Patent Description:
The present invention is broadly directed to an industrial cleaning system and more particularly, to a mobile combustion cleaning system with an improved combustion distribution network which is portable and provides for an improved method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces.

Industrial heating equipment often utilizes steam produced using heat exchange surfaces for exchanging heat from one source to another, which can then be used to provide steam for providing supply power. Burning of hydrocarbon fuels to produce high pressure steam can result in slagging and fouling of downstream heat transfer surfaces due to the bi-products of the combustion process. In addition, the primary sources of waste heat in industrial facilities include exhaust gases from fossil fuel-fired furnaces, boilers, and process heating equipment. Heat recovery steam generators (HRSG) in gas fired combined cycle plants thought to burn "clean" that do not employ an on-line cleaning system can also foul due to excessive corrosion, sulfide salts and other constituents that may precipitate out of the process gas stream. The heat exchange source may include a combustor that burns fuel in order to generate heat, which is then transferred into to the steam via a heat exchanger.

As heat transfer surfaces are layered with or blocked by deposits the efficiency of transfer of heat can decrease. As the heat transfer surfaces continue to foul, the mass loading of the deposits can also restrict and redirect flow patterns.

In addition, some industrial processes utilize flue gasses that may include contaminates or other deposits which must be removed from the gas during or after use before being released from the process. The flue gas and burnt fuel may generate residues that can be left behind on the surface of the combustor or heat exchanger. As a result, buildups of soot, ash, slag, or iron oxide mill scale on various surfaces and/or structures which can become fouled and inhibit the transfer of heat and therefore decrease the efficiency of the system. Periodic removal of such built-up deposits maintains the efficiency of the industrial systems.

In the past, pressurized steam, water jets, acoustic waves, and mechanical hammering have been used to remove this buildup. Some of these are designed for being permanently attached to the vessel and operated while the system is operational. In addition, these solutions can also be expensive to operate and cause erosion or destruction to the heat transfer surfaces. Because of the potential destruction caused by some of these solutions, their use is restricted and infrequent. Infrequent and ineffective operation of the cleaning devices or nonexistent cleaning devices can result in fouling of the on-line cleaning devices, or the heat recovery steam generators (HRSG), adding to maintenance costs and leading to unplanned outages.

In addition, offline forms of cleaning such as high pressure water washing, which generates a large amount of hazardous waste water and dry ice blasting which is slow and cumbersome, are unable to reach deep into the tube bundles and provide minimal operational improvement while indiscriminate blasting created by repeatedly inserting and igniting bags inflated with a combustible mixture of gas and pure oxygen provide high intensity detonations that expose the entire structure to potentially damaging pressure waves while adding highly elevated safety concerns for personnel.

<CIT> discloses according to the preamble of claim <NUM> a mobile combustion cleaning system for removing debris from inner wall surfaces of an operating apparatus by transmitting an impulse wave to the inner wall surfaces for removing debris, the combustion cleaning system being manually movable and comprising a mobile cart with pressurized fuel supply and air supply, a controller for controlling mixing and combusting the pressurized supply of fuel and air, the pressurized supply of fuel and air transmitted through the mobile cart to a distribution network, the distribution network comprising a mixing valve for mixing the pressurized supply of fuel and air, an ignitor for controlled ignition of the pressurized supply of mixed fuel and air whereby an impulse wave is generated, a pulse detonation tube for generating and delivering the impulse wave to an outlet, and the outlet transmitting the impulse wave onto the inner wall surfaces of the operating apparatus whereby debris on the inner wall surfaces is at least partially removed.

<CIT> and <CIT> disclose portable detonation combustor cleaning devices including means for delivering, mixing and igniting a pressurized supply of air and fuel to produce a shock wave that is delivered to an outlet and directed onto inner surfaces of an object to dislodge particles therefrom.

There have, of course, been many attempts to solve the inherent problems associated with industrial cleaning systems, however, many suffer from the same difficulties as previously mentioned. Therefore, there exists a need for an improved combustion cleaning system which is mobile and at least partially addresses some of the above-mentioned shortcomings.

The present invention provides a mobile combustion cleaning system for removing debris from a plurality of semi-permeable heat exchange surfaces by transmitting a shaped impulse wave a depth into the semi-permeable heat exchange surface for removing debris, the system comprising a mobile cart with a configurable controller and a power supply; said configurable controller programmed with parameters for mixing and combusting a pressurized supply of fuel and air; a navigational controller in electrical communication with said power supply; said pressurized supply of fuel and air transmitted through said mobile cart to a distribution network; said distribution network comprising a mixing valve in electrical communication with said configurable controller for receiving and mixing said pressurized supply of fuel and air; an ignitor in electrical communication with said configurable controller for programmed ignition of said pressurized supply of mixed fuel and air whereby an impulse wave is generated; a navigation network in communication with said navigation controller for moving said distribution network around the heat exchange surfaces; and an outlet for transmitting said impulse wave onto the heat exchange surfaces whereby debris on the semi-permeable heat exchange surfaces is at least partially removed.

Various objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings submitted herewith constitute a part of this specification, include exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and illustrate various objects and features thereof.

Generally, the mobile combustion cleaning system (generally referred to herein as reference number <NUM>) and method <NUM> for practicing the invention referenced herein includes a mobile utility cart <NUM>, a distribution network <NUM> and a navigation network <NUM> that provides an improved system for containing a combustion event while directing and focusing an impulse shockwave for an easier and effective off-line cleaning system and method for cleaning fouled heat exchange surfaces <NUM> a depth inward.

The distribution network <NUM> includes a cylindrical conduit <NUM> configured with at least one fuel inlet and one air inlet to supply a combustion mixture to the cylindrical conduit <NUM> for ignition by an ignitor <NUM> to produce an impulse wave. The impulse wave is accelerated into a detonation as it propagates downstream through the cylindrical conduit <NUM> and exiting through the exhaust <NUM> at a parabolic outlet <NUM>. Generally, the exhaust <NUM> extends gradually from cylindrical conduit <NUM> to the parabolic outlet <NUM>, with one end having a cylindrical shape and the opposite end having a more conical shape. The parabolic outlet <NUM> has a generally conical shape. Generally, the exhaust <NUM> starts to provide shape and directionality to the newly formed shockwave. The parabolic outlet <NUM> is used to aim the shaped shockwave onto the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. In an optional embodiment, a conical ring <NUM> encircles the parabolic outlet <NUM> and includes secondary injection ports <NUM> to allow additional combustible gas to be introduced during the cleaning cycle to enhance and improve the cleaning energy produced by the mobile combustion cleaning system <NUM>. The detonation and corresponding high-pressure impulse waves are vented from the cylindrical conduit <NUM> and shaped and directed as they exit the exhaust <NUM> by the parabolic outlet <NUM> onto the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> for cleaning.

The distribution network <NUM> is guided through the cleaning process by the navigation network <NUM> which is adapted for supporting and transporting the distribution network <NUM> during the guided movement. In an optional embodiment, the distribution network <NUM> includes a rotating collar <NUM> which allows for rotation of the cylindrical conduit <NUM> about the parabolic outlet <NUM> for cleaning various sides along the outside perimeter of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. The mobile combustion cleaning system <NUM> also includes a configurable controller <NUM> and navigation controller <NUM> for remote and continuous operation of the system <NUM> a distance from the utility room associated with the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral <NUM> depicted in <FIG> generally refers to an embodiment of the present invention, an improved impulse cleaning system which includes the mobile utility cart <NUM> with at least one gas storage vessel <NUM>, a power supply <NUM>, a configurable controller <NUM>, pneumatic transmission lines <NUM> and with appropriate connectors for transmitting pressurized gas to the distribution network <NUM> which is supported by the navigation network <NUM> for movement along the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> as determined by the configurable controller <NUM> for cleaning the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>.

Generally, the navigation network <NUM> is adapted for use within a utility room (not shown) containing the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> for assembly on site and transport through a door or opening (not shown) typically associated with the utility room, while supporting the distribution network <NUM> during movement during the cleaning process. In the depicted embodiment, the navigation network <NUM> allows for movement of the distribution network <NUM> along both the first and second axis 42a, 42b. Optionally, the navigation network <NUM> may allow for movement along a third axis 42c. In this way, the distribution network <NUM> may be moved up and down, side to side and back and forth within the utility room (not shown) during the cleaning process.

The embodiment of the navigation network <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> generally provides for supported movement of the distribution network <NUM> during the cleaning of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. The depicted embodiment of the navigation network <NUM> includes a plurality of support members configured to span the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> with a forward support member 41a spaced from a rearward support member 41b by a pair of lateral support members 41c. In the embodiment depicted in <FIG>, vertical support is provided with a plurality of hanger supports <NUM> d adapted for secure receipt of a cable, robe, chain or threadable support member which provides vertical support, typically attached to the utility room structure (not shown). The hanger supports <NUM> d illustrated in <FIG> are attached at the four corners of the navigational network <NUM> and in receipt of a cable <NUM>. Additional hanger supports may be provided as desired.

Optionally, the lateral support members 41c may include one or a pair of air actuators <NUM> which can be mounted to corner blocks between the forward support member 41a and the rearwards support member 41b along the lateral support members 41c. The air actuators <NUM> can be mounted in multiple directions for adjusting the spacing between the forward support member 41a and the rearward support member 41b. In the depicted embodiment the forward, rearward and lateral support members 41a, 41b, 41c are comprised of tubular steel, but could utilize other configurations and/or materials.

A trolley <NUM> is used for moving and supporting the distribution network <NUM> within the navigation network <NUM> and includes a plurality of rotational members <NUM> positioned along a rotational support members <NUM>. The trolley <NUM> also provides at least a pair of receivers for securely receiving the distribution network <NUM> during movement along the navigational network <NUM>. Generally, the navigation network <NUM> provides supporting members for movement of the distribution network <NUM>, received by the trolley <NUM>, including first axis support members for movement along said first axis and second axis support members for movement of the distribution network <NUM> along a second or third axis. The trolley <NUM> may be motorized or cable operated. The trolley <NUM> may include an electrical connection to the navigational controller <NUM> and can move along at least back and forth along the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> driven at least in part by at least one electric motor. An additional motor (not shown) may be operationally connected to the cable <NUM> for vertical adjustment of the navigational network <NUM> along the second axis 42b. The trolley <NUM> may be utilized in connection with one or two motors each of which is operationally connected to one of the rotational assemblies associated with the vertical supports <NUM>.

Generally, the rotational support members <NUM>, provide moveable support for the distribution network <NUM> during movement along a first axis 42a, and a second axis 42b. In general, the rotational support members <NUM> are depicted as being adapted for longitudinal movement along the forward and rearward support members 41a, 41b. Each of the rotational support members <NUM> present a pair of vertical supports 56a and may also include a receiver 32a such as a hook or other fastener for securely receiving the distribution network <NUM> for movement along the navigation network <NUM> during moveable operation.

The trolley <NUM> also includes a pair of side supports <NUM> spanning the rotational supports <NUM> for engagement by the forward and rearward support members 41a, 41b. Generally, the side supports <NUM> provide lateral support and the rotational supports <NUM> provide longitudinal support and in combination they provide for wheeled operation of the trolley <NUM> along a first and third axis 42a, 42c. In addition, the side supports <NUM> provide support to the distribution network <NUM> during the cleaning process. Optionally, the side supports <NUM> may include at least one telescoping brace (not shown) which extends between the forward and rearward support members 41a, 41b for alignment of the distribution network <NUM> and dampening or redirecting any rearwardly directed force resulting from the cleaning process.

As depicted in <FIG> each rotational support <NUM> includes a spanning member 56b separating the pair of vertical supports 56a, each of which is depicted with an upper assembly 58a separated from a lower assembly 58b. Generally, the upper and lower assembly 58a, 58b are adapted for rotational engagement as the trolley <NUM> moves laterally and longitudinally along the navigation network <NUM> for cleaning the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. Generally, the upper assembly 58a allows for movement longitudinally along the first axis 42a while the lower assembly 58b allows for movement laterally along the third axis 42c as the trolley <NUM> moves from one position to another position about the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> during the cleaning process. In one operational embodiment, both the upper and lower assemblies 58a, 58b allow for simultaneous movement along both the first and third axes 42a, 42c. To help determine the current position, the trolley <NUM> may include a position sensor and/or a visual sensor to help monitor the progress within the programmed route and determine the current location and to visually inspect the current location and surrounding area within the utility area. Position sensors may include a gps sensor or other known position sensors including a gyroscope.

The depicted embodiment of the upper assembly 58a includes a pair of rotational members <NUM> adapted for adjustable engagement with the navigation network <NUM> while the lower assembly 58b, depicted with a pair of rotational members <NUM>, is adapted for adjustable engagement with the side supports <NUM>. The engagement of the vertical supports 56a is depicted as being rotational in nature, alternatively, it may have suitable complementary structure for rotational or slidable engagement for movement of the distribution network <NUM> along the first and third axis 42a, 42c. In an operational embodiment, the lower and /or upper assemblies 58b, 58a may also include a mechanical or electrical rotational drive (not shown) in communication with the upper and lower assemblies 58a, 58b to assist in moving the trolley <NUM> as desired. The rotational drive (not shown), may be secured along the trolley <NUM> or secured to the navigation network <NUM> and using appropriate connecting members such as cables or chains for rotational operation of the upper and lower assemblies 58a, 58b for desired movement of the trolley <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the distribution network <NUM>. The distribution network generally receives gas and air from the mobile cart transmission lines <NUM> which are connectably secured to the mixing valve assembly <NUM> which also includes electrical connections to the configurable controller <NUM>. Generally, the mixing valve assembly <NUM> in communication with the configurable controller <NUM> provides for receiving and mixing of the received gas and air at a desired mixture concentration at a desired rate for the desired combustion to clean the heat transfer surfaces <NUM>. The configurable controller <NUM> may include various programmed parameters, like cycle duration, cycle rate, percentage of gas, number of cycles, length of cycles and desired pressure of each received gas, of the mixed gas and various feedback or alerts based on feedback sensors.

A navigation program may be entered into the configurable controller <NUM> which takes into account the horizontal and vertical measurements of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> as well as the measurement of the end of the distribution network <NUM> associated with the exhaust <NUM> and determine the appropriate or most efficient movement to complete the cleaning process along the horizontally and vertical axes. Once the desired movement is determined taking into account the preferred path, the configurable controller <NUM> can generate a movement command to the navigation network <NUM> at the appropriate time by transmitting to the navigation network <NUM> a movement command based on moving the distribution network <NUM> along the desired axes a distance based on the determined distance which includes the shape and size of the cylindrical conduit <NUM>, exhaust <NUM> and outlet <NUM> and the dimensions of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> along the first axis 42a, the third axis 42b and if desired, the second axis 42c. While the exhaust <NUM> associated with the distribution network <NUM> is depicted as a conical section and the outlet <NUM> is depicted as parabolic, other shapes and configurations may be utilized based on the desired movement of the navigation network <NUM>, the available space within the utility area, the shape and dimensions of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>, the desired rotation of the distribution network <NUM> within the utility area, if any, and the desired shape and acceleration of the impulse shockwave, including but not limited to parabolic, hyperbolic, spherical, parallelogram, triangular, circular, square and polygonal or a combination of a portion of the same.

The mixing valve assembly <NUM> depicted in <FIG> includes a multi-port manifold body 22e connected to a first inlet 22a, a second inlet 22b, a central inlet 22c in communication with an outlet 22d. The central inlet 22c extends rearwardly from the manifold body 22e, the first and second inlets 22a, 22b are oppositely spaced and the outlet 22d extends outwardly therefrom. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second inlets 22a, 22b are in communication with a transmission body <NUM> adapted for receipt of pressurized gas from the mobile utility cart <NUM>.

The transmission body <NUM> includes a cylindrical inlet 21a connected to a T-shaped splitter 21b which extends to a pair of solenoids <NUM> in electrical communication with the configurable controller <NUM> and in operational communication the first and second inlet 22a, 22b whereby said solenoids <NUM> permit passage of the received gas through to the mixing valve assembly <NUM>. The cylindrical inlet 21a is depicted with a smaller diameter cross-section adapted for receiving pressurized fuel, gas or some other hydrocarbon source. The central inlet 22c is depicted with a larger diameter cross-section consistent adapted for receipt of a pressurized air. Various pipe connections such as a T-shaped connectors, elbows, flexible tubing and threaded connections may be used to distribute the received air and gas to a mixing valve assembly <NUM> along with the pair of solenoids <NUM> which are each in electrical communication with the configurable controller <NUM> which allows for opening and/or closing of each solenoid <NUM> for selective transmission of the received gas in the desired ratio at the desired pressure and rate to the mixing valve assembly <NUM>. As depicted in <FIG>, the connection between the first and second inlets 22a, 22b includes a flexible conduit which extends towards opposite sides of the splitter 21b.

The outlet 22d extends from the mixing valve assembly <NUM> towards a cylindrical conduit <NUM>. The cylindrical conduit <NUM> is generally cylindrical and hollow, extending from the mixing valve assembly <NUM> to the exhaust <NUM>. An ignitor <NUM> is positioned along the cylindrical conduit <NUM> near the mixing valve assembly <NUM>. The ignitor <NUM> is connected electrically to the configurable controller <NUM> and is adapted for the combustion processes and for transmission of the combustion mixture used for cleaning the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> outwards from the exhaust end <NUM> of the cylindrical conduit <NUM>. Generally, the cylindrical conduit <NUM> includes an elongated combustion chamber for accelerating the ignited combustion mixture as it is transmitted through the cylindrical conduit <NUM> towards the exhaust <NUM> and out the parabolic outlet <NUM>. In the depicted embodiment, the parabolic outlet <NUM> is configured for removal and assembly as a two-piece construction for easy set-up and removal in small areas or for passage through small doors or access areas, but it could be more or utilize a unitary construction as desired. In the two-piece construction, the parabolic outlet <NUM> may include a complementary structure with a pair of connecting tabs <NUM> which are adapted for integral receipt within a complementary receiving structure on the opposing section. The lifting lugs <NUM> depicted in <FIG> are mounted on top of the connecting tabs <NUM> which may also help hide any underlying fasteners and present a seemingly smooth outer surface.

After the combustion mixture is ignited, it produces a high-pressure impulse wave which is directed and shaped by the parabolic outlet <NUM> to release deposits and debris from the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. The parabolic outlet <NUM> is depicted in <FIG> as a conical two-piece section with the conical ring <NUM>, a plurality of lifting lugs <NUM> spaced along the outer surfaces of the parabolic outlet <NUM> and the conical ring <NUM>. Generally, the lifting lugs <NUM> are secured to the outer surfaces for supporting the distribution network <NUM> during movement within the utility room containing the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. In addition, the lifting lugs <NUM> allow the system to be guided and navigated throughout the cleaning process along the surface of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. By way of example, a chain, rope, cable or interconnecting member can be used to support the distribution network <NUM> from the navigation network <NUM> by threading it through the lifting lugs <NUM> and around the receiver 32a. Both the parabolic outlet <NUM> and the conical ring <NUM> can be configured for two-piece design for improved mobility during transport and for assembly for use and disassembly when not in use. To assist in the two-piece configuration a plurality of connecting tabs <NUM> presenting an interlocking connection between the multi-piece design, including, but not limited to tongue and groove connectors. In this way, the improved mobile impulse cleaning system <NUM> can be easily inserted through a small access door and assembled inside the utility area.

The parabolic outlet <NUM>, depicted in <FIG> may also include a rotating collar <NUM> which allows for rotation between the cylindrical conduit <NUM> and the parabolic outlet <NUM>. Rotation of the parabolic outlet <NUM> by the rotating collar <NUM> allows for improved operation within a narrow utility room or other confined space surrounding the heat exchange surface <NUM>. In addition, a pair of injection ports <NUM> are illustrated in <FIG> spaced along the conical ring <NUM> in communication with the pressurized gas through a secondary solenoid <NUM> for introduction of supplemental fuel to be introduced during the cleaning cycle to enhance and improve the impulse resulting from the combustion mixture for cleaning the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>.

The parabolic outlet <NUM> depicted in <FIG> also includes a pressure sensor <NUM>. The pressure sensor <NUM>, such as a pressure transducer, allows the system to capture, record, trend and monitor the pressure readings during the cleaning cycle to quantify and trend the cleaning effectiveness of the system during the cleaning cycle. For example, the pressure sensor <NUM> may record an initial pressure upon initiation of the cleaning cycle. During or upon completion of a programmed cleaning cycle, the system may then record a subsequent pressure and compare the subsequent pressure to the initial pressure. Depending on the differential pressure which is determined by the configurable controller <NUM> of the system <NUM> in comparison to an input differential pressure value, the configurable controller <NUM> may indicate the system <NUM> needs to preform additional cycles, or the configurable controller <NUM> may indicate to the system <NUM> that the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> are sufficiently clean at the current location and command the navigation network <NUM> to move the distribution network <NUM> to the next location programmed into the configurable controller or alternatively, use a navigational controller <NUM> to provide manual control for movement of the distribution network <NUM> to the desired location. In this way, the system <NUM> cleans the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> until the navigation program has concluded.

By way of example, the navigational controller <NUM> may be operably connected to the trolley <NUM> with a single or plurality of handheld controllers such as a multidirectional joystick or plurality of joysticks to control movement along the first, second or third axes 42a, 42b, 42c. In addition, a visual sensor <NUM> may be utilized along a structural member of the trolley <NUM> to visually inspect the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> and monitor movement of the trolley <NUM> during the cleaning process or during movement of the trolley <NUM> along the navigation network <NUM>.

<FIG> show the distribution network <NUM> with the parabolic outlet <NUM> traveling along the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> while cleaning surface debris from a porous surface which is generally semi-permeable and allows for the passage of air therethrough. Once fouled, the heat exchange surfaces allows less air to pass through the material and thus the pressure at the surface is generally higher. Upon cleaning the debris from the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>, at least a depth down, the pressure will become less. Using the pressure sensor <NUM>, this pressure can be monitored and the differential can be programmed and stored into the configurable controller <NUM> as a way to monitor the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

An exemplary method <NUM> for practicing the current system <NUM>, is illustrated in <FIG> with a mobile cart being positioned outside the utility area to be cleaned in step <NUM>. The utility area is inspected at step <NUM> along with measurements of the shape and size of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes creating a navigation route for the navigation network <NUM> to traverse along the first and second axis 42a, 42b to clean the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> and the distribution network is configured with the navigation route being generated by the configurable controller <NUM> based on various parameters being provided through the configurable controller <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes assembling the navigation network <NUM> and electrically connecting the navigation network <NUM> to a navigation controller <NUM> for manual control of the trolley <NUM>. The distribution network <NUM> is then assembled and placed in communication with the mobile cart <NUM> with the gas and air lines operably connected at step <NUM>. Once the navigation network <NUM> is installed and the distribution network <NUM> is configured and installed along the navigation network <NUM> and positioned for cleaning the heat exchange surface <NUM> at the initial position, the ignitor <NUM> is connected to the configurable controller along with any desired process sensors to monitor and provide any necessary system or process alerts. The desired impulse wave cycle program is determined and programmed into the configurable controller <NUM> and the impulse cycle is initiated at step <NUM>. The impulse cycle is continued based on the provided program or until otherwise directed to stop or move to the next location as indicated in steps <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. An exemplary impulse wave cycle is indicated in steps <NUM>-<NUM> with purge air being transmitted to the distribution network <NUM> at step <NUM>. Filling the distribution network <NUM> with fuel and air to create the combustion mixture is indicated at step <NUM> which will involve activation of various solenoids <NUM> and ignition of the combustion mixture using the ignitor <NUM> at steps <NUM> and <NUM>. The resulting impulse wave is propagated through the cylindrical conduit <NUM> of the distribution network <NUM> at step <NUM> and the pressure is monitored using the pressure sensor <NUM> and recorded at step <NUM>.

It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.

<FIG> show the distribution network <NUM> with the parabolic outlet <NUM> traveling along the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> while cleaning surface debris a porous surface which is generally semi-permeable and allows for the passage of air therethrough. Once fouled, the heat exchange surfaces allows less air to pass through the material and thus the pressure at the surface is generally higher. Upon cleaning the debris from the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>, at least a depth down, the pressure will become less. Using the pressure sensor <NUM>, this pressure can be monitored and the differential can be programmed and stored into the configurable controller <NUM> as a way to monitor the effectiveness of the cleaning process.

An exemplary method <NUM> for practicing the current system <NUM>, is illustrated in <FIG> with a mobile cart being positioned outside the utility area to be cleaned in step <NUM>. The utility area is inspected at step <NUM> along with measurements of the shape and size of the heat exchange surfaces <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes creating a navigation route for the navigation network <NUM> to traverse along the first and second axis 42a, 42b to clean the heat exchange surfaces <NUM> and the distribution network is configured with the navigation route being generated by the configurable controller <NUM> based on various parameters being provided through the configurable controller <NUM>. Step <NUM> includes assembling the navigation network <NUM> and electrically connecting the navigation network <NUM> to a navigation controller <NUM> for manual control of the trolley <NUM>. The distribution network <NUM> is then assembled and placed in communication with the mobile cart <NUM> with the gas and air lines operably connected at step <NUM>. Once the navigation network <NUM> is installed and the distribution network <NUM> is configured and installed along the navigation network <NUM> and positioned for cleaning the heat exchange surface <NUM> at the initial position, the ignitor <NUM> is connected to the configurable controller along with any desired process sensors to monitor and provide any necessary system or process alerts. The desired impulse wave cycle program is determined and programmed into the configurable controller <NUM> and the impulse cycle is initiated at step <NUM>. The impulse cycle is continued based on the provided program or until otherwise directed to stop or move to the next location as indicated in steps <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. An exemplary impulse wave cycle is indicated in steps <NUM>-<NUM> with purge air being transmitted to the distribution network <NUM> at step <NUM>. Filling the distribution network <NUM> with fuel and air to create the combustion mixture is indicated at step <NUM> which will involve activation of various solenoids <NUM> and ignition of the combustion mixture using the ignitor <NUM> at steps <NUM> and <NUM>. The resulting impulse wave is propagated through the cylindrical conduit <NUM> of the distribution network <NUM> at step <NUM> and the pressure sensor <NUM> is monitored and recorded at step <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A mobile combustion cleaning system (<NUM>) for removing debris from a plurality of semi-permeable heat exchange surfaces (<NUM>) by transmitting a shaped impulse wave a depth into the semi-permeable heat exchange surfaces (<NUM>) for removing debris, the mobile combustion cleaning system (<NUM>) comprising:
a moveable distribution network (<NUM>) extending from a mixing valve (<NUM>) to an outlet (<NUM>), said mixing valve (<NUM>) receiving a combustion mixture from a mobile cart (<NUM>) according to a configurable controller (<NUM>);
an ignitor (<NUM>) positioned between said mixing valve (<NUM>) and said outlet (<NUM>) and in electrical communication with said configurable controller (<NUM>) whereby said ignitor (<NUM>) generates said impulse wave from said combustion mixture;
said moveable distribution network (<NUM>) configured for transmitting said impulse wave from said outlet (<NUM>) onto said semi-permeable heat exchange surfaces (<NUM>);
a navigation network (<NUM>) configured for secured receipt of said distribution network (<NUM>);
characterised by a
a navigational controller (<NUM>) in operable communication with said navigation network (<NUM>) for movement of said navigation network (<NUM>) along a first axis (42a), a second axis (42b) and a third axis (42b);
said configurable controller (<NUM>) configured for receiving and monitoring pressure data; and
a navigation command sent from said navigational controller (<NUM>) to said navigation network (<NUM>) for movement of said distribution network (<NUM>) along at least one of said first, second and third axes (42a, 42b, 42c).