Method for solids removal in heat exchangers

Abstract

A method for solids removal in heat exchanger systems includes a first water flow path from a heat exchanger to a cooling tower and back to the heat exchanger, including: forming an additional path in parallel with the first path, wherein water flows from the heat exchanger to a UET reactor and back to the heat exchanger, and wherein the UET reactor including means for solids removal from the water using a partial electrolysis process. Optionally, the volumetric flow rate in the additional path is about 5% of the volumetric flow rate in the first water flow path.

Claims

1. A method for removal of suspended solids in heat exchanger systems including providing a first water flow path from a heat exchanger to a cooling tower and back to the heat exchanger, including: forming an additional path in parallel with the first path, wherein water flows from the heat exchanger to a partial electrolysis reactor and back to the heat exchanger, and wherein the partial electrolysis reactor is configured to remove suspended solids from the water using a partial electrolysis process that includes electro-coagulation of the suspended solids, the partial electrolysis process comprising applying a voltage that decomposes the water into hydrogen ions and hydroxyl ions, wherein the volumetric flow rate in the additional path is about 5% of the volumetric flow rate in the first water flow path.

2. The method for removal of suspended solids according to claim 1, wherein the partial electrolysis reactor comprises an outer envelope functioning as a cathode for the partial electrolysis, and a second electrode inside the outer envelope functioning as an anode for the partial electrolysis.

3. The method for removal of suspended solids according to claim 1, further comprising operating the partial electrolysis reactor at a water velocity of about 0.2 m/s.

4. The method for removal of suspended solids according to claim 1, further comprising providing as part of the additional path a flow path for the water inside the partial electrolysis reactor such that the flow path for the water inside the partial electrolysis reactor has a length of about 1 meter.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 details a prior art heat exchanger system.

(2) FIG. 2 illustrates the problem during the operation of prior art heat exchanger systems.

(3) FIG. 3 illustrates a new heat exchanger system.

(4) FIG. 4 details the UET reactor (TM).

(5) FIG. 5 illustrates a heat exchanger with solids removal.

(6) FIG. 6 illustrates another heat exchanger with solids removal.

(7) FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of a separator.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

(8) The current invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(9) Referring to FIG. 3, which illustrates a new heat exchanger system, in heat exchanger 5 there is a hot fluid in 51, the fluid to be cooled down in the heat exchanger, and a cooled fluid out 52.

(10) The fluid is cooled using cold water 53, which results in the hot water 54. Water flows through a water tube 56.

(11) In a cooling tower 2, there is illustrated a circulation pump 27, the ambient air in 21, including dust, and evaporation, vapors out 25.

(12) Furthermore, the tower 2 may include a path for water recirculation therein, using a circulation pump 26.

(13) The path between the heat exchanger 5 and the cooling tower 2 is the usual, prior art water flow path.

(14) The new, additional water flow path is from the heat exchanger 5 through the circulation pump 32 and the UET reactor 33, and back to the heat exchanger 5.

(15) FIG. 4 details the UET reactor (TM) 33, with water in 331, water out 332; Partial electrolysis is performed in the reactor 33, wherein the cathode 335 comprises the outer envelope of the reactor 33, and the anode 334 is located inside the reactor. Sediments will deposit on the cathode.

(16) FIG. 5A illustrates a heat exchanger with solids removal and a front view of the heat exchanger plates, including the heat exchanger plates 57, the UET reactor 33, a solids separator 33A and an electro-coagulation reactor 33B.

(17) FIG. 5B details a side view of the heat exchanger plates, including the heat exchanger plates 57 and the water tubes 56.

(18) FIG. 6 illustrates another heat exchanger with solids removal, including the water tubes 56 of the heat exchanger, with the UET reactor 33, solids separator 33A and an electro-coagulation reactor 33B.

(19) FIG. 7 illustrates the structure of a separator, including water tubes 56 of the heat exchanger, with the solids separator 33A.

(20) In FIG. 2, the term mg refers to mass multiplied by the acceleration constant of gravity. In FIG. 5A and FIG. 6, the term ECB refers to an electrolysis circuit board.

(21) It will be recognized that the foregoing is but one example of an apparatus and method within the scope of the present invention and that various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the disclosure set forth hereinbefore.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

(22) The invention relates to methods for removing solids and minerals from heat exchangers in water-cooled systems. Furthermore, the method can be used for preventing or reducing sedimentation of solids and minerals in various water conduits and water transfer equipment.

(23) The method may be implemented in industry by forming an additional path in parallel with the first path, wherein water flows from the heat exchanger to a UET reactor and back to the heat exchanger, and wherein the UET reactor including means for solids removal from the water using a partial electrolysis process.