Detonation-Wave Technique for On-Load Deposit Removal From Surfaces Exposed to Fouling: Part I—Experimental Investigation and Development of the Method

Abstract

The paper presents a description and results of the experimental research, development, and full-scale testing of a new technique for cleaning gas-swept surfaces exposed to fouling, such as found in boilers, furnaces, heat exchangers, reactors, and gas ducts, by means of detonation waves. Part I describes the principles and reports on experimental investigations and optimization of the technique. Part II reports on several years of experience in applying the technique in full-scale operation in two large coal-fired boilers. Experiments involved detailed measurements of the pressure wave characteristics at a laboratory-scale model of a boiler furnace at a range of operating conditions and produced necessary information for optimum design and operation of the detonation wave generator. The investigation enabled a close insight into the detonation and shock wave generation, their behavior during propagation through the connecting ducts, and attenuation in the inner space of the model furnace. A good indication has also been obtained of the wave impact and effects on deposit-removal from different packages of tube bundles, which were placed in the model boiler in order to mimic boiler heating surfaces.