Hydroblast Cleaning Containment Shield for Heat Exchangers
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydroblast cleaning methods for heat exchangers are inefficient in containing high-velocity water and debris, leading to messes and increased time and expense, as they require removal from the process area for cleaning and lack effective collection systems.
Innovation Solution
An assembly comprising an end shield, annular shield, energy absorbing element, waterproof flexible shroud, and portable collection device that contains and drains water and debris from heat exchanger tubes during hydroblast cleaning, allowing for in-place cleaning and efficient collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If heat exchangers are removed from the process area for hydroblast cleaning on a concrete pad, then the cleaning can be performed with adequate space and equipment, but the process creates a mess and requires substantial time and expense
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a containment system comprising shields, a shroud, and collection devices as intermediary structures between the heat exchanger and the surrounding environment. These components capture and redirect water and debris away from the process area, allowing hydroblast cleaning to be performed in place without creating a mess. The collection system channels effluent to a portable collection device, resolving the contradiction between effective cleaning and environmental contamination.
2Reliability
If heat exchangers are removed from the process area for cleaning, then thorough cleaning can be achieved, but time and expense increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is designed to be portable and self-contained, allowing the heat exchanger to clean itself in place without requiring removal to a dedicated cleaning facility. The system provides all necessary functions (containment, collection, and drainage) at the location of the heat exchanger, eliminating transportation time and enabling immediate cleaning operation.
3Productivity
If high velocity water spray is used for hydroblast cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the force generated creates safety hazards and requires containment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful high-velocity water and debris into a contained and controlled flow. The shields and shroud capture the forceful spray and redirect it through a controlled path to the collection device. The energy absorbing element specifically addresses the harmful force by dissipating it safely, transforming a hazard into a controlled cleaning process that maintains effectiveness while eliminating safety risks.
4Loss of time
If in-place cleaning is implemented, then time and expense are reduced, but adequate containment and collection systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The containment system is divided into separate modular components including end shields, annular shields, a shroud, and collection devices. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function (containment, redirection, collection) while maintaining overall system effectiveness. The modular design simplifies assembly and disassembly, reducing the practical complexity despite the multiple components required for in-place cleaning containment.
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 assembly effectively contains and collects water and debris during hydroblast cleaning, reducing mess and expense, enabling heat exchangers to be cleaned in place, saving time and resources while protecting the surrounding area and worker.
Implementation Method 1
An energy absorbing element may be mounted adjacent the downstream end of the heat exchanger for reducing the force of the extremely high velocity jets of water exiting the heat exchanger tubes
Implementation Method 2
An aperture is provided in the underside of the annular shield so that the water and debris collected therein will drain into the shroud
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for use in the collection and disposal of water and debris during the hydroblast cleaning of a heat exchanger including a containment shield having an end portion and an annular portion mounted adjacent one end of the heat exchanger such that the annular portion circumscribes the area between the end of the heat exchanger and the end portion of the shield and a flexible waterproof shroud disposed about the containment shield for collecting water and debris generated during the hydroblast cleaning and directing same to a collection location. Optionally, an energy absorbent element can be mounted adjacent said one end of the heat exchanger. A portable washing and back spray collection station is optionally positioned about the upstream end of the heat exchanger.