Water slap steam generator cleaning method

摘要

A non-corrosive, non chemical cleaning process for tube bundle heat exchangers develops and physically transmits kinetic energy in the form of a vigorous, high volume "water slap" to dislodge internally accumulated contaminants. A plurality of injectors periodically inject discrete quantities of pressurized inert nitrogen into the heat exchanger downcomer annulus, near the steam generator bottom, and in response to the expanding gas bubble the water column established in the tube bundle is accelerated upwardly. A rapid displacement of a body of water causes the surface of the water to slap debris from components in its path. The water column level is established slightly below the bottom of a tube support structure, and the rapid rise of the water surface impacts the bottom of the structure and is forced through the water flow passageways where the fluid flow acceleration pressures dislodge the accumulated debris. The water level is established slightly below the estimated position of the target tube support structure to be cleaned and, as timed gas injection proceeds at intervals adequately spaced to allow the gas to clear the water and the water surface to come to rest below the target structure before injection is resumed. Concurrently, one may simultaneously circulate and filter the water in order to remove loosened debris after slapping of the last internal structure is completed, or employ another suitable contaminant removal technique.