A cleaning system and a controller for the cleaning system

Abstract

Disclosed is a cleaning system for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough, including a receptacle for housing cleaning elements used for cleaning the one or more tubings; a fluid supply conduit, a cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid supply conduit and the cleaning element supply conduit cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element supply loop, for supplying the cleaning element to the tubings; a fluid return conduit; a cleaning element return conduit, the fluid return conduit and the cleaning element return conduit cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element return loop, for returning the cleaning element to the receptacle; a valve arrangement comprising automated valves and a processor operable to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop, and the part of the cleaning element return loop. Further disclosed is a controller for a cleaning apparatus.

Description

A CLEANING SYSTEM AND A CONTROLLER FOR THE CLEANING SYSTEMTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] Various aspects of this disclosure relate to a cleaning system for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough, and a controller for a cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough.BACKGROUND

[0002] In heat exchanger systems / devices such as a condenser, an evaporator, a cooler or a heater in heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) devices and / or in air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) systems for industrial applications, dirt or unwanted deposits build up along the inner walls or surfaces of the heat exchanger tubing of the condenser.

[0003] The accumulation of dirt along the inner walls and surfaces of the heat exchanger tubing affects the performance and effectiveness of the heat exchanger system / device, as more energy will be required to maintain normal or optimal operation of the heat exchanger system / device, and regular cleaning and monitoring of the heat exchanger system / device effectiveness is required. One way of removing this dirt or unwanted deposits is through the use of cleaning elements, such as balls made of rubber or spongy material or spherical objects with bristles made of nylon or metal. The cleaning elements may rub against the inner walls or surfaces of the heat exchanger tubing as they are transported via a fluid flowing along the heat exchanger tubing.

[0004] Such cleaning elements are introduced into the heat exchanger system through a cleaning apparatus or cleaning system. After the cleaning elements leave the heat exchanger tubing, they are returned to the cleaning apparatus or cleaning system for recirculation into the heat exchanger tubing.

[0005] In conventional cleaning apparatus or cleaning systems, a user is unable to monitor or control the circulation and recirculation of cleaning elements through the heat exchanger tubing, and is also not able to monitor the quantity or condition of the cleaning elements circulating therethrough. For example, the user is unable to obtain data related to the quantity of cleaning elements supplied to or returning from the heat exchanger tubing. Often, the cleaning of the heat exchange tubing is not performed properly in such conventional cleaning apparatus or cleaning systems, and there is the accumulation of dirt along the inner walls andsurfaces of the heat exchanger tubing As such, the operation of such cleaning systems may consume large amounts of energy and may be energy inefficient, since more energy is required to m intain normal operation.

[0006] In addition, a user is unable to obtain data related to an operation condition of the cleaning apparatus or cleaning system, for example, data related to the fluid for transporting the cleaning elements to and from the heat exchanger tubing, and / or data regarding a fault in the cleaning apparatus or cleaning system.

[0007] The lack of such data makes it difficult for the user to monitor and to control the operations of the cleaning system. In most cases, it is difficult for the user to establish appropriate maintenance schedules for the cleaning elements and / or various parts of the cleaning system, and / or to detect a fault in the cleaning apparatus or cleaning system.

[0008] Therefore, there is a need for a controller suitable for such cleaning apparatus, and / or an improved cleaning system, that seeks to address at least one of the aforementioned issues.SUMMARY

[0009] The disclosure was conceptualized to provide an improved cleaning system, and a controller suitable for fitting in an existing cleaning apparatus, to allow the user to easily monitor and control the cleaning system and existing cleaning apparatus. To this end, the improved cleaning system may be an automated cleaning system comprising the use of automated valves and a processor, for controlling the supply of, and return of, the cleaning elements to and from the heat exchanger tubing. The improved automated cleaning system removes the need for a three-way valve for controlling the supply of, and return of, the cleaning elements to and from the heat exchanger tubing. The ports of the three-way valve and / or other valves, e.g. directional and / or check valves, may be prone to accumulation of dirt and cause the three-way valve and / or other valves to malfunction. The improved automated cleaning system also includes a generator, for hydroelectric power generation for supplying power to the automated valves, and to the processor, thereby reducing power consumption for operating the automated valves in the improved cleaning system. The improved automated cleaning system also includes sensor devices disposed on various constituent parts of the automated cleaning system for acquiring operating data related to an operation condition of said constituent part of the cleaning system. Alternatively, a controller may be fitted to an existing cleaning apparatus, and sensor devices may be installed on various constituent parts of thecleaning apparatus for acquiring operating data related to an operation condition of said constituent part. The sensor devices may be in data communication with the processor and / or controller, such that the processor and / or controller obtains, the operating data, and determines, operating parameters related to the operation condition of said constituent part of the cleaning system or cleaning apparatus. In various embodiments, the operating parameter may be related to a quantity of the cleaning elements supplied from, and returned to a receptacle, a fluid condition of the fluid transporting the cleaning elements, and / or faults within the cleaning system or cleaning apparatus. The improved automated cleaning system, and controller for a cleaning apparatus, allows the user to easily obtain data related to an operation condition of the system or apparatus, to monitor and to control the cleaning system or cleaning apparatus. The user may therefore, easily detect faults in the cleaning system or cleaning apparatus, and / or to establish suitable maintenance schedules for said cleaning system or cleaning apparatus.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a cleaning system for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough, the one or more tubings connected between an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, comprising a receptacle for housing at least one cleaning element used for cleaning the one or more tubings; a fluid supply conduit connected to the receptacle and the inlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the inlet pipe; a cleaning element supply conduit connected to the receptacle and the inlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the inlet pipe; wherein the fluid supply conduit and the cleaning element supply conduit cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element supply loop, for supplying the at least one cleaning element to the one or more tubings via the inlet pipe; a fluid return conduit connected to the receptacle and the outlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the outlet pipe; a cleaning element return conduit connected to the receptacle and the outlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the outlet pipe; wherein the fluid return conduit and the cleaning element return conduit cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element return loop, for returning the at least one cleaning element to the receptacle via the outlet pipe; a valve arrangement operable to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop, the valve arrangement comprising an inlet pipe valve disposed therein the fluid supply conduit, for directing the supply of the fluid from the inlet pipe to the receptacle; an outlet pipe valve disposed therein the fluid return conduit, for directing the supply of the fluid from the receptacle to the outlet pipe, wherein theinlet pipe valve comprises a first automated valve, and the outlet pipe valve comprises a second automated valve; a processor operable to open or close the inlet pipe valve, and the outlet pipe valve, to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop. In various embodiments, cleaning the one or more tubings may comprise cleaning the inner walls or surfaces of the one or more tubings.

[0011] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and / or air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) cleaning facility comprising the cleaning system of the first aspect of the disclosure.

[0012] According to a third aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a controller for a cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough, the cleaning apparatus comprising a receptacle for housing at least one cleaning element used for cleaning the one or more tubings; at least one third imaging device disposed on the receptacle, for acquiring operating data related to an operation condition of the receptacle, comprising, (i.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and (ii.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle, wherein the controller is configured to, obtain, the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determine, a cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and a cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of determining, the cleaning element supply parameter, and the cleaning element return parameter, for the cleaning apparatus of the third aspect of the disclosure, the method comprising the controller for executing the steps of, obtaining, (i.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubing, and (ii.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determining, the cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by the controller, causes the controller to perform the method of the fourth aspect of the disclosure.

[0015] According to a sixth aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a method of fitting the controller, on the cleaning apparatus of the third aspect of the disclosure, the method comprising steps of, providing, the at least one third imaging device on the receptacle, for acquiring operating data related to the operation condition of the receptacle, comprising (i.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and (ii.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; providing, the controller in data communication with the at least one third imaging device, the controller configured to, obtain, (i.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and (ii.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determine, the cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

[0016] The dependent claims define some embodiments related to the first to sixth aspects of the disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The disclosure will be better understood with reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the non-limiting examples and the accompanying drawings, in which:- FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary cleaning system 100 for cleaning tubing 106 used for conducting a fluid therethrough;- FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary cleaning element separator BC of the cleaning system 100;- FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a top view of the processor 150 of the exemplary cleaning system 100 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;- FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the processor 150, for determining the operating parameter 154 indicative of an operating condition of a respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, based on the operating data 152,- FIG. 5 shows an exemplary schematic illustration of a comparison of the authentication parameter 464 with each of the plurality to stored identification parameters 462;- FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of another exemplary cleaning system 600 for cleaning a plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C used for conducting a fluid therethrough;- FIG. 7 shows an exemplary cleaning cycle overview 700 of each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106B shown in FIG. 6;- FIG. 8 shows an exemplary schematic illustration of a controller 850 for a cleaning apparatus 800 for cleaning tubing 806 used for conducting a fluid therethrough;- FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 1100 for determining, the cleaning element supply parameter, and the cleaning element return parameter, of the cleaning apparatus 800 discussed with reference to FIG. 8; and- FIG. 10 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 1200 for fitting a controller, on the cleaning apparatus 800 discussed with reference to FIG. 8.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific details and embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.

[0019] F eatures that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar features in the other embodiments. Features that are described in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the other embodiments, even if not explicitly described in these other embodiments. Furthermore, additions and / or combinations and / or alternatives as described for a feature in the context of an embodiment may correspondingly be applicable to the same or similar feature in the other embodiments.

[0020] While such terms as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various elements, such elements must not be limited to the above terms. The above terms are used only to distinguish one element from another, and do not define corresponding elements, for example, an order and / or significance of the elements. Without departing a scope of rights of the specification, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, the second element may be referred to as the first element.

[0021] In the context of various embodiments, the articles “a”, “an” and “the” as used with regard to a feature or element include a reference to one or more of the features or elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] Throughout the description, the term “fluid”, as used herein, may refer to a substance suitable for flowing through the conduits of the cleaning system, for transporting the cleaning elements to and from the tubing. In various embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid, for example, water. It is contemplated that the fluid may be a gas.

[0023] Throughout the description, the term “tubing”, as used herein, may refer to the tubing of a heat exchanger system, such as a HVAC or ACMV device, which may be used for conducting fluid therethrough. In various embodiments, the tubing may refer to the tubing of a condenser of the HVAC or ACMV device, which may be used for conducting water. In various embodiments, the tubing may comprise enhancement tubings having different size, shape and / or patterned inner walls or surfaces to increase the surface area of the inner walls or surfaces to improve heat transfer and the heating or cooling efficiency of the HVAC or ACMV device. For example, by increasing fluid circulation within the tubing, and / or converting laminar fluid flow into turbulent fluid flow, e.g. by spiraling the fluid, as the fluid is conducted through said tubing. In an embodiment, the tubing may comprise a plurality of inner tubes extending along a length of the tubing. In various other embodiments, the tubing may comprise non-enhancement tubings. Accordingly, the term “cleaning the tubing” may refer to cleaning the inner walls or surfaces of the tubing. In various embodiments, the tubing may have a diameter ranging from 100 mm to 800 mm. In the embodiment where the tubing comprises the plurality of inner tubes, each inner tube may have a diameter ranging from 6 mm to 50 mm.

[0024] Throughout the description, the term “imaging device”, e.g. first to sixth imaging device, as used herein, may refer to a device suitable for acquiring one or more images and / orone or more moving images. In various embodiments, the imaging device may comprise a camera and / or a video camera, and may in some embodiments, be waterproof.

[0025] Within the context of the disclosure, the terms “processor” and “controller” may be used interchangeably. The terms “processor” and “controller” as used herein, may refer to a circuit which may include analog circuits or components, digital circuits or components, or hybrid circuits or components. Any other kind of implementation of the respective functions which will be described in more detail below may also be understood as a "circuit" in accordance with an alternative embodiment. A digital circuit may be understood as any kind of a logic implementing entity, which may include one or more special purpose circuitry or one or more processors executing software stored in a memory, firmware, or any combination thereof. Thus, in various embodiments, a "circuit" may be a digital circuit, e.g. a hard-wired logic circuit or a programmable logic circuit such as a programmable processor, e g. a microprocessor (e.g. a Complex Instruction Set Computer (CISC) processor or a Reduced Instruction Set Computer (RISC) processor). A "circuit" may also include a processor executing software, e.g. any kind of computer program, e.g. a computer program using a virtual machine code such as e.g. Java. In some embodiments, the processor and controller may comprise an integrated circuit, such as a microcontroller. In some other embodiments, the processor and the controller may be implemented on a server, or across multiple servers, for example, on a cloud.

[0026] FIG. 1 shows a schematic illustration of an exemplary cleaning system 100 for cleaning tubing 106 used for conducting a fluid therethrough. FIG. 2 shows an enlarged view of an exemplary cleaning element separator BC of the cleaning system 100

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning system 100 includes a tubing 106 for conducting a fluid therethrough, the tubing 106 connected between an inlet pipe 102 and an outlet pipe 104. While one tubing 106 is shown in FIG. 1, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and the cleaning system 100 may include more than one tubing 106. The cleaning system 100 includes a receptacle BS for housing at least one cleaning element used for cleaning the tubing 106. In various embodiments, the cleaning elements may comprise balls made of rubber or spongy material or spherical objects with bristles made of nylon or metal, which clean the tubing 106 by rubbing against the inner walls or surfaces of the tubing 106 as they are transported via the fluid flowing along the tubing 106. The balls may have a diameter similar to that of the inner tubes of the tubing, and may have a diameter ranging from 6 mm to 50 mm.In some embodiments, the balls may have a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the tubing, for example, in a range of 50 mm to 48 mm. In some other embodiments, the balls may have a diameter slightly larger than the diameter of the tubing, for example, in a range of 8 mm to 52 mm.

[0028] The cleaning system 100 includes a fluid supply conduit 110 connected to the receptacle BS and the inlet pipe 102, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle BS and the inlet pipe 102. The fluid supply conduit 110 may be connected to the receptacle BS connected to the inlet pipe 102 via a fluid supply elbow WSE The fluid supply conduit 110 may include an inlet pipe valve MV1 disposed therein, for directing the supply of the fluid from the inlet pipe 102 to the receptacle BS, the inlet pipe valve MV1 arranged proximal to the fluid supply elbow WSE. The inlet pipe valve MV1 may be a two-way valve, and comprise an automated valve, for example, a motorized or pneumatic valve.

[0029] The cleaning system 100 includes a cleaning element supply conduit 120 connected to the receptacle BS and the inlet pipe 102, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle BS and the inlet pipe 102. The cleaning element supply conduit 120 may be connected to the inlet pipe 102 via a cleaning element supply elbow BSE, and may include a cleaning element supply valve 122, arranged proximal to the cleaning element supply elbow BSE, for directing the supply of the at least one cleaning element from the receptacle BS to the tubing 106. The cleaning element supply valve 122 may comprise a two-way automated valve, for example, a motorized or pneumatic valve.

[0030] In various embodiments, the cleaning element supply conduit 120 may further comprise a first directional valve arranged therein (not shown), which may be arranged at a section of the receptacle BS at which the cleaning elements exits the receptacle BS for supply to the tubing 106. The first directional valve may be a one-way valve for directing the supply of the cleaning elements to the tubing 106.

[0031] In various embodiments, the fluid supply conduit 110 and the cleaning element supply conduit 120 cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element supply loop SI, S2, for supplying the cleaning elements to the tubing 106 via the inlet pipe 102.

[0032] The cleaning system 100 includes a fluid return conduit 130 connected to the receptacle BS and the outlet pipe 104 to establish fluid communication between the receptacle BS and the outlet pipe 104. The fluid return conduit 130 and the fluid return elbow WRE, arranged along the fluid return conduit 130, i.e. a junction of the fluid return conduit 130, maybe connected to the outlet pipe 104. Alternatively, the fluid return conduit 130 and the fluid return elbow WRE may be connected to a cooling tower (not shown) which includes a fluid supply pump for supplying fluid to the inlet pipe 102, and a fluid return pump for facilitating the fluid return to the cooling tower. The fluid return conduit 130 may include an outlet pipe valve MV2 arranged proximal to the fluid return elbow WRE. The outlet pipe valve MV2 may be a two-way valve, and comprise an automated valve, for example, a motorized or pneumatic valve.

[0033] The cleaning system 100 includes a cleaning element return conduit 140 connected to the receptacle BS and the outlet pipe 104, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle BS and the outlet pipe 104. The cleaning element return conduit 140 and the cleaning element return elbow BRE arranged along the cleaning element return conduit 140, i.e. a junction of the cleaning element return conduit 140, may be connected to the outlet pipe 104. Alternatively, the cleaning element return conduit 140 and the cleaning element return elbow BRE may be connected to the cooling tower (not shown).

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the cleaning system 100 may include a cleaning element separator BC disposed within the outlet pipe 104 for collecting and removing the cleaning elements as it exits the tubing 106 and is transported into the outlet pipe 104. The cleaning element separator BC may have a separator inlet 134 arranged on one end, and a separator outlet 136 arranged on an opposing end, for establishing fluid communication between the cleaning element separator BC and the receptacle BS. The fluid transporting the cleaning elements may pass through the separator inlet 134 and the separator outlet 136 as part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl . The cleaning element separator BC may include a plurality of apertures 202, dimensioned to permit fluid to pass through, but not the cleaning elements, such that the cleaning elements may be trapped by the cleaning element separator BC for return to the receptacle BS. The cleaning element return conduit 140 may be connected to the outlet pipe 104 via the cleaning element separator BC, to provide a passage for the cleaning elements to return to the receptacle BS.

[0035] In some embodiments, the cleaning element separator BC may be disposed vertically with respect to a length of the outlet pipe 104, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The vertical arrangement of the cleaning element separator BC in the outlet pipe 104, may aid in the prevention or reduction of air pockets, i.e. airlocks, trapped by the flowing fluid. Such air pockets may prevent the free flow of fluid transporting the cleaning elements for return to thereceptacle BS In the arrangement shown in FIG. 1, there may be free flow of the fluid transporting the cleaning elements into the outlet pipe 104 from the tubing 106. In some other embodiments, the cleaning element separator BC may be disposed laterally with respect to a length of the outlet pipe 104 (not shown).

[0036] In various embodiments, the cleaning element return conduit 140 may include a second directional valve arranged therein, arranged at a section of the receptacle BS at which the cleaning elements enters the receptacle BS. The second directional valve may be a one-way valve for directing the return of the cleaning element to the receptacle BS. The cleaning element return conduit 140 may also include a cleaning element return valve 142, which may comprise an automated two-way valve, arranged proximal to the cleaning element return elbow BRE. In various embodiments, the cleaning element return valve 142 may comprise a motorized or pneumatic valve.

[0037] In various embodiments, the fluid return conduit 130 and the cleaning element return conduit 140 cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element return loop R2, Rl for returning the at least one cleaning element to the receptacle BS via the outlet pipe 104

[0038] In various embodiments, the valve arrangement may comprise at least, the inlet pipe valve MV1 and the outlet pipe valve MV2. The valve arrangement may further comprise, the cleaning element supply valve 122, and the cleaning element return valve 142. The valve arrangement comprising the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, and the cleaning element return valve 142, may be operable to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl . In this regard, the cleaning system 100 further comprises a processor 150 operable to open or close the automated valves, specifically, at least, the inlet pipe valve MV1, and the outlet pipe valve MV2, to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl. In various embodiments, the processor 150 is further operable to open or close the cleaning element supply valve 122, and the cleaning element return valve 142, to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl . It is appreciated that the processor 150 may be operable to control the valve arrangement to close the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, cleaning element supply valve 122, and the cleaning element return valve 142, thereby closing both the parts of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 and the cleaningelement return loop R2, Rl, for example, when the cleaning system 100 is not in use, e g. on standby or in an “OFF” state, or when the cleaning system 100 is undergoing maintenance.

[0039] At the start of a cleaning cycle, a fluid supply CWS enters via the inlet pipe 102 and is channeled into the fluid supply conduit 110 as part of the cleaning element supply loop SI. The inflow of the fluid supply CWS may be sensed by a flow switch 103 arranged in the inlet pipe 102, which sends data, e.g. in the form of an electrical signal to the processor 150 to open the inlet pipe valve MV1 and the cleaning element supply valve 122. The opening of the inlet pipe valve MV1 and the cleaning element supply valve 122 permits the fluid supply CWS to enter the receptacle BS and transport the cleaning elements housed therein, into the cleaning element supply conduit 120 for supply to the tubing 106 as part of the cleaning element supply loop S2. The cleaning elements may then be used to clean the inner surfaces or walls of the tubing 106.

[0040] After the cleaning elements leave the tubing 106, the fluid return CWR may transport the cleaning elements to the outlet pipe 104 where they may be collected at the cleaning element separator BC. In this regard, the processor 150 may be operable to open the outlet pipe valve MV2, and the cleaning element return valve 142 to open the part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl. The processor 150 may be further operable to close the inlet pipe valve MV1 and the cleaning element supply valve 122 thereby closing the part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2. This may cause the pressure in the receptacle BS to be lower than the pressure in a portion 105 of the outlet pipe 104 and fluid from the receptacle B S (from the fluid transporting the cleaning elements into the receptacle BS) may flow into the outlet pipe 102 via the fluid return conduit 130, as part of the cleaning element return loop Rl . The collected cleaning elements at the cleaning element separator BC, may also travel along the cleaning element return conduit 140, for return into the receptacle BS, as part of the cleaning element return loop R2.

[0041] The improved cleaning system 100 thus removes the need for a three-way valve, the ports of which are prone to accumulation of dirt particles from the cleaning elements as they are transported to and from the tubing 106. The improved cleaning system 100 is simple in design in that the use of four automated valves namely, the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, and control thereof by a processor 150, is able to control the transport of the cleaning elements to and from the tubing 106.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the cleaning system 100 further comprises a generator 190 disposed therein the inlet pipe 102. The generator 190 may be disposed proximal to an entrance of the inlet pipe 102. It is contemplated that the generator 190 may be disposed at any point along a length of the inlet pipe 102, or the outlet pipe 104.

[0043] In various embodiments, the generator 190 may comprise a hydraulic generator which is particularly suitable for hydroelectric power generation, and is operable to convert hydraulic energy generated by the fluid supply CWS entering the inlet pipe 102, to electrical energy for supply to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, and / or the processor 150. For example, the generator 190 may comprise a generator motor for converting hydraulic energy into electrical energy, and a transmission component for supplying the electrical energy, e.g. alternating current (AC) power or direct current (DC) power to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, for opening or closing said valves, and / or the processor 150. In other words, the generator 190 may harness the hydraulic energy generated as a result of the fluid supply CWS entering the inlet pipe 102 (at the start of the cleaning cycle), and convert the hydraulic energy into electrical energy.

[0044] In some embodiments, the generator 190 may further comprise an impeller comprising impeller blades housed within a guide sleeve or pipe chamber. The impeller may be configured to increase the pressure and flow of the fluid before the fluid passes through the generator motor, and may be positioned adjacent to the generator motor. The high-speed fluid supply CWS entering via the inlet pipe 102 and through the guide sleeve or pipe chamber may drive the rotation of the impeller blades, thereby increasing the pressure and flow of the fluid. This drives the rotation of the generator motor to generate electrical energy. In an embodiment, the generator 190 may further comprise a power storage component, e g. AC or DC battery, for storing the harnessed electrical energy for supply to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, and / or the processor 150.

[0045] The improved cleaning system 100 may be energy efficient, in that the system 100 may operate without electrical power supplied from an external power source, thereby reducing the cost for operating the cleaning system 100. In addition, the harnessed electrical energy may be stored for future use.

[0046] In various other embodiments, the generator 190 may receive power from an external power source. In some embodiments, the generator 190 may further include a rectifier circuit operable to convert AC power received from the external power source, e g. grid power, to DC power. In some other embodiments, the generator 190 may further include an inverter circuit operable to convert DC power received from another external power source, to AC power. The converted AC or DC power may be supplied to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, for opening or closing said valves, and / or the processor 150. That is, in the improved cleaning system 100, only the generator 190 is supplied with electrical power from an external power source. The improved cleaning system 100 may therefore be energy efficient, and may operate with reduced external power supply.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 1, the cleaning system 100 further includes at least one sensor disposed on various constituent parts of the cleaning system 100. Within the context of the disclosure, the various constituent parts as referred herein may comprise any one of: the inlet pipe 102, the fluid supply conduit 110, the receptacle BS, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the cleaning element separator BC, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the outlet pipe 104, the valve arrangement comprising the inlet pipe valve MV2, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, to acquire operating data related to an operation condition of a respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100. In various embodiments, the generator 190 may be further configured to supply electrical energy for operating the at least one sensor disposed on the various constituent parts of the cleaning system 100, for example, via the transmission component for supplying said electrical energy. The improved cleaning system 100 may therefore be energy efficient, and may operate without or with reduced external power supply.

[0048] In various embodiments, the processor 150 is configured to: obtain, the operating data 152 related to the operation condition of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100; and determine, an operating parameter 154 indicative of the operation condition of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, based on the operating data 152. In various embodiments, the operating data 152 and / or the operating parameter 154 may have a byte data type format, e.g. bit string data and / or character string data type. In some other embodiments, the operating data 152 and / or the operating parameter 154 may include one or more images or moving images, e.g. videos. The one or more images and / or moving imagesmay have a format or may be converted into a format readable by a processor. Non-limiting examples of such image formats include: Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG), Portable Network Graphics (PNG), Graphics Interchange Format (GIF), Tagged Image File (TIFF). Non-limiting examples of such moving images format include: Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG), MPEG-4 Part 14 (MP4), QuickTime File Format (MOV), Audio Video Interleave (AVI), Windows Media Video (WMV).

[0049] FIG. 3 shows a schematic illustration of a top view of the processor 150 of the exemplary cleaning system 100 shown in FIGS 1 and 2.

[0050] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the processor 150 may be microcontroller. In various embodiments, the processor 150 may receive electrical energy from the generator 190 (as AC or DC power) as explained above, and may further supply electrical energy to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142, for opening or closing said valves. In some embodiments, the processor 150 may include a power source port 300 for receiving AC power directly from the external power source, e.g. grid power. The cleaning system 100 may therefore include appropriate safety means to prevent a user from contacting the power source port 300. Alternatively, or additionally, the processor 150 may further comprise a power storage device, e.g. battery or rechargeable battery, for supplying electrical energy (in AC or DC power) to the processor 150.

[0051] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may include a plurality of input pins 306, 306A for obtaining, the operating data 152 from the at least one sensor arranged on the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, and / or data from the flow switch 103 or the generator 190. For example, the plurality of input pins 306 may be operable to receive operating data 152 comprising a byte data type format; and the plurality of input pins 306A may be operable to receive one or more images or moving images. The processor 150 may also include an input device 312, e.g. keyboard and a user interface 310, e.g. display, for receiving other types of data for controlling the cleaning system 100. It is contemplated that the input pins 306 may be operable to receive other data, for example, data from a chiller panel, a chiller control panel or from a building management system It is appreciated that the processor 150 may be in data communication with said chiller panel, chiller control panel or building management system.

[0052] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may include a plurality of output pins 308, 308A for outputting, the determined operating parameter 154 indicative of the operating condition of the respective constituent part For example, the plurality of output pins 308 may be operable to output the operating parameter 154 comprising a byte data type format, and the plurality of output pins 308A may be operable to output the operating parameter 154 one or more images or moving images. In various embodiments, the operating parameter 154 may be displayed on the user interface 310, e.g. display of the processor 150, via the plurality of output pins 308, 308A.

[0053] In some embodiments, the processor 150 may include wireless means 302, to remotely communicate with the at least one sensor to obtain, the operating data 152 from the at least one sensor arranged on the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, according to pre-defined wireless communication protocols. Examples of the pre-defined wireless communication protocols include: global system for mobile communication (GSM), enhanced data GSM environment (EDGE), wideband code division multiple access (WCDMA), code division multiple access (CDMA), time division multiple access (TDMA), wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi), voice over Internet protocol (VoIP), worldwide interoperability for microwave access (Wi-MAX), Wi-Fi direct (WFD), an ultra-wideband (UWB), infrared data association (IrDA), Bluetooth, ZigBee, SigFox, LPWan, LoRaWan, GPRS, 3G, 4G, LTE, 5G communication systems and 6G communication systems.

[0054] In some embodiments, the processor 150 may include wired means 304, for obtaining, the operating data 152 from the at least one sensor arranged on the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100. The wired means 304 may comprise an Ethernet port operable to receive a Local Area Network (LAN) cable.

[0055] FIG. 4 shows a schematic illustration of the processor 150, for determining the operating parameter 154 indicative of an operating condition of a respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, based on the operating data 152.

[0056] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to control the valves arrangement, i.e. the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, and / or the cleaning element return valve 142, of the cleaning system 100. For example, the flow switch 103 may be operable to send data to the processor 150, to activate the valve arrangement to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl. The flow switch 103 maysend data, e g. an electrical signal to the processor 150 via one of the input pins 306, the wireless means 302 or wired means 304, for activation of the valve arrangement. The processor 150 may then transmit data, e g. an appropriate electrical signal, via one of the output pins 308, the wireless means 302 or wired means 304, to open or close the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 and / or the cleaning element return loop R2, R1.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the at least one sensor may comprise, a first imaging device 126 and a second imaging device 128 disposed on the receptacle BS. The first imaging device 126 may be configured to acquire, operating data 152 related to a quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106, for example, the number of cleaning elements exiting the receptacle BS and entering the cleaning element supply conduit 120. The second imaging device 128 may be configured to acquire, operating data 152 related to a quantity of cleaning elements returned to the receptacle BS, for example, the number of cleaning element returning from the cleaning element separator BC via the cleaning element return conduit 140. In various embodiments, each of the first imaging device 126 and the second imaging device 128 may comprise a waterproof first imaging device 126 and second imaging device 128 for obtaining one or more images of the cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106, and returned to the receptacle BS, respectively. In some embodiments, the first imaging device 126 or the second imaging device 128 may comprise an imaging device for acquiring operating data 152 related to a quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106, and for acquiring operating data 152 related to a quantity of cleaning elements returned to the receptacle BS. In various embodiments, the cleaning system 100 may not include a curtain sensor for obtaining the operating data 152 related to a quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106, and returned to the receptacle BS, since such curtain sensors may be prone to distortion when submerged in the fluid, which may lead to inaccurate counts of the cleaning elements.

[0058] The processor 150 may obtain, the operating data 152 from the first imaging device 126 and the second imaging device 128, and may determine an operating parameter 154 indicative of the operation condition of the receptacle BS. In various embodiments, the processor 150 may determine, an operating parameter 154 comprising, a cleaning element supply parameter 402 indicative of the quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106 based on the operating data 152 acquired by the first imaging device 126, and a cleaning element return parameter 404 indicative of the quantity of the cleaning elements returned to the receptacle BS, based on the operating data 152 acquired from the second imaging device128. In various embodiments, the images may be processed to count, the quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106 to determine the cleaning element supply parameter 402; and the quantity of cleaning elements returned to the receptacle BS to determine the cleaning element return parameter 404. For example, the processor 150 may include appropriate algorithms, e.g. a machine learning algorithm for the counting of the cleaning elements. In some embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to execute at least one machine learning algorithm, such as a convolutional neural network algorithm, for determining the cleaning element supply parameter 402, and the cleaning element return parameter 404. In an embodiment, the machine learning algorithm may be trained back-end on a server, such that said machine learning algorithm may determine the cleaning element supply parameter 402 and the cleaning element return parameter 404 with improved accuracy. In an embodiment, the processor 150 may include appropriate algorithms, e.g. a machine learning algorithm, and may be configured to execute said algorithm for determining an operating parameter 154 comprising a diameter of each cleaning element; and / or a size of each cleaning element, in the images acquired before the cleaning elements are supplied to the tubing, and upon return to the receptacle BS. That is, the processor 150 may be configured to determine operating parameter 154 comprising a cleaning element diameter supply parameter based on the operating data 152 acquired from the first imaging device 126, and a cleaning element diameter return parameter based on the operating data 152 acquired from the second imaging device 128.

[0059] The processor 150 may be further configured to: determine, a cleaning element ratio parameter 406 indicative of a ratio or proportion of the cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 106, and returned to the receptacle BS; and compare, the cleaning element ratio parameter 406 with a cleaning element threshold value 408 indicative of a predetermined ratio of cleaning elements required for opening of the part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2. In various embodiments, the cleaning element threshold value 408 may represent a minimum ratio of cleaning elements required for a subsequent cleaning cycle, which may be in the range of 60 % to 90 %, preferably 65 % to 75 %. The processor 150 may be further configured to, trigger, a first notification 410 to a user, the first notification 410 indicative of informing the user, of the attaining of the predetermined ratio, based on the comparison of the cleaning element ratio parameter 406 with the cleaning element threshold value 408. In some embodiments, the processor 150 may be also configured to: determine, a cleaning element diameter (or size) ratio parameter indicative of a ratio of a diameter (or size) of the cleaning elements supplied to thetubing, and returned to the receptacle BS, e g. a ratio of the cleaning element diameter supply parameter and the cleaning element diameter return parameter. The processor 150 may also compare, the cleaning element diameter (or size) ratio parameter with a cleaning element diameter (or size) threshold value indicative of a predetermined ratio of the cleaning element diameter (or size) required for effective cleaning of the tubing. It is contemplated that the processor may trigger a notification to a user, informing the user of the cleaning element diameter (or size) ratio parameter, and the comparison of the cleaning element diameter (or size) ratio parameter with the cleaning element diameter (or size) threshold value.

[0060] In various embodiments, comparing, the cleaning element ratio parameter 406 with the cleaning element threshold value 408 comprises, determining, if the cleaning element ratio parameter 406 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value 408; and triggering, the first notification 410 to the user, if it is determined that the cleaning element ratio parameter 406 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value 408. That is, the first notification 410 informs the user than a minimum number of cleaning elements have returned into the receptacle BS for the activation of a subsequent cleaning cycle. In some embodiments, comparing, the cleaning element diameter (or size) ratio parameter with the cleaning element diameter (or size) threshold value, may comprise determining, if the cleaning element diameter (or size) ratio parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element diameter (or size) threshold value. It is also contemplated that triggering the notification, may also inform the user that said comparison may suggest that the cleaning elements circulating in the cleaning system 100 has a ratio that may no longer be optimal for cleaning the tubing, and that the cleaning elements may need to be replaced.

[0061] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor may further comprise, a cycle counter 125 disposed on the receptacle BS, configured to acquire operating data 152 comprising a number of cleaning cycles the cleaning elements have been utilized for cleaning the tubing 106, and the processor 150 may determine, a cleaning element cycle parameter 412 indicative of the number of cleaning cycles the cleaning elements have been utilized for. In some embodiments, the processor 150 may be further configured to compare, the cleaning element cycle parameter 412 with a cleaning element cycle threshold value 414 indicative of a predetermined, e g. maximum number of cleaning cycles the cleaning elements may be used for. It is contemplated that the first imaging device 126 and / or the second imaging device 128 may be used to obtain a plurality of images of the cleaning elements returned to the receptacle BS after each cleaningcycle, and may be used for the acquisition of the operating data 152 comprising the number of cleaning cycles.

[0062] The comparison of the cleaning element cycle parameter 412 with the cleaning element cycle threshold value 414 may comprise, determining, if the cleaning element cycle parameter 412 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element cycle threshold value 414, and triggering a second notification 416 to the user, the second notification 416 indicative of informing the user of the attaining of the predetermined, e.g. maximum number of cleaning cycles for said cleaning elements, if it determined that the cleaning element cycle parameter 412 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element cycle threshold value 414. In other words, the second notification 416 may inform the user that the cleaning elements may need to be maintained and / or replaced as they have been used for the predetermined number of cleaning cycles and their efficacy may be compromised in subsequent cleaning cycles.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the at least one sensor of the cleaning system 100 may comprise, an inlet pressure meter 146 disposed at the separator inlet 134 and an outlet pressure meter 148 disposed at the separator outlet 136 (see FIG. 2). Alternatively, the outlet pressure meter 148 may be disposed in the outlet pipe 104. As the fluid transporting the cleaning elements passes through the cleaning element separator BC of the part of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl, the inlet pressure meter 146 may acquire operating data 152 related to a pressure of the fluid passing through the separator inlet 134, and the outlet pressure meter 148 may acquire operating data 152 related to a pressure of the fluid passing through the apertures 202 of cleaning element separator BC at the separator outlet 136, or alternatively, the pressure of the fluid passing through the outlet pipe 104

[0064] The processor 150 may obtain, the operating data 152 from the inlet pressure meter 146 and the outlet pressure meter 148, to determine, an operating parameter 154 comprising, a cleaning element separator inlet pressure parameter 420 indicative of the pressure of the fluid transporting the cleaning elements of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl as it passes the separator inlet 134, based on the operating data 152 from the inlet pressure meter 146, and determine, a cleaning element separator outlet pressure parameter 422 indicative of the pressure of the fluid carrying the cleaning elements of the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl , as it passes the separator outlet 136, or the outlet pipe 104.

[0065] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may be further configured to determine, a cleaning element separator pressure parameter 424 indicative of a pressure differencebetween the cleaning element separator inlet pressure parameter 420 and the cleaning element separator outlet pressure parameter 422; compare, the cleaning element separator pressure parameter 424 with a cleaning element separator threshold value 426 indicative of an optimal pressure difference between the cleaning element separator inlet pressure parameter 422 and the cleaning element separator outlet pressure parameter 424; and trigger, a third notification 428 to the user indicative of informing the user, the comparison between the cleaning element separator pressure parameter 424 and the cleaning element separator threshold value 426.

[0066] In various embodiments, comparing, the cleaning element separator pressure parameter 424 with a cleaning element separator threshold value 426 may comprise, determining, if the cleaning element separator pressure parameter 424 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element separator threshold value 426. If it is determined that cleaning element separator pressure parameter 424 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element separator threshold value 426, the third notification 426 may be triggered, thereby informing the user that the pressure difference between the separator inlet 134 and separator outlet 136, or the outlet pipe 104, has exceeded the optimal pressure difference, which may lead to the accumulation of air pockets and prevent the fluid transporting the cleaning elements to freely pass the cleaning element separator BC.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the at least one sensor may further comprise a third imaging device 210 and a fourth imaging device 212 disposed on the cleaning element separator BC (see FIG. 2), for acquiring: the operating data 152 related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element entering the separator inlet 134, and the operating data 152 related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element exiting the separator outlet 136. The third imaging device 210 may be positioned at the separator inlet 134 for acquiring operating data 152 related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element entering the separator inlet 134; and the fourth imaging device 212 may be positioned at the separator outlet 136 proximal to the cleaning element return conduit 140 for acquiring operating data 152 related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element exiting the separator outlet 136. In various embodiments, the third imaging device 210 and the fourth imaging device 212 may also comprise a waterproof third imaging device 210 and fourth imaging device 212 for obtaining one or more images of the cleaning elements entering the separator inlet 134, and exiting the separator outlet 136, respectively. It is contemplated that the third imaging device 210 or the fourth imaging device 212 may comprise an imaging device used for obtaining images of the cleaning elementsentering the separator inlet 134, and for obtaining images of the cleaning elements exiting the separator outlet 136.

[0068] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to determine, the operating parameter 154 of a cleaning element inlet separator count 480 indicative of the quantity of the at least one cleaning element entering the separator inlet 134 based on the operating data 152 related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element entering the separator inlet 134; and to determine, a cleaning element outlet separator count 482 indicative of the quantity of the at least one cleaning element exiting the separator outlet 136.

[0069] The processor 150 may be further configured to determine, a cleaning element separator difference 484, indicative of a difference between the cleaning element inlet separator count 480 and the cleaning element outlet separator count 482. In various embodiments, the cleaning element separator difference 484 may be indicative of a quantity of the cleaning elements trapped in the cleaning element separator BC as they are transported from the tubing 106 for return to the receptacle BS.

[0070] The processor 150 may be further configured to, compare, the cleaning element separator difference 484, with a cleaning element separator threshold value 486 indicative of a predetermined cleaning element separator difference related to an allowable difference of the at least one cleaning element stored in the cleaning element separator BC; determine, if the cleaning element separator difference 484 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element separator value 486; and trigger, a fourth notification 488 to the user, if it is determined that the cleaning element separator difference 484 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element separator threshold value 486. In other words, the fourth notification 488 may comprise a notification informing the user that an undesirable quantity of the cleaning elements may be trapped in the cleaning element separator BC, and may obstruct the flow of fluid transporting the cleaning elements for return to the receptacle BS.

[0071] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the at least one sensor may further comprise a first inlet pipe valve fault sensor 160a disposed on the inlet pipe valve MV1, a first outlet pipe valve fault sensor 160b disposed on the outlet pipe valve MV2, a first cleaning element supply valve fault sensor 160c disposed on the cleaning element supply valve 122, and a first cleaning element return valve fault sensor 160d disposed on the cleaning element return valve 142. The at least one sensor may further comprise, a fourth fault sensor 166 disposed on the receptacle BS, and a fifth fault sensor 168 disposed on the cleaning element separator BC. It is contemplated thatthe at least one sensor may further comprise, a second fault sensor disposed on the first directional valve (not shown) and a third fault sensor disposed on second directional valve (not shown). The first, fourth and fifth fault sensors 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d, 166, 168 may each be configured to detect a leakage of the fluid circulating within the respective constituent part, at which the first, fourth and fifth fault sensors 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d, 166, 168 is disposed thereon, to acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid. In other words, the first inlet pipe valve fault sensor 160a may acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid in the inlet pipe valve MV1, first outlet pipe valve fault sensor 160b may acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid in the outlet pipe valve MV2, first cleaning element supply valve fault sensor 160c may acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid in the cleaning element supply valve 122, first cleaning element return valve fault sensor 160d may acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid in the cleaning element return valve 142; the fourth fault sensor 166 may acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid in the receptacle BS, and the fifth fault sensor 168 may acquire operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid in the cleaning element separator BC.

[0072] Based on the operating data 152 related to the leakage of fluid obtained from the respective one of the first, fourth and fifth fault sensors 160a, 160b, 160c, 160d, 166, 168, the processor 150 may be configured to determine, an operating parameter 154 indicative of the leakage of the fluid circulating within the valve arrangement comprising the inlet pipe valve MV1 (sensor 160a), the outlet pipe valve MV2 (sensor 160b), the cleaning element supply valve 122 (sensor 160c), the receptacle BS, and the cleaning element separator BC. In various embodiments, the processor 150 determines, a first inlet pipe valve fault parameter 430a indicative of the leakage of fluid in the inlet pipe valve MV1, a first outlet pipe valve fault parameter 430b indicative of the leakage of fluid the outlet pipe valve MV2, a first cleaning element supply valve fault parameter 430c indicative of the leakage of fluid the cleaning element supply valve 122, and a first cleaning element return valve fault parameter 43 Od indicative of the leakage of fluid the cleaning element return valve 142, based on the operating data 152 from the first inlet pipe valve fault sensor 160a, the first outlet pipe valve fault sensor 160b, the first cleaning element supply valve fault sensor 160c, the first cleaning element return valve fault sensor 160d, respectively; a fourth fault parameter 436 indicative of the leakage of fluid in the receptacle BS based on the operating data 152 from the fourth fault sensor 166; anda fifth fault parameter 438 indicative of the leakage of fluid in the cleaning element separator BC based on the operating data 152 from the fifth fault sensor 168.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 4, the processor 150 may be further configured to: compare, the first inlet pipe valve fault parameter 430a with a first inlet pipe valve fault threshold value 440a; the first outlet pipe valve fault parameter 430b with a first outlet pipe valve fault threshold value 440b; the first cleaning element supply valve fault parameter 430c with a first cleaning element supply valve fault threshold value 440c; the first cleaning element return valve fault parameter 430d with a first cleaning element return valve fault threshold value 440d. The concessionary leakage value of the fluid circulating with the respective valve may be predetermined, and representative of an acceptable leakage of the fluid from the respective valve. For example, inlet pipe valve MV1 may comprise a predetermined first fault threshold value 440a different from a predetermined first fault threshold value 440b of the outlet pipe valve MV2.

[0074] The processor 150 may be further configured to: compare, the fourth fault parameter 436 with a fourth fault threshold value 446 indicative of a concessionary leakage value of the fluid circulating within the receptacle BS; and compare, the fifth fault parameter 438 with a concessionary leakage value of the fluid circulating within the cleaning element separator BC. In various embodiments, each of the fourth and fifth fault threshold values 446, 448 may be representative of an acceptable leakage of the fluid from the receptacle BS, and the cleaning element separator BC, respectively.

[0075] In various embodiments, comparing the first inlet pipe valve fault parameter 430a with a first inlet pipe valve fault threshold value 440a; the first outlet pipe valve fault parameter 430b with a first outlet pipe valve fault threshold value 440b; the first cleaning element supply valve fault parameter 430c with a first cleaning element supply valve fault threshold value 440c; the first cleaning element return valve fault parameter 430d with a first cleaning element return valve fault threshold value 440d may comprise determining, if each of the first inlet pipe valve fault parameter 430a, first outlet pipe valve fault parameter 430b, first cleaning element supply valve fault parameter 430c, first cleaning element return valve fault parameter 43 Od, is greater than or equal to the respective first inlet pipe valve fault threshold value 440a, first outlet pipe valve fault threshold value 440b, first cleaning element supply valve fault threshold value 440c, and first cleaning element return valve fault threshold value 440d, respectively. In addition, comparing the fourth and fifth fault parameters 436, 438 with the respective fourthand fifth fault threshold values 446, 448 may comprise, determining, if each of the fourth and fifth fault parameters 436, 438 is greater than or equal to the respective fourth and fifth fault threshold values 446, 448. The processor 150 may be further configured to: trigger, a fourth notification 441 to the user, the fourth notification 441 indicative of informing, the user of the leakage of the fluid circulating within at least one of the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142; trigger a fifth notification 447, the fifth notification 447 indicative of informing, the user of the leakage of the fluid circulating within the receptacle BS; and / or trigger a sixth notification 449, the sixth notification 449 indicative of informing, the user of the leakage of the fluid circulating within the cleaning element separator BC. In other words, each of the fourth to sixth 441, 447, 449 notifications may inform the user of a fault, i.e. leakage within the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, thereby informing the user of a fault and / or a fault location in the cleaning system 100.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 4, the at least one sensor may further comprise fluid sensors configured for obtaining, operating data 152 relating to a fluid condition of the fluid circulating within the various constituent parts of the cleaning system 100. In various embodiments, a first fluid sensor 170 may be disposed in the fluid supply conduit 110, a second fluid sensor 172 disposed in the cleaning element supply conduit 120, a third fluid sensor 174 disposed in the fluid return conduit 130, a fourth fluid sensor 176 disposed in the cleaning element return conduit 140, a fifth fluid sensor 178 disposed in the inlet pipe 102 and a sixth fluid sensor 180 disposed in the outlet pipe 104. The first to sixth fluid sensors 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180 may be selected from any one of a pH meter for acquiring operating data 152 related to a pH level of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively; means for measuring an impurity concentration for acquiring operating data 152 related to an impurity concentration of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively; a flow rate meter and / or a flow volume meter for acquiring operating data 152 related to a rate of flow and / or a total volume of flow of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe104, respectively; and / or a temperature sensor for acquiring operating data 152 related to a temperature of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively. It is contemplated that the at least one sensor may further comprise a chemical sensor for acquiring, operating data 152 related to the detection of one or more chemical in the fluid circulating within the cleaning system 100.

[0077] Accordingly, based on the operating data 152 obtained from the first to sixth fluid sensors 170, 172, 174, 176, 178, 180, the processor 150 may be configured to determine, any one of: a pH parameter 450 indicative of a pH level of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively; an impurity parameter 452 indicative of a concentration of one or more impurities circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively; a flow rate parameter 454 indicative of a rate of flow of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively; a flow volume parameter 456 indicative of a total volume of flow of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 110, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively; and a temperature parameter 458 indicative of a temperature of the fluid circulating within the fluid supply conduit 1 10, the cleaning element supply conduit 120, the fluid return conduit 130, the cleaning element return conduit 140, the inlet pipe 102 and / or the outlet pipe 104, respectively.

[0078] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may be further configured to control, an operation of the cleaning system 100, based on the operating parameter 154 indicative of the operating condition of the various constituent part. In some embodiments, the processor 150 may control the valve arrangement to open or close the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2, to open or close the cleaning element return loop R2, R1 , or to close both the cleaning element supply loop S 1, S2 and the cleaning element return loop R2, R1. In an example, upon detection of a fault, e.g. leakage and the triggering of any one of the fourth to sixth 441, 447, 449 notifications, the processor 150 may be operable to control the valve arrangement to close boththe cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 and the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl, by closing at least the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, and / or the cleaning element supply valve 122, the cleaning element return valve 142. Tn another example, upon triggering of the first notification 410, the processor 150 may be operable to close the cleaning element return loop R2, Rl and open the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2.

[0079] In various embodiments, access to the processor 150 for controlling the cleaning system 100, the retrieval of the operating data 152, and / or the operating parameters 154 indicative of the operation condition of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, may be restricted to one or more registered users of the cleaning system 100. Referring to FIG. 4, the cleaning system 100 may further include a storage device 460 configured to store a plurality of stored identification parameters 462 indicative of a stored identity of a respective registered user of the cleaning system 100. In various embodiments, the processor 150 may be further configured to obtain, an authentication parameter 464 indicative of an identity of a user of the cleaning system 100, and compare the authentication parameter 464 with each of the plurality of stored identification parameters 462 to determine access to said cleaning system 100. In some embodiments, the authentication parameter 464 may be input into the processor 512 via the input device 312, e g. keyboard of the processor 150.

[0080] FIG. 5 shows an exemplary schematic illustration of a comparison of the authentication parameter 464 with each of the plurality to stored identification parameters 462, in accordance with various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the authentication parameter 464 may comprise one or more identification values 502. The identification values 502 may comprise a series of alphanumeric digits unique to the user of the cleaning system 100, and serve as a distinct identifier of the user.

[0082] Each of the stored identification parameters 462 may also comprise one or more stored identification values 512 corresponding to a respective registered user of the cleaning system 100. For example, there may be a plurality of registered users having access to the cleaning system 100, and the storage device 460 may store the identification parameter 462 of each of the plurality of registered users.

[0083] The processor 150 may be further configured to, compare, the one or more identification values 502 of the authentication parameter 464, with a corresponding one of the one or more stored identification values 512, of each stored identification parameter 462, forexample, a first, a second a third etc. stored identification parameter 462 among the plurality of stored identification parameters 462. For example, the processor 150 may compare an identification value 502 at a ninth position 504 of the authentication parameter 464, with a corresponding stored identification value 512 at a same ninth position 514 of each of the stored identification parameters 462. While examples of three stored identification parameters 462 are illustrated in FIG. 5, the embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and the plurality of stored identification parameters 462 may include two or more stored identification parameters 462.

[0084] Based on the comparison, the processor 150 may determine, if the one or more identification values 502 of the authentication parameter 464, matches, e.g. is equal to, the corresponding one of the one or more stored identification values 512, of at least one stored identification parameter 462. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processor 150 may determine, if the identification value 502 at the ninth position 504, e.g. “D” of the authentication parameter 464, with the corresponding stored identification value 512 at the ninth position 514, e g. “C”; “Z”; “D”, of each of the stored identification parameters 462.

[0085] The processor 150 may allow access to the user to retrieve the operating data 152 and / or operating parameter 154 indicative of the operation condition of the various constituent parts of the cleaning system 100, if it is determined that the one or more identification values 502 of the authentication parameter 464, matches the corresponding one of the one or more stored identification values 512 of each stored identification parameter 462.

[0086] In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processor 150 may allow access to the user having the authentication parameter 464 as “C 1234567 D”, since each identification value 502 matches the corresponding stored identification value 512 of one of the stored identification parameters 462.

[0087] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the processor 150 may further include an external port 320 operable to be accessible by an external storage device 470, for retrieving the operating data 152 acquired by the at least one sensor of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, and / or the operating parameter 154 indicative of the operating condition of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100.

[0088] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may comprise a machine-readable chip for storing, the operating data 152 and / or the operating parameter 154 indicative of the operation condition of the various constituent parts of the cleaning system 100. The machine-readable chip may comprise a code interface which may be accessible by a code scanner. In some embodiments, the code interface may refer to the user interface 310 of the processor 150, and the code scanner may be a code scanner of an external device, such as a mobile device. Tn various embodiments, machine-readable chip of the processor 150 may be configured to communicate with the code scanner based on a radio frequency communication protocol, or configured to generate a quick response (QR) code or a bar code, to allow a user to retrieve, the operating data 152 and / or the operating parameter 154 indicative of the operation condition of the various constituent parts of the cleaning system 100. For example, a user may retrieve said operating data 152 and / or operating parameter 154 by scanning the generated QR code or bar code. In some embodiments, the operating data 152 acquired by the at least one sensor of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100, and / or the operating parameter 154 indicative of the operating condition of the respective constituent part of the cleaning system 100 may be retrieved via the wired means 304 or wireless means 302 of the processor 150. For example, the operating data 152 and / or operating parameter 154 may be transmitted to another processor via wired means 304, e g. LAN cable, or via wireless means 302, e g. pre-defined wireless communication protocol.

[0089] FIG. 6 shows a schematic illustration of another exemplary cleaning system 600 for cleaning a plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C used for conducting a fluid therethrough. The cleaning system 600 as shown in FIG. 6 may be based on the cleaning system 100 discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and repeated descriptions will be omitted for brevity.

[0090] Referring to FIG. 6, the cleaning system 600 may comprise a plurality of tubing 106, for example, a first 106 A, a second 106B, a third 106C tubing The cleaning system 600 may comprise a plurality of inlet pipe channels, e.g. a first 102A, a second 102B, a third 102C inlet pipe channel, branching from the inlet pipe 102; and comprise a plurality of outlet pipe channels, e.g. a first 104A, a second 104B, a third 104C outlet pipe channel, branching from the outlet pipe 104. Each of the first 106A, second 106B, and third 106C tubing may be connected between a respective inlet pipe channel 102A, 102B, 102C, and a respective outlet pipe channel 104A, 104B, 104C.

[0091] The cleaning system 600 may comprise a plurality of cleaning element supply channels, e.g. a first 120A, a second 120B, a third 120C cleaning element supply channel, branching from a part of the cleaning element supply conduit 120. Each cleaning element supply channel 120A, 120B, 120C may be connected to the receptacle BS via the cleaningelement supply conduit 120, and to each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C, via a respective inlet pipe channel 102 A, 102B, 102C.

[0092] In various embodiments of cleaning system 600, the fluid supply conduit 1 10 and the plurality of cleaning element supply channels 120 A, 120B, 120C cooperate to form another part of the cleaning element supply loop, SI, S3, S4, S5, for supplying the cleaning elements to the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C, via the respective inlet pipe channel 102A, 102B, 102C.

[0093] The cleaning system 600 may also comprise a plurality of cleaning element return channels, e.g. a first 140A, a second MOB, a third 140C cleaning element return channel, branching from a part of the cleaning element return conduit 140. Each cleaning element return channel 140A, MOB, 140C may be connected to the receptacle BS via the cleaning element return conduit 140, and to each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C via a respective outlet pipe channel 104A, 104B, 104C.

[0094] In various embodiments, the fluid return conduit 130 and the plurality of cleaning element return channels 140A, MOB, 140C cooperate to form another part of the cleaning element return loop Rl, R3, R4, R5 for returning the cleaning elements to the receptacle BS via the respective outlet pipe channel 104A, 104B, 104C.

[0095] As explained above, an inlet pipe valve MV1 is disposed therein the fluid supply conduit 110, for directing the supply of the fluid from the inlet pipe 102 to the receptacle BS. The cleaning system 600 further comprises, a plurality of cleaning element supply channel valves MV3, MV5, MV7 disposed therein each of the cleaning element supply channels 120A, 120B, 120C, for directing the supply of the cleaning element from the receptacle BS to each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C, via the respective inlet pipe channel 102A, 102B, 102B. For example, a first MV3, a second MV5, a third MV7 cleaning element supply channel valve may be disposed in the first 120A, the second I20B. the third 120C cleaning element supply channels, respectively. The first MV3, second MV5, and third MV7 cleaning element supply channel valve may direct the supply of the cleaning elements to the first 106A (via cleaning element supply loop SI, S3); the second 106B (via cleaning element supply loop SI, S4), and the third 106C (via cleaning element supply loop SI , S5) tubing, respectively.

[0096] The cleaning system 600 may also comprise, an outlet pipe valve MV2 disposed therein the fluid return conduit 130, for directing the return of the fluid from the receptacle BS to the outlet pipe 104, and a plurality of cleaning element return channel valves MV4, MV6,MV8 disposed therein each of the cleaning element return channels 140A, 140B, 140C, for directing the return of the cleaning elements to the receptacle BS via the respective outlet pipe channel 104A, 104B, 104C. For example, a first MV4, a second MV6, a third MV8 cleaning element supply return channel valve may be disposed in the first 140A, the second 140B, the third 140C cleaning element return channels, respectively. The first MV4 (via cleaning element return loop R2, R3), the second MV6 (via cleaning element return loop R2, R4), and third MV8 (via cleaning element return loop R2, R5) cleaning element supply return valve may direct the return of the cleaning elements to the receptacle BS.

[0097] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary cleaning cycle overview 700 of each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106B shown in FIG. 6. The exemplary cleaning cycle overview 700 is depicted as a cleaning cycle diagram 710, and the corresponding opening and closing of the inlet valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, the plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, and the plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8, is provided in table 720.

[0098] Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, the processor 150 may be further configured to, open or close the another part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S3, S4, S5, to open or close the another part of the cleaning element return loop R1 , R3, R4, R5, and / or to close both the another parts of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S3, S4, S5 and the cleaning element return loop Rl, R3, R4, R5, such that each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C may be cleaned by the cleaning elements of the cleaning system. 600.

[0099] In various embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to clean each of the plurality of tubing 106A, 106B, 106C individually as shown in the cleaning cycle diagram 710. For example, the processor 150 may be configured to perform a first cleaning cycle Cl to clean the first tubing 106 A, followed by a second cleaning cycle C2 to clean the second tubing 106B, and a third cleaning cycle C3 to clean the third tubing 106C. Each cleaning cycle Cl, C2, C3 may be in the range of 5 to 30 minutes. The processor 150 may be operable to control the opening and closing of the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, each cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, and each cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8, to open or close the another part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S3, S4, S5, to open or close the another part of the cleaning element return loop Rl, R3, R4, R5, and / or close both the another parts of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S3, S4, S5, and cleaning element return loop Rl, R3, R4, R5. In various embodiments, the generator 190and / or the processor 150 may be operable to supply electrical energy, e.g. AC or DC power, to the inlet pipe valve MV1, the outlet pipe valve MV2, each cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, and each cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8

[0100] Referring to rows 730 and 732 of table 720, the processor 150 may perform a first cleaning cycle Cl for the first tubing 106A. The first cleaning cycle Cl may comprise, the opening of the inlet valve MV1 and the first cleaning element supply channel valve MV3 (and closing the remaining outlet valve MV2, plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV5, MV7, plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8), thereby activating cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 (part thereof), S3 (labelled “SEND”; row 730). As the cleaning elements exit the first tubing 106 A and are collected at the cleaning element separator BC, the processor 150 may open the outlet valve MV2, and the first cleaning element return channel valve MV4 (and close remaining inlet valve MV1, plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV6, MV8), thereby activating the cleaning element return loop R2, R1 (part thereof), R3 and deactivating the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 (part thereof), S3 (labelled “RETURN”; row 732).

[0101] After the first cleaning cycle Cl is completed, the processor 150 may perform a second cleaning cycle C2 for the second tubing 106B, as shown in rows 740 and 742 of table 720. The second cleaning cycle C2 may comprise, the opening of the inlet valve MV1 and the second cleaning element supply channel valve MV5 (and closing the remaining outlet valve MV2, plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV7, plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8), thereby activating cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 (part thereof), S4 (labelled “SEND”, row 740). As the cleaning elements exit the second tubing 106B and are collected at the cleaning element separator BC, the processor 150 may be operable to open the outlet valve MV2, and the second cleaning element return channel valve MV6 (and close remaining inlet valve MV1, plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV8), thereby activating the cleaning element return loop R2, R1 (part thereof), R4 and deactivating the cleaning element supply loop SI , S2 (part thereof), S4 (labelled “RETURN”; row 742).

[0102] After the second cleaning cycle Cl is completed, the processor 150 may perform a third cleaning cycle C3 for the third tubing 106C, as shown in rows 750 and 752 of table 720. The third cleaning cycle C3 may comprise, the opening of the inlet valve MV1 and the secondcleaning element supply channel valve MV7 (and closing the remaining outlet valve MV2, plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8), thereby activating cleaning element supply loop SI , S2 (part thereof), S5 (labelled “SEND”; row 750). As the cleaning elements exit the third tubing 106C and are collected at the cleaning element separator BC, the processor 150 may open the outlet valve MV2, and the third cleaning element return channel valve MV8 (and close remaining inlet valve MV1, plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6), thereby activating the cleaning element return loop R2, R1 (part thereof), R5 and deactivating the cleaning element supply loop SI, S2 (part thereof), S5 (labelled “RETURN”; row 752).

[0103] After the third cleaning cycle C3 is completed, the processor 150 may restart the cleaning cycles Cl, C2, C3, and perform the first cleaning cycle Cl as illustrated in cleaning cycle diagram 710. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the processor 150 may be configured to be in a “REST” state in which both the another part of the cleaning element supply loop SI, S3, S4, S5 and the another part of the cleaning element return loop Rl, R3, R4, R5 are deactivated, for example, when the cleaning system 600 is not in operation, e.g. on standby or being in the “OFF” state. In this regard, the inlet valve MV 1, the outlet valve MV2, the plurality of cleaning element supply channel valve MV3, MV5, MV7, and the plurality of cleaning element return channel valve MV4, MV6, MV8 may be closed (rows 734; 744; 754). While three tubing 106A, 106B, 106C have been illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the disclosure is not limited thereto, and the plurality of tubing may comprise two or more tubing.

[0104] According to another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided, a HVAC cleaning facility comprising the cleaning system 100, 600 discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 of the disclosure.

[0105] FIG. 8 shows an exemplary schematic illustration of a controller 850 for a cleaning apparatus 800 for cleaning tubing 806 used for conducting a fluid therethrough, according to another aspect of the disclosure. The cleaning apparatus 800 may be based on a part of the cleaning system 100, 600 discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 7, and repeated descriptions are omitted for brevity

[0106] In cleaning apparatus 800, the tubing 806 may be connected between an inlet pipe 802 and an outlet pipe 804. The cleaning apparatus 800 comprises a receptacle 8BS for housing at least one cleaning element used for cleaning the inner surfaces or walls of tubing 806, andmay further comprise, a fluid supply conduit 810 connected to the receptacle 8BS and the inlet pipe 802, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle 8BS and the inlet pipe 802; a cleaning element supply conduit 820 connected to the receptacle 8BS and the inlet pipe 802, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle 8BS and the inlet pipe 802, wherein the fluid supply conduit 810 and the cleaning element supply conduit 820 cooperate to form a cleaning element supply loop S6, S7, for supplying the at least one cleaning element to the tubing 806 via the inlet pipe 802; a fluid return conduit 830 connected to the receptacle 8BS and the outlet pipe 804, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle 8BS and the outlet pipe 804; a cleaning element return conduit 840, and connected to the receptacle 8BS and the outlet pipe 804, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle 8BS and the outlet pipe 804, wherein the fluid return conduit 830 and the cleaning element return conduit 840 cooperate to form a cleaning element return loop R6, R7, for returning the at least one cleaning element to the receptacle 8BS via the outlet pipe 804; and a valve arrangement operable to open or close the cleaning element supply loop S6, S7, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop R6, R7 The valve arrangement may comprise an inlet pipe valve MV8, an outlet pipe valve MV9, a cleaning element supply valve 822, and a cleaning element return valve 842.

[0107] In various embodiments, the inlet pipe valve MV8, outlet pipe valve MV9, cleaning element supply valve 822, and cleaning element return valve 842 may each comprise a manually operated hand valve. In these embodiments, the cleaning system may further comprise a three-way valve and a processor operable to control the transport of the cleaning elements to and from the tubing. Such a system is described in WO 2010 / 1 14479 Al, the disclosure of which is incorporated in its entirety.

[0108] In some embodiments, the inlet pipe valve MV8, outlet pipe valve MV9, cleaning element supply valve 822, and cleaning element return valve 842 may each comprise automated two-way valves, which may be controlled by a processor 850, as discussed with reference to cleaning system 100, 600 above.

[0109] The cleaning apparatus 800 may also comprise, a cleaning element separator 8BC disposed in the outlet pipe 804 to collect the cleaning elements of the cleaning element return loop R6, R7. The operation of the cleaning apparatus 800 has been discussed above with reference to a part of the cleaning system 100, and repeated descriptions are omitted. In variousembodiments, the cleaning apparatus 800 shown in FIG. 8 may refer to an existing cleaning apparatus 800.[001 10] Tn various embodiments, at least one sensor may be added to the cleaning apparatus 800 to acquire, operating data 852 related to an operation condition of the various constituent parts, i.e. inlet 802 and outlet 804 pipe, fluid supply conduit 810, cleaning element supply conduit 820, fluid return conduit 830, cleaning element return conduit 840, receptacle 8BS, cleaning element separator 8BC and / or valve arrangement comprising inlet pipe valve MV8, an outlet pipe valve MV9, a cleaning element supply valve 822, and a cleaning element return valve 842, of the cleaning apparatus 800. In addition, a controller 850 may be further provided for determining, an operating parameter 854 indicative of the operation condition of the various constituent parts of the cleaning apparatus 800, based on the operating data 852.

[0111] Referring to FIG. 8, a fifth imaging device 826 and a sixth imaging device 828 may be provided to be disposed on the receptacle 8BS. The fifth imaging device 826 may be configured to acquire: operating data 852 related to a quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 806; and the sixth imaging device 828 configured to acquire operating data 852 related to a quantity of cleaning elements returned to the receptacle 8BS. In various embodiments, the fifth imaging device 826 and the sixth imaging device 828 may each comprise a waterproof fifth imaging device 826 and sixth imaging device 828 for obtaining one or more images of the cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 806, and returned to the receptacle 8BS, respectively. In some embodiments, the fifth imaging device 826 or the sixth imaging device 828 may comprise an imaging device for acquiring operating data 852 related to a quantity of cleaning elements supplied to the tubing 806, and for acquiring operating data 852 related to a quantity of cleaning elements returned to the receptacle 8BS.

[0112] In various embodiments, the controller 850 may be further configured to: obtain, the operating data 852 related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing 806 (from the fifth imaging device 826), and the operating data 852 related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle 8BS (from the sixth imaging device 828); determine, a cleaning element supply parameter 1002 based on the operating data 852 related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing 806, and a cleaning element return parameter 1004 based on the operating data 852 related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle 8BS; and determine, a cleaning element ratio parameter 1006 indicative of a ratio of the quantity of theat least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing 806 and at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle 8BS, based on the cleaning element supply parameter 1002 and the cleaning element return parameter 1004.

[0113] The controller 850 may be further configured to: compare, the cleaning element ratio parameter 1006 with a cleaning element threshold value 1008 indicative of a predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing 806, and returned to the receptacle 8BS. In an embodiment, the cleaning element threshold value 1008 may refer to a predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element required for opening the cleaning element supply loop S6, S7, e.g. for a subsequent cleaning cycle. In various embodiments, comparing, the cleaning element ratio parameter 1006 with the cleaning element threshold value 1008 comprises, determining, if the cleaning element ratio parameter 1006 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value 1008; and triggering, the seventh notification 1010 to the user, if it is determined that the cleaning element ratio parameter 1006 is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value 1008. In other words, the first notification 1010 may be triggered, upon attaining the predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element that may be required for opening a subsequent cleaning element supply loop S6, S7.

[0114] While FIG. 8 discusses the determination of the operating parameter 854 related to the supply and return of the cleaning elements of cleaning apparatus 800, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto, and the operating parameter 854 for each constituent part of the cleaning apparatus 800 may be determined by the controller 850. For example, the at least one sensor may comprise: fluid sensors for acquiring operating data 852 related to a fluid condition of the fluid circulating within a respective constituent part of the cleaning apparatus 800 A, 800B, pressure meters for acquiring operating data 852 related to a pressure of the fluid passing through a respective constituent part of the cleaning apparatus 80; and / or fault sensor for acquiring operating data 852 related to a leakage of the fluid circulating within a respective constituent part of the cleaning apparatus 800. Accordingly, the controller 850 may be configured to: determine, operating parameters 854 indicative of the operation condition of the respective constituent part of the cleaning apparatus 800. Examples of such operating parameters 854 have been discussed with reference to FIG. 4.

[0115] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 1100 for determining, the cleaning element supply parameter, and the cleaning element return parameter, of the cleaningapparatus 800 discussed with reference to FIG. 8, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.[001 16] Method 1 100 comprises a controller for executing the steps of: obtaining, the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing, and the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle (step 1102); and determining, the cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing, and the cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle (step 1104). In various embodiments, the controller may further execute the steps of: determining, the cleaning element ratio parameter indicative of the ratio of the quantity of the at least one cleaning supplied and at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle, based on the cleaning element supply parameter and the cleaning element return parameter (step 1106); comparing, the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value indicative of the predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element required for opening the part of the cleaning element supply loop (step 1108); and triggering, the seventh notification to a user, the seventh notification indicative of attaining the predetermined ratio, based on the comparison of the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value (step 1110).

[0117] Method 1100 may further comprise the steps of: obtaining, the operating data related to an operation condition of a respective constituent part of the cleaning apparatus 800; and determining, the operating parameters indicative of an operation condition of the various constituent parts of the cleaning apparatus 800.

[0118] According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a computer readable medium comprising instruction, which when executed by the controller, causes the controller to perform the steps of method 1100 of FIG. 9.

[0119] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method 1200 for fitting a controller, on the cleaning apparatus 800 discussed with reference to FIG. 8, in accordance with another aspect of the disclosure.

[0120] Method 1200 comprises the steps of: providing, at least one imaging device on the receptacle, for acquiring operating data related to the operation condition of the receptacle, comprising (i.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing; and (ii.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaningelement returned to the receptacle (step 1202); and providing, the controller in data communication with the at least one imaging device, the controller configured to, obtain, (i.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing, and (ii.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determine, the cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing, and the cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle (step 1204).

[0121] In various embodiments, step 1202 may comprise, providing, an imaging device on the receptacle, for acquiring (i.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the tubing; and another imaging device on the receptacle for acquiring (ii.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

[0122] While method 1200 discusses the provision of at least one imaging device to obtain the operating data related to the supply and return of the cleaning elements, and determination of operating parameters related to said cleaning elements of cleaning apparatus 800, embodiments of the disclosure are not limited thereto. In various embodiments, method 1200 may further comprise the provision of at least one sensor disposed on various constituent parts of cleaning apparatus 800; and the determination of the operating parameter for the respective constituent parts of the cleaning apparatus 800, by the controller.

[0123] Various aspects and embodiments of the disclosure thus provide an improved automated cleaning system which is based on the use of four automated valves and a processor, for controlling the supply of, and return of, the cleaning elements to and from the heat exchanger tubing. The improved automated cleaning system also includes a generator for supplying power to the four automated valves, and to the processor, thereby reducing power consumption for operating the improved automated cleaning system. The improved cleaning system also comprises at least one sensor arranged on various constituent parts of the cleaning system for acquiring operating data related to an operation condition of the respective constituent part, and a processor for determining operating parameters indicative of the operation condition. In addition, the disclosure provides a controller suitable for fitting in an existing cleaning apparatus, and the provision of at least one sensor arranged on various constituent parts of the cleaning apparatus for acquiring said operating data and operationparameters The acquisition of the operating data and determination of operating parameters, allow a user to easily monitor and control the cleaning system and / or existing cleaning apparatus. In addition, a user may easily detect faults in the system, and / or to establish suitable maintenance schedules for the cleaning system and / or existing cleaning apparatus.

[0124] While the disclosure has been particularly shown and described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. The scope of the disclosure is thus indicated by the appended claims and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cleaning system for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough, the one or more tubings connected between an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, comprising a receptacle for housing at least one cleaning element used for cleaning the one or more tubings; a fluid supply conduit connected to the receptacle and the inlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the inlet pipe, a cleaning element supply conduit connected to the receptacle and the inlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the inlet pipe; wherein the fluid supply conduit and the cleaning element supply conduit cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element supply loop, for supplying the at least one cleaning element to the one or more tubings via the inlet pipe; a fluid return conduit connected to the receptacle and the outlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the outlet pipe, a cleaning element return conduit connected to the receptacle and the outlet pipe, to establish fluid communication between the receptacle and the outlet pipe; wherein the fluid return conduit and the cleaning element return conduit cooperate to form a part of a cleaning element return loop, for returning the at least one cleaning element to the receptacle via the outlet pipe; a valve arrangement operable to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop, the valve arrangement comprising an inlet pipe valve disposed therein the fluid supply conduit, for directing the supply of the fluid from the inlet pipe to the receptacle; an outlet pipe valve disposed therein the fluid return conduit, for directing the supply of the fluid from the receptacle to the outlet pipe, wherein the inlet pipe valve comprises a first automated valve, and the outlet pipe valve comprises a second automated valve; a processor operable to open or close the inlet pipe valve, and the outlet pipe valve, to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve arrangement further comprises, a cleaning element supply valve disposed therein the cleaning element supply conduit, for directing the supply of the at least one cleaning element from the receptacle to the one or more tubings; a cleaning element return valve disposed therein the cleaning element return conduit, for directing the return of the at least one cleaning element from the outlet pipe to the receptacle, wherein the cleaning element supply valve comprises a third automated valve, and the cleaning element return valve comprises a fourth automated valve.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first, second, third and fourth automated valve comprise a motorized valve.

4. The system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the processor is further configured to open or close the cleaning element supply valve, and the cleaning element return valve, to open or close the part of the cleaning element supply loop, and to open or close the part of the cleaning element return loop.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a generator disposed therein the inlet pipe, the generator disposed proximal to an entrance of the inlet pipe.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the generator comprises a hydraulic generator, the hydraulic generator operable to convert hydraulic energy generated by a fluid supply entering the inlet pipe, to electrical energy for supply to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve, the outlet pipe valve, the cleaning element supply valve, the cleaning element return valve, the processor.

7. The system of claim 5, wherein the generator comprises a rectifier circuit operable to convert AC power from an external power source, to DC power for supply to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve, the outlet pipe valve, the cleaning element supply valve, the cleaning element return valve, the processor.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the generator comprises an inverter circuit, operable to convert DC power from another external power source, to AC power for supply to at least one of: the inlet pipe valve, the outlet pipe valve, the cleaning element supply valve, the cleaning element return valve, the processor.

9. The system of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one sensor disposed on at least one of: the receptacle, the valve arrangement, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe, the at least one sensor configured to, acquire, operating data related to an operation condition of a respective one of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; wherein the processor is further configured to, obtain, the operating data related to the operation condition the respective one of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; and determine, an operating parameter indicative of the operation condition of the respective one of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, and any one of, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe, based on the operating data.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the at least one sensor comprises at least one first imaging device disposed on the receptacle, for acquiring: (i.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and (ii.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; and wherein the operating parameter comprises a cleaning element supply parameter indicative of the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings;a cleaning element return parameter indicative of the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, a cleaning element ratio parameter indicative of a ratio of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; compare, the cleaning element ratio parameter with a cleaning element threshold value indicative of a predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element required for opening the part of the cleaning element supply loop; and trigger, a first notification to a user, the first notification indicative of attaining the predetermined ratio, based on the comparison of the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein comparing, the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value comprises, determining, if the cleaning element ratio parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value; and triggering, the first notification to the user, if it is determined that the cleaning element ratio parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a cycle counter disposed on the receptacle, for acquiring operating data related to a number of cleaning cycles of the at least one cleaning element; and wherein the operating parameter comprises, a cleaning element cycle parameter indicative of the number of cleaning cycles of the at least one cleaning element.

14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further configured to compare, the cleaning element cycle parameter with a cleaning element cycle threshold value indicative of a predetermined number of cleaning cycles of the at least one cleaning element;determine, if the cleaning element cycle parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element cycle threshold value; trigger, a second notification to the user, the second notification indicative of informing the user of attaining the predetermined number of cleaning cycles, if it is determined that the cleaning element cycle parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element cycle threshold value.

15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the at least one sensor comprises, a fluid sensor disposed on the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe, for acquiring the operating data related to a fluid condition of the fluid circulating within a respective one of the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; wherein the operating parameter comprises at least one of a pH parameter indicative of a pH level of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; an impurity parameter indicative of an impurity concentration of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; a flow rate parameter indicative of a rate of flow of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; a flow volume parameter indicative of a volume of flow of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe; and / or a temperature parameter indicative of a temperature of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe.

16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a cleaning element separator disposed within the outlet pipe, for collecting the at least one cleaning element of the cleaning element return loop, the cleaning element separator having a separator inlet arranged on one end, and a separator outlet arranged on an opposing end, the separator outlet connected to the receptacle, for establishing fluid communication between the cleaning element separator and the receptacle, the separator inlet and the separator outlet for receiving the fluid transporting the at least one cleaning element of the part of the cleaning element return loop; wherein the at least one sensor comprises an inlet pressure meter disposed at the separator inlet, for acquiring the operating data related to a pressure of the fluid passing through the separator inlet, the fluid transporting the at least one cleaning element of the part of the cleaning element return loop; an outlet pressure meter disposed at the separator outlet, for acquiring the operating data related to a pressure of the fluid passing through the separator outlet, the fluid transporting the at least one cleaning element of the part of the cleaning element return loop; wherein the operating parameter comprises a cleaning element separator inlet pressure parameter indicative of the pressure of the fluid transporting the at least one cleaning element of the cleaning element return loop, passing the separator inlet; a cleaning element separator outlet pressure parameter indicative of the pressure of the fluid transporting the at least one cleaning element of the cleaning element return loop, passing the separator outlet.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, a cleaning element separator pressure parameter indicative of a pressure difference between the cleaning element separator inlet pressure parameter and the cleaning element separator outlet pressure parameter; compare, the cleaning element separator pressure parameter with a cleaning element separator threshold value indicative of an optimal pressure difference between the cleaning element separator inlet pressure parameter and the cleaning element separator outlet pressure parameter;trigger, a third notification to the user, the third notification indicative of informing the user, the comparison between the cleaning element separator pressure parameter and the cleaning element separator threshold value, based on the comparison of the cleaning element separator pressure parameter with the cleaning element separator threshold value.

18. The system of claim 16 or 17, wherein the cleaning element separator is disposed laterally, or vertically, with respect to a length of the outlet pipe.

19. The system of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising at least one second imaging device disposed on the cleaning element separator, for acquiring: (i.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element entering the separator inlet; and (ii.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element exiting the separator outlet; and wherein the operating parameter comprises a cleaning element inlet separator count indicative of the quantity of the at least one cleaning element entering the separator inlet, a cleaning element outlet separator count indicative of the quantity of the at least one cleaning element exiting the separator outlet.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, a cleaning element separator difference, indicative of a difference between the cleaning element inlet separator count and the cleaning element outlet separator count; compare, the cleaning element separator difference, with a cleaning element separator threshold value indicative of a predetermined cleaning element separator difference related to an allowable difference of the at least one cleaning element stored in the cleaning element separator; determine, if the cleaning element separator difference is greater than or equal to the cleaning element separator value; trigger, a fourth notification to the user, if it is determined that the cleaning element separator difference is greater than or equal to the cleaning element separator value.

21. The system of any one claims 1 to 20, wherein the at least one sensor comprises,a fault sensor disposed on at least one of: the valve arrangement, the receptacle, the cleaning element separator, for acquiring the operating data related to a leakage of the fluid circulating within a respective one of the valve arrangement, the receptacle, and / or the cleaning element separator; wherein the operating parameter comprises a fault parameter indicative of the leakage of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the valve arrangement, the receptacle, and / or the cleaning element separator.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to compare, the fault parameter with a fault threshold value indicative of a concessionary leakage value of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the valve arrangement, the receptacle, and / or the cleaning element separator; trigger, a fifth notification to the user, the fifth notification indicative of informing, the user of the leakage of the fluid circulating within the respective one of the valve arrangement, the receptacle, and / or the cleaning element separator, based on the comparison of the fault parameter with the fault threshold value.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein comparing, the fault parameter with the fault threshold valve comprises, determining, if the fault parameter is greater than the fault threshold value of the respective one of the valve arrangement, the receptacle, and / or the cleaning element separator; triggering, the fifth notification to the user, if it is determined that the fault parameter is greater than or equal to the fault threshold value.

24. The system of claim 1, wherein the inlet pipe comprises a plurality of inlet pipe channels branching from a part thereof, and the outlet pipe comprises a plurality of outlet pipe channels branching from a part thereof; wherein the one or more tubings comprises a plurality of tubing, each of the plurality of tubing connected between an inlet pipe channel of the plurality of inlet pipe channels, and an outlet pipe channel of the plurality of outlet pipe channels;wherein the cleaning element supply conduit comprises a plurality of cleaning element supply channels branching from a part thereof, the cleaning element supply channels connected to the receptacle via the cleaning element supply conduit, and to each of the plurality of tubing via a respective inlet pipe channel; wherein the fluid supply conduit and the plurality of cleaning element supply channels cooperate to form another part of the cleaning element supply loop, for supplying the at least one cleaning element to the plurality of tubing via the respective inlet pipe channel; wherein the cleaning element return conduit comprises a plurality of cleaning element return channels branching from a part thereof, the cleaning element return channels connected to the receptacle via the cleaning element return conduit, and to each of the plurality of tubing via a respective outlet pipe channel; wherein the fluid return conduit and the plurality of cleaning element return channels cooperate to form another part of the cleaning element return loop, for returning the at least one cleaning element to the receptacle via the respective outlet pipe channel; wherein the system further comprises a plurality of cleaning element supply channel valves disposed therein the plurality of cleaning element supply channels, for directing the supply of the at least one cleaning element from the receptacle to each of the plurality of tubing, via the respective inlet pipe channel, each of the plurality of cleaning element supply channel valves comprising another automated valve; a plurality of cleaning element return channel valves disposed therein the plurality of cleaning element return channels, for directing the return of the at least one cleaning element to the receptacle via the respective outlet pipe channel, each of the plurality of cleaning element return channel valves comprising another automated valve; wherein the processor is further configured to open or close, the plurality of cleaning element supply channel valves, to open or close the another part of the cleaning element supply loop; and open or close, the plurality of cleaning element return valves, to open or close the another part of the cleaning element return loop.

25. The system of any one of claims 1 to 24, further comprisinga storage device configured to store a plurality of stored identification parameters, each stored identification parameter indicative of a stored identity of a respective registered user of the cleaning system, wherein each stored identification parameter comprises one or more stored identification values; wherein the processor is further configured to obtain, an authentication parameter indicative of an identity of the user of the cleaning system, the authentication parameter comprising one or more identification values; compare, the one or more identification values of the authentication parameter, with a corresponding one of the one or more stored identification values, of each stored identification parameter; determine, if the one or more identification values of the authentication parameter, matches the corresponding one of the one or more stored identification values, of each stored identification parameter; retrieve, the operating data and / or the operating parameter indicative of the operation condition of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, and any one of, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe, if it determined that the one or more identification values of the authentication parameter, matches the corresponding one of the one or more stored identification values, of each stored identification parameter.

26. The system of any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising a machine-readable chip for storing the operating data and / or the operating parameter indicative of the operation condition of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, and any one of, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe, wherein the machine-readable chip comprises a code interface accessible by a code scanner, to retrieve, the operating data and / or the operating parameter indicative of the operation condition of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, and any one of, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe;wherein the machine-readable chip is configured to communicate with the code scanner based on a radio frequency communication protocol, or configured to generate a quick response (QR) code or a bar code.

27. The cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 26, further comprising an external port disposed on the processor, the external port accessible by an external storage device, to retrieve the operating data and / or the operating parameter indicative of the operation condition of the receptacle, the valve arrangement, and any one of, the fluid supply conduit, the cleaning element supply conduit, the fluid return conduit, the cleaning element return conduit, the inlet pipe and / or the outlet pipe.

28. A heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) and / or an air-conditioning and mechanical ventilation (ACMV) cleaning facility comprising the cleaning system of any one of claims 1 to 27.

29. A controller for a cleaning apparatus for cleaning one or more tubings used for conducting a fluid therethrough, the cleaning apparatus comprising a receptacle for housing at least one cleaning element used for cleaning the one or more tubings; at least one third imaging device disposed on the receptacle, for acquiring operating data related to an operation condition of the receptacle, comprising, (i.) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and (ii .) the operating data related to a quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; wherein the controller is configured to, obtain, the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determine, a cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and a cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

30. The controller of claim 29, wherein the processor is further configured to determine, a cleaning element ratio parameter indicative of a ratio of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; compare, the cleaning element ratio parameter with a cleaning element threshold value indicative of a predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element required for opening the part of the cleaning element supply loop; and trigger, a first notification to a user, the first notification indicative of attaining the predetermined ratio, based on the comparison of the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value.

31. The controller of claim 30, wherein comparing, the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value comprises, determining, if the cleaning element ratio parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value; and triggering, the first notification to the user, if it is determined that the cleaning element ratio parameter is greater than or equal to the cleaning element threshold value.

32. A method of determining, the cleaning element supply parameter, and the cleaning element return parameter, for the cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 31, the method comprising the controller for executing the steps of, obtaining, (i.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubing, and (ii.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determining, the cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising the steps of,determining, the cleaning element ratio parameter indicative of the ratio of the quantity of the at least one cleaning supplied to the one or more tubings, and the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle, based on the cleaning element supply parameter and the cleaning element return parameter; comparing, the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value indicative of the predetermined ratio of the at least one cleaning element required for opening the part of the cleaning element supply loop; and triggering, the first notification to a user, the first notification indicative of attaining the predetermined ratio, based on the comparison of the cleaning element ratio parameter with the cleaning element threshold value.

34. A computer readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed by the controller, causes the controller to perform the method of claim 32 or 33.

35. A method of fitting the controller, on the cleaning apparatus of any one of claims 29 to 34, the method comprising steps of, providing, the at least one third imaging device on the receptacle, for acquiring operating data related to the operation condition of the receptacle, comprising (i.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings; and (ii.) operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; providing, the controller in data communication with the at least one third imaging device, the controller configured to, obtain, (i.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and (ii.) the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle; determine, the cleaning element supply parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element supplied to the one or more tubings, and the cleaning element return parameter based on the operating data related to the quantity of the at least one cleaning element returned to the receptacle.

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