Vacuum drying of heat exchanger tubes
US9086237B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 21, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF26B3/30
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and an apparatus are disclosed for removing a solvent from a solvent wetted surface of a heat exchange tube. The method includes placing the heat exchange tube in a vacuum chamber, evacuating the vacuum chamber to a lower pressure at which the solvent boils to a vapor, and reclaiming the solvent vapor. The method may include heating the heat exchange tube within the vacuum chamber to a temperature of at least room temperature, but below the solvent's flash point temperature. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber, a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum chamber and a solvent reclaimer for recovering solvent vapor. The apparatus may also include an infrared heater, a radiant heater or other non-flame heater. The method and apparatus may be used for removing solvent from a heat exchange tube having an inside surface wetted with a solvent carrying a dry lubricant.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.