Integrable and configurable cleaning module for heat exchanger

Abstract

An integrable and configurable cleaning module for a heat exchanger including a component that allows for the delivery of a desired cleaning solution proximate to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger to remove collected debris on one or more heat exchanger components, such component being configurable to size, location, and cleaning solution distribution impact within the heat exchanger. In illustrative implementations, the component can include any or a combination of the following: one or more bayonet nozzles, one or more injection ports, one or more injection strips, and / or one or more cleaning tubes. These components operatively can work independently of each other or can be connected internally and / or externally to the heat exchanger through piping to meet the needs of the heat exchanger operational and / or cleaning parameters. Illustratively, the component can be integrated within the heat exchanger's shell, mandrel, shroud, and / or intertwined with the tube bundle.

Description

INTEGRABLE AND CONFIGURABLE CLEANING MODULE FOR HEAT EXCHANGERCROSS-REERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority of US Provisional Application No. 63 / 440,955 filed on January 25, 2023, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] This application relates to a configurable / integrable cleaning module for a heat exchanger for use in performing either on-line or off-line cleaning of one or more portions of the heat exchanger.

[0003] Industrial applications requiring cooling and / or heating sources as part of an illustrative operational process and / or solution may deploy a heat exchanger. Illustratively, existing heat exchangers often comprise a shell, a heat exchange tube installed on the central cylinder within the shell and, for coil-wound heat exchangers, a coil-wound heat exchange tube from the interior outward on the central cylinder, as well as tubesheets supporting the ends of the heat exchange tube and, operatively, providing passage for the ends of the heat exchange tube. The configuration and deployment of the heat exchange tube can be variable depending on the design and operational parameters of a heat exchanger and may also include a mandrel and shroud that provide structure for the heat exchanger as well as operatively allows for the connectivity of various components interoperable with the heat exchange tube and other operational components such as the integrable and configurable cleaning module as described herein.

[0004] In the context of coil-wound heat exchangers (CWHE), existing CWHEs have the advantages of a compact structure and high heat exchange efficiency. Operatively, the temperature of the heat exchanger can gradually change in an axial direction. Additionally, the media used in the heat exchanger may have physical properties that display different characteristics in certain temperature intervals and, operatively, may adhere to the outer walls of tubing or the inner walls of the heat exchanger shell at different temperatures and / or operating conditions. With continued operation of the heat exchanger, various substances and / or impurities can result in the utilized shell media (effluent) that operatively degrade the performance of heat exchange between the various components of the heat exchanger (e.g., between and among the heat exchange tube and the shell). Such degraded performance is not only limited to a reduction in heat exchange efficiency but can also lead to an increase in the pressure drop within the heat exchanger - pressure that may be essential to the optimize operation. The results can be more energy consumption, reduction in life-time operation of theheat exchanger through physical unintended stressors, and a reduction in the production capacity of the entire installation that is reliant on the heat exchanger as part of a production process(es).

[0005] The cleaning of heat exchangers presents various challenges. Depending on the application of where the heat exchanger is being used, the types of debris to be cleaned and removed internal to the heat exchanger can be substantial and difficult to process. Traditionally, cleaning of CWHEs is difficult due to the complex geometry and limited access to the CWHE’s internal tube bundle. Moreover, heat exchanger cleaning most often requires that the heat exchanger be placed off-line which can dramatically impact overall production yields in the installation process(es) utilizing the heat exchanger. This cost of cleaning can dramatically impact a company’s revenue opportunities.

[0006] Current solutions contemplate the use of intertwined and / or proximately located cleaning tubes (that may be perforated) near the heat exchange coils capable of delivering a cleaning solution to operatively remove the debris (e.g., crystalized substances) from the surface of the heat exchange coils. Such convention is very limited in its efficacy and result as it lacks configuration for controlled, targeted and distributed cleaning of one or more desired portions of heat exchanger components and / or the cleaning of multiple coil bundles within the heat exchanger. Moreover, existing practices do not contemplate on-line cleaning of the heat exchanger so as to avoid any operational interruption in an installation’s production process(es).

[0007] Accordingly, there exists an unmet need for an improved system and method for the integrable and configurable cleaning of heat exchangers that is cost effective, efficient, and is simple to design and operate.SUMMARY

[0008] The herein described illustrative implementations provide for an integrable and configurable cleaning module for use in the cleaning of various components of a heat exchanger inclusive of coil wound heat exchangers such that the illustrative implementations are operative in either of on-line and / or off-line modes. For the illustrative implementations, the on-line mode of cleaning operations can be achieved such that the cleaning fluid used for cleaning operations is delivered according to the herein described illustrative implementations (during the available operation steps of the heat exchanger) to the heat exchanger and exists with the collected debris with the process fluid that is present during conventional operation of the heat exchanger. In an offline mode, the illustrative implementations can be operable suchthat cleaning fluid is directed to be flowed only on the shell side of the heat exchanger. The illustrative implementations can also be operable such that cleaning fluid is directed to be flowed against the tubesheet face. Additionally, the illustrative implementations may further include an exemplary collector and / or separator to process the cleaning fluid, inclusive of the collected debris, that exists the shell of the heat exchanger operatively preventing the collected debris from continuing downstream along the operational fluid circuit of the heat exchanger and / or or fluid circuit of the installation’s process(es) utilizing the heat exchanger.

[0009] In an illustrative implementation the cleaning module is deployed using one or more bayonet nozzles locatable axially and / or circumferentially within the heat exchanger operative to deliver a desired cleaning solution to one or more components of the heat exchanger. In an illustrative configuration, the one or more bayonet nozzles are operatively mounted on the heat exchanger shell to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more bayonet nozzles are operatively located inside the heat exchanger shell to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more bayonet nozzles are operatively mounted to the heat exchanger shell having an axial tubesheet. In another illustrative implementation, the exemplary bayonet nozzle can be attached to the tubesheet operatively allowing the cleaning fluid to be deployed into the tube trunk of the exemplary heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more bayonet nozzles are operatively located on the vessel head of the heat exchanger to deliver the desired cleaning solution. In these implementations, the one or more bayonet nozzles can be deployed to act independently such that they are not physically connected with each other and / or can be deployed to be interconnected depending on the parameters of the desired heat exchanger cleaning protocol that can take into account the geometry of the heat exchanger components, the type of debris to be cleaned, the frequency of cleaning, and the targeted portion(s) of the heat exchanger requiring cleaning.

[0010] In an illustrative implementation the cleaning module is deployed using one or more injection ports locatable axially and / or circumferentially within and / or to the heat exchanger operative to deliver a desired cleaning solution to one or more components of the heat exchanger. In an illustrative configuration, the one or more injection ports are operatively mounted in the mandrel of the heat exchanger to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more injection ports are operatively located in the shroud of the heat exchanger to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In these implementations, the one or more injection ports can be deployed to act independentlysuch that they are not physically connected with each other and / or can be deployed to be interconnected depending on the parameters of the desired heat exchanger cleaning protocol that can take into account the geometry of the heat exchanger components, the type of debris to be cleaned, the frequency of cleaning, and the targeted portion(s) of the heat exchanger requiring cleaning. In an illustrative operation, the injection ports are deployed to allow for regionalized cleaning of one or more portions of the exemplary heat exchanger.

[0011] In an illustrative implementation the cleaning module is deployed using one or more injection strips locatable independently, axially and / or circumferentially within and / or to the heat exchanger operative to deliver a desired cleaning solution to one or more components of the heat exchanger. In an illustrative implementation, the one or more injection strips are independent components apart from the components of the exemplary heat exchanger. In another illustrative implementation, the one or more injection strips are integrated as one or more portions of an existing heat exchanger component including but not limited to a spacer and a bundle support. In an illustrative configuration, the one or more injection strips are operatively mounted on the heat exchanger shell to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more injection strips have perforations to allow for another desirable distribution pattern when delivering cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more injection strips are operatively located in the mandrel of the heat exchanger to allow for cleaning of the mandrel. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more injection strips are operatively located in the heat exchanger to be interconnected through piping locatable in the mandrel. In these implementations, the one or more injection strips can be deployed to act independently such that they are not physically connected with each other and / or can be deployed to be interconnected depending on the parameters of the desired heat exchanger cleaning protocol that can take into account the geometry of the heat exchanger components, the type of debris to be cleaned, the frequency of cleaning, and the targeted portion(s) of the heat exchanger requiring cleaning.

[0012] In an illustrative implementation the cleaning module is deployed using one or more perforated cleaning tubes locatable axially and / or circumferentially within and / or to the heat exchanger operative to deliver a desired cleaning solution to one or more components of the heat exchanger. In an illustrative configuration, the one or more perforated cleaning tubes are operatively mounted on the heat exchanger shell’s axial tubesheet to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more perforated tubes are operatively located inside the heatexchanger having a common termination point within the heat exchanger geometry to allow for the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more desired portions of the heat exchanger. In another illustrative configuration, the one or more perforated tubes are operatively located within the heat exchanger having variable termination points to allow for the delivery of the cleaning solution variably across differed portions of the heat exchanger internal geometry. In these implementations, the one or more perforated tubes can be deployed to act independently such that they are not physically connected with each other and / or can be deployed to be interconnected depending on the parameters of the desired heat exchanger cleaning protocol that can take into account the geometry of the heat exchanger components, the type of debris to be cleaned, the frequency of cleaning, and the targeted portion(s) of the heat exchanger requiring cleaning. In an illustrative implementation, the one or more perforated tubes are locatable to allow for the cleaning solution to flow in an upward direction in the exemplary heat exchanger allowing for the cleaning solution to bubble over in fountainlike fluid flow over one more components of the heat exchanger requiring cleaning. In another illustrative implementation the one or more perforated cleaning tubes can be locatable in an exemplary heat exchanger having more than one bundle such that the perforated cleaning tube terminates at the bottom of an upper bundle allowing for exemplary cleaning solution to flow onto the bottom bundle using gravity.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more exemplary bayonet nozzles that operatively are mounted to an illustrative shell of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0014] Figure 1A is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more exemplary injection strips that operatively are locatable as independent components within the heat exchanger and / or as part of one or more components of the heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0015] Figure 1 B is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection ports that operatively are located in an illustrative mandrel of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0016] Figure 1C is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more cleaning tubes in a desirableconfiguration illustratively having a common termination point for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0017] Figure 2 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzle that operatively are located inside of an illustrative shell of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0018] Figure 2A is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more perforated injection strips that operatively are located internal to an exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0019] Figure 2B is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection ports that operatively are located in an illustrative shroud of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0020] Figure 2C is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more cleaning tubes in a desirable configuration illustratively having a one or more varying termination points for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0021] Figure 3 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more exemplary bayonet nozzles that operatively are mounted to an illustrative shell having an exemplary axial tubesheet of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0022] Figure 3A is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more exemplary injection strips that operatively are connected through an illustrative mandrel of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0023] Figure 3B is a sectional view taken along line 3B-3B of Figure 3, showing an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection ports that operatively are located in an illustrative mandrel and connected internally of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0024] Figure 3C is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more cleaning tubes in a desirableconfiguration illustratively integrated with an axial tubesheet of the exemplary heat exchanger for us in a desirable cleaning process.

[0025] Figure 3D is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying cleaning tubes in a desirable configuration that operatively are located internally of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0026] Figure 4 is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles in a desirable configuration that are not physically connected and deployed in the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0027] Figure 4A is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection strips that are not physically connected and deployed in the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0028] Figure 4B is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more shroud mounted injection ports in a desirable configuration that are internally physically connected and deployed in the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0029] Figure 4C is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more cleaning tubes in a desirable bundle configuration that are not internally physically connected and deployed in the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0030] Figure 5 is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles in a desirable configuration that are physically connected externally to the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0031] Figure 5A is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection strips in a desirable configuration that are physically connected externally to the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0032] Figure 6 is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles in a desirableconfiguration that are physically connected internally to the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0033] Figure 6A is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection strips in a desirable configuration that are physically connected internally using an illustrative mandrel of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0034] Figure 7 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more exemplary bayonet nozzles that operatively are mounted to an illustrative vessel head of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0035] Figure 7A is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more injection strips in a desirable layer / bundle configuration deployed in the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0036] Figure 8 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more exemplary bayonet nozzles that operatively are mounted on an illustrative axial tubesheet of the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0037] Figure 8A side view of an illustrative perforated injection strip for use in accordance with the illustrative implementations described herein.

[0038] Figure 8B shows a sectional view taken along line 8B-8B of Figure 8A.

[0039] Figure 9 is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles in another desirable configuration that are not physically connected and deployed in the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0040] Figure 10 is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles in another desirable configuration that are physically connected externally to the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0041] Figure 11 is a top sectional view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles in anotherdesirable configuration that are physically connected internally to the exemplary heat exchanger for use in a desirable cleaning process.

[0042] Figure 12 is a side view of an exemplary bayonet nozzle for use in accordance with the illustrative implementations described herein.

[0043] Figure 13 is a front termination view of an exemplary bayonet nozzle for use in accordance with the illustrative implementations described herein.

[0044] Figure 14 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles that operatively are located between upper and lower bundles.

[0045] Figure 15 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles that extend through a tubesheet.

[0046] Figure 16 is a block side view of an exemplary heat exchanger having deployed therein an illustrative implementation deploying one or more bayonet nozzles that operatively are located within the bundle.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] The ensuing detailed description provides illustrative implementations only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention. Rather, the ensuing detailed description of the illustrative implementations will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing the illustrative implementations of the invention. It is understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0048] Reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features.

[0049] The application includes a plurality of illustrative implementations. Features that are present in more than one illustrative implementation are represented by reference numerals that differ by a factors of 100. For example, the CWHE 100 of the illustrative implementation of Figure 1 corresponds to the CWHE 200 of Figure 2 and the CWHE 300 of Figure 3. Unless a feature is specifically described as being different from other illustrative implementations in which it is shown in the drawings, that feature can be assumed to havesubstantially the same structure and function as the corresponding feature in the illustrative implementation in which it is described. Moreover, if that feature does not have a different structure or function in a subsequently-described illustrative implementation, it may be labeled in the drawings but not specifically referred to in the specification.

[0050] In order to aid in describing the invention, directional terms may be used in the specification and claims to describe portions of the present invention (e.g., upper, lower, left, right, etc.). These directional terms are merely intended to assist in describing and claiming the invention and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. In addition, reference numerals that are introduced in the specification in association with a drawing figure may be repeated in one or more subsequent figures without additional description in the specification in order to provide context for other features.

[0051] Unless otherwise indicated, the articles “a” and “an” as used herein mean one or more when applied to any feature in embodiments of the present invention described in the specification and claims. The use of “a” and “an” does not limit the meaning to a single feature unless such a limit is specifically stated. The article “the” preceding singular or plural nouns or noun phrases denotes a particular specified feature or particular specified features and may have a singular or plural connotation depending upon the context in which it is used.

[0052] Unless otherwise stated herein, introducing a stream at a location is intended to mean introducing substantially all of said stream at the location. All streams discussed in the specification and shown in the drawings (typically represented by a line with an arrow showing the overall direction of fluid flow during normal operation) should be understood to be contained within a corresponding conduit. Each conduit should be understood to have at least one inlet and at least one outlet. Further, each piece of equipment should be understood to have at least one inlet and at least one outlet.

[0053] The term “conduit,” as used in the specification and claims, refers to one or more structures through which fluids can be transported between two or more components of a system. For example, conduits can include pipes, ducts, passageways, and combinations thereof that transport liquids, vapors, and / or gases.

[0054] As used in the specification and claims, the term “flow communication” is intended to mean that two or more elements are connected (either directly or indirectly) in a manner that enables fluids to flow between the elements, including connections that may contain valves, gates, tees, or other devices that may selectively restrict, merge, or separate fluid flow.

[0055] As used in the specification and claims, the term “mandrel” is intended to refer to a central tube around which tubes are wound to form a tube bundle.

[0056] As used in the specification and claims, the term “shroud” is intended to refer to a structure located between the outer-most layer of tube bundle and the shell that is adapted to direct shell-side fluid that falls between the shell and the tube bundle inwardly toward the tube bundle.

[0057] As used in the specification and claims, the term “distributor” is intended to refer to a structure located on the shell side and above a tube bundle that controls the mixing and distribution of shell-side fluid (which is typically two-phase) over the tube bundle below it. A distributor may also be referred to as a separator and distributor.

[0058] As used in the specification and claims, the term “support strip” is intended to refer to a structure that is located between layers of the tube bundle that provides structural support for the tube bundle.

[0059] As used in the specification and claims, the term “spacer” is intended to refer to a structure that that is located between layers of the tube bundle, typically extends vertically, and provides desired spacing between tube layers and may optionally maintain desired spacing between adjacent tube windings.

[0060] As used in the specification and claims, the term “tubesheet” is intended to refer to a structure through which all of the tubes of a tube bundle pass and are affixed. A tubesheet provides stability for the tubes as they pass through the shell of the CWHE.

[0061] As used in the specification and claims, the term “tube trunk” is intended to refer to a length of tube that extends between a tube sheet and the wound tube bundle.

[0062] Figures 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 , 12, and 13 describe an illustrative implementation of integrable and configurable cleaning module for a CWHE utilizing one or more bayonet nozzles. As is shown in these Figures, the bayonet nozzle can be operatively located to accommodate the needs of the CWHE. In the illustrative implementation, although the Figures show a particular number of bayonet nozzles being deployed, such number is merely illustrative as the quantity of bayonet nozzles being deployed can vary depending on various factors including but not limited to the size of the heat exchanger, the desired location of the bayonet nozzle as it relates to the targeted portion(s) being cleaned in the heat exchanger as well the cleaning requirements. In addition, the cleaning module could be advantageously implemented in other types of heat exchangers.

[0063] As used herein, the term “cleaning module” is intended to refer to a device that is design to deliver a cleaning fluid to the interior of a heat exchanger. Examples of cleaning modules include bayonet nozzles, ports, strips, tubes, and the like, many of which are discussed in the illustrative implementations described herein.

[0064] In the illustrative implementations, the exemplary bayonet nozzle projection into the vessel can be adjusted in length and diameter to accommodate access to different regions on the CWHE inclusive of the location of the tube bundles. Illustratively, if multiple bayonet nozzles are deployed, each bayonet nozzle can operatively have a different geometry (e.g., size, length, diameter, spatial location, port hole size, port hole geometry, port hole pitch, attachment point to optimize fluid distribution). Accordingly, to accommodate the many different heat exchanger configurations, the illustrative bayonet nozzles can be varied in number, location, and function. The bayonet nozzles can be mounted internally (see, e.g., Figure 2) or externally to the CWHE such that the mountings and subsequent nozzle projection may be accomplished, illustratively, through the shell, vessel head, axial tubesheet, mandrel, and / or shroud. In addition, the manner in which fluid is discharged from the bayonet nozzles (or other types of cleaning modules) may depend on many factors, such as where cleaning fluid is being directed, the size of the shell, and the configuration of elements within the shell, for example. In some implementations, it may be desirable for fluid to be discharged as a stream or jet. In other implementations it may be desirable for fluid to be discharged as droplets, vapor, mist, or to be atomized.

[0065] The bayonet nozzles may be deployed in this illustrative implantation as independent nozzles as shown in Figures 4 and 9, and / or connected externally as is shown in Figures 5 and 10, such that the connections may include a fluid control valve 1750, to allow automated and / or manual segregation of cleaning regions. Additionally, the illustrative bayonet nozzles may be connected internally as shown in Figures 6 and 11 such that the connections may include a bypass valve 1950, to allow automated and / or manual segregation of cleaning regions. In other implementations, the illustrative bayonet nozzles’ internal connections may include a control valve. In the illustrative implementation, the one or more bayonet nozzles can also be deployed so that they are not limited to targeting the cleaning of a single coil bundle of the exemplary heat exchanger. In this implementation, the one or more bayonet nozzles can be installed for heat exchangers having multiple coil bundles such that every coil bundle is targeted or for a single bundle heat exchanger, the single coil is addressed as well as configured to address individual bundles as required in a multi-bundle heat exchanger. Operatively, the configurable deployment of the bayonet nozzle avails bundles to be cleanedin isolation, all-together, or in sequence. Moreover, although not shown in the Figures, the bayonet nozzles may be deployed as an additional wound bundle.

[0066] As is shown in Figure 1 , an illustrative CWHE 100 includes bayonet nozzles 130a, 130b that are operatively mounted on a heat exchanger shell 120 above and / or below a tube bundle 122. Shell-side process fluid enters the exemplary CWHE 100 via an inlet port 101 and exits the heat exchanger via an outlet port 102. Tube-side process fluid enters the tube bundle 122 through an inlet 103 and exits through an outlet 104 across the tube bundle 122 through the tubesheets 123. Each bayonet nozzle 130a, 130b can be positioned and connected optimally to ensure cleaning fluid flows top-down (as indicated by arrows 106) over the bundle 122 or bottom-up (as indicated by arrows 108) through the bundle 122 depending on various operational and / or cleaning requirements of the CWHE 100. Additionally, in the illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzles 130a, 130b can be positioned to distribute cleaning fluid over or avoid tubesheets 123, tube trunks 124a and 124b, a mandrel 125, and / or a shroud 121 , as desired.

[0067] Each bayonet nozzle 130a, 130b is connected to a source of cleaning fluid (represented by a tank 150) and may have dedicated conduits 152, 154 that supply the cleaning fluid to the bayonet nozzles 130a, 130b, respectively. Having dedicated conduits 152, 154 for cleaning fluid and the distribution thereof (via the bayonet nozzles 130a, 130b) enables the cleaning system to operate independently of flow of the shell or tube side fluids.

[0068] Figure 2 shows another configuration of the illustrative implementation for the integrable and configurable cleaning module for a CWHE 500 utilizing illustrative bayonet nozzles 530a, 530b. Bayonet nozzles 530a, 530b can be illustratively mounted on the shell 520 above and / or below the tube bundle 522 as well as including one or more internal connections to internally mounted bayonet nozzles 530a, 530b. In an illustrative operation, shell-side process fluid can enter an exemplary heat exchanger through an inlet 501 and exit the heat exchanger via the outlet 502. The tube-side fluid can operatively enter the tube bundle(s) 522 through inlet 503, circulate through tube trunks 524a, 524b, then exit the tube bundle 522 through exit the outlet 504. Transitions between the tube trunks 524a, 524b, and the inlet 503 and outlet 504 are provided by tubesheets 523a and 523b, respectively.

[0069] The one or more bayonet nozzles 530a, 530b can be positioned and connected optimally to ensure cleaning fluid flows top-down over (as indicated by arrows 506) the bundle 522 or bottom-up (as indicated by arrows 508) through the bundle 522 depending on the exemplary heat exchanger operational and / or cleaning requirements. The exemplary bayonet nozzles 530a, 530b can be positioned to distribute cleaning fluid over or to operatively avoidthe tubesheets 523, tube trunks 524a and 524b, mandrel 525, and / or shroud 521 as desired in each application.

[0070] Figure 3 shows another illustrative implementation in which bayonet nozzles 930a, 930b are operatively mounted above and / or below the tube bundle 922 and between axial tubesheets 923a, 923b. In an illustrative operation, shell-side process fluid can operatively enter the exemplary CWHE 900 via inlet nozzle 901 and exits the heat exchanger via outlet nozzle 902. The tube-side fluid enters though inlet nozzle 903 and exits through exit nozzle 904 across the tube bundle 922. In an illustrative implementation, bayonet nozzles 930a, 930b can be positioned and connected optimally to ensure cleaning fluid flows top-down (as indicated by arrows 906) over the bundle 922 or bottom-up (as indicated by arrows 908) through the bundle 922 depending on various heat exchanger operational and / or cleaning requirements. Additionally, in the illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzles 930a, 930b can be positioned to distribute cleaning fluid over or avoid the tubesheets 923a and 923b, tube trunks 924, mandrel 925, and / or shroud 921 as required.

[0071] Figure 4 provides a cross-sectional view of illustrative bayonet nozzles 1330a, 1330b, 1330c, and 1330d that can illustratively operate so that each bayonet nozzle 1330a, 1330b, 1330c, and 1330d operates independent of each other. This allows cleaning solution to enter the heat exchanger cavity top-down over the tube bundle 1336 (through bayonet nozzle 1330b) or to the enter the heat exchanger cavity from the bottom-up through the bundle 1336 (through bayonet nozzle 1330d) depending on heat exchanger operation and / or cleaning requirements. As is shown in this illustrative implementation, bayonet nozzles 1330a, 1330b, 1330c, and 1330d can be external mounted to the heat exchanger shell 1320. Further, as is shown, bayonet nozzles 1330a, 1330b, 1330c, and 1330d can be operatively positioned to ensure desired distribution over the entire bundle 1336 or specific tube layers 1326a, 1326b, 1326c, 1326d.

[0072] Figure 5 shows a sectional view where the illustrative bayonet nozzles 1730a-h are connected external to the shell 1720 through exemplary pipes 1733a-h. Cleaning solution can operatively enter the heat exchanger cavity top-down over the bundle 1726 (as indicated by flow arrow 1705) or to the enter the heat exchanger cavity from the bottom-up through the bundle 1726 (as indicated by flow arrow 1707) depending on heat exchanger operation and / or cleaning requirements. As is shown in this illustrative implementation, bayonet nozzles 1730a- h can be external mounted to the heat exchanger shell 1720. Further, as is shown, bayonet nozzles 1730a-h can be operatively positioned to ensure desired distribution over the entire bundle or specific tube layers 1736a-d.

[0073] Figure 6 shows bayonet nozzles 1930a, 1930b operatively internally connected via exemplary piping. In the illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzle arrangement and piping connections 1933a, 1933b, 1933c, 1933d, and 1933e can be adjusted to optimize the bayonet nozzles 1930a, 1930b position for cleaning solution distribution over the tube bundle 1926, tube trunks (not shown), and other heat exchanger components that may require cleaning. Exemplary cleaning solution can operatively enter the heat exchanger cavity top- down over the bundle 1926 (as indicated by flow arrow 1905) or to the enter the heat exchanger cavity from the bottom-up through the bundle 1926 (as indicated by flow arrow 1907) depending on heat exchanger operation and / or cleaning requirements. As is shown in this illustrative implementation, bayonet nozzles 1930a, 1930b can be externally mounted to the heat exchanger shell 1920. Further, as is shown, bayonet nozzles 1930a, 1930b can be operatively positioned to ensure desired distribution over the entire bundle or specific tube layers 1936a, 1936b, 1936c, 1936d.

[0074] Figure 7 shows a different configuration of the illustrative implementation deploying the one or more bayonet nozzles. As is shown, bayonet nozzles 2130a, 2130b, 2130c, 2130d can be operatively mounted above and / or below the tube bundle 2126 on the shell 2120. In an illustrative operation, shell-side process fluid can operatively enter the exemplary heat exchanger via inlet nozzle 2101 and exits the heat exchanger via outlet nozzle 2102. The tube-side fluid enters though inlet nozzle 2103 through tubesheet 2123a and exits through exit nozzle 2104 across the tube bundle 2126 through the tubesheet 2123b. In an illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzles 2130a, 2130b, 2130c, 2130d can be positioned and connected optimally to ensure cleaning fluid flows top-down (as indicated by arrows 2105a and 2105b) over the bundle 2126 or bottom-up (as indicated by arrows 2107a and 2107b) through the bundle 2126 depending on various heat exchanger operational and / or cleaning requirements. Additionally, in the illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzles 2130a, 2130b, 2130c, 2130d can be positioned to distribute cleaning fluid over or avoid the tubesheets 2123a-b, tube trunks 2124, mandrel 2125, and / or shroud 2121 as required.

[0075] Figure 8 shows a different configuration of the illustrative implementation deploying the one or more bayonet nozzles. In this implementation, the bayonet nozzles 2230a, 2230b, 2230c, 2230d can be operatively mounted above and / or below the tube bundle 2226 and integrally mounted on the axial tubesheets 2223a, 2223b. In an illustrative operation, shellside process fluid can operatively enter the exemplary heat exchanger via inlet nozzle 2201 and exits the heat exchanger via outlet nozzle 2202. The tube-side fluid enters though inlet nozzle 2203 and exits through exit nozzle 2204 across the tube bundle 2226 through the tubesheets 2223a, 2223b. In an illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzles 2230a,2230b, 2230c, 2230d can be positioned and connected optimally to ensure cleaning fluid flows top-down (as indicated by arrows 2206a, 2206b) over the bundle 2226 or bottom-up (as indicated by arrows 2208a, 2208b) through the bundle 2226 depending on various heat exchanger operational and / or cleaning requirements. Additionally, in the illustrative implementation, the bayonet nozzles 2230a, 2230b, 2230c, 2230d can be positioned to distribute cleaning fluid over or avoid the tubesheets 2223a, 2223b, tube trunks 2224, mandrel 2225, and / or shroud 2221 as required.

[0076] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view where each of the bayonet nozzles 2430a-h can be operated to allow cleaning solution to enter the CWHE 2400 for top-down cleaning over the bundle 2426 (as indicated by arrow 2405) or entering the CWHE 2400 for bottom-up cleaning through bundle 2426 (as indicated by arrow 2407) depending on heat exchanger’s operational and / or cleaning requirements. The bayonet nozzles 2430a-h can each be externally mounted to the heat exchanger shell 2420, internally mounted within the heat exchanger, integrated, or mounted to the heat exchanger tubesheet (see, e.g., Figure 15, described below). In the illustrative operation, bayonet nozzles 2430a-h can be customed fabricated and illustratively positioned to allow for the distribution of cleaning solution over the entire tube bundle and / or specific tube layers 2436.

[0077] Figure 10 is another exemplary implementation that is similar to the implementation of Figure 9, but in which the cleaning fluid feed to the bayonet nozzles 2530a-h is grouped. For example, connecting piping 2533a-b is provided to both bayonet nozzles 2533a and 2533b that is connected to a single cleaning fluid feed 2505.

[0078] Figure 11 is another exemplary implementation that is similar to the implementation of Figure 10, but in which the connecting piping 2633a-b is internal to the heat exchanger shell 2620.

[0079] Figures 12 and 13 show a side view and front terminal view, respectively, of an illustrative bayonet nozzle 2730. As is shown in Figure 12, the exemplary bayonet nozzle 2730 may include a mounting side 2737 and fluid distribution side 2735. Included in the fluid distribution side 2735 can be several perforations 2738a, 2738b, 2738c as well as a terminal end 2739. The mounting side 2737 can include a CWHE attachment component 2742 with a three-dimensional movement device 2740. The movement device 2740 allows the rigid nozzle structure on the fluid distribution side 2735 to rotate, enabling cleaning fluid across a three- dimensional spectrum within the CWHE. The fluid distribution and rotation via the movement device 2740 can be controlled via a mechanical or electronical interface or controlled via the pressure and velocity of the cleaning fluid being injected. The mounting components of thefluid distribution side 2735 and attachment component 2742 in conjunction with the movement device 2740 also enable interchanging the bayonet nozzle 2730 such that the cleaning fluid and fluid distribution within the CWHE can be optimized. As is shown in Figure 13, the terminal end 1230 of the bayonet nozzle 2730 can include and includes various perforations 2741a, 2741 b, 2741c in a configuration plate 2739.

[0080] Figure 14 shows another illustrative arrangement of a CWHE 2800 having a single shell 2820, an upper tube bundle 2826a, a lower tube bundle 2826b, and a cleaning module 2870 located between the upper and lower tube bundles 2826a, 2826b. This arrangement may be advantageous for applications in which cleaning is desired for the lower tube bundle 2826b only.

[0081] Figure 15 shows another illustrative arrangement of a CWHE 2900 in which bayonet nozzles 2930a, 2930b are mounted to and extend through the tubesheet 2923. This arrangement may be advantageous in some applications because the bayonet nozzles 2930a, 2930b penetrate the shell 2920 through an existing tubesheet 2923. This arrangement results in fewer shell 2920 penetrations and may simplify the modifications necessary for a retrofit application. This arrangement also allows for cleaning fluid to be directed at the tube trunk 2924 and / or the backside of the tubesheet 2923 (represented by arrows 2906). This arrangement could also be implemented in applications in which the tubesheet 2923 is located entirely within the shell 2920 instead of being attached to the shell 2920. In other arrangements, the bayonet nozzles 2930a, 2930b may be shell-mounted rather than tubesheet-mounted.

[0082] Figure 16 shows another illustrative arrangement of a CWHE 3000 in which the bayonet nozzles 3030a, 3030b are mounted to the mandrel 3025, extend outwardly, and are located within the tube bundle 3026. This means that a portion of the tubes forming the tube bundle 3026 are located above the bayonet nozzles 3030a, 3030b. This arrangement may be advantageous for applications in which cleaning is desired for the portion of the tube bundle 3026 located below the bayonet nozzles 3030a, 3030b or if additional cleaning flow is desired for that portion of the tube bundle 3026. Alternatively, this arrangement could be implemented with the bayonet nozzles 3030a, 3030b being attached to the shell 3020 or a shroud 3021 instead of being attached to the mandrel 3025.

[0083] Figures 1 B, 2B, 3C, 3D, and 4B describe an illustrative implementation of integrable and configurable cleaning module for a heat exchanger utilizing one or more injection ports. As is shown in these Figures, the injection port can be operatively located, connected, and / or configured to accommodate the needs of the heat exchanger inclusive of a coil wound heatexchanger. In the illustrative implementation, although the Figures show a particular number of injection ports being deployed, such number is merely illustrative as the quantity of injection ports being deployed can vary depending on various factors including but not limited to the size of the heat exchanger, the desired location of the injection port as it relates to the targeted portion(s) being cleaned in the heat exchanger as well the cleaning requirements.

[0084] Furthermore, the illustrative injections ports of Figures 1 B, 2B, 3C, 3D, and 4B can be operatively used with other cleaning injection apparatus such as the bayonet nozzles described in the illustrative implementations of the invention. Some illustrative features of the illustrative injection ports can include but are not limited to: the ports can be open (like a nozzle), perforated, or can interoperate with alternative cleaning injection apparatus (e.g., bayonet nozzles), the ports can be perfectly radial or angled to allow cleaning fluid injection upward and / or downward, the ports can be positioned at equal or uneven circumferential spacing around the mandrel and / or shroud, the ports can be positioned at equal or uneven radial spacing along the mandrel and / or shroud, the ports can be any geometric hollow shape (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, etc.), the ports openings can be any geometric size and shape (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, chamfered, etc.), and the ports openings can be positioned on any size and pitch (e.g., 30deg triangular, 30deg square, randomized, etc.)

[0085] Figures 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, 7A, 8A, and 8B describe an illustrative implementation of integrable and configurable cleaning module for a heat exchanger utilizing one or more injection strips. For example, Figure 1 A includes a pair of injection ports 240, 242 with corresponding injection strips 244, 246. As is shown in these Figures, the injection port can be operatively located, connected, and / or configured to accommodate the needs of the heat exchanger inclusive of a coil wound heat exchanger. In the illustrative implementation, although the Figures show a particular number of injection strips being deployed, such number is merely illustrative as the quantity of strips ports being deployed can vary depending on various factors including but not limited to the size of the heat exchanger, the desired location of the injection port as it relates to the targeted portion(s) being cleaned in the heat exchanger as well the cleaning requirements.

[0086] Some illustrative features of the illustrative injection strips include but are not limited to: the strips can be operate as an independent separate component or can integrated with an existing heat exchanger components (e.g., spacers and / or support structures), and the strips’ ends can be open, closed, or porous (as is shown in Figure 1A, Figure 2A, Figure 8A and Figure 8B). Figures 8A and 8B show injection strips 2280 having multiple pores 2282. Further, the strips’ surface can be solid, include porous regions, or be porous over the entire length (as is shown in Figure 1A, Figure 2A and Figure 8), the strips’ end for fluid injectionand / or perforations may be the same and / or vary from layer to layer to layer and / or strip to strip to allow varying cleaning fluid injection along the length of the bundle, the strips can be independent or connected together, connections among and between the strips can be made internally and / or externally, the strip connections can be used to clean the entire bundle or regional segments or specific bundle attributes (e.g., tube trunks)(as is described in Figures 1A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A, and 7A), the strips interconnectivity can be controlled via a bypass valve such that regional segments can be combined or split where valve control can be automated or manual (as is described in Figures 4A, 5A, 6, A and 7A), the strips’ openings (including porous region) can be perfectly axial, radial or angled to allow cleaning fluid injection upward and / or downward (as is described in Figures 1A, 2A, and 3A), the strips can be positioned on every layer or skip layers in any fashion, the strips can be positioned at equal or uneven circumferential spacing, the strips can be include various geometric hollow shapes (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, polygonal, etc.), the porous openings can be any geometric size and shape (e.g., circular, triangular, rectangular, chamfered, etc.), and the porous openings can be positioned on any dimensional pitch (e.g., 30deg triangular, 30deg square, randomized, etc.). Additionally, the cleaning module can be constructed such that it has one or more components that are flexible and / or rigid.

[0087] Figures 1 C, 2C, 3B, and 4C describe an illustrative implementation of integrable and configurable cleaning module for a heat exchanger utilizing one or more cleaning tubes 434 of Figure 1 C, 834 of Figure 2C, 934 of Figure 3B, and 1634 of Figure 4C, respectively. As is shown in these Figures, the cleaning tube can be operatively located, connected, and / or configured to accommodate the needs of the heat exchanger inclusive of a coil wound heat exchanger. In the illustrative implementation, although the Figures show a particular number of injection ports being deployed, such number is merely illustrative as the quantity of cleaning tubes being deployed can vary depending on various factors including but not limited to the size of the heat exchanger, the desired location of the injection port as it relates to the targeted portion(s) being cleaned in the heat exchanger as well the cleaning requirements.

[0088] Some illustrative features of the illustrative cleaning tubes include but are not limited to: the cleaning tubes can be illustrative wound into the coil bundle to allow the cleaning tubes to be positioned exactly according to various parameters (i.e. , circumferentially, radially, and axially), the tubes can be terminated at all the same location or at varying locations throughout the bundle, the tubes can be a different geometry (e.g., OD and thickness) than other tubing in the bundle, the tubes can be terminated such that cleaning fluid flows upward or downward through the bundle, the tubes may be porous for all, some, or none of their length including at the end, the porous openings can be any geometric size and shape (e.g., circular, triangular,rectangular, chamfered, etc.), the porous openings can be positioned on any dimensional pitch (e.g., 30deg triangular, 30deg square, randomized, etc.), the tubes may start from a single tubesheet or multiple tubesheets, the tubesheets and associated tubing may provide cleaning independently or be connected for partial, regional, or wholistic bundle cleaning, the tubesheet(s) may be segmented to allow subdivision of the tubing connected to a single tubesheet, the tubes can be positioned on every layer or skip layers in any fashion, the tubes can be positioned at equal or uneven circumferential spacing, when a single tubesheet is used for the entire heat exchanger, and the tubes used for cleaning may be integrated with the process tubing.

[0089] The present invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific aspects or illustrative implementations disclosed in the examples, which are intended as illustrations of a few aspects of the invention and any embodiments that are functionally equivalent are intended to be within the scope of this invention. Various modifications of the invention in addition to those shown and described herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art and are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A heat exchanger comprising: at least one bundle, each of the at least one bundle comprising at least one tube bundle helically wound about a mandrel in a plurality of concentric layers, a tube inlet, a tube outlet, and a plurality of spacers, the plurality of spacers being positioned and shaped to provide spacing between each of the plurality of concentric layers, the tube inlet being in fluid flow communication with a tube side fluid; a shell having a shell inlet and a shell outlet, the shell enclosing the at least one bundle, thereby defining a shell space located within the shell and external to each of the at least one tube bundle, the shell space being in fluid flow communication with a shell side fluid; at least one cleaning module in fluid flow communication with a source of a cleaning fluid and the shell space; and wherein the at least one cleaning module is adapted to cause the cleaning fluid to be introduced into the shell space and to contact at least a portion of the at least one bundle.

2. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein each at least one cleaning module penetrates the shell at a location other than the shell inlet.

3. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is deployed in cooperation with one or more components of the heat exchanger comprising a bayonet nozzle, a spacer, a tube, and a bundle support.

4. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is affixed to one or more components of the heat exchanger comprising: the shell, the mandrel, a shroud, and a distributor.

5. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module penetrates the mandrel.

6. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module comprises one or more perforated tubes deployed having a common termination point in relation to the positioning of the at least one tube bundle.

7. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module comprises one or more perforated tubes deployed having various termination points in relation to the positioning the of at least one tube bundle.

8. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is adapted to atomize the cleaning fluid as it is introduced into the shell space.

9. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is adapted to deliver fluid in one or more regions of the heat exchanger.

10. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module further comprises one or more valves comprising control and bypass valves in cooperation with piping comprising internal and external piping to operatively control the delivery of cleaning solution to one or more regions of the heat exchanger.11 . The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module comprises a first cleaning module and a second cleaning module, the first cleaning module penetrating the shell at a location other than the shell inlet, the second cleaning module being located entirely within the shell space and being in fluid flow communication with the first cleaning module.

12. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , further comprising a shroud located between the shell and the at least one bundle to provide structure to the heat exchanger, wherein the at least one cleaning module is attached to the shroud and is adapted to direct cleaning fluid into the at least one bundle from the shroud.

13. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module comprises a plurality of cleaning modules.

14. The heat exchanger of claim 13, wherein the plurality of cleaning modules are evenly distributed about the shell space according to a spatial geometry comprising even radial distribution and even circumferential distribution.

15. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is integral with another component of the heat exchanger comprising a spacer, bundle support, and tubing.

16. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module comprises one or more injection ports.

17. The heat exchanger of claim 16 wherein the injection ports are perforated.

18. The heat exchanger of claim 16, wherein the injection ports can interoperate with one or more components of the heat exchanger comprising one or more bayonet nozzles.

19. The heat exchanger of claim 16, wherein the injection ports can be deployed in the heat exchanger in one or more spatial positions comprising, equal radial, uneven radial, angled, equal circumferential, uneven and circumferential.

20. The heat exchanger of claim 16, wherein the injection ports comprise a geometric hollow shape comprising circular, triangular, rectangular, and polygonal.

21. The heat exchanger of claim 16, wherein the injection ports comprise one or more ports openings comprising a geometric shape comprising circular, triangular, rectangular, and chamfered.

22. The heat exchanger of claim 16, wherein the injection ports comprise one or more port openings operatively positioned to a selected pitch.

23. The heat exchanger of any of claims 16-22, wherein the injection ports comprise a one or more port openings having selected one or more size.

24. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one bundle comprises a first bundle and a second bundle and the at least one cleaning module is located between the first bundle and the second bundle.

25. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is adapted to generate fluid droplets to form a mist flow.

26. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , further comprising a tubesheet adapted to transition the tube inlet to the at least one tube bundle, wherein the at least one cleaning module extends through the tubesheet.

27. The heat exchanger of claim 1 , wherein the at least one cleaning module is located within the at least one tube bundle.

28. A heat exchanger comprising: at least one bundle comprising at least one tube bundle helically wound about a mandrel in a plurality of concentric layers, a tube inlet, a tube outlet, and a plurality of spacers, the plurality of spacers being positioned and shaped to provide spacing between each of the plurality of concentric layers, the tube inlet being in fluid flow communication with a tube side fluid; at least one cleaning module in fluid flow communication with a source of a cleaning fluid and a shell space; andwherein the at least one cleaning module is adapted to cause the cleaning fluid to be introduced into the shell space and to contact at least a portion of the at least one bundle.

29. The heat exchanger of claim 28, wherein the at least one cleaning module comprises one or more bayonet nozzles locatable within the heat exchanger to clean the at least one bundle according to a selected cleaning process comprising cleaning one or more portions of each of the at least one bundle separately and cleaning one or more portions of all of the at least one bundle.

Images