# US 9,751,090 B2 · Methods for cleaning precipitators > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 9,751,090 B2 - Document ID: US9751090B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 14/727,372 - Filed: 2015-06-01 - Published: 2016-12-01 - Granted: 2017-09-05 - Earliest claimed: 2015-06-01 - Applicants: US Nitro Blasting & Environmental, LLC - Inventors: Brian P. Warren; Philip F. Warren; Larry R. Massie - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US9751090B2 ## CPC - B03C 3/74: Cleaning the electrodes - B01D 53/32: by electrical effects other than those provided for in group B01D61/00 - B03C 3/76: by using a mechanical vibrator, e.g. rapping gear {; by using impact} - B08B 7/0007: {by explosions} - B03C 2201/32: Checking the quality of the result or the well-functioning of the device - B03C: MAGNETIC OR ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATION OF SOLID MATERIALS FROM SOLID MATERIALS OR FLUIDS; SEPARATION BY HIGH-VOLTAGE ELECTRIC FIELDS (separating isotopes B01D59/00; combinations of magnetic or electrostatic separation with separation of solids by other means B03B, B07B) - B01D: SEPARATION (separating solids from solids by wet methods B03B, B03D; by pneumatic jigs or tables B03B; by other dry methods B07; magnetic or electrostatic separation of solid materials from solid materials or fluids, separation by high-voltage electric fields B03C; centrifuges, vortex apparatus B04; presses per se for squeezing-out liquid from liquid-containing material B30B9/02; treatment of water C02F, e.g. softening by ion-exchange C02F1/42; {arrangements of air intake cleaners in gas turbine plants F02C7/05} ; arrangements or mounting of filters in air-conditioning, air-humidification or ventilation F24F13/28) - B08B: CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL ## Abstract A method for cleaning a precipitator having a hopper defining an interior space and a drain valve is provided. The method includes inserting an explosive device into the interior space defined within the hopper via the drain valve, while the precipitator remains on-line. The method also includes detonating the explosive device to cause particulate matter contained therein to loosen for removal through the drain valve. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A method for cleaning a precipitator having a hopper defining an interior space and a drain valve, said method comprising: inserting an explosive device into the interior space defined within the hopper via the drain valve, while the precipitator remains on-line; detonating the explosive device to cause particulate matter contained therein to loosen for removal through the drain valve; and monitoring a characteristic of a gas discharged from the precipitator in real-time when detonating the explosive device. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising inserting the explosive device through the drain valve using a pole, and detonating the explosive device while the pole is inserted through the drain valve. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising monitoring an opacity characteristic of the gas. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising wrapping the explosive device with a moistened protective layer before inserting the explosive device into the interior space of the hopper. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A method in accordance with claim 1, further comprising inserting the explosive device into the hopper of a precipitator cell having a de-energized extraction device. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A method in accordance with claim 5, further comprising maintaining a distance of at least about six feet between the explosive device and the de-energized extraction device when detonating the explosive device. ### Claim 7 A method for cleaning a precipitator having a hopper defining an interior space and a drain valve, said method comprising: providing an apparatus including a pole and an explosive device coupled to the pole; inserting the pole through the drain valve of the hopper to place the explosive device in the interior space; detonating the explosive device while the pole is inserted through the drain valve and the explosive device is disposed within the interior space; and monitoring a characteristic of a gas discharged from the precipitator in real-time when detonating the explosive device. ### Claim 8 (depends on 7) A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising monitoring an opacity characteristic of the gas. ### Claim 9 (depends on 7) A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising wrapping the explosive device with a moistened protective layer before inserting the explosive device into the interior space of the hopper. ### Claim 10 (depends on 7) A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising inserting the explosive device into the hopper of a precipitator cell having a de-energized extraction device. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) A method in accordance with claim 10, further comprising maintaining a distance of at least about six feet between the explosive device and the de-energized extraction device when detonating the explosive device. ### Claim 12 A method for cleaning a precipitator including a particle extraction assembly with a plurality cells each including an energized extraction device that extracts particulate matter from exhaust gases of a fuel-burning apparatus, said method comprising: selecting one of the cells for cleaning; and detonating an explosive device in the selected cell while the extraction device of the selected cell is de-energized, and while the extraction device of at least one remaining cell is energized, to facilitate cleaning the selected cell while the precipitator remains on-line. ### Claim 13 (depends on 12) A method in accordance with claim 12, further comprising detonating the explosive device in a hopper of the selected cell. ### Claim 14 (depends on 13) A method in accordance with claim 13, further comprising inserting the explosive device into the hopper via a drain valve of the hopper. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) A method in accordance with claim 14, further comprising maintaining a distance of at least about six feet between the explosive device and the de-energized extraction device when detonating the explosive device. ### Claim 16 (depends on 12) A method in accordance with claim 12, further comprising monitoring a characteristic of a gas discharged from the precipitator in real-time when detonating the explosive device. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A method in accordance with claim 16, further comprising monitoring an opacity characteristic of the gas. ### Claim 18 (depends on 7) A method in accordance with claim 7, further comprising: removing the pole from the drain valve after detonating the explosive device; inserting a second apparatus including a second pole and a second explosive device coupled to the second pole through the drain valve to place the second explosive device in the interior space; and detonating the second explosive device while the second pole is inserted through the drain valve and the second explosive device is disposed within the interior space.