Coherent Jet Nozzles for Sludge Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-pressure sludge lancing techniques in steam generators are inefficient in removing small piles of soft, highly mobile sludge due to lateral scattering, requiring multiple passes and long application times, and are not compatible with existing recirculation systems for chemical and mechanical cleaning processes.
Innovation Solution
The use of low-pressure coherent fluid jets with nozzles configured to produce a coherent flow, which reduces lateral scattering and can be operated within the containment building, allowing for efficient sludge removal and integration with conventional recirculation systems, and can be used prior to chemical and mechanical cleaning techniques to enhance their effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-pressure water jets are used for sludge removal, then sludge can be dislodged from intertube lanes, but lateral scattering occurs requiring multiple passes and long application times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from high-pressure (5.2-27.6 MPa) to low-pressure (0.7 MPa or less) while compensating with increased flow rate to achieve effective sludge removal without lateral scattering, reducing the number of passes required
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses coherent fluid jets with specific nozzle designs to create a focused low-pressure flow that maintains coherence over distance, preventing lateral scattering and improving sludge removal efficiency in fewer passes
2Productivity
If high-pressure lancing techniques are used, then sludge can be removed from tube bundles, but the equipment is not compatible with existing recirculation systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter to low-pressure operation, making the equipment compatible with existing recirculation systems while maintaining sludge removal effectiveness through coherent jet technology
3Ease of operation
If high-pressure jets are used to dislodge sludge, then sludge can be flushed to periphery, but scattering into cleaned areas reduces efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs coherent fluid jets that maintain their flow coherence over distance, creating a focused stream that directs sludge toward the periphery without scattering into previously cleaned areas, thereby improving cleaning efficiency
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
This method achieves efficient removal of soft, highly mobile sludge in fewer passes and less time, reducing logistical challenges and equipment requirements, while improving the effectiveness of subsequent chemical and mechanical cleaning processes by minimizing scattering and enhancing surface coverage.
Implementation Method 1
low-pressure, high-flow coherent fluid jets
Implementation Method 2
nozzles configured to produce a coherent flow
Data Source
AI summary
Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.