Ultrasonic cleaning method and apparatus

An apparatus for effecting useful heat exchange in a liquid environment and a device for cleaning said apparatus in said liquid environment without removal therefrom comprising in combination:

• heat exchange means comprising a plurality of substantially parallel spaced apart banks of pipes each having external surfaces exposed to said liquid environment wherein said surfaces are subject to having substances accumulate thereon as a result of said liquid being in contact therewith, said substances affecting adversely the transfer of heat through said surfaces;
• ultrasonic cleaning means for producing ultrasonic energy in sufficient quantities to produce cavitation of said liquid to dislodge said substances, said ultrasonic cleaning means comprising a plurality of transducers arranged in a phased portable array and powered by suitable power supply means, said power supply means providing a pulsed input to said transducers;
• and
• means for positioning said ultrasonic cleaning means adjacent to said surfaces between said banks of pipes without removal of said surfaces from said liquid environment.

A method for cleaning heat exchanger apparatuses functionally incorporating a plurality of spaced apart pipes having the external surfaces thereof in contact with a liquid which causes buildup of substances on said surfaces and reduces the heat transfer through said surfaces comprising the steps of:

• positioning ultrasonic transducer means dimensioned for insertion between said spaced apart pipes within said liquid between said spaced apart pipes proximate to a surface of said pipes to be cleaned so that the energy radiated from said transducer is directed toward said surface;
• applying power in pulses to said ultrasonic transducer means;
• and
• moving said ultrasonic transducer means relative to said surface of said heat exchanger at a rate permitting the cleaning thereof.