Research on Automatic Fouling Removal and Prevention by Liquid-Solid Fluidization with Spiral Inserts in Tubes of Small Turbines Condensors

To solve the water fouling problem in condenser tubes of small steam turbines, a continuous and automatic cleaning technology is proposed. It prevents and removes fouling by liquid solid fluidization with vibrating spiral inserts in tubes. This paper introduces the structure and explains the mechanism. The experimental results show that the self-cleaning ability meets the need for removing both soft and hard fouling in condensers. Heat transfer enhancement is 14%, vacuum can be increased by 1%, and the flow resistance is similar to the results of sponge ball cleaning. The new automatic fouling removal condenser with convective heat transfer enhancement provides greater vacuum and does not require periodic cleaning operations, and the manufacturing cost only increases by about 5% comparing with the conventional condenser. This technology´s overall economic benefit is significant and it competes well against other comparable technologies.