Patent Publication Number: US-2019178590-A1

Title: Frac radiator filter assembly

Description:
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE 
     The subject matter of co-pending U.S. non-provisional application Ser. Nos. 15/705,024, filed Sep. 14, 2017, 15/629,563, filed Jun. 21, 2017, 15/591,076, filed May 9, 2017, and 15/477,097 and 15/477,100, each filed Apr. 2, 2017, is incorporated herein by reference in entirety for all purposes. One or more of these applications may be referred to herein as the “Applications”. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Disclosure 
     This disclosure generally relates to a heat exchanger unit with characteristics of improved: airflow, cleaning, noise reduction, cooling efficiency, and/or structural integrity. In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to a heat exchanger unit used in connection with equipment found in an industrial setting. The heat exchanger unit may be used for cooling various utility fluids used with a heat generating device, such as an engine, a pump, or a genset. Other embodiments pertain a filtration system or apparatus suitable to clean airflow prior to intake into the heat exchanger unit. 
     Background of the Disclosure 
     Whether it is refrigeration, hot showers, air conditioning, and so on, the function of heating and cooling is prevalent in today&#39;s residential and industrial settings. One area of relevance is the oil and gas industry, including exploration, upstream, and downstream operations where the ability to heat and/or cool is critical. Upstream operations can include drilling, completion, and production, whereas downstream operations can include refining and other related hydrocarbon processing, all of which utilize a vast amount of process equipment including that which provide heat transfer. To be sure, the background of the disclosure is relevant elsewhere, but for brevity discussion is focused on O&amp;G. 
     A particular segment in the upstream area of oil and gas production pertains to fracing. Now prevalent, fracing includes the use of a plug set in a wellbore below or beyond a respective target zone, followed by pumping or injecting high pressure frac fluid into the zone. The frac operation results in fractures or “cracks” in the formation that allow valuable hydrocarbons to be more readily extracted and produced by an operator, and may be repeated as desired or necessary until all target zones are fractured. 
     The injection fluid, which may be mixed with chemicals, sand, acid, etc., may be pressurized and transported at high rate via one or more high pressure frac pumps, typically driven by diesel combustion engines. Common settings in this context are nothing short of challenging in the sense that in many instances operations and processes (and related equipment) are exposed to environmental conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, wind, and dust (including natural amounts of particulate, as well as that caused by the operation of equipment and vehicles). 
     It is routine to have (indeed, need) some type of heat exchange ability in such settings. As set forth in U.S. Ser. No. 15/477,097, an example operation in an industrial setting may include one or more frac pump units. Each unit is typically operable with a pump and engine mounted or otherwise disposed thereon, as well as a radiator (or analogously referred to as cooler, heat exchanger, etc.). As mentioned before, equipment like this must be rugged and durable in order to have long-term operational capacity and effectiveness. 
     The radiator is configured for cooling one or more hot service fluids associated with the operating equipment of the frac pump unit, such as lube oil or jacket water. The radiator typically includes a ‘core’ of stacked fins, with one part of the core providing a flow are for the service fluid(s), while another part of the core provides a proximate, albeit separate, flow area for ambient air. A fan is used to blow or pull air through the stacked fins, the air being a low or moderate enough temperature to cool the service fluid, which is then recirculated in a loop. 
     The stacked fins often have a configuration that is tantamount to an extensive amount of small air passageways proximate to (albeit separate from) service fluid passageways, whereby the air and the service fluid can ‘exchange heat’ via the surface material of the stacked fins between the passageways (e.g., aluminum). 
     Over time airborne dirt, sand, water, oil, grease, and other particulate in the air will begin to deposit on the air intake side (and elsewhere), resulting in a fouled radiator. Fouling can seriously deteriorate the capacity of the surface of the fins to transfer heat under the conditions for which they were designed. Among other problems, the fouling layer has a low thermal conductivity which increases the resistance to heat transfer and reduces the effectiveness of heat exchangers. In addition, fouling reduces the cross-sectional area in the passageways, which causes an increase in pressure drop across a heat exchanger. 
     Radiator fouling affects both capital and operating costs of heat exchangers (and overall processes). Higher capital expenditures include that for excess surface area (for heat transfer), extra space, and transport and installation costs. Operating expenditures include that for energy losses due to the decrease in thermal efficiency, increases in the pressure drop through process equipment, and production losses during planned and unplanned plant shutdowns for fouling cleaning. 
     In summary, fouling of heat transfer surfaces is one of the most important problems in heat transfer equipment. Some have described fouling as the major unresolved problem in heat transfer. Equipment operators world-wide are also trying to reduce maintenance costs. One of the highest maintenance costs any piece of equipment has is cooling system maintenance. 
     And yet despite these detriments, consideration of improved remediation or management techniques have been largely ignored and unchanged. Mechanical cleaning is used, but only during predetermined periodic intervals, such as during a planned shutdown or when an exchanger reaches a point of failure and is no longer operable. This approach relies on extensive cost and resource being allocated toward the antiquated philosophy of operational redundancy. 
     Today&#39;s typical frac radiators may have a vertical, horizontal, or even cubed orientation. Depending on configuration, a fan either blows or sucks air through each of these systems. In either instance, any debris (dust, oil, particulate, etc.) in the air must pass through a respective radiator core before exhausting. Over time the radiator becomes clogged (fouls), and loses its ability to cool the heat generating device. The HGD then overheats and must shutdown in order to protect itself from catastrophic damage. The operator must then clean the radiator either on site or in the field. 
     Cleaning a radiator in the field is extremely difficult as the only way to clean it is either from blasting dry ice or water from the top or bottom of the radiator. No matter which way the operator tries to clean, such a process may take 2 to 3 days, or longer, depending on the operator&#39;s experience in removing and installing radiators. In other instances, the radiator needs to be serviced or cleaned offsite in a controlled service yard where hazardous water runoff can be collected. 
     Environmental regulations place restrictions on water run off during cleaning of equipment to prevent oil, grease and contaminants from entering the ground water. For this reason, most heavy-duty equipment is not serviced and cleaned in the field and is instead performed in a service yard where water run-off is collected, filtered and treated. 
     There is a need in the art for cost-effective prevention (or mitigation) of fouling, particularly in a manner that does not require shutting down equipment. The market requires a solution to this problem. There is a need in the art to overcome deficiencies and defects identified herein. 
     SUMMARY 
     Embodiments herein pertain to frac radiator filtration, including assembly, apparatus, system, and methodology, which a filter is installed prior or proximate to the fan. The filter may prevent or mitigate dust and debris from entering the radiator. When the filter clogs, a user may either clean or replace the filter depending on preference. The filter may be easily installed and removed from the radiator offering the user a quick and easy solution. 
     Embodiments herein pertain to a monitored heat exchanger system that may include a heat exchanger unit in operable engagement with a heat generating device, with an at least one service fluid being transferable therebetween, the heat exchanger unit further having a frame. There may be at least one cooler coupled with the frame, the at least one cooler having an airflow side and a service fluid side. 
     Other embodiments herein pertain to a filter assembly that may include a pliable body made of a filter medium. The assembly may have a first end extending from an inner region through a middle portion to an outer perimeter end. The assembly may have a second end extending from the inner region through the middle portion to the outer perimeter end. The first end and the second end may be configured for coupling together. 
     The assembly may include an outer perimeter comprising the outer perimeter end. There may be a drawstring disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter end. The assembly may include a central opening. There may be a mount insert coupled with the pliable body in the central opening. The mount insert may include a closeable opening. In aspects, the mount insert may be positionable around a fan motor housing and the closeable opening being closeable therearound. 
     The filter medium may include or be made of a nylon or a nylon-based material. The filter medium may have a percent opening. The percent opening may be defined by an average mesh size opening, and an average thread size. In aspects, the average mesh size opening may be in the range of 300 microns to 625 microns. In aspects, the average thread size may be in the range of 50 microns to 180 microns. In other aspects, the average mesh size opening may be in the range of 590 microns to 610 microns. 
     The drawstring may be configured for tightening the outer perimeter end around a fan guard associated with a fan. The fan may be operable to blow air into a heat exchanger unit. The fan (and thus the fan motor/shaft) may operate with a fan speed in the range of 600 rpm to 2000 rpm. In aspects, the fan speed may be about 900 rpm to about 1100 rpm. 
     The assembly may include an inner drawstring disposed around an inner region perimeter end. The inner drawstring may be configured for tightening the mount insert around an object, such as the fan motor housing. The first end and the second end may be configured to provide a hook and loop coupling along the entirety of each. The mount insert may be cylindrically shaped with openings on either end thereof. 
     Yet other embodiments herein pertain to a heat exchanger system that may include a heat exchanger unit with a filter assembly coupled therewith. The heat exchanger unit may include one or more of: a frame; an at least one cooler coupled with the frame; and an at least one fan system coupled with the frame proximate to the at least one cooler. 
     The fan system may include a motor operationally coupled with a rotating member, such as via a shaft. There may be a fan motor housing disposed at least partially around the motor. There may be a fan or finger guard coupled to the frame and/or around the rotating member. 
     The filter assembly may include a pliable body made of a filter medium. The body of the filter assembly include a first end extending from an inner region through a middle portion to an outer perimeter end. There may be a second end extending from the inner region through the middle portion to the outer perimeter end. The first end and the second end may be configured for coupling to each other. 
     The body may include an outer perimeter comprising the outer perimeter end. There may be a drawstring disposed circumferentially around the outer perimeter end, such as via a hem or other conduit. The body may have a central opening. 
     There filter assembly may include a mount insert coupled with the pliable body in the central opening. The mount insert may include a closeable opening. The mount insert may be positionable around an objection, such as the fan motor housing. In aspects, the closeable opening may be closeable therearound. 
     The filter medium may include or be made from a nylon or a nylon-based material. The filter medium may include a percent opening. The percent opening may be defined by one or more of an average mesh size opening, and an average thread size. 
     The average mesh size opening may be in the range of about 300 microns to about 625 microns. The average thread size may be in the range of about 50 microns to about 180 microns. In aspects, the average mesh size opening may be in the range of 590 microns to 610 microns. 
     The rotating member may be operable in a manner to move, or otherwise blow, air through the at least one cooler. The drawstring may be configured for tightening the outer perimeter end around either of the frame or a fan guard associated with the fan. 
     There may be an inner drawstring disposed circumferentially around an inner region perimeter end. The inner drawstring may be configured for tightening the mount insert around the fan motor housing. The fan may operate at a fan speed in the range of 900 rpm to 1000 rpm. 
     The first end and the second end may be configured to provide or otherwise have a hook and loop coupling along the entirety of each. The mount insert may be cylindrically shaped. There may be openings on either end thereof. 
     The heat exchanger unit may be operably coupled with a heat generating device. In aspects, the heat generating device may be a diesel engine operably associated with a frac pump. The heat exchanger unit, the diesel engine, and the frac pump may be disposed on a frac trailer. 
     Still other embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a heat exchanger system that may include: a heat generating device; a heat exchanger unit operably coupled with the heat generating device, and a filter assembly coupled with the heat exchanger unit. 
     The heat exchanger unit may include one or more of: a frame; an at least one cooler coupled with the frame; and an at least one fan system coupled with the frame proximate to the at least one cooler. 
     The fan system may include: a motor operationally coupled with a rotating member, and a fan motor housing disposed at least partially around the motor. There may be a fan guard coupled to the frame and around the rotating member. 
     The filter assembly may include a pliable body made of a filter medium. The body of the assembly may have a first end extending from an inner region through a middle portion to an outer perimeter end. The body may have a second end extending from the inner region through the middle portion to the outer perimeter end. The second end may be configured for coupling with the first end, and/or vice versa. The body may include an outer perimeter comprising the outer perimeter end. There may be a drawstring disposed around the outer perimeter end 
     The body of the assembly may have a central opening. There may be a mount insert coupled with the pliable body in the central opening. The mount insert may include a closeable opening. The mount insert may be positionable around the fan motor housing and the closeable opening being closeable therearound. 
     The filter medium may include or be made of a nylon or a nylon-based material. The filter medium may include a percent opening defined by an average mesh size opening, and an average thread size. The average mesh size opening may be in the range of 300 microns to 625 microns. The average thread size may be in the range of 50 microns to 180microns. The rotating member may be operable to move or otherwise blow air through the at least one cooler. The drawstring may be configured for tightening the outer perimeter end around a fan guard associated with a fan blowing air into a heat exchanger unit. 
     There may be an inner drawstring disposed around an inner region perimeter end. The inner drawstring may be configured for tightening the mount insert around the fan motor housing. 
     The first end and the second end may be configured to provide or otherwise have a hook and loop coupling along the entirety of each. The mount insert may be cylindrically shaped with openings on either end thereof. 
     In aspects, the heat generating device may be a diesel engine operably associated with a frac pump. The heat exchanger unit, the diesel engine, and the frac pump may be disposed on a frac trailer. The frac pump may be operable to inject fluid into a wellbore. The fan may operate with a fan speed in a range of 600 rpm to 2000 rpm. 
     There may be a service fluid transferred from the heat generating device to the heat exchanger unit for cooling. The service fluid may be one of lube oil, hydraulic fluid, fuel, and transmission fluid. 
     The fan guard may have a clearance between respective windings in a range of ⅛″ to about ½″. The fan guard may have a depth in a range of 1″ to 7″. The filter assembly may be generally circular. The filter assembly may have a body diameter in a range of about 70″ to about 90″. 
     These and other embodiments, features and advantages will be apparent in the following detailed description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A full understanding of embodiments disclosed herein is obtained from the detailed description of the disclosure presented herein below, and the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only and are not intended to be limitative of the present embodiments, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1A  shows a side view of a heat exchanger unit having an at least one filter assembly, and coupled with a heat generation device according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  shows a close-up side view of the at least one filter assembly of  FIG. 1A  coupled to the heat exchanger unit according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2A  shows a side view of a heat exchanger unit configured with a blower, and having an at least one filter assembly, according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2B  shows a close-up view of a fan finger guard according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2C  shows a frac pump system according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2D  shows a side view of a filer assembly coupled around a fan guard according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  shows an isometric view of a filter assembly having a first end and a second end according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a close-up view of the assembly of  FIG. 3A  coupled together according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3C  shows a close-up view of an insert mount of the assembly of  FIG. 3A  according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3D  shows an isometric view of ends of the assembly of  FIG. 3A  uncoupled according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3E  shows a close-up view of a filter material according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a side view of a filter assembly coupled with a heat exchanger unit according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  shows an isometric view of a filter assembly suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4C  shows a partial side view of a filter assembly and a mount suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4D  shows an isometric view of a rollable filter assembly suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4E  shows a side view of a rollable filter assembly suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit according to embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5A  shows a front view of a modified finger guard according to embodiments of the disclosure; and 
         FIG. 5B  shows an isometric view of a rigid filter assembly according to embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Herein disclosed are novel assemblies, apparatuses, systems, and methods that pertain to heat exchanger technology and aspects (including components) related thereto, details of which are described herein. 
     Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the accompanying Figures. In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and “comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, such as to mean, for example, “including, but not limited to . . . ”. While the disclosure may be described with reference to relevant apparatuses, systems, and methods, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments shown or described. Rather, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a variety of configurations may be implemented in accordance with embodiments herein. 
     Although not necessary, like elements in the various figures may be denoted by like reference numerals for consistency and ease of understanding. Numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the disclosure; however, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description. Directional terms, such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “right”, “left”, “down”, etc., are used for convenience and to refer to general direction and/or orientation, and are only intended for illustrative purposes only, and not to limit the disclosure. 
     Connection(s), couplings, or other forms of contact between parts, components, and so forth may include conventional items, such as lubricant, additional sealing materials, such as a gasket between flanges, PTFE between threads, and the like. The make and manufacture of any particular component, subcomponent, etc., may be as would be apparent to one of skill in the art, such as molding, forming, press extrusion, machining, or additive manufacturing. Embodiments of the disclosure provide for one or more components to be new, used, and/or retrofitted to existing machines and systems. 
     Numerical ranges in this disclosure may be approximate, and thus may include values outside of the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values from and including the expressed lower and the upper values, in increments of smaller units. As an example, if a compositional, physical or other property, such as, for example, molecular weight, viscosity, melt index, etc., is from 100 to 1,000, it is intended that all individual values, such as 100, 101, 102, etc., and sub ranges, such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are expressly enumerated. It is intended that decimals or fractions thereof be included. For ranges containing values which are less than one or containing fractional numbers greater than one (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), smaller units may be considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, etc. as appropriate. These are only examples of what is specifically intended, and all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value enumerated, are to be considered to be expressly stated in this disclosure. 
     Embodiments herein may be described at the macro level, especially from an ornamental or visual appearance. Thus, a dimension, such as length, may be described as having a certain numerical unit, albeit with or without attribution of a particular significant figure. One of skill in the art would appreciate that the dimension of “2 centimeters” may not be exactly 2 centimeters, and that at the micro-level may deviate. Similarly, reference to a “uniform” dimension, such as thickness, need not refer to completely, exactly uniform. Thus, a uniform or equal thickness of “1 millimeter” may have discernable variation at the micro-level within a certain tolerance (e.g., 0.001 millimeter) related to imprecision in measuring and fabrication. 
     Terms 
     The term “engine” as used herein can refer to a machine with moving parts that converts power into motion, such as rotary motion. The engine can be powered by a source, such as internal combustion. 
     The term “motor” as used herein can be analogous to engine. The motor can be powered by a source, such as electricity, pneumatic, or hydraulic. 
     The term “drive” (or drive shaft) as used herein can refer to a mechanism that controls or imparts rotation of a motor(s) or engine(s). 
     The term “pump” as used herein can refer to a mechanical device suitable to use an action such as suction or pressure to raise or move liquids, compress gases, and so forth. ‘Pump’ can further refer to or include all necessary subcomponents operable together, such as impeller (or vanes, etc.), housing, drive shaft, bearings, etc. Although not always the case, ‘pump’ can further include reference to a driver, such as an engine and drive shaft. Types of pumps include gas powered, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical. 
     The term “frac pump” as used herein can refer to a pump that is usable with a frac operation, including being able to provide high pressure injection of a slurry into a wellbore. The frac pump can be operable in connection with a motor or engine. In some instances, and for brevity, ‘frac pump’ can refer to the combination of a pump and a driver together. 
     The term “frac truck” as used herein can refer to a truck (or truck and trailer) useable to transport various equipment related to a frac operation, such as a frac pump and engine, and a radiator. 
     The term “frac operation” as used herein can refer to fractionation of a downhole well that has already been drilled. ‘Frac operation’ can also be referred to and interchangeable with the terms fractionation, hydrofracturing, hydrofracking, fracking, fracing, and frac. A frac operation can be land or water based. 
     The term “radiator” as used herein can refer to or interchangeable with the term ‘heat exchanger’ or ‘heat exchanger panel’. The radiator can be a heat exchanger used to transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of cooling and/or heating. 
     The term “cooler” as used herein can refer to a radiator made up of tubes or other structure surrounded by fins (or ‘core’) that can be configured to extract heat from a fluid moved through the cooler. The term can be interchangeable with ‘heat exchanger panel’ or comparable. Heat can also be exchanged to another fluid, such as air. 
     The term “cooling circuit” as used herein can refer to a cooler and respective components. 
     The term “core” as used herein can refer to part of a cooler, and can include multiple layers of fins, fin elements, a lattice structure, or a plurality of interconnected cell modules. 
     The term “heat exchanger unit” as used herein can refer to a device or configuration that uses one or more coolers along with other components, such as a fan, mounts, tubing, frame, and so on. The heat exchanger unit can be independent and standalone or can be directly mounted to a heat generating device. The heat exchanger unit can be operable to pull (draw) ambient air in through the coolers in order to cool one or more service fluids. The heated air is moved or blown out as a waste exhaust stream. Heat exchanger unit can be interchangeable to the term ‘radiator’ and like. 
     The term “heat generating device” (or sometimes ‘HGD’) as used herein can refer to an operable device, machine, etc. that emits or otherwise generates heat during its operation, such as an engine, motor, a genset, or a frac pump (including the pump and/or respective engine). The HGD can be for an industrial or a residential setting. 
     The term “genset” (or generator set) as used herein can refer to a ‘diesel generator’ or the combination of a diesel engine (or comparable) and an electric generator. The genset can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. 
     The term “utility fluid” as used herein can refer to a fluid used in connection with the operation of a heat generating device, such as a lubricant or water. The utility fluid can be for heating, cooling, lubricating, or other type of utility. ‘Utility fluid’ can also be referred to and interchangeable with ‘service fluid’ or comparable. 
     The term “mounted” as used herein can refer to a connection between a respective component (or subcomponent) and another component (or another subcomponent), which can be fixed, movable, direct, indirect, and analogous to engaged, coupled, disposed, etc., and can be by screw, nut/bolt, weld, and so forth. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of a heat exchanger unit having an at least one filter assembly, and being further coupled with a heat generation device, in accordance with embodiments herein, is shown. 
     Embodiments herein pertain to an HX unit  100  that may include a frame  102  with one or more coolers  106  coupled therewith. Although shown here as a vertical or cube-type orientation, with a sucker fan, the HX unit  100  is not meant to be limited, and other orientations, configurations, operations, and so forth are possible. 
     The HX unit  100  may have an operable fan system or fan  108  associated therewith. Briefly, the fan may include related subcomponents, including which may be understood to include a rotating member with a plurality of fan blades extending therefrom. The fan  108  may be operable by way of a suitable driver, such as a fan motor, which may be hydraulic, electrical, gas-powered, etc. Conduits may be configured for the transfer of pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from the motor. As such, pressurized hydraulic fluid may be used to power the motor. 
     The fan  108  may have an operating speed range of about 600 rpm to about 2000 rpm. In embodiments, the speed range may be about 900 rpm to about 1000 rpm, which may be particularly suitable to a frac site. 
     The fan  108  may include or be associated with a fan shroud  113 , which may be generally annular. The fan shroud  113  may be coupled to the frame  102 , such as via connection with a top plate. A fan rock guard  147  may be coupled proximately to the (top end of the) shroud  113 . The (bottom end of the) shroud  113  may be proximate to an aeroring (not shown). The aeroring may be annular in nature, and have a ring cross-section that may have a radius of curvature. 
     By way of example, utility fluid Fi may be transferred from a heat generating device  103  at a hot temperature into an HX unit inlet  178 , cooled with cooling medium via core  106 , and transferred out of an HX unit outlet  184  back to the HGD  103  at a cooler temperature. While not meant to be limited, HGD  103  may be an engine, a genset, a motor, a pump, or other comparable equipment that operates in a manner whereby a utility fluid is heated, and in this respect is merely illustrated in block diagram form. System  101  may include the HX unit  100  in operable engagement (including fluid communication) with HGD  103 . 
     There may be one or more cores  106 . A ‘cooler’ or ‘cooling circuit’ may include one or more cores  106 . The HX unit  100  may have between about 1 to about 8 cooling circuits, which each may be configured for cooling in parallel to each other. 
     The HX unit  100  may include various features, including improvements in sound reduction or integrity, like that as in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/477,097, being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and being particular to such various HX configurations, sound baffle configurations, and/or flexible mount assemblies shown and described therein. 
     The HX unit  100  may include various monitoring features like that as in pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/591,076 and 15/705,024, each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and being particular to such various monitoring aspects shown and described therein. 
     Embodiments herein apply to an HX unit that may be an inclusive assembly of a number of components and subcomponents, which may be further associated with operable systems, subsystems, assemblies, modules, and so forth that may overall be referred to as a system, like that as described and shown in the aforementioned Applications. Thus, various discussion of system  101  may be provided in brevity, recognizing that differences, if any, would be discernable by one of skill in the art in accordance with the disclosure, as well as in view of the Applications. It would be further understood that aspects of system  101  may include various additional improvements related to airflow, noise reduction, cooling efficiency, structural integrity, cooler orientation or arrangement, and combinations thereof. 
     In operation, utility fluid F from HGD  103  may be transferred into the HX unit  100 . The transfer may be direct or indirect (such as from a holding tank). Within the unit  100 , the fluid may flow into a tank chamber (not shown) via inlet  178  of inlet tank. The fluid then distributes into the various alternating layers and respective channels of the core  106 . 
     Similarly airflow  116  may be drawn into HX unit  100 , and into the various perpendicular and alternating layers and respective channels of the core  106 . The HX unit  100  may be configured for passing atmospheric air through or in contact with the core  106 , so as to reduce the temperature of the service fluid circulated through the core  106 . In this respect, a fan (or fan system) may be rotatable about a fan axis so as to draw in (or suction, etc.) atmospheric air inwardly through channels (or fins  173 ), resulting in airflow through the core  106 . 
     The service fluid F 1-hot , having a temperature hotter than the airflow, may be cooled (and conversely, the airflow warms). Cooled service fluid F 1-cold  leaves the cooling circuit via a fluid outlet  184 . Various piping, tubing, etc. may be connected to the tank outlet  184 , as may be desired for a particular application, and as would be apparent to one of skill in the art. In some aspects, the tank outlet  184  may be in fluid communication with an inlet of a subsequent cooling circuit or core  106  also connected with the frame  102 . 
     The fan system can be operable to draw in and direct the flow of air  116 . The air  116  may be drawn through the sides of the HX unit  100  (and respective cores, which may then be used to cool one or more utility fluids F) and out as heated exhaust  118 . 
     Cooled utility fluid may be returned from the HX unit  100  to a source tank, or directly to the HGD  103 . Thus, service fluid from the HGD  103  may be circulated in a cooling circuit in a systematic and continuous manner. As will be appreciated, a suitable circulating pump (not shown) may be provided to circulate the service fluid through the core cooler  106 . The cooler may include a first set of fins oriented in a first direction, and a second set of fins oriented in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction. 
     Other coolers of the HX unit  100  may be generally similar in nature, and suitably configured for the cooling of various service fluids from the HGD  103 . While not meant to be limited, HGD  103  may be an engine, a genset, a motor, a pump, or other comparable equipment that operates in a manner whereby a utility fluid is heated. 
     Embodiments herein provide for system  101  (and related method of operating or using the system) using or being associated with other aspects described herein. For example, although not shown here system  101  may include a wellbore and other wellbore and production equipment, as well as a frac trailer. The frac trailer may include a frac pump, a HGD, and a HX unit as pertaining to the disclosure. 
     To aid in prevention or mitigation of fouling of any respective cooler  106  (or fins  173 ), the HX unit may have a filter assembly  190  coupled therewith. The assembly  190  may have a fastener  193  for coupling the assembly  190  with the HX unit  100 . The filter assembly  190  may include a filter medium  192 . The medium  192  may be a flexible mesh fabric, such as nylon. The medium  192  may be other materials, such as woven fiber, carbon fiber, fiberglass, spun fiberglass, stainless steel, other pliable fabrics, synthetic or natural polymers, and so forth. The medium  192  may be provided in one or more layers. 
     As shown here, the filter assembly  190  may be installed entirely over (or around) a protective fin grate  148 . The filter assembly  190  may have varied forms of coupling to the HX unit  100 . For example, the filter assembly  190  may include a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro, associated with the HX unit  100 . 
     While not meant to be limited, the filter assembly  190  may generally rectangular in nature in order to properly fit over the grate  148 . In embodiments, the filter assembly  190  may range in L-x-W from about 10″×10″ to about 90″×90″, and any suitable dimensional size therebetween. The filter assembly  190  may be configured coupling with any type heat exchanger unit, as may be desired. 
     Of significance for the filter assembly  190  is mesh size and thread diameter (NOTE: thread diameter may pertain to a ‘thickness’ of a given strand of material). The filter assembly  190  must not contribute significantly to pressure drop, but yet still provide coveted filtration. Moreover, different areas of the core  106  experience different flow rates that is further varied by the fan speed. Therefore, significant attention and design have been paid to finding synergy between filtration ability with impact on HX unit performance. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C  a side view of a heat exchanger unit having an at least one filter assembly, and further having a blower, and a close-up view of a fan finger guard, and a view of frac pump system, respectively, in accordance with embodiments herein, is shown. 
     System  201 , and any components thereof, may be like that of other systems described herein or in the Applications, such as system  101 . Thus, various discussion of system  201  may be provided in brevity, recognizing that differences, if any, would be discernable by one of skill in the art in accordance with the disclosure, as well as in view of any application incorporated by reference. It would be further understood that aspects of system  201  may include various additional improvements related to airflow, noise reduction, cooling efficiency, structural integrity, cooler orientation or arrangement, and combinations thereof. 
     Embodiments herein pertain to an HX unit  200  may include a frame  202  with one or more coolers coupled therewith. Although shown here as a vertical orientation, with a blower fan, the HX unit  200  is not meant to be limited, and other orientations (e.g., horizontal), configurations, operations, and so forth are possible. System  201  may include the HX unit  200  in operable engagement (including fluid communication) with a heat generating device (HGD). 
     The HX unit  200  may have an operable fan system or fan  208  associated therewith. Briefly, the fan may include related subcomponents, including which may be understood to include a rotating member with a plurality of fan blades extending therefrom. The fan  208  may be operable by way of a suitable driver, such as a fan motor, which may be hydraulic, electrical, gas-powered, etc. Conduits may be configured for the transfer of pressurized hydraulic fluid to and from the motor. As such, pressurized hydraulic fluid may be used to power the motor. 
     The fan  208  may have an operating speed range of about 600 rpm to about 2000 rpm. In embodiments, the speed range may be about 900 rpm to about 1000 rpm, which may be particularly suitable to a frac site. One of skill would appreciate fan  208  may be operable as a blower, and thus blowing air through the radiator core (as compared to sucking). 
     The fan  208  may include or be associated with a fan shroud  213 , which may be generally annular. A safety or finger guard  247  may be coupled proximately to the shroud  213  in a manner whereby the risk of a hand, finger, or other body part coming into contact with moving fan blades is mitigated. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the finger guard  247  may include windings  243  supported by ribs  244 . The finger guard  247  may be mounted to the HX unit via one or more mount features  246 . The finger guard  247  may have a clearance  245  between windings in a range of about ⅛″ to about ½″. A width (thickness, diameter, etc.) of any particular winding  243  may be in a range of about 1/16″ to about ¼″. The finger guard  247  may have a guard depth (or height) of about 1″ to about 7″. To be sure, while the finger guard  247  is illustrated here as circular with windings, the guard  247  may have other shapes, such as rectangular with vertical/horizontal elements crossing each other. 
     The HX unit  200  may include various sound reduction or integrity features like that as in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/477,097, being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and being particular to such various sound baffle configurations and/or flexible mount assemblies shown and described therein. 
     The HX unit  200  may include various monitoring features like that as in pending U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 15/591,076 and 15/705,024, each being incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, and being particular to such various monitoring aspects shown and described therein. 
     In operation, a utility fluid F may be transferred into the HX unit  200 . The transfer may be direct or indirect (such as from a holding tank). Similarly airflow  216  may be drawn into HX unit  200 , and thus blown via the fan  208  into the various perpendicular and alternating layers and respective channels of the core. The HX unit  200  may be configured for blowing atmospheric air through or in contact with the core, so as to reduce the temperature of the service fluid circulated through the core. In this respect, a fan (or fan system) may be rotatable about a fan axis so as to draw in (or suction, etc.) atmospheric air inwardly through channels, resulting in airflow through the core, and out as heated exhaust  218 . 
     While not meant to be limited, HGD may be an engine, a genset, a motor, a pump, or other comparable equipment that operates in a manner whereby a utility fluid is heated. 
     Embodiments herein provide for system  201  (and related method of operating or using the system) using or being associated with other aspects described herein. For example,  FIG. 2C  shows system  201  may include a wellbore  214  and other wellbore and production equipment (e.g., piping  215 ), as well as a frac trailer  205 . The frac trailer  205  may include a frac pump  212 , a HGD  203 , and a HX unit  200  as pertaining to the disclosure. 
     To aid in prevention or mitigation of fouling of any respective cooler, the HX unit  200  may have a filter assembly  290  coupled therewith. Filter assembly  290  may be like that of embodiments described herein. As shown here, the filter assembly  290  may be installed entirely over (or around) a protective grate  247 . The filter assembly  290  may have varied forms of coupling to the HX unit  200 . For example, the filter assembly  290  may include a hook and loop fastener, such as Velcro. In other aspects, the filter assembly may have one or more drawstrings (e.g.,  120 ,  120 A,  FIGS. 3B-3C ). 
     While not meant to be limited, the filter assembly  290  may generally circular in nature in order to properly fit over the grate  247 . In embodiments, the filter assembly  290  may range in diameter from about  20 ″ to about  90 ″, and any suitable dimensional size therebetween. 
     The operation of system  201  may include multiple frac pump units  205 . Each unit  205  may be typically operable with the pump  212  and the HGD (engine)  203  mounted or otherwise disposed thereon, and capable of producing upwards of 15,000 psi to an injection fluid. 
     The frac pump  212  (or pumping system, skid unit, etc.) may be self-contained on a transportable system, such as the trailer unit  205 . The system components may include the heat exchanger unit  200 . The frac pump  212  may provide pressurized fluid into well(s)  214  via transfer (injection) line(s)  215 . 
     Over time the filter medium  292  will foul, to which a user may readily remove the assembly  290 , clean, and reinstall. As an alternative, the filter assembly  290  may be removed, and a new, clean assembly  290  be installed in its place. The fouled assembly  290  may thus optionally be removed from the field for remote cleaning and/or disposal. 
     Briefly,  FIG. 2D  illustrates the filter assembly  290  (coupled around a fan guard, and a fan motor housing) with ends ( 186 ,  187 ) coupled together via coupler  293 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3A-3E  together, an isometric view of a rounded filter assembly, a zoom-in view of a mesh material, an isometric view of a filter assembly having a first end and a second end, a close-up view of the assembly of  FIG. 3A  coupled together, a close-up view of an insert mount of the assembly of  FIG. 3A , an isometric view of ends of the assembly of  FIG. 3A  uncoupled, and a close-up view of a filter material, respectively, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, are shown. 
     As shown particularly in  FIG. 3E , the filter medium  192  may have a mesh size  188 . Although shown here as a single mesh, mesh size may refer to an overall average size opening of a plurality of meshes. The mesh size  188  may be in a range of about 140 microns to about 700 microns. In aspects, the mesh size  188  may be about 575 microns to about 625 microns. In yet other aspects, the mesh size  188  may be about 355 microns to about 600 microns. In yet other aspects, the mesh size  188  may be about 600 microns. 
     Typically mesh size  188  may be contemplated in terms of diameter, effective diameter, or width, but mesh size  188  need not be an exact perfect circle or square. In this respect, any particular opening of the filter medium  192  may be, but need not be, of an exact geometrical symmetry. Thus, there may be variation of any particular mesh opening  188 , and/or there may be variation between mesh openings  188  of medium  192 . 
     Thread size  189  (e.g., diameter, width, lateral distance, thickness, etc.) in connection with mesh size  188  may attribute to overall percentage of opening. The thread size  189  may be in the range of about 50 microns to about 180 microns. 
       FIGS. 3A and 3D  illustrate the filter assembly  190  may be a unitary piece with various subcomponents, and/or may be comprise one or more pieces coupled together. For example, the assembly  190  may have a top portion  190   a  coupled with a side portion  190   b.  As shown here, the top portion  190   a  may be generally circular, and the side portion  190   b  may be generally ring shape or annular. An edge  175  of the side portion  190   b  may have a hem  122  (or other form of configuration) therearound for holding a drawstring  120 . In this respect, the drawstring  120  may be pulled or tightened, resulting in the edge  175  tightening around the fan guard ( 247 ,  FIG. 2A ). 
     The filter assembly  190  may include the medium  192  coupled with a fastener  193 . The fastener  193  may be configured for coupling portions of the assembly  190  together. For example, the filter assembly  190  may have a first assembly end  186  coupled with a second assembly end  187 . 
     The fastener  193  may be a hook and loop type fastener, such as Velcro. Thus, a first part of the fastener (e.g., the hook) may be on the respective first assembly end  186 , and a second part of the fastener (e.g., the loop) may be on the respective second assembly end  187 . Other types of fasteners include, but are not limited to, zippers, snaps, buttons, straps, elastic banding, adhesive, magnets, quick-disconnects, and so forth. The fastener  193  may be coupled with the assembly in any suitable manner, such as glue, sewing, double sided tape, other comparable forms of adhesive, and so forth. 
     The assembly  190  may include an opening (or cut, gap, etc.)  185 . In this respect, the assembly  190  may be easily fit and installed around a fan. The assembly  190  may include a mount insert  194  coupled therewith, which may fit and install around an end ( FIG. 2A, 209A ) of a fan motor housing ( 209 ), the end being most proximate to the fan guard. The mount insert  194  may be configured to seal or otherwise restrict the amount of room or passageway between the mesh material  192  and the fan. The smaller this area is, the more the cooling fluid is forced through the filter assembly  190 . Put another way, a fluid will take the least path of resistance—the region between the assembly  190  and the fan motor housing—so minimization is desired. In embodiments, there may be a gap between the fan motor housing and the mount insert  194  in a range of about 1/16″ to about ½″. 
     The mount insert  194  may be configured for fitting around the fan motor housing, and thus being installed therearound. The assembly  190  may similarly have an inner drawstring  120 A for tightening around the fan motor housing ( 209 ). 
     The filter assembly  190  may be formed from a pre-cut, pre-shaped width of porous, nonwoven material, such as nylon. The material may be folded upon itself in a known manner to form a seam 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, and 4E  together, a side view of a filtration device coupled with a heat exchanger unit, an isometric view of a filtration device suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit, a partial side view of a filtration device and a mount suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit, an isometric view of a rollable filtration device suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit, and a side view of a rollable filtration device suitable for use with a heat exchanger unit, respectively, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, are shown. 
     The filter assembly  490  may be used with HX units of embodiments herein and variants thereof. The filter assembly  490  may be used with other HX units, including new and or as otherwise manufactured, or may be readily retrofitted to existing units. 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates where the filter assembly  490  may be located, which may be on the air intake side of HX unit  400 . One of skill would appreciate that although illustrated as the bottom, air intake side of a horizontal configuration, and before the fan/fan blade, other configurations are possible. Accordingly, filter assembly  490  may be disposed, associated with, operably positioned, etc. between a frame  400  and a fan  408  (or fan system), over a fan guard, etc. Air  416  may be pulled (sucked) through filter material or medium  492  of the filter assembly  490  before moving through the HX unit  400 . 
       FIGS. 4B and 4C  illustrate the filter assembly  490  may include a filtration medium  492 , such as woven fiber, which may be metallic or non-metallic (e.g., polyester), or other pliable materials, such as nylon. The filter assembly  490  may include a frame  496 . Although shown as square or polygonal, other shapes of the frame  496  are possible. The frame  496  may be fixedly coupled (mounted, etc.) to the frame  402  of the HX unit  400 , such as with bolts or other suitable fasteners  498 . 
     The filter assembly  490  may have one or more sections or panels, for which the medium  492  may be disposed therein.  FIG. 4B  illustrates a four-section (or also quadrant) filter assembly  490  with four panels  495 . 
     The filter panels  495  may be configured for engaging (such as slidingly engaging) into the frame  496 . The panel  495  may be configured with a channel or other suitable structure to hold the filter medium  492 . The filter assembly  490  (or panel  495 ) may include a retention device, such as a wire grid,  491 , which may be configured to retain the medium  492  therein, and thus preventing it from being pulled into the fan. Once any component of the filter assembly  490  becomes dirty, the filter assembly  490  (or panel(s)  495 ) may be removed, cleaned, such as via power wash, and reinstalled. 
       FIGS. 4D and 4E  illustrate a rollable or moving ‘cleanable filter system’. In this embodiment, the filter assembly  490  may include a pliable filtration medium  492 , such as nylon fabric. The medium  492  may include one or more small holes or mesh openings in it. The medium  492  may be wound onto a first roller or roll  497 . As the medium  497  fouls, an operator may turn (or cause to turn) a small motor  477  (any suitable type motor would suffice) on. In operation, the motor  477  may rotate second roller or roll  497   b,  thereby pulling the fouled medium  492  sufficient enough distance whereby clean medium  492  may then be exposed to the air intake. Thus, the motor and rollers operate to wind and pull the material  492 . The filter assembly  490  may include the retention mechanism  491 , which may be fixed rollers or bars, which may be useful to keep or otherwise prevent the medium  492  from being pulled up into the fan  408 . In this concept, once all of the material  492  has been used, the roll may be removed, the material  492  cleaned, and then rerolled onto one of the rollers  497   a,b  and reused. 
     These embodiments and their variants provide a simple pre-filter screen for the HX unit  400  to keep it from plugging or otherwise fouling from debris and particles of dirt, dust, sand, and so forth. 
     Referring briefly to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a front view of a modified finger guard and an isometric view of a rigid filter assembly, respectively, according to embodiments herein, are shown. 
       FIG. 5A  illustrates an embodiment where a ‘filter assembly’ of the present disclosure may be a finger guard  547  combined with a filter medium  592 . Thus, this version of the filter assembly  547  may include windings  543  supported by ribs  544 . The filter assembly  247  may be mounted to the HX unit via one or more mount features  545 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an embodiment of a rigid filter assembly  590  comparable to that of  FIG. 5A , except this assembly  590  would be assembleable over a finger guard (e.g.,  247 ). Here the assembly  590  entails a plurality of cartridges  595 , each having a filter medium  592 . The filter medium  592  is maintained between or coupled with a frame-type structure having one or more ribs  244   a,b.    
     The cartridges may be coupled together via one or more couplers  596   a.  The couplers  596   a  may be any suitable coupler, such as eyelets with respective nuts and bolts, magnets, and so forth. The assembly  590  may be coupled around a fan and onto an HX unit via couplers  596   b.  The cartridges  595  may assemble together in a manner that leaves an opening  585 . 
     Advantages 
     Embodiments of the disclosure advantageously provide for an improved heat exchanger unit useable with a wide array of heat generating devices. 
     By installing a removable filter assembly, the assembly may be readily removed from a heat exchanger unit with no to minimal tools. While the used filter can be taken back to a proper location for cleaning and use on future equipment, a new filter can be installed thereon. This eliminates the need for costly downtime, movement of the equipment or temporary cleaning locations at large job sites. By keeping the radiator clean and free of fouling it also helps to keep the machine running in better performance. 
     The design solution of the filter assembly provides a simple design that is easy to install and remove. The assembly can be installed on existing equipment in the field or on new production equipment quickly and easily. 
     While embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, modifications thereof can be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and teachings of the disclosure. The embodiments described herein are exemplary only, and are not intended to be limiting. Many variations and modifications of the disclosure presented herein are possible and are within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of like magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations. The use of the term “optionally” with respect to any element of a claim is intended to mean that the subject element is required, or alternatively, is not required. Both alternatives are intended to be within the scope of any claim. Use of broader terms such as comprises, includes, having, etc. should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting of, consisting essentially of, comprised substantially of, and the like. 
     Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is only limited by the claims which follow, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and every claim is incorporated into the specification as an embodiment of the present disclosure. Thus, the claims are a further description and are an addition to the preferred embodiments of the disclosure. The inclusion or discussion of a reference is not an admission that it is prior art to the present disclosure, especially any reference that may have a publication date after the priority date of this application. The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, and publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference, to the extent they provide background knowledge; or exemplary, procedural or other details supplementary to those set forth herein.