Boiler Pipe Automatic Cleaning Using Circulation Tank and Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for cleaning boiler pipes are cumbersome and require specialized facilities, as they involve periodic maintenance of water softeners and disassembly of pipes, making it difficult for general users to effectively eliminate scale accumulation in heat exchangers and pipes.

Innovation Solution

A method for automatically cleaning boiler pipes using a system with a pipe-cleaning tank, circulation pump, and controller that automatically flows a cleaning solution into the heat exchanger and pipes based on flow rate and operating time, allowing for periodic cleaning and scale removal without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a water softener is installed to remove hardness components, then scale accumulation is reduced, but device complexity and maintenance cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of scale accumulationVSAvoidinstallation of water softener

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the cleaning function from the main boiler system by using a separate pipe-cleaning tank that stores cleaning solution. This tank is connected to the heat exchanger through dedicated piping, allowing scale removal without requiring a complex water softener integrated into the main water supply system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service cleaning by allowing users to manually add cleaning solution to the pipe-cleaning tank and operate it through simple controls. The circulation pump automatically circulates the cleaning solution through the heat exchanger, eliminating the need for specialized facility intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If pipes are disassembled for cleaning, then scale is effectively removed, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of scale removalVSAvoiduser ability to clean pipes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cleaning solution as an intermediary substance that chemically removes scale from the heat exchanger interior without requiring physical disassembly of pipes. The circulation pump acts as a mediator to deliver this cleaning solution through the existing piping system, making cleaning accessible to general users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses hydraulic principles by employing a circulation pump to force cleaning solution through the heat exchanger pipes. This fluid-based cleaning method eliminates the need for mechanical disassembly while effectively removing scale accumulation from the interior surfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Reliability

If cleaning solution is circulated through heat exchanger, then scale is eliminated, but cleaning solution concentration may be diluted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale elimination effectivenessVSAvoidcleaning solution concentration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic cleaning cycles where the circulation pump operates intermittently to circulate cleaning solution through the heat exchanger. Between cleaning cycles, the system returns to normal water circulation mode, allowing the cleaning solution to maintain its concentration by not being continuously diluted with large volumes of water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning solution is applied locally and selectively to the heat exchanger interior surfaces where scale accumulation occurs. The pipe-cleaning tank system delivers cleaning solution directly to the heat exchanger through dedicated piping, minimizing unnecessary dilution and maximizing the local concentration of cleaning agents at the scaling sites.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy elimination of scale in boiler pipes and heat exchangers, reduces fuel waste, and allows for simple operation by users, ensuring efficient and periodic cleaning without diluting the cleaning solution concentration.

Implementation Method 1

a circulation pump installed in the tank supply pipe or the inner inlet pipe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPump: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS11578864B2Method of automatically cleaning boiler pipes

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 CHOI OK

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a method of automatically cleaning boiler pipes. The provision of a pipe-cleaning tank on one side of a casing to store a cleaning solution therein and a tank supply valve in the pipe-cleaning tank allows the cleaning solution stored in the pipe-cleaning tank to automatically flow into a heat exchanger and various pipes inside the casing by means of only a simple operation of manipulating the tank supply valve, thereby making it easy to eliminate scale that has accumulated in the heat exchanger and the pipes.