Abstract

A method and apparatus for inspecting cooling tower fill pack to detect the presence of fouling, wherein the method comprises using ground penetrating radar (GPR). The method comprises transmitting GPR to the fill pack and detecting reflected radar signals from the fill pack. A method of cleaning fouling from a cooling tower, comprising the steps of: inspecting the cooling tower fill pack with ground penetrating radar (GPR); identifying those parts of the fill pack in which unacceptable levels of fouling are present; and cleaning the parts so identified is also presented.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/04 - Systems determining presence of a target
• G21C 17/00 - MonitoringTesting
• F28F 19/00 - Preventing the formation of deposits or corrosion, e.g. by using filters
• F28F 25/00 - Component parts of trickle coolers
• F28F 27/00 - Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus
• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• F28G 15/00 - CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OF BOILERS Details

Abstract

A method and apparatus for inspecting cooling tower fill pack to detect the presence of fouling, wherein the method comprises using ground penetrating radar (GPR). The method comprises transmitting GPR to the fill pack and detecting reflected radar signals from the fill pack. A method of cleaning fouling from a cooling tower, comprising the steps of: inspecting the cooling tower fill pack with ground penetrating radar (GPR); identifying those parts of the fill pack in which unacceptable levels of fouling are present; and cleaning the parts so identified is also presented.

IPC Classes  ?

• G01S 13/88 - Radar or analogous systems, specially adapted for specific applications
• F28F 25/08 - Splashing boards or grids, e.g. for converting liquid sprays into liquid filmsElements or beds for increasing the area of the contact surface
• F28F 19/00 - Preventing the formation of deposits or corrosion, e.g. by using filters
• F28F 25/00 - Component parts of trickle coolers
• F28F 27/00 - Control arrangements or safety devices specially adapted for heat-exchange or heat-transfer apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus and method for the cleaning and/or disinfection of evaporative and/or convective cooling structures. The apparatus comprises means for drawing off predetermined volumes of one or more chemicals (optionally diluted with water) and pumping them into a corresponding number of dilution manifolds. Fluid-flow control means such as flow meters, non-return valves and control valves are employed to ensure that correct predetermined ratios/volumes of each fluid are drawn into the respective dilution manifolds, and to prevent undesired backflow of chemicals. The diluted or undiluted chemical agents then flow into a mixing manifold where they are mixedwith other diluted or undiluted chemicals from one or more other dilution manifolds. The mixed chemicals are then delivered by means of an air gun or spray nozzle to clean packing material or other cooling structure components in situ within a cooling tower. Advantageously, any exothermic reactions are prevented until at least in or after the mixing manifold to increase safety.

IPC Classes  ?

• F28G 15/00 - CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OF BOILERS Details

Goods & Services

Chemicals (except for industrial salt and road salt); industrial chemicals (except for industrial salt and road salt); chemical cleaning agents, substances and preparations; scale removing and prevention substances, agents and preparations; substances, agents and preparations for removing incrustations and deposits; disinfecting agents, substances and preparations; antibacterial preparations, substances and agents; chemicals and preparations for the removal of bacteriological slime and hydrocarbon spillage; sterilising agents, preparations and chemicals. Nozzles; spray nozzles; pipes and pipework; conduits; pipes, conduits, ducts, couplings, connectors, valves, tanks and containers of metal for use with water and chemical pumping and injecting systems; manifolds; valves; small items of metal hardware; junctions and connectors for pipes, pipework and conduits; parts, fittings and accessories therefor. Pumps; proportional and direct injection pumps; low and high pressure water and/or chemical pumps; filters; high and low pressure washers; regulators; valves; washing and cleaning apparatus and equipment; parts, fittings and accessories therefor. Chemical monitoring and testing apparatus; cables; measuring apparatus and instruments; parts, fittings and accessories thereof. Printed matter; stationery; printed publications; brochures; catalogues; leaflets; pamphlets; writing implements; magazines; periodicals. Flexible pipes; canvas hose pipes; flexible tubes and pipes; gaskets; hoses of textile material; junctions for pipes; valves; parts, fittings and accessories therefor. Cleaning and disinfecting of water, oil, gas and process systems; rental of cleaning machines, apparatus and equipment; cleaning and disinfecting of the interior and exterior of buildings and other structures; cleaning and disinfecting services in relation to cooling towers, evaporative condensers, water tanks, holding tanks, water, oil and gas reservoirs and pipelines; disinfecting services; cleaning and disinfecting of aeration and oxidation plant, apparatus and equipment; cleaning and disinfecting of heat exchangers, heating and ventilation systems, air humidifiers and air conditioning plant and equipment; cleaning and disinfecting of filters, filter membranes and filter media; cleaning and disinfecting of UV installations; cleaning, disinfecting and rehabilitation of boreholes and wellbores; cleaning and removal of hydrocarbon contamination and spillage; information, advisory and consultancy services in relation to the foregoing.