A cleaning device for heat exchangers

Abstract

This invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for heat exchangers, comprising a transfer pump configured with multiple first chambers for holding cleaning fluid, for delivering the cleaning fluid from each of the first chambers to the heat exchanger, and a filter for connecting the heat exchanger and the multiple first chambers. The filter is configured to filter the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger and then re-deliver the filtered cleaning fluid to a storage assembly. The storage assembly is configured to allow the heat exchanger to be cleaned with cleaning fluid from one of the first chambers, after which another first chamber is connected to the filter and the transfer pump. This allows the cleaning fluid in one first chamber to be used to clean the heat exchanger after the active components in that first chamber are depleted, enabling a small-volume, multiple-time cleaning strategy. This maintains the cleaning activity of the cleaning fluid, effectively reducing the difficulty of cleaning the heat exchanger, improving cleaning efficiency, and reducing the amount of cleaning fluid used.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cleaning device technology, and more specifically to a cleaning device for heat exchangers. Background Technology

[0002] Oilfield production processes generate large amounts of wastewater with temperatures ranging from 30 to 70°C. Developing and utilizing the residual heat resources in produced wastewater is an important initiative. Among these, heat exchangers are key equipment in the process of utilizing residual heat from produced water in oilfields.

[0003] Because the produced water from oil fields contains a large amount of polymers, suspended solids, and oil, a large amount of oil scale will accumulate inside the heat exchanger as it operates, causing blockage and a sharp drop in heat exchange efficiency, resulting in a serious waste of waste heat resources.

[0004] Currently, the main methods for cleaning heat exchangers are conventional online circulating cleaning and disassembly cleaning. Online circulating cleaning simply involves connecting an external circulating pump and a cleaning fluid storage tank to the heat exchanger, then using the cleaning fluid to circulate and flush the heat exchanger. This cleaning method is inefficient, consumes a large amount of cleaning fluid, and generates a large amount of difficult-to-treat cleaning waste fluid, posing a serious environmental risk.

[0005] Disassembly and cleaning involves removing the heat exchanger and cleaning the oil and grease inside. This method has drawbacks, including being time-consuming, requiring skilled operators, potentially damaging the heat exchanger, and incurring high cleaning costs. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems in the prior art, the present invention provides a cleaning device for heat exchangers, which can effectively reduce the cleaning difficulty of heat exchangers, improve the cleaning efficiency of heat exchangers, and reduce the consumption of cleaning fluid while completing the cleaning of heat exchangers.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve its technical problem is: to provide a cleaning device for a heat exchanger, comprising,

[0008] A liquid storage assembly having a plurality of first chambers for holding cleaning fluid;

[0009] A transfer pump is used to deliver the cleaning fluid from each of the first chambers to the heat exchanger; and

[0010] A filter, used to connect the heat exchanger and the plurality of first chambers, is configured to filter the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger and then re-deliver the filtered cleaning fluid to the reservoir assembly.

[0011] The liquid storage assembly is configured such that after the heat exchanger is cleaned by the cleaning fluid in one of the first chambers, the other first chamber is connected to the filter and the delivery pump.

[0012] Furthermore, the liquid storage assembly is also configured to have a second chamber for holding clean water, the second chamber being configured to connect to the delivery pump after the cleaning liquid in the plurality of first chambers has cleaned the heat exchanger, so as to deliver the clean water to the heat exchanger.

[0013] Furthermore, heating elements are provided in the first chamber and the second chamber to heat the cleaning fluid and the clean water so that the temperature of the cleaning fluid and the clean water reaches the target temperature or within the target temperature range.

[0014] Furthermore, the liquid storage assembly includes a liquid storage tank for constructing the first chamber and / or the second chamber.

[0015] Furthermore, the exterior of the liquid storage tank is provided with a heat insulation layer for heat preservation of the first chamber and / or the second chamber.

[0016] Furthermore, the output ends of the plurality of first chambers are connected to the delivery pump via output valves, and the input ends of the plurality of first chambers are connected to the filter via input valves. The input valves are connected to the upper part of the first chambers, and the output valves are connected to the lower part of the first chambers.

[0017] Furthermore, the filter includes a housing, a separator and a filter element disposed within the housing, the separator and the filter element having a collection chamber for collecting oil sludge within the housing and a communication chamber communicating with the liquid storage assembly, the filter element being configured to separate the cleaning fluid and oil sludge discharged from the heat exchanger and to allow the cleaning fluid to flow into the communication chamber.

[0018] Furthermore, the filter element is provided with a scraper for scraping oil and dirt on the filter element into the collection chamber.

[0019] Furthermore, the filter is arranged at an angle away from the collection chamber.

[0020] Furthermore, the filter element is a filter plate or filter screen with holes, the size of which is in the range of 1μm to 10mm.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention provides a cleaning device for heat exchangers, comprising a pump configured with multiple first chambers for holding cleaning fluid, a pump for conveying the cleaning fluid from each of the first chambers to the heat exchanger, and a filter for connecting the heat exchanger and the multiple first chambers. The filter is configured to filter the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger and then re-convey the filtered cleaning fluid to a storage assembly. The storage assembly is configured to allow the heat exchanger to be cleaned with cleaning fluid from one of the first chambers, and then another first chamber can be connected to the filter and the pump. This allows the cleaning fluid in one first chamber to be used to clean the heat exchanger after the active components in that first chamber are depleted, enabling a small-volume, multiple-time cleaning strategy. This ensures the cleaning activity of the cleaning fluid, effectively reducing the difficulty of cleaning the heat exchanger, improving cleaning efficiency, and reducing the amount of cleaning fluid used.

[0022] On the one hand, after the cleaning fluid in each first chamber dissolves and flushes the oil scale in the heat exchanger, the flushed oil scale is separated from the cleaning fluid in time through the filter. This can prevent the oil scale from clogging the pipeline and reduce the consumption of the active components of the cleaning fluid by the flushed oil scale, thereby reducing the amount of cleaning fluid used.

[0023] On the other hand, by using a heating element to bring the temperature of the cleaning fluid to the target temperature or within the target temperature range, it is possible to ensure that the cleaning fluid is at the optimal operating temperature and guarantee cleaning efficiency.

[0024] Furthermore, the lower part of each first chamber is connected to the delivery pump through an output valve, while the upper part of each first chamber is connected to the filter through an input valve. This can prevent small-particle oil stains that the filter fails to filter from re-entering the heat exchanger, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the cleaning device. Attached Figure Description

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0026] Figure 1 The diagram shows a manifold structure for a cleaning device used in a heat exchanger.

[0027] Figure 2 As shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the liquid storage component of the cleaning device shown from one perspective.

[0028] Figure 3 As shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the liquid storage component of the cleaning device shown from another perspective.

[0029] Figure 4 As shown Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the filter structure of the cleaning device shown.

[0030] In the figure, the following labels are used: 100, cleaning device; 200, heat exchanger;

[0031] 10. Liquid storage assembly; 11. First chamber; 12. Second chamber; 13. Output valve; 14. Input valve; 15. Liquid storage tank; 151. Partition; 16. Heating element; 17. Temperature sensor; 18. Insulation layer; 20. Transfer pump; 30. Filter; 31. Housing; 32. Filter element; 33. Separator; 34. Collection chamber; 35. Connecting chamber; 36. Scraper. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this invention clearer, the invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This drawing is a simplified schematic diagram, illustrating only the basic structure of the invention, and therefore only shows the components relevant to the invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0033] refer to Figure 1 As shown, the cleaning apparatus 100 provided by the present invention includes a liquid storage assembly 10 for storing cleaning fluid, a delivery pump 20 connecting the liquid storage assembly 10 and a heat exchanger 200, and a filter 30 disposed between the liquid storage assembly 10 and the heat exchanger 200. After the delivery pump 20 delivers the cleaning fluid from the liquid storage assembly 10 to the heat exchanger 200 multiple times, the cleaning fluid continuously dissolves and washes away the grease inside the heat exchanger 200, causing the grease to fall off from the inner surface of the heat exchanger 200, thereby cleaning the heat exchanger 200. The filter 30 is used to filter out the grease mixed in with the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger 200, preventing this grease from continuously consuming the active components in the cleaning fluid, thereby reducing the consumption of the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid flowing out of the filter 30 can also be delivered back to the heat exchanger 200 to make full use of the active components in the cleaning fluid, thereby reducing the waste of the cleaning fluid.

[0034] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid storage assembly 10 is constructed with a plurality of first chambers 11 for holding cleaning fluid and a second chamber 12 for holding clean water. The plurality of first chambers 11 and second chambers 12 are arranged in parallel. The output ends of the first chambers 11 and second chambers 12 are respectively connected to a transfer pump 20 through output valves 13, while the input ends of the first chambers 11 and second chambers 12 are respectively connected to a filter 30 through input valves 14. The cleaning fluid in the plurality of first chambers 11 is sequentially pumped by the transfer pump 20 into the heat exchanger 200 to continuously dissolve and flush away the grease inside the heat exchanger 200. After the cleaning of the heat exchanger 200 is completed, the clean water in the second chamber 12 is pumped by the transfer pump 20 into the heat exchanger 200 to rinse away the residual cleaning fluid and a small amount of grease inside the heat exchanger 200.

[0035] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the liquid storage assembly 10 includes a liquid storage tank 15 for constructing a first chamber 11 and / or a second chamber 12. The interior of the liquid storage tank 15 can be divided into two first chambers 11 and one second chamber 12 by a partition 151. Heating elements 16 are also arranged in the first chambers 11 and the second chamber 12 to heat the cleaning fluid and clean water, so that the temperature of the cleaning fluid and clean water reaches the target temperature or within the target temperature range. This effectively improves the dissolution capacity of the active components in the cleaning fluid for oil stains and maximizes the fluidity of the oil, thereby effectively increasing the cleaning effect on the heat exchanger 200.

[0036] In some embodiments not shown, the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12 may be respectively located in independent liquid storage tanks 15.

[0037] Combination Figure 2 As shown, in some embodiments, each of the first chambers 11 and the second chamber 12 is further provided with a temperature sensor 17 for monitoring the temperature of the cleaning fluid and water. Preferably, the temperature sensor 17 and the heating element 16 are electrically connected to a controller (not shown in the figure). Once the temperature sensor 17 detects that the temperature of the cleaning fluid and water is lower than the target temperature or lower than the minimum value of the target temperature range, the controller activates the circuit of the heating element 16 so that the heating element 16 heats the cleaning fluid and water under the electrical drive of an external power source, so that the temperature of the cleaning fluid and water returns to the target temperature or is within the target temperature range.

[0038] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in some preferred embodiments, a heat insulation layer 18 is provided on the outside of the storage tank 15 to insulate the first chamber 11 and the second chamber 12. This effectively reduces the heat loss of the cleaning fluid and water, and reduces heating energy consumption. Preferably, the heat insulation layer 18 can be made of materials such as polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, polyurethane foam, or aerogel. It should be understood that the heat insulation layer 18 can also be provided on the pipeline between the storage assembly 10, the transfer pump 20, the heat exchanger 200, and the filter 30 to reduce the heat loss of the cleaning fluid and water during the transportation process, thereby reducing the temperature difference between the cleaning fluid and water in the storage assembly 10 and when they enter the heat exchanger 200, and thus improving the accuracy of temperature control of the cleaning fluid and water.

[0039] Combination Figure 3 As shown, in some embodiments, the inlet valve 14 of the first chamber 11 is connected to the upper part of the first chamber 11, and the outlet valve 13 of the first chamber 11 is connected to the lower part of the first chamber 11. Even though the filter 30 filters the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger 200, some oil particles may still flow into the first chamber 11 through the filter 30 and the inlet valve 14. These oil particles flowing into the first chamber 11 with the cleaning fluid will float to the upper part of the first chamber 11 under the action of buoyancy, while the cleaning fluid is re-transported from the lower part of the first chamber 11 through the outlet valve 13 and the transfer pump 20 into the heat exchanger 200 so that the remaining active components in the cleaning fluid can continue to dissolve the oil particles in the heat exchanger 200. This can prevent oil particles from re-entering the heat exchanger 200, ensuring the purity of the cleaning fluid, and can make full use of the remaining active components in the cleaning fluid, reducing the waste of the cleaning fluid.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 can flow through the heat exchanger 200 multiple times under the delivery of the pump 20, so as to dissolve and flush the oil deposits in the heat exchanger 200 multiple times until the active components of the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 are completely consumed. At this time, the inlet valve 14 and outlet valve 13 of the second chamber 11 can be connected to the filter 30 and the pump 20 respectively, so that the cleaning fluid in the second chamber 11 can be used to dissolve and flush the remaining oil deposits in the heat exchanger 200 multiple times. This process is repeated until the cleaning of the heat exchanger 200 is completed. Thus, the amount of cleaning fluid used can be effectively reduced while completing the cleaning of the heat exchanger 200, thereby reducing cleaning costs.

[0041] In other embodiments, the transfer pump 20 delivers the cleaning fluid from the first chamber 11 to the heat exchanger 200 at a first flow rate, and the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 flows through the heat exchanger 200 multiple times at the first flow rate until the active components of the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 are completely consumed. After the filter 30 and the transfer pump 20 are connected to the inlet valve 14 and outlet valve 13 of the second chamber 11 respectively, the transfer pump 20 delivers the cleaning fluid from the second chamber 11 to the heat exchanger 200 at a second flow rate, and the cleaning fluid in the second chamber 11 flows through the heat exchanger 200 multiple times at the second flow rate. The first flow rate is less than the second flow rate. Specifically, the second flow rate can be 5 times, 10 times, 15 times, or a multiple of the first flow rate. By delivering the cleaning fluid from the first chamber 11 to the heat exchanger 200 at the first flow rate, the active components in the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 can sufficiently soften and dissolve the grease in the heat exchanger 200. By delivering the cleaning fluid from the second first chamber 11 into the heat exchanger 200 at a second flow rate, the cleaning fluid in the second first chamber 11 can flush away the softened and dissolved oil deposits, and continue to soften and dissolve the remaining oil deposits in the heat exchanger 200. By using the cleaning fluids in the first and second first chambers 11 to treat the oil deposits in the heat exchanger 200 differently, the cleaning efficiency of the heat exchanger 200 can be effectively improved.

[0042] It should be understood that the specific composition of the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 may differ from that in the second chamber 11. Some solid particles such as sand and iron filings may also be added to the cleaning fluid in the first and / or second chamber 11 to enhance the flushing effect on oil stains as the cleaning fluid flows through the heat exchanger 200.

[0043] Recombined Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the filter 30 includes a housing 31, a filter element 32 disposed within the housing 31, and a separator 33 disposed within the housing 31. The separator 33 and the filter element 32 together form a collection chamber 34 for collecting oil sludge within the housing 31, and a communication chamber 35 communicating with the liquid storage assembly 10. The filter element 32 is disposed at the inlet end of the housing 31 so that the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger 200 can pass through the filter element 32, thereby filtering out the oil sludge flushed out of the heat exchanger 200 by the cleaning fluid. The filtered cleaning fluid flows through the communication chamber 35 to the liquid storage assembly 10, so that it can be re-pumped back into the heat exchanger 200 by the transfer pump 20. This avoids the flushed oil sludge from continuously consuming the active components in the cleaning fluid, thereby reducing the consumption of cleaning fluid while completing the cleaning of the heat exchanger 200.

[0044] In some preferred embodiments, the filter element 32 is arranged at an angle away from the collection chamber 34, so that the oil residue filtered by the filter element 32 can remain on the filter element 32, and the filtered cleaning liquid can flow completely into the connecting chamber 35, preventing the cleaning liquid from flowing into the connecting chamber 35 along the filter element 32 and causing waste. Preferably, the filter element 32 is also provided with a scraper 36 for scraping off the oil residue on the filter element 32. Once a large amount of oil residue accumulates on the filter element 32, the filtration efficiency of the filter element 32 will decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to scrape off the oil residue on the filter element 32 periodically or quantitatively by the scraper 36. The scraper 36 can move along the surface of the filter element 32 towards the collection chamber 34 under the action of a drive mechanism, so as to scrape the oil residue into the collection chamber 34. It should be understood that the drive mechanism can be a pushing component such as a cylinder or hydraulic cylinder, or a gear chain mechanism driven by an electric motor.

[0045] In some preferred embodiments, a heat insulation layer 18 may also be provided on the outside of the housing 31 to further reduce the heat loss of the cleaning fluid.

[0046] In some embodiments, the filter element 32 may be a filter plate or filter screen with holes, the size of which is in the range of 1 μm to 10 mm.

[0047] Combination Figure 1-4 As shown, the cleaning process of the cleaning device 100 of this application will be described in detail below. After the cleaning device 100 is connected to the heat exchanger 200 through a pipeline, the inlet valve 14 and outlet valve 13 at both ends of the first chamber 11 are opened. The delivery pump 20, electrically driven by an external power source, delivers the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 to the heat exchanger 200 to dissolve and flush away the oil stains in the heat exchanger 200. The cleaning fluid, carrying the flushed oil stains, enters the filter 30, where the filter element 32 separates the cleaning fluid and the oil stains. The separated cleaning fluid enters the connecting chamber 35, while the oil stains are scraped into the collecting chamber 34 by the scraper 36. The cleaning fluid in the connecting chamber 35 re-enters the first chamber 11 through the inlet valve 14 and is then re-delivered to the heat exchanger 200 by the delivery pump 20.

[0048] After the active components of the cleaning fluid in the first chamber 11 are completely consumed, the filter 30 and the transfer pump 20 are connected to the inlet valve 14 and the outlet valve 13 at both ends of the second chamber 11, respectively. The above process is then repeated so that the cleaning fluid in the second chamber 11 can be used to dissolve and flush the remaining oil and sludge in the heat exchanger 200.

[0049] Similarly, the heat exchanger 200 can be cleaned multiple times using the cleaning fluid in the third first chamber 11 and the fourth first chamber 11 until the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger 200 reaches the expected level.

[0050] After the cleaning effect of the heat exchanger 200 is achieved as expected, the filter 30 and the transfer pump 20 are connected to the input valve 14 and the output valve 13 at both ends of the second chamber 12, respectively. The transfer pump 20 delivers clean water from the second chamber 12 to the heat exchanger 200 to rinse away the residual cleaning liquid and small amount of oil in the heat exchanger 200.

[0051] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0052] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "up", "down", "front and back", "left and right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0053] Although the invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, various modifications can be made and components can be replaced with equivalents without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the technical features mentioned in the various embodiments can be combined in any manner as long as there is no structural conflict. The invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, but includes all technical solutions falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cleaning device for a heat exchanger, comprising, Liquid storage assembly (10) having a plurality of first chambers (11) for holding cleaning fluid; A transfer pump (20) is used to transfer the cleaning fluid from each of the first chambers (11) to the heat exchanger (200); and A filter (30) for connecting the heat exchanger (200) and the plurality of first chambers (11), the filter (30) being configured to filter the cleaning fluid flowing out of the heat exchanger (200) and then return the filtered cleaning fluid to the reservoir assembly (10). in, The liquid storage assembly (10) is configured to clean the heat exchanger (200) with a cleaning liquid in one of the first chambers (11), and then connect the filter (30) and the delivery pump (20) to the other first chamber (11).

2. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage assembly (10) is also configured to contain a second chamber (12) for holding clean water. The second chamber (12) is configured to be connected to the delivery pump (20) after the cleaning liquid in the plurality of first chambers (11) has cleaned the heat exchanger (200) so as to deliver the clean water into the heat exchanger (200).

3. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 2, characterized in that, Heating elements (16) are provided in the first chamber (11) and the second chamber (12) for heating the cleaning liquid and the clean water so that the temperature of the cleaning liquid and the clean water reaches the target temperature or within the target temperature range.

4. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid storage assembly (10) includes a liquid storage tank (15) for constructing the first chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12).

5. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The liquid storage tank (15) is provided with a heat insulation layer (18) on the outside for heat preservation of the first chamber (11) and / or the second chamber (12).

6. The cleaning apparatus for a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The output ends of the plurality of first chambers (11) are connected to the delivery pump (20) through output valves (13), and the input ends of the plurality of first chambers (11) are connected to the filter (30) through input valves (14). The input valves (14) are connected to the upper part of the first chambers (11), and the output valves (13) are connected to the lower part of the first chambers (11).

7. The cleaning apparatus for a heat exchanger according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The filter (30) includes a housing (31), a separator (33) disposed within the housing (31), and a filter element (32). The separator (33) and the filter element (32) are configured within the housing (31) to form a collection chamber (34) for collecting oil sludge, and a communication chamber (35) communicating with the liquid storage assembly (10). The filter element (32) is configured to separate the cleaning fluid and oil sludge discharged from the heat exchanger (200) and allow the cleaning fluid to flow into the communication chamber (35).

8. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter element (32) is provided with a scraper (36) for scraping the oil stains on the filter element (32) into the collection chamber (34).

9. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter (30) is arranged at an angle away from the collection chamber (34).

10. The cleaning device for a heat exchanger according to claim 7, characterized in that, The filter element (32) is a filter plate or filter screen with holes, the size of which is in the range of 1μm to 10mm.

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