods. Specifically, under the condition of energization and with the action of the catalytic assistant, since the metal on the surface of the substrate loses electrons and is oxidized by atomic oxygen, a transparent M-O-M film (M represents metal) is formed. This passivation film is inert and can slow down the corrosion rate of the metal, achieving the purpose of protection.

[0232] Fourth, the present invention subverts the problem of the selectivity of the power supply in the existing simple electrochemical method. The present invention can be realized by using both AC and DC power supplies.

[0233] Fifth, the present invention solves the technical problems of the cleaning and passivation protection of large metal parts (such as bridges, outdoor power facilities, ships, oil and natural gas pipelines, etc.). Since the traditional electrolysis method requires immersing the metal parts in the bath solution, large metal parts are restricted by this and cannot be cleaned by the electrolysis method.

[0234] Sixth, the present invention solves the technical problems that the existing methods cannot quickly and efficiently remove the burnt, gummy, greasy, carbide, semi-dry oily stains and other contaminants on the surfaces of tableware, kitchen utensils, etc. with heavy oil stains.

[0235] Seventh, the voltage of the power supply required by the present invention is less than 26 volts, and the current required is less than 10 amperes, which is very safe and convenient.

[0236] Eighth, the descaling time of the present invention is usually less than 10 seconds, which is dozens of times faster than the traditional method.

[0237] Ninth, the electrolytes for the descaling method of the present invention are edible citric acid, white vinegar, additives, etc. This electrolyte can be recycled, is environmentally friendly, and harmless to the human body.

[0238] Tenth, the present invention provides a set of metal cleaning and protection descaling devices and methods that are efficient, environmentally friendly, low-cost, and not restricted by the site, and have great economic and social benefits.

[0239] It should be noted that in this article, the terms "including", "comprising" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements not only includes those elements, but also includes other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such a process, method, article or device. Without further limitations, an element defined by the statement "including one..." does not exclude the existence of another identical element in the process, method, article or device including that element. In addition, it should be pointed out that the scope of the methods and devices in the embodiments of the present application is not limited to performing functions in the order shown or discussed, and may also include performing functions in a substantially simultaneous manner or in the reverse order according to the functions involved. For example, the described methods may be performed in an order different from that described, and various steps may be added, omitted, or combined. Additionally, the features described with reference to certain examples may be combined in other examples.

[0240] The embodiments of the present application have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the present application is not limited to the above specific embodiments. The above specific embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Under the inspiration of the present application, those of ordinary skill in the art can also make many forms without departing from the purpose of the present application and the scope protected by the claims, and all belong to the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A descaling device, characterized in that, the descaling device comprises: a cleaning head; a power supply, one output terminal of the power supply is connected to an object to be cleaned, a part or all of the surface of the object to be cleaned is formed with dirt, whereby the object to be cleaned constitutes a first electrode, and the other output terminal of the power supply is connected to the cleaning head, whereby the cleaning head constitutes a second electrode; an electrolyte supply device for supplying electrolyte to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; a detection device for detecting electrical parameters regarding at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, the electrical parameters including at least one of the following items: (i) the current flowing through at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; (ii) the potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; (iii) the current density of at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control device for comparing the detected value of the electrical parameter detected by the detection device with a preset target value stored in the control device, and based on the comparison result, changing the magnitude of the electrical parameter in real time, so as to control the descaling time of the descaling device, wherein, when the power supply supplies power to the first electrode and the second electrode, an electric field is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, whereby nano-scale bubbles are generated in the electrolyte provided on at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode, and the cleaning head uses the generated nano-scale bubbles to substantially remove the dirt formed on the object to be cleaned physically under the action of the formed electric field, wherein, the controlling the descaling time of the descaling device by changing the magnitude of the electrical parameter in real time based on the comparison result is performed according to the following formula: Wherein, V is the power supply voltage, κ is the value of the conductivity of the electrolyte in the electrolyte, R 0 is the resistance value of the regulating resistor, s is the electrode area, h is the distance between the plates, k 0 is a constant.

2. The descaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, the nano-scale bubbles are nano-scale hydrogen and oxygen bubbles.

3. The descaling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, the nano-scale hydrogen and oxygen bubbles include atomic oxygen; and the control device compares the detected value of the electrical parameter detected by the detection device with a preset target value stored in the control device, and based on the comparison result, changes the magnitude of the electrical parameter in real time, so as to control the real-time density of the atomic oxygen, so that a passivation film layer is formed on the surface of the object to be cleaned.

4. The descaling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, when the substrate of the object to be cleaned is 304 stainless steel, and the dirt formed on a part or all of the surface of the object to be cleaned is sintered matter and oily gum, the descaling device is powered on for 0.5 to 5 seconds, and the thickness of the passivation film layer is about 5 nm.

5. The descaling device according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the substrate of the object to be cleaned is 304 stainless steel and the dirt formed on a part or all of the surface of the object to be cleaned is heavy oil stain, the descaling device is powered on for 5 to 8 seconds, and the thickness of the passivation film layer is about 10 nm.

6. The descaling device according to claim 3, characterized in that when the substrate of the object to be cleaned is Q235 steel and the dirt formed on a part or all of the surface of the object to be cleaned is oil stain, floating rust and aged scale, the descaling device is powered on for 5 to 10 seconds, and the thickness of the passivation film layer is about 10 nm.

7. The descaling device according to claim 3, characterized in that the passivation film layer is an M-O-M transparent film, where M represents a metal and O represents atomic oxygen.

8. The descaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the power supply is a DC power supply, an AC power supply or a pulse power supply.

9. The descaling device according to claim 8, characterized in that the power supply is a portable DC charging power supply, the DC output voltage provided by the portable DC charging power supply is less than or equal to 26 volts, and the DC output current provided by the portable DC charging power supply is less than or equal to 10 amperes.

10. The descaling device according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolyte includes citric acid, white vinegar, additives and distilled water.

11. The descaling device according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrolyte includes 1 to 12% citric acid, 3 to 8% white vinegar, 0.5 to 5% additives, and the remaining component is distilled water.

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