Dual Fluid Coil Cleaning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coil cleaning methods for heat exchangers are inefficient in removing contaminants from narrow passageways without damaging the thin metal fins, requiring high pressure and large volumes of water or air, which can lead to increased labor time and risk of fin damage.
Innovation Solution
A dual fluid delivery system that combines a high-pressure gaseous stream with a lower-pressure liquid stream to create a high-velocity, high-pressure dense mist, allowing for effective removal of contaminants from narrow passageways without damaging the coil fins, while reducing labor time and water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high pressure water or air is used to remove contaminants from narrow passageways, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging thin metal fins increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using high-pressure compressed air (e.g., 100 PSI) instead of high-pressure water, and by controlling the spray pattern and distance to achieve effective cleaning while reducing fin damage risk. The parameter change from water to compressed air allows higher pressure application without the same damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic principles by employing compressed air as the cleaning medium delivered through hoses and nozzles. The compressed air system allows high-velocity delivery of cleaning fluid while being less damaging to thin metal fins compared to high-pressure water systems.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If small nozzles are used to deliver high pressure stream, then fin damage is reduced, but the effective cleaning area is limited and labor time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cleaning system more universal by using compressed air that can be delivered through larger nozzles and hoses, allowing coverage of larger cleaning areas. The compressed air system can effectively clean various types of contaminants (oils, dust, debris) across the entire coil surface without requiring multiple small nozzle applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure delivery parameters by using compressed air at high pressure (e.g., 100 PSI) that can be delivered through larger diameter nozzles and hoses, increasing the effective cleaning area while maintaining sufficient pressure to remove contaminants without damaging fins.
3Productivity
If large volume of water is used to clean the coil, then contaminant removal is improved, but damage to other system components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic (water-based) cleaning with pneumatic (compressed air-based) cleaning. This substitution eliminates the need for large volumes of water while maintaining effective contaminant removal capability. Compressed air delivers cleaning force without the weight and potential damage associated with large water volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cleaning medium from liquid water to gaseous compressed air, fundamentally altering the cleaning approach. Compressed air provides sufficient cleaning power through high velocity and pressure without requiring large volumes, thereby avoiding water-related damage to electrical components and other system parts.
4Productivity
If conventional cleaning methods are used, then some contaminants are removed, but labor time and water consumption remain high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses compressed air delivery systems with appropriate nozzles and hoses to achieve rapid contaminant removal. The high-velocity compressed air stream efficiently removes oils, dust, and debris in less time than conventional water-based methods, reducing overall labor time required for coil cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes from water-based cleaning to compressed air cleaning, which provides faster contaminant removal. The high pressure and velocity of compressed air allow for quicker cleaning cycles, reducing the time operators need to spend on each coil while maintaining effective contaminant removal.
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
The system efficiently removes contaminants from heat exchanger coils with reduced risk of fin damage and labor time, while minimizing water consumption and extending the life cycle of heat transfer equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The second fluid comprises a compressed gas at a pressure greater than 345 kilopascals (50 pounds per square inch)
Implementation Method 2
A dual fluid delivery system that combines a high-pressure gaseous stream with a lower-pressure liquid stream to create a high-velocity, high-pressure dense mist
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning apparatus comprising a first fluid delivery system configured to eject a first fluid through a first nozzle toward a surface to be cleaned; a second fluid delivery system configures to eject a second fluid through a second nozzle toward the surface to be cleaned, wherein the second fluid comprises a compressed gas at a pressure greater than 345 kilopascals (50 pounds per square inch); a housing configured to partially surround and mount the first and second nozzles; a connector configured to couple the first fluid delivery system to a first fluid source; and a connector configured to couple the second fluid delivery system to a second fluid source.