Cleaning device

Abstract

Cleaning device (1) for cleaning and / or decontamination of a process apparatus (7), e.g. a column, with a cleaning container (2) which has at least one inlet nozzle (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and at least one outlet nozzle (3), via which the cleaning container (2) can be connected to the process apparatus (7) and via which a cleaning liquid can be introduced from the cleaning container (2) into the process apparatus (7) and / or removed from the process apparatus (7) into the cleaning container (2), characterized in that a temperature control device (14) for heating or cooling the cleaning liquid is arranged in the cleaning container (2), wherein the cleaning container (2) has a filling volume in the range of 1,000 l to 2,000 l.000 l and the temperature control device (14) is designed as a heat exchanger with a tube bundle (16) consisting of a plurality of tubes (17), wherein the tube bundle (16) is arranged at least in sections in an interior of the cleaning container (2).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cleaning device for cleaning and / or decontamination of a process apparatus, e.g., a column according to the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Today's process plants utilize a wide variety of different process equipment. The chemicals contained within them, or the chemicals flowing through them, lead to severe soiling and / or contamination of the equipment over time. Contaminants such as production residues, limescale, and the like reduce efficiency over time. This can be seen, for example, in reduced heat transfer, reduced flow rate, or even corrosion.

[0003] For this reason, it is crucial that the process equipment undergoes a cleaning procedure at regular intervals to effectively remove the deposits. This is usually done mechanically, but this is both time-consuming and costly. Furthermore, such mechanical cleaning often has to be performed on an open device, so there is always a risk that contaminant-rich residues could enter the environment.

[0004] Furthermore, it is also possible that the chemicals in the process equipment may lead to the formation of harmful gaseous substances. If maintenance work is to be carried out on these equipment, the equipment must first be decontaminated.

[0005] Accordingly, a cleaning device of this type is known from US Pat. No. 6,161,558 A, through which a cleaning fluid can be introduced into the process plant. Further prior art is known from the publications US 2013 / 0 270 157 A1 and DE 102 48 317 A1.

[0006] However, process equipment typically forms a network of numerous different types of equipment, so the equipment to be cleaned or decontaminated must first be disconnected from the network for cleaning. Cleaning can therefore require the entire process plant to be shut down for that period. However, such a shutdown is always associated with high costs for the operator, so it is in their interest to keep downtime as short as possible.

[0007] Overall, the object of the invention is therefore to provide a cleaning device which is characterized by a simple and cost-effective construction and which, moreover, enables a reliable and cost-effective cleaning process.

[0008] This object is achieved by a cleaning device according to claim 1. According to the invention, the cleaning device has a cleaning container with at least one inlet nozzle and at least one outlet nozzle, via which the cleaning container can be connected to the process-technical apparatus and via which a cleaning liquid can be introduced from the cleaning container into the process-technical apparatus and / or removed from the process-technical apparatus into the cleaning container, wherein a temperature control device for heating the cleaning liquid is arranged in the cleaning container.

[0009] The temperature control device is designed as a heat exchanger and accordingly comprises a tube bundle consisting of a plurality of individual tubes through which, in normal operation, a heating or cooling medium flows, thereby heating or cooling the cleaning fluid. Various types of heating or cooling medium can also be considered, with hot steam being the preferred option. Water is particularly suitable as a cooling medium.

[0010] The process apparatus may, for example, be a column, a heat exchanger, a reactor or the like.

[0011] A cleaning liquid is preferably arranged in the cleaning tank, whereby the type of cleaning liquid depends on the process apparatus to be cleaned or on the residues to be expected in the process apparatus. The cleaning liquid can reach the corresponding process apparatus via a feed line via the outlet nozzle of the cleaning tank, which is usually in the form of a flange. To provide the necessary delivery pressure, a feed pump can be arranged between the outlet nozzle of the cleaning tank and the process apparatus, via which feed pump the cleaning liquid can be sucked out of the cleaning tank and introduced into the process apparatus. The feed pump can be arranged directly on the outlet nozzle of the cleaning device or via a feed line.

[0012] The inlet connection of the cleaning tank allows the cleaning fluid to be returned to the cleaning tank after passing through the process equipment. This allows the cleaning device as a whole to be designed as an encapsulated system, with the contaminated cleaning fluid remaining exclusively in the cleaning tank after completion of a cleaning process, thus reducing the risk of contaminants, particularly those that are harmful to the environment or hazardous to health, being released into the environment.

[0013] To ensure that the cleaning system can be used to adequately clean large process equipment without the need for frequent replacement of the cleaning fluid, the cleaning tank has a filling volume in the range of 1,000 l to 2,000 l, preferably between 1,300 l and 1,700 l.

[0014] The cleaning container can furthermore have a substantially cylindrical shape, in which case the outer surface preferably extends along a horizontal line. Regardless of the specific shape of the cleaning container, it has a length in the range between 1.0 m and 2.0 m, preferably between 1.2 m and 1.8 m and / or preferably a width in the range between 0.5 m and 1.0 m, preferably between 0.7 m and 0.9 m. The length of the cleaning container is oriented along the longitudinal direction and the width of the cleaning container along the width direction, with the width direction being arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. If the cleaning container is a cylindrical cleaning container, the width essentially corresponds to the diameter.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning tank has at least two, preferably at least three, e.g., four inlet nozzles. These are preferably arranged side by side on a line running longitudinally on the cleaning tank. In a cylindrical cleaning tank, the inlet nozzles are preferably arranged on the outer surface. The inlet nozzles typically have a flange connection, via which a return line can be detachably connected.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning tank has at least one temperature and / or pressure measuring device. The temperature control device makes it possible to heat the cleaning fluid and preferably pre-heat it to a specific temperature. Accordingly, the cleaning fluid can be introduced into the process apparatus at a temperature that enables high cleaning efficiency. Heating the cleaning fluid is also suitable for carrying out cleaning processes during ongoing operation of the process apparatus. In this case, the cleaning fluid is fed from the cleaning tank into the process apparatus and from there into the process.To avoid thermal losses, the cleaning fluid can be preheated in advance to a temperature that essentially corresponds to the temperature in the process equipment. The temperature measuring device makes it possible to continuously monitor the temperature or the temperature profile. This also applies to the pressure or the internal pressure of the vessel. Such pressure monitoring is particularly important for safety-critical reasons.

[0017] In addition to or as an alternative to a temperature and / or pressure measuring device, a fill level measurement can also be arranged on the cleaning tank in a further development of the invention. Various fill level measuring devices are conceivable for this purpose, with the fill level measuring device preferably comprising a magnetic flap indicator. Magnetic flap indicators comprise a float which, via a built-in magnet system, transmits the liquid level contactlessly to the display surface of the magnetic flap indicator. This indicator comprises a plurality of steel flaps arranged at a specific distance from one another, each of which has an inserted bar magnet. The float is also formed with a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet, and causes the magnetic flaps to rotate as soon as the float is guided along the respective magnetic flaps.The float is not located directly in the cleaning tank, but in a separate bypass line, with the bypass line preferably being attached to the cleaning tank's bypass ports via a flange connection. These bypass ports are located in an upper and lower section of the cleaning tank. Instead of a level measuring device with a magnetic flap indicator, other measuring methods can also be used, such as ultrasonic measurement or differential pressure measurement.

[0018] In order to be able to set up the cleaning container stably on the one hand and use it in a mobile manner on the other, the cleaning container is arranged on a transportable frame, wherein when the cleaning device is set up, the cleaning container is arranged lengthwise or longitudinally essentially horizontally. With a cylindrical shape, the outer surface therefore extends essentially parallel to the floor or to floor struts of the frame. The transportable frame can preferably have floor struts that enable stable standing and which are also arranged at such a distance from one another that the tongs of a forklift can engage with the floor struts. Here, the floor struts preferably have either a groove in the floor or a hollow space.

[0019] As already explained, the temperature control device can be used to heat the cleaning fluid in order to increase cleaning efficiency and / or to avoid thermal losses during cleaning while the process equipment is in operation. However, it has also been shown that a cooling effect of the temperature control device is of particular interest for certain cleaning processes. If, for example, steam, e.g. water vapor, is available, this can be used advantageously to clean the process equipment. The steam is supplied externally via a separate connection and therefore not via the cleaning tank. In addition to steam, cleaning fluid is then separately introduced into the process equipment, with the combination of steam and cleaning fluid achieving the required cleaning effect.The mixture of steam, cleaning fluid, and residues is then introduced into the cleaning tank via the inlet, where the temperature control device cools and / or condenses the returned mixture. The cleaning fluid can be stored either in a separate tank or within the cleaning tank itself, in which case the cleaning fluid is continuously diluted and must be replaced at the appropriate time.

[0020] Furthermore, the cleaning device with the temperature control device is also suitable for neutralizing acidic compounds. For example, an acidic compound, such as phosphoric acid, can be drawn from the process equipment and introduced into the cleaning tank, which contains an alkaline agent, such as a soda solution, instead of a cleaning fluid. The outlet of the cleaning tank is not used in this case and is therefore not connected to the process equipment. The reaction between the acidic compound and the alkaline agent leads to significant heat generation. The temperature control device, which uses a coolant, can counteract this heat generation to avoid critical temperatures and pressures in the cleaning tank.

[0021] The tube bundle is arranged within an interior space of the cleaning tank and preferably extends longitudinally over at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, particularly preferably over at least 60% of the length of the interior space. A longer tube bundle design leads to more uniform heating of the cleaning fluid, but is also associated with a greater pressure loss within the individual tubes. Accordingly, the length of the tube bundle is preferably based on the cleaning fluid and the available delivery pressure with which the heating or cooling medium can be provided.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the tube bundle transitions into an inlet chamber on a first side and into an outlet chamber on a second side. Accordingly, the individual tubes of the tube bundle can be filled via a common inlet chamber and emptied via a common outlet chamber, so that the heating or cooling medium can flow from the inlet chamber through the tubes of the tube bundle into the outlet chamber. Various configurations are possible for the specific design of the tube bundle and the position of the inlet and outlet chambers.

[0023] According to a first preferred embodiment, the tube bundle extends along the entire length of the cleaning tank, wherein the inlet chamber is arranged on a first side, e.g., front side, and the outlet chamber is arranged on an opposite side, e.g., front side, of the cleaning tank.

[0024] According to a second preferred embodiment, the tube bundle has a bend such that the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber are arranged side by side or one above the other, and the inlet and outlet nozzles are arranged on a common side, e.g., the front side, of the cleaning tank. The bend is preferably a 180° bend. Alternatively, it can also be a bend consisting of individual bend sections that together form a bend angle of 180° but are separated from each other by individual straight sections.

[0025] Regardless of the specific design of the temperature control device, the inlet chamber and the outlet chamber each have a connecting piece with a flange connection through which the heating or cooling medium can be introduced into the inlet chamber or removed from the outlet chamber.

[0026] In a preferred development of the invention, the temperature control device is designed in a modular manner and can be detachably attached to the cleaning container. Such a design is particularly advantageous because the type of temperature control device can be adapted to the respective cleaning situation. For example, a plurality of different temperature control devices can be provided, which differ from one another in terms of the type of heating or cooling as well as in terms of the specific design of the tube bundles. For example, it is conceivable for the individual temperature control devices to have different numbers of tubes in the tube bundle, different tube diameters, or even different lengths of the tube bundle. Alternatively, the temperature control device can also be completely dismantled and the cleaning device can be operated with a cleaning container without a temperature control device.For assembly and disassembly, the cleaning tank is preferably provided with a heating flange, via which the temperature control device can be attached to the cleaning tank.

[0027] In a preferred development of the invention, the cleaning device is connected to a process apparatus, e.g., to a column, wherein the connection is made via the at least one inlet nozzle and via the at least one outlet nozzle.

[0028] According to a further aspect with independent significance, the invention also relates to the use of a cleaning device for cleaning and / or decontamination of the process apparatus with a cleaning device according to the invention, wherein the cleaning container is connected to the process apparatus, e.g. to a column, via the at least one inlet nozzle and / or via the at least one outlet nozzle.

[0029] A further aspect of the invention with independent significance relates to a method for cleaning a process-engineering apparatus with a cleaning device according to the invention, wherein a cleaning liquid is introduced into the process-engineering apparatus via the outlet of the cleaning container, wherein the cleaning liquid flows through the process-engineering apparatus and cleans it or removes deposits in the process-engineering apparatus.

[0030] Various embodiments have proven particularly useful for conducting the process. According to a variant of the process known as the circulation method, the cleaning liquid is circulated from the cleaning tank in a closed circuit through the process apparatus. For this purpose, the cleaning liquid is preferably introduced via an inlet at an upper section and removed via an outlet at a lower section of the process apparatus. The cleaning liquid returns to the cleaning tank via the outlet and can then be reintroduced into the process apparatus via the inlet. As a result of the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid becomes contaminated as it flows through the process apparatus, so that a mixture of cleaning liquid and deposits returns to the cleaning tank via the outlet.

[0031] According to a variant of the process known as the cascade method, the cleaning fluid can also flow through the process equipment in an open circuit. Unlike a closed circuit, the contaminated cleaning fluid is then not returned to the cleaning tank via the drain. Such a process always involves a higher consumption of cleaning fluid. However, the equipment can always be cleaned with unused cleaning fluid.

[0032] According to a variant of the process known as the buoyancy method, steam is introduced into the process apparatus, preferably at a lower section, in addition to the cleaning fluid via a steam connection. The steam then mixes with the cleaning fluid and heats it to the predetermined temperature. Therefore, an additional temperature control device is generally not required in such a process. However, its use as a supplement is possible.

[0033] The mixing of steam with the cleaning fluid can take place in the process equipment. Alternatively, mixing in advance is also possible. For example, the cleaning fluid can be added to the steam in a steam feed line. The mixture of steam and cleaning fluid then rises in the process equipment and spreads over the surfaces. The mixture condenses completely or at least partially and is deposited on the surfaces. This allows for effective cleaning and removal of the deposits. The mixture then flows with the absorbed deposits and collects in the lower area of ​​the equipment. From here, the contaminated mixture can be drained and disposed of via a drain line.The particular advantage of this process is that the steam allows the cleaning fluid to reach even hard-to-reach parts of the device, thus reducing the amount of cleaning fluid required. However, the presence of a steam system is also required.

[0034] The individual variants of the process can also be combined with one another. A combination of the circulation method and the buoyancy method is particularly suitable for this. Based on the previously described design of the circulation method, in addition to the supply of cleaning liquid to an upper section of the process apparatus, steam is preferably supplied to a lower section. The cleaning liquid therefore flows from top to bottom through the apparatus, while the steam flows from bottom to top, thus counter to the flow direction of the cleaning liquid. For this reason, this variant of the process is also referred to as the countercurrent method. The steam mixes partially with the cleaning liquid, thus leading to improved cleaning performance compared to the circulation method.The closed circuit also allows for lower consumption of cleaning fluid compared to the buoyancy method, as the condensed water vapor can be returned to the cleaning tank together with the cleaning fluid and then reintroduced into the device for cleaning.

[0035] As an alternative to the countercurrent method, the two processes can also be applied sequentially. First, the cleaning fluid is introduced into the apparatus using the buoyancy method. The introduced mixture of steam and cleaning fluid is then recirculated, allowing additional cleaning fluid to be added via the cleaning tank.

[0036] Using the aforementioned methods, it is possible to create a cleaning system consisting of the cleaning device, the process equipment, and any piping between the process equipment and the cleaning device. Therefore, work on an open process equipment or an open cleaning device is not necessary.

[0037] Preferably, the cleaning fluid is heated to a predetermined temperature via the temperature control device before being introduced into the process apparatus and / or maintained at a predetermined temperature, wherein the temperature is preferably between 20 °C and 210 °C, preferably between 40 °C and 180 °C and particularly preferably between 60 °C and 160 °C, e.g. between 60 °C and 110 °C. The heating or temperature control is usually carried out with the aid of steam, e.g. water vapor, which is introduced into the temperature control device and thereby heats the cleaning fluid. In such a case, the temperature control device is designed as a heat exchanger. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to use any temperature control devices within the process apparatus to heat the cleaning fluid to the predetermined temperature.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a sampling point is provided through which a sample of the cleaning fluid can be taken. This sample can then be analyzed for its degree of soiling or contamination. If the degree of soiling or contamination of the cleaning fluid differs little or not at all between two consecutive samples, the cleaning process can be discontinued. A corresponding limit is determined before the process is carried out. In the recirculation process, this sampling point is preferably located between the process apparatus and the inlet of the cleaning tank.

[0039] In an alternative process of independent significance, the cleaning container of the cleaning device is connected to the process apparatus only via the inlet, wherein an alkaline agent is arranged in the cleaning container, wherein an acidic compound, e.g. phosphoric acid, is introduced from the process apparatus into the cleaning container and reacts there with the alkaline agent, wherein the temperature control device is flowed through with a cooling medium, e.g. water, and thereby cools the interior of the cleaning container.

[0040] The invention also relates to a process plant comprising at least one process apparatus, e.g., a column, a tank, a heat exchanger, a line, or the like, wherein a cleaning device according to the invention, in particular in the form of a closed fluid circuit, is connected to the process apparatus. A cleaning fluid is then preferably arranged in the cleaning container.

[0041] All previously explained features regarding the design of the cleaning device as well as the composition of the cleaning fluid also apply equally to the process plant.

[0042] The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary drawings. They show: Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 opposite views of a cleaning device according to the invention, Fig. 2 a tempering device which can be used in the cleaning device according to the invention, Fig. 4 a schematic diagram of the cleaning process according to the invention according to the circulation method Fig. 5 a schematic diagram of the cleaning process according to the invention according to the buoyancy method Fig. 6 a schematic diagram of the cleaning process according to the invention according to the countercurrent method

[0043] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show the cleaning device 1 according to the invention in two opposite views. The cleaning device 1 comprises a cleaning container 2, which is essentially cylindrical and has a circumferential surface M extending in the longitudinal direction L. A bowl-shaped end face is provided at each end of the circumferential surface M, so that the cleaning container 2 forms a closed structure.

[0044] A drain nozzle 3 and a discharge nozzle 5 are provided on a lower section of the cleaning tank 2. The cleaning device can be connected to a feed pump 6 (not shown) via the drain nozzle 3, so that a cleaning fluid located in the cleaning tank 2 can be pumped into a process apparatus 7 (likewise not shown in detail). After the cleaning process has been completed, the cleaning fluid in the cleaning tank 2 can be removed via the drain nozzle 5. Depending on the type of cleaning fluid used and the type of soiling or contamination of the cleaning fluid, it is then passed on to a tank or directly to a disposal station. Both the drain nozzle 3 and the discharge nozzle 5 are designed with a flange connection for connection to a piping system or directly to a feed pump 6.

[0045] The cleaning tank 2 also has four inlet nozzles 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, which are arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction L on the jacket surface M at the same height H. The inlet nozzles 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d can also be connected to a piping system via a flange connection and are designed to receive cleaning fluid into the cleaning tank 2. If the cleaning device 1 is connected to a process apparatus 7, a closed circuit is formed, wherein the cleaning fluid is introduced into the process apparatus 7 starting from the cleaning tank 2 and, after cleaning is completed, the contaminated cleaning fluid is reintroduced into the cleaning tank 2 via the inlet nozzles 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d.

[0046] At an upper end of the cleaning tank 2, a first connection 8 for a temperature and / or pressure measuring device is provided, as well as a second connection 9, which is designed as a safety valve. Venting nozzles 10 are also attached to one end of the cleaning tank 2.

[0047] Furthermore, the cleaning device 1 offers the possibility of level monitoring, wherein the level monitoring is preferably implemented using a level measuring device with a magnetic flap indicator. For this purpose, bypass connections 11 are provided at both an upper and a lower end of the cleaning tank 2 or the outer surface M of the cleaning tank 2, each of which can be connected to a magnetic flap indicator via a flange connection.

[0048] The cleaning device 1 further comprises a portable frame 12 that supports the cylindrical cleaning container 2 and can be easily relocated. The cleaning container 2 is located in the frame 12, with the outer surface M extending along the longitudinal direction L and aligned parallel to the base struts of the frame 12.

[0049] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 3 show the cleaning device 1 without a tempering device 14.

[0050] However, a heating flange 13 is provided on one of the end faces of the cleaning container 2, via which a temperature control device 14 can be attached to the cleaning container 2. According to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 this is blocked with a shut-off cap 15.

[0051] A possible design of a tempering device 14 is shown in the Fig. 2. The temperature control device 14 is designed as a heat exchanger, wherein the heat from a heating or cooling medium, e.g. water or steam, can be transferred to the cleaning liquid. The temperature control device 14 accordingly has a tube bundle 16 which consists of a plurality of individual tubes 17, wherein the tubes 17 are arranged parallel to one another. If this temperature control device 14 is mounted on the cleaning container 2, the connection and fastening takes place on the heating flange 13, wherein the tube bundle 16 then extends in the interior of the cleaning container 2 along the longitudinal direction L. Since the tubes 17 of the tube bundle 16 can have a great longitudinal extent, at least one retaining plate 18 is provided which determines the position of the individual tubes 17 relative to one another.

[0052] The temperature control device 14 also has an inlet chamber 19 and an outlet chamber 20, which, when the temperature control device 14 is assembled, are arranged next to one another or one above the other on a common end face of the cleaning tank 2. The heating or cooling medium is introduced into the tubes 17 of the tube bundle 16 via the inlet chamber 19, and the heating or cooling medium is removed from the tubes 17 via the outlet chamber 20. For connecting the inlet chamber 19 and the outlet chamber 20, corresponding inlet and outlet nozzles 21, 22 are also provided, which can be attached to lines via a flange connection. A partition plate 23 is also provided to separate the two chambers 19, 20 from one another, so that two inlet and outlet chambers 19, 20 with an approximately semicircular cross-section are formed.

[0053] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the process according to the invention for cleaning a process apparatus 7 using the circulation method. In the present case, the process apparatus 7 is designed as a column with several column trays 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d arranged one above the other. The process can of course also be applied to other types of process apparatus 7, e.g., for tanks, pipelines, or the like.

[0054] A cleaning tank 2 of a cleaning device 1 is connected via a drain connection 3 to a pump 6, which in turn is driven by a motor 24, e.g., an electric motor. The arrows along the lines illustrate the flow path of a cleaning fluid located in the cleaning tank 2 and conveyed by the pump 6 into an upper section of the process apparatus 7.

[0055] To heat the cleaning fluid, the cleaning device 1 has a temperature control device 14 in the form of a heat exchanger, which extends at least partially into the cleaning container 2 and is operated with steam. This allows the cleaning fluid to be heated to at least 40°C, preferably to at least 60°C, before being introduced into the apparatus 7. The temperature control device 14 is further designed and controlled such that the temperature cannot fall below this predetermined temperature during the cleaning process.

[0056] The cleaning liquid is introduced into the upper section of the apparatus 7 via a cleaning liquid feed line 26 and then flows past the individual column trays 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and comes into contact with the deposits 25 arranged on the column trays 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d.

[0057] By using the cleaning fluid, the deposits are removed bit by bit and the contaminated cleaning fluid is then fed back into the cleaning tank 2 via a drain line 29 and an inlet nozzle 4.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the process apparatus 7 can have an additional temperature control device so that heating is possible not only within the cleaning container 2 but also within the process apparatus 7.

[0059] The Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention for cleaning a process apparatus 7 in the form of the buoyancy method. A comparison with the Fig. Figure 4 shows that the cleaning liquid is now introduced into a lower region of the apparatus 7 via the cleaning liquid inlet line 26. Additionally, steam is also introduced into the lower region via a steam inlet line 27, which mixes with the cleaning liquid to form a mixture 28 of cleaning liquid and steam, which rises in the process apparatus 7. The contaminated condensed mixture 28, which has accumulated at the bottom of the apparatus 7, can be removed and disposed of via a drain line 29. Additionally, a secondary drain line 30 is provided at the upper end of the apparatus 7, through which the uncondensed mixture 28 can be removed.

[0060] The Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the method according to the invention for cleaning a process apparatus 7 in the form of the countercurrent method. A comparative view with the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows that the essential process features of the circulation method and the buoyancy method are combined. Starting with the circulation method according to the Fig. 4, additional steam is introduced into the lower section of the apparatus 7 via the steam inlet line 27. The steam thus flows against the flow direction of the cleaning liquid and entrains at least a portion of the cleaning liquid.

Claims

[1] Cleaning device (1) for cleaning and / or decontamination of a process apparatus (7), e.g. a column, with a cleaning container (2) which has at least one inlet connection (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d) and at least one outlet connection (3), via which the cleaning container (2) can be connected to the process apparatus (7) and via which a cleaning liquid can be introduced from the cleaning container (2) into the process apparatus (7) and / or removed from the process apparatus (7) into the cleaning container (2), characterized byin that a temperature control device (14) for heating or cooling the cleaning liquid is arranged in the cleaning container (2), wherein the cleaning container (2) has a filling volume in the range from 1,000 l to 2,000 l and the temperature control device (14) is designed as a heat exchanger with a tube bundle (16) consisting of a plurality of tubes (17), wherein the tube bundle (16) is arranged at least in sections in an interior of the cleaning container (2). [2] Cleaning device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning container (2) has a filling volume between 1,300 l and 1,700 l. [3] Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the cleaning container (2) extends along a longitudinal direction (L) over a range between 1.0 m and 2.0 m, preferably between 1.2 m and 1.8 m. [4] Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the cleaning container (2) extends along a width direction (B) over a range between 0.5 m and 1.0 m, preferably between 0.7 m and 0.9 m. [5] Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one temperature and / or at least one pressure measuring device is arranged on the cleaning container (2). [6] Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a level measuring device is arranged on the cleaning container (2). [7] Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the tube bundle (16) extends along the longitudinal direction (L) over at least 20%, preferably at least 40%, particularly preferably over at least 60% of the length of the interior space. [8] Cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the tube bundle (16) merges on a first side into an inlet chamber (19) and on a second side into an outlet chamber (20), wherein the inlet chamber (19) and / or the outlet chamber (20) preferably each connect to an inlet and an outlet nozzle (21, 22). [9] Method for cleaning a process engineering apparatus (7) with a cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein cleaning liquid is introduced from the cleaning container (2) into the process engineering apparatus (7) and flows through the process engineering plant component (7), wherein in the course of this, deposits (25) in the interior of the plant component (7) are removed. [10] Method according to claim 9, wherein the cleaning liquid is heated and / or maintained at a temperature via the temperature control device (14) before being introduced into the process apparatus (7), the temperature preferably being between 20 °C and 210 °C, preferably between 60 °C and 160 °C. [11] Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the cleaning liquid contains a cleaning agent with a proportion of sodium percarbonate, wherein the sodium percarbonate decomposes at least partially in the process apparatus (7) and / or in the cleaning container (2) and releases oxygen, wherein pyrophoric iron and / or pyrophoric iron compounds as a component of the deposits (25) oxidize under the influence of the released oxygen. [12] Method for cleaning a process apparatus (7) with a cleaning device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein an alkaline agent is arranged in the cleaning container (2), wherein an acidic compound is introduced from the process apparatus (7) into the cleaning container (2) and reacts there with the alkaline agent, wherein the temperature control device (14) is flowed through with a cooling medium, e.g. water, and thereby cools the interior of the cleaning container.

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