Portable cleaning apparatus and method for single pass plate and frame heat exchangers
US6978793B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2003 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28G9/00
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A portable apparatus and method for chemically cleaning a single pass plate and frame heat exchanger allows the cleaning solution to be uniformly distributed across the plate pack. This portable system of one pump of preferably 10-horsepower, capable of 300 gallons per minute flow through a discharge port; at least two distribution/collection tubes with apertures of predetermined diameter and predetermined placement; one reversing manifold; two bag filters; and one circulation tank with a capacity at least on the order of 150 to 200 gallons; attaches to a single pass plate and frame heat exchanger. The single pass plate and frame heat exchanger is configured with at least two removable flanges that, once removed, allow for the installation of the distribution/collection tubes. The apertures in the distribution/collection tubes are placed facing downwards depending upon the direction of the operational fluid to enhance a vacuuming effect for particle and debris removal during cleaning. The distribution/collection tubes are skewed off-center of the flanges, with an ability to be rotated in at least four different directions off-center, and generally located towards the bottom of the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.