Rotatable Heat Transfer Tube Unit for Scale Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing multiple tube-type heat exchanger cleaning methods face difficulties in effectively removing sticky scale from the middle portions of heat transfer tubes due to their bundled structure, leading to reduced heat transfer efficiency and increased operational complexity, including the need for complex piping arrangements and scaffold setup for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A multiple tube-type heat exchanger design featuring removable heat transfer tube units with rotary journal sections that allow for external rotation support, enabling efficient cleaning of the heat transfer tubes using high-pressure water without the need for scaffold setup, and simplifying the piping layout by allowing the heat exchanger shell to remain fixed during cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heat transfer tube unit is pulled out for cleaning, then the outer surfaces can be cleaned by brush or high-pressure water, but the middle portion surfaces cannot be effectively cleaned due to the bundled structure
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer tube unit is designed to be rotatable about its central axis, transforming a static cleaning problem into a dynamic solution. By rotating the unit, previously inaccessible middle portion surfaces become accessible to cleaning agents and mechanical removal tools, enabling thorough cleaning of all surfaces including the middle portions that were previously unreachable.
2Productivity
If high-pressure water is injected to clean the heat transfer tube unit, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the heavy unit cannot be easily repositioned without additional scaffolding and cranes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable design allows the heat transfer tube unit to be rotated in place on a simple support structure, eliminating the need for complex scaffolding and cranes to reposition the heavy unit. The rotation capability enables high-pressure water injection from below or from accessible positions, maintaining cleaning efficiency while dramatically reducing support structure complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the heat exchanger shell is made rotatable for cleaning, then cleaning accessibility improves, but the piping layout becomes restricted and seal structures become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is segmented from the main heat exchanger shell structure. Instead of making the entire shell rotatable, only the heat transfer tube unit is made rotatable independently. This segmentation allows the shell and its piping connections to remain fixed and simple, while the tube unit provides rotational movement for cleaning purposes, avoiding piping layout restrictions and seal structure complications.
4Device complexity
If the heat transfer tube unit is kept in place during operation, then piping layout is simplified, but sticky scale accumulates on surfaces reducing heat transfer performance
Solution Approach 1:
The heat transfer tube unit is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to be easily removed and repositioned for cleaning without permanent piping modifications. This dynamic design enables periodic maintenance that restores heat transfer performance while maintaining simple piping layouts during normal operation. The unit can be rotated and cleaned without disconnecting piping, balancing operational simplicity with maintenance effectiveness.
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 design enhances the efficiency of cleaning the heat transfer tubes, improving heat transfer performance by up to 70% and reducing operational complexity, allowing for high-energy efficiency and simplified pipe connections.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of rotary journal sections which are concentric with a central axis of the heat transfer tube unit, are provided at positions located at a distance from each other in a direction of the central axis, and enable the heat transfer tube unit to be supported by a predetermined rotation support section provided outside the heat exchanger shell
Implementation Method 2
the sticky scale which is adhered to and is deposited on the surface of each heat transfer tube is removed due to the abrasive action of the abrasive solid particles
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple tube-type heat exchanger (25) is provided with a cylindrical heat exchanger shell (36) and a heat transfer tube unit (38) which is mounted in a removable manner within the heat exchanger shell (36). The heat transfer tube unit (38) is provided with a plurality of heat transfer tubes (50) extending inside the heat exchanger shell (36) in the longitudinal axis direction; a binding member (51 serves also as this binding member) for binding the heat transfer tubes (50); and a plurality of rotary journal sections (51, 52) which are concentric with the center axis (CL) of the heat transfer tube unit (38), are provided at positions located at a distance from each other in the direction of the center axis (CL), and enable the heat transfer tube unit (38) to be supported by predetermined rotation support sections provided outside the heat exchanger shell (36).