Method and device for cleaning interiors of containers and systems

Abstract

A method and cleaning device for removing deposits from interiors of receptacles and installations by way of explosion technology. The cleaning device includes a cleaning apparatus with a receiving space, and at least one pressure container that is connected via at least one metering fitting to the cleaning apparatus. The controlled introduction of the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning apparatus is effected according to the principle of the differential pressure between a maximal pressure at the beginning of the introduction and a nominal residual pressure after completion of the introduction. For this, based on a maximal pressure, the nominal residual pressure in the pressure container is ascertained on the basis of the quantity of gaseous component to be introduced, and the introduction of the at least one gaseous component is stopped on reaching the nominal residual pressure, which thereby lies in the overpressure range.

Claims

1. A method for removing deposits in interiors of receptacles and installations, with a cleaning device by way of explosion technology, wherein the cleaning device comprises a cleaning apparatus with a receiving space, and at least one pressure container that is connected to the cleaning apparatus via at least one metering fitting, comprising the steps of: providing at least one gaseous component in the pressure container at overpressure; introducing the at least one gaseous component from the pressure container into the cleaning apparatus via the metering fitting; providing an explosive, gaseous mixture in the receiving space, comprising or consisting of the at least one introduced gaseous component; igniting the explosive, gaseous mixture; wherein, for optimizing the introduction of the at least one gaseous component out of the pressure container into the cleaning apparatus: the control of the introduction of the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning apparatus is effected based upon a differential pressure between a maximal pressure at the beginning of the introduction and a nominal residual pressure after completion of the introduction, wherein the nominal residual pressure is at the overpressure, or the storage space in the at least one pressure container is reduced in size during introduction of the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning apparatus.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the maximal pressure, the nominal residual pressure is ascertained on the basis of the quantity of gaseous component which is to be introduced, and the introduction of the at least one gaseous component is stopped on reaching the nominal residual pressure.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning apparatus is designed for the attachment of a container envelope that can be filled with the explosive, gaseous mixture, with the following steps: attaching a container envelope on the cleaning apparatus; providing the at least one gaseous component in the pressure container at overpressure; introducing the at least one gaseous component from the pressure container into the cleaning apparatus via the metering fitting; providing an explosive, gaseous mixture in the receiving space, comprising or consisting of the at least one introduced, gaseous component, and filling the container envelope attached on the cleaning apparatus, with an explosive, gaseous mixture; igniting the explosive gaseous mixture, wherein the explosive, gaseous mixture in the container envelope is made to explode.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning device comprises a first pressure container for introducing a first gaseous component and a second pressure container for introducing a second gaseous component, and the gaseous components are introduced in a stoichiometric quantity ratio to one another and are mixed in the cleaning apparatus into the explosive, gaseous mixture.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure in the pressure container is measured by way of at least one pressure sensor, during the introduction of the at least one gaseous component.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one metering fitting is controlled by way of a control device in dependence on the pressure measurement values which are detected in the pressure container by way of the at least one pressure sensor.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the nominal residual pressure corresponds to an overpressure of 2 bar or more.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein the explosive, gaseous mixture is ignited via an ignition device by way of the control device.

9. The method according to claim 4, wherein a mixing zone is formed in the cleaning apparatus, in which mixing zone the first and the second gaseous components are mixed into the explosive, gaseous mixture.

10. A cleaning device for removing deposits in interiors of receptacles or installations by way of explosion technology for carrying out the method according to the claim 1, comprising: a cleaning apparatus with a receiving space for providing an explosive, gaseous mixture from one or with at least one gaseous component; at least one pressure container that is connected to the cleaning apparatus and is for providing and introducing the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning apparatus; at least one metering fitting for the metered introduction of the at least one gaseous component out of the at least one pressure container, into the cleaning apparatus; an ignition device for igniting the explosive, gaseous mixture; a control device for the control of the at least one metering fitting and for the ignition of the explosive mixture, wherein the cleaning device comprises a system for optimizing the introduction of the at least one gaseous component out of the pressure container into the cleaning apparatus, wherein the system comprises: the control device, which is designed for the control of the at least one metering fitting in dependence on pressure measurement values detected via at least one pressure sensor in the pressure container, in a manner such that the control device is in the position of ending the introduction of the at least one gaseous component out of the at least one pressure container into the cleaning apparatus, as soon as the measured pressure in the pressure container corresponds to a nominal residual pressure, which is at the overpressure, or a device for size reduction of the storage space in the pressure container during the introduction of the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning apparatus.

11. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning apparatus is designed for attaching a container envelope, which is fillable with an explosive, gaseous mixture.

12. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning device comprises a first pressure container and a first metering fitting for introducing a first gaseous component, and a second pressure container and a second metering fitting for introducing a second gaseous component, into the cleaning apparatus.

13. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the receiving space comprises a gas feed channel for feeding the explosive mixture into a container envelope, which is attached on the cleaning apparatus.

14. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein an ignition-effective component of the ignition device for igniting the explosive gaseous mixture is arranged on the cleaning apparatus.

15. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein in each case one or more metering fittings for introducing the gaseous components into the cleaning apparatus are assigned to each pressure container, wherein the number of metering fittings per pressure container corresponds to the stoichiometric ratio of the gaseous components, for the production of the explosive, gaseous mixture.

16. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning apparatus is a longitudinal component with a longitudinal extension and having a feed-side end section and a cleaning-side end section, and the longitudinal component comprises a gas feed channel, which runs in the longitudinal extension and is for the feed of the explosive, gaseous mixture from the feed-side end section to the cleaning-side end section.

17. The cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the container envelope can be attached on the cleaning-side end section.

18. The cleaning device according to claim 16, wherein the at least one metering fitting for the metered introduction of the at least one gaseous component out of the at least one pressure container into the longitudinal component is attached in the feed-side end section.

19. The cleaning device according to claim 10, wherein the cleaning apparatus is a cleaning lance.

20. The cleaning device according to claim 12, wherein the cleaning apparatus comprises a gas receiving pipe, and an inner pipe is arranged within the gas receiving pipe, in the feed-side end section, and the inner pipe forms a first introduction channel for introducing a first, gaseous component out of the first pressure container, and a second, annular introduction channel for the introduction of a second gaseous component is formed between the gas receiving pipe and the inner pipe, and the inner pipe ends in the gas receiving pipe, wherein a mixing zone is formed at the end of the inner pipe, and the first and second introduction channel merge into a gas receiving channel, in particular into a feed channel.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The subject-matter of the invention is hereinafter explained in more detail by way of preferred embodiment examples which are represented the accompanying drawings. In each case are shown schematically in:

(2) FIG. 1: an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention;

(3) FIG. 2: a further embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention.

(4) FIG. 3: a detailed portion of an embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(5) FIG. 1 schematically shows a cleaning device 1 for carrying out the cleaning method according to the invention. The cleaning device 1 includes a cleaning apparatus in the embodiment of a coolable cleaning lance 2. The cleaning lance 2 has an outer encasing pipe 8 and an inner gas receiving pipe 7, which is arranged within the outer encasing pipe 8 and which, amongst other things, forms the gas receiving channel or feed channel 11. The outer encasing pipe 8 encases the inner gas receiving pipe 7 and forms an annular cooling channel 12 by way of this. The lance cooling and, with this, the encasing pipe 8 and the cooling channel 12 however are not an essential feature of the invention.

(6) The cleaning lance 2 has a cleaning-side end section 4 and a feed-side end section 5.

(7) The feed channel 11 includes outlet openings 31 for the explosive mixture, at the cleaning-side end section 4. A container envelope 29 is moreover attached on the cleaning-side end section 4. The container envelope 29 is fillable with the explosive, gaseous mixture, which is provided in the cleaning lance 2, via the feed channel 11 and the outlet openings 31.

(8) The cleaning lance 2 at the feed-side end section 5 has an inner pipe 6, which is arranged in the gas receiving pipe 7. The inner pipe 6 forms a first introduction channel 9. The inner pipe 6 in the direction of the cleaning-side end section 4 ends in the gas receiving pipe 6 and forms an outlet opening for the first introduction channel 9.

(9) A second, annular introduction channel 10 is formed between the outer gas receiving pipe 7 and the inner pipe 6. The two introduction channels 9, 10 at the end of the inner pipe 6, in the direction of the cleaning-side end section 4 merge into the feed channel 11, which is formed by the outer gas receiving pipe 7. A mixing zone 32 is formed in this transition, where the gas flows of the first and the second gaseous components meet. The gaseous, explosive components are mixed in the mixing tone 32 into the explosive gas mixture, and are led as a mixture through the feed conduit 11 in the direction of the container envelope 29.

(10) The cleaning lance 2 moreover includes an ignition device 13 with an ignition-effective component, which in the feed channel 11 is arranged after the end of the inner pipe 6 considered in the direction of the cleaning-side end. The ignition device 13 is connected to a control device 3 via a control lead 15a.

(11) The cleaning device 2 moreover includes a first storage means 24 in the form of a gas bottle, for feeding a first gaseous component into the cleaning lance 2. The first gas bottle 24 is connected via a first gas conduit 22 to a first pressure container 21. The first pressure container 21 is fed from the first gas bottle 24 with the first gaseous component. A filling fitting 23, in particular in the form of a valve is arranged between the first pressure container 21 and the first gas bottle 24, and permits a controlled feed of the first gaseous component out of the first gas bottle 24 into the first pressure container 21. A first pressure sensor 17 is provided on the first pressure container 21, for measuring the pressure in the first pressure container 21.

(12) A first feed conduit 20 leads from the first pressure container 21 to the first introduction channel 9 of the cleaning lance 2.

(13) A first metering fitting 18, in particular in the form of a valve, is arranged between the first pressure container 21 and the first introduction channel 9, and permits a metered introduction of the first gaseous component out of the first pressure container 21 into the first introduction channel 9. The metering fitting 18 is attached on the outlet of the first pressure container 21. A first check element 19 for preventing a backflow of explosive gas mixture, which is caused by the explosion, into the feed conduit 20, is attached between the metering fitting 18 and the first introduction channel 9. However, it is not absolutely necessary to provide the check element 19.

(14) The cleaning device 2 moreover includes a second storage means 24 in the form of a second gas bottle for feeding a second gaseous component into the cleaning lance 2. The second gas bottle 24 is connected via a second gas conduit 22 to a second pressure container 21. The second pressure container 21 is fed with the second gaseous component from the second gas bottle 24. A second filling fitting 23, in particular in the form of a valve, which permits a metered feed of the second gaseous component from the second gas bottle 24 into the second pressure container 21 is arranged between the second pressure container 21 and the second gas bottle 24. A second pressure sensor 17 is provided on the second pressure container 21, for measuring the pressure in the second pressure container 21.

(15) A second feed conduit 20 leads from the second pressure container 21 to the second, annular introduction channel 10 of the cleaning lance 2. A second metering fitting 18, in particular in the form of a valve, and which permits a metered introduction of the second gaseous component out of the second pressure container 21 into the second introduction channel 10 is arranged between the second pressure container 21 and the second introduction channel 10. The metering fitting 18 is attached at the outlet of the second pressure container 21. Moreover, a second check element 19 for preventing a backflow of explosive gas mixture, caused by the explosion, into feed conduit 20, is attached between the second metering fitting 18 and the second introduction channel 10. The check element 19 however does not necessarily have to be provided.

(16) The first gaseous component is a combustible gas such as acetylene, ethylene, or ethane for example. The second gaseous component is oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas, which, due to stoichiometry, is fed in a larger quantity through the larger, second introduction channel 10.

(17) The filling of the pressure containers 21, 21 is effected in each case by way of opening the filling fittings 23, 23, by which means the gaseous component flows out of the gas bottle 24, 24 into the pressure container 21, 21. The gaseous component in the pressure container 21, 21 can have a maximum pressure between 20 and 40 bar. The pressure containers 21, 21 thereby serve for metering the starting components, as will be described hereinafter in more detail.

(18) The introduction of the gaseous components out of the pressure container 21, 21 into the associated introduction channel 9, 10 is effected in each case by way of opening metering fittings 18, 18, by which means the gaseous component flows out of the pressure container 21, 21 into the associated introduction channel 9, 10.

(19) The metering fittings 18, 18 are controlled, i.e. opened or closed, via control leads 15b, 15c, by way of the control device 3.

(20) The control device includes an input module 14 for inputting control-relevant parameters, as has already been explained further above.

(21) The gaseous starting components are introduced out of the pressure containers 21, 21 into the cleaning lance 2, in defined quantities and in the stoichiometric ratio. A defined quantity or volume of explosive, gaseous mixture in the correct stoichiometric ratio is produced in this manner. It is only the correct stoichiometric ratio of the gaseous starting components, which renders the gas mixture really explosive in the first place.

(22) The exact quantities of the gaseous components can be computed on the basis of the desired quantity of explosive, gaseous mixture and of the known stoichiometric ratio of the gas components. Then, on the basis of a maximal pressure at the beginning of the gas introduction, a nominal residual pressure, at which the predefined quantity of gas has been discharged out of the pressure container when reached, can be ascertained due to the fact that the quantity of gaseous component, which is discharged from the pressure container, can be computed from the differential pressure in the pressure container.

(23) Thus, a value for the nominal residual pressure is stored in the control device. The pressure sensors 17, 17 are connected to the control device 3 via suitable data leads 16a, 16b. The pressure prevailing in the pressure container 21, 21 is repeatedly measured during the discharge of the gas out of the pressure container 21, 21, via the control device 3 by way of the mentioned pressure sensors 17, 17 on the pressure container 21, 21. The metering fittings 18, 18 are closed via the control device 3 as soon as the measured pressure corresponds to the nominal residual pressure, and thus the introduction of gas into the cleaning lance 2 is stopped. As was hitherto the case, the pressure container 21, 21 has a certain quantity of gaseous component, since the pressure container 21, 21 has a nominal residual pressure which lies above the ambient pressure.

(24) In contrast, with conventional methods, the pressure container is filled with precisely the defined quantity of gas. Accordingly, the pressure container is emptied on introducing the gaseous component into the cleaning lance.

(25) The explosive mixture is ignited via the control device 3 by way of the ignition device 13, after completing the introduction of the explosive mixture into the cleaning lance 2 and after filling the container envelope 29 with the explosive, gaseous mixture. The explosive mixture is ignited in the feed channel, wherein the explosion propagates into the container envelope 29 and causes this to explode.

(26) A viscous coolant is introduced into the annular cooling channel 12, which is formed by the outer encasing pipe 8 and the inner-lying gas receiving pipe 7, and led in the direction of the cleaning-side end section 4. The coolant cools the gas receiving pipe 7 and thus the cleaning lance 2.

(27) The cleaning lance 2 at its feed-side end section 5 or in its vicinity accordingly comprises connections for the feed conduits 27, 28 of the coolant feed in each case. Water, for example, is fed through the first feed conduit 27, and air for example through the second feed conduit 28. One can also provide only one coolant feed conduit for the feed of only one coolant, e.g. water.

(28) The coolant, e.g. a water/air mixture is led through the coolant channel 12. The coolant at the cleaning-side end section 4 exits out of the coolant channel 12 via an outlet opening, which is indicated by arrows 30. The exiting coolant additionally cools the container envelope 29. A closed coolant circuit can, however, also be provided.

(29) The introduction of the coolant components into the coolant channel 12 is controlled via suitable fittings 25, 26 such as valves. The actuation of these permits a connection and disconnection of the cooling. This active lance cooling or the valves 25, 26 can be actuated by hand or controlled via the control device 3. The fittings 25, 26 are accordingly connected to the control device 3 via control leads (not shown).

(30) The coolant channel 12 can also be designed merely for passive cooling and act in an insulating manner and in this manner protect the cleaning lance 2 and the explosive gas mixture or its components, which are located therein, from being heated.

(31) The lance cooling described above, is optional as has already been explained, and is not an essential feature of the ignition.

(32) The cleaning-side end section 4 of the cleaning lance 2 with the container envelope 29, which is attached thereon, is introduced through the passage opening 53 in the wall 52 of a combustion installation 51 in the introduction direction E, into its interior 54, for carrying out the cleaning method according to the invention. A predefined quantity of gas, as described above, is led out of the pressure containers 21, 21 into the cleaning lances 2, by way of actuating the metering valves 18, 18. The gas is thereby introduced in a relative short time. The introduction can last below one second to a few seconds, depending on the magnitude of the selected maximal pressure and the quantity to be introduced. The introduction speed of the gaseous components cannot be set infinitely high with the use of a container envelope 29. Accordingly, limits are set with regard to the introduction time of the gas components.

(33) The explosive mixture is ignited by way of the ignition device 13 directly after the closure of the metering valves 18, 18 or with a temporal delay and brought to explode.

(34) The embodiment of a cleaning device 101 according to FIG. 2 shows a cleaning lance 102 with comparable construction as the cleaning device 1 according to the embodiment example according to FIG. 1.

(35) The cleaning lance 102 likewise includes a gas receiving pipe 107, which forms a feed channel 111. An inner pipe 106, which forms a first introduction channel 109 and ends in the gas receiving pipe 107 amid the formation of an outlet opening, is arranged in the gas receiving pipe 107 at the feed-side end section 105.

(36) A second, annular introduction channel 110 is likewise formed between the inner pipe 106 and the gas receiving pipe 107. The first and the second introduction channel 109, 110 at the end of the inner pipe, in the direction of the cleaning-side end section (not shown) merge into the feed channel 111, amid the formation of a mixing zone 132.

(37) The cleaning device 101 likewise has a control device 103 with an input module 114. The cleaning device 101 moreover includes a first and a second pressure container 121, 121 for the feed of a first and second gaseous component. The feed of the gaseous starting components to the pressure containers 121, 121 is effected via suitable gas conduits 122, 122 and filling fittings 123, 123.

(38) Pressure sensors 117, 117, which are connected to the control device 103 via data leads 116a, 116b, are also provided on the pressure containers 121, 121.

(39) An ignition device 113, which is connected via the control lead 115a to the control device 103, is likewise provided on the cleaning lance 102.

(40) The present cleaning device 101 then differs from the cleaning device 1 according to FIG. 1 by way of a plurality of first metering fittings 118, in particular valves, which are connected in parallel and through which the first combustible component is introduced from the first pressure container 121 into the first introduction channel 109. The cleaning device 101 moreover has a plurality of second metering fittings 118, in particular valves, which are connected in parallel and through which the second gaseous component (oxygen) is led from the second pressure container 121 into the second introduction channel 110. The number of the first and second metering fittings 118, 118 thereby is in a stoichiometric relation with the fed gaseous components. In the present example, the ratio is 2:7, which corresponds to the stoichiometric ratio of combustible gas to oxygen.

(41) The metering fittings 118, 118 are connected to the control device 103 via suitable control leads 115b, 115c.