Heat Exchanger Integrated Cleaning Nozzle System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional heat exchangers with finned tubes are prone to soot deposits and solid particle accumulation, reducing efficiency and requiring costly and time-consuming maintenance that involves stopping the system for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A heat exchanger design with smooth tubes and integrated nozzle system for internal cleaning and diagnostic functions, allowing for efficient cleaning and deposit removal without opening the housing, using a nozzle for fluid jets, temperature measurement, and sample collection to maintain efficiency and detect leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional finned tubes are used in heat exchangers, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but the tubes and fins are subject to soot deposits and solid particles that reduce yield over time
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of cleaning the external surface of tubes from the outside, the invention inverts the approach by inserting a cleaning device through the tube interior to clean the external surface. The cleaning device is fed through the tube bundle from the inlet side, allowing it to access and clean the outer surfaces of tubes and fins without disassembling the heat exchanger.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a cleaning device as an intermediary element that can be fed through the tube interior. This cleaning device includes a nozzle system that directs cleaning fluid onto the external surfaces of tubes and fins, acting as a mediator between the cleaning fluid and the contaminated surfaces.
2Power
If the housing is opened to clean tubes and fins, then full efficiency is restored, but the system must be stopped with consequent time and production loss
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables continuous operation of the heat exchanger during cleaning by allowing the cleaning device to be inserted and operated through the tube interior without stopping the system or opening the housing. The cleaning process occurs while the heat exchanger remains in service, maintaining continuous useful action.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchanger is equipped with an integrated cleaning capability that allows it to clean itself without external intervention or disassembly. The cleaning device is fed through the existing tube structure, enabling the system to perform maintenance functions autonomously while remaining in operation.
3Ease of operation
If cleaning fluid jetting means is inserted through suppressed tube positions, then cleaning access is achieved, but the heat exchange process must be stopped and covers opened
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning device is segmented into multiple components that can be fed through the tube bundle sequentially. The device includes a flexible conduit system with nozzles that can navigate through the tube interior and position themselves at various locations to clean different sections of the heat exchanger.
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
Facilitates rapid and efficient internal cleaning and diagnostic interventions within the heat exchanger, maintaining efficiency and reducing downtime and production losses, while avoiding the need for traditional finned tube maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a nozzle (12) provided for delivery of strong jets of washing fluid, such as air, water or steam against the internal surfaces of the exchanger
Implementation Method 2
The one or each nozzle (12) can incorporate a heat sensor (24) that enables measuring of the temperature inside the exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4~6
AI summary
The invention concerns a heat exchanger with an integrated cleaning and diagnostic system. It comprises, inside a body or housing with entrance and exit passages of a first fluid, a number of tubes (14) spaced on a parallel, passing crossways in a number of finned plates (15) and connected to each other for the circulation of a second fluid. The finned plates (15), in the spaces between the tubes, are crossed by holes (20) aligned on axes parallel to said tubes and coincident to the access openings (21) provided in a first front plate. The cleaning and diagnostic system comprises at least a cleaning nozzle (12) that can be inserted from time to time into said aligned holes (20) and equipped at least for forced delivery of jets of air, water or steam to clean the internal surfaces of said exchanger.