Fin Fan Cleaning Device and Method

CROSS-REFERENCE(S) TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

[0001]This present application claims priority on U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/741,512, filed on Jan. 3, 2025 and entitled Fin Fan Cleaning Device and Method, the entire contents of both are hereby expressly incorporated by reference into the present application.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The invention relates generally to fin fans used with hospitals, power plants, manufacturing facilities, industrial facilities, and the like and, in particular, to equipment used to clean these fin fans. More specifically, the invention relates to cleaning devices that use dry ice and other less abrasive materials to clean the fin fans.

2 . Discussion of the Related Art

[0003]Fin fans, air-cooled heat exchangers, and the like are used in a number of commercial and industrial contexts to cool or condense hot fluids. For instance, fin fans are commonly used with hospitals, power plants, and a variety of manufacturing and other industrial facilities. Oftentimes, these devices are located on the roof of the building, or otherwise located on the outside of the building. As such, these devices are exposed to external conditions, including dust, pollen, dirt, grease, grime, and other fouling. Additionally, in light of exposure to rain, snow, and other moisture, these fin fans can develop mildew and mold about the exterior of the fin fan. Temperature fluctuations based on the external location of the fin fans, as well as the operation of the fin fans and associated components, can further exacerbate the fouling of these devices. When fin fans get dirty, the rate of heat transfer can be reduced, which in turn reduces the efficiency of such systems. Additionally, the hard deposits that cling to the fin fans are difficult to clean or otherwise remove. Fin fans are typically made of aluminum, making them particularly susceptible to damage depending on the amount of force and pressure applied during cleaning processes.

[0004]To address these issues, traditional cleaning methods are often employed, which include use of foam or water. Typically, foam or water are sprayed at the fin fans to attempt to clean them. However, there are a number of drawbacks to these practices. For starters, fin fans are delicate and can easily be damaged. Use of both foams and water can easily damage the fin fans. This results in either fin fans operating at reduced efficiency, or costs associated with repair or replacement of these fin fans. As a result, when foam or water is used to clean fin fans, the substances are typically sprayed at a low pressure to avoid such damage. However, in reducing the pressure, the efficiency of the actual cleaning is reduced. In fact, in many instances, only the fin fans located along an exterior surface are cleared, with fin fans located in the interior being completely missed due to the low pressure that is used to propel the foam or water. As a result, the actual purpose of cleaning is not fully achieved.

[0005]Additionally, environmental concerns exist with use of foam or water to clean fin fans. Turning initially to foams, strong chemicals are used that may have a negative impact on the environment. In some instances, the foam also needs to be washed away, causing issues with the water or other material used to wash away the foam. Similarly, when water is used to spray the fin fans directly, the water must be processed, cleaned, or otherwise treated to remove any toxins or other debris. This results in either more work and associated costs, or detrimental environmental impacts.

[0006]What is therefore needed is alternative equipment and methods that allow fin fans to be quickly and efficiently cleaned without damaging the fin fans. What is further needed is equipment and methods that allow fin fans to be cleaned while minimizing negative impacts to the environment. What is further needed is equipment and methods that allow fin fans to be cleaned with materials other than foam or water, or to minimize the amount of foam or water that is sprayed at the fin fans that can result in potential damage to the fin fans.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0007]By way of summary, the present invention is directed to an inventive cleaning equipment system for one or more fin fans. The equipment includes at least one blasting nozzle that is configured to propel a cleaning media towards the one or more fin fans. Additionally, the equipment may include a container that is configured to receive a quantity of cleaning media that is connected to the blasting nozzle. For instance, dry ice pellets may be used as the cleaning media. The dry ice pellets may be in a variety of different sizes, including small enough to constitute a snow mixture, or having an average pellet particle size of at least one millimeter, at least two millimeters, at least three millimeters, at least four millimeters, or at least five millimeters.

[0008]According to an aspect of the present invention, the equipment may include a single hose that connects the container to the at least one blasting nozzle. According to another aspect of the present invention, the equipment may include a double hose system where one of the hoses delivers dry ice pellets to the blasting nozzle. According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the equipment may include a triple hose system, where at least one of the hoses delivers dry ice pellets to the blasting nozzle, and another of the hoses delivers a cleaning solvent to the blasting nozzle.

[0009]According to other aspects of the present invention, a fragmenter may be mounted within the container and/or the hose and/or the blasting nozzle to break up dry ice pellets before propelling them towards the fin fan. The equipment may further include a handle, trigger, control, or the like that allows a user to control and enable or disable spray of the cleaning media out of the blasting nozzle. Spray of cleaning media may also be controlled remotely using a remote application associated with a smartphone, a tablet, and a computer.

[0010]According to yet another aspect of the invention, a method of using the cleaning equipment is provided. This includes spraying a cleaning medium through a blasting nozzle. The method also includes the step of delivering the cleaning medium from the container to the blasting nozzle. Additionally, the method includes the steps of delivering the cleaning medium from the container to the blasting nozzle through a first hose and blending the cleaning medium with a quantity of air contained in a second hose. The method may also include the steps of blending the cleaning medium, such as dry ice, with a cleaning solvent delivered through another hose. Further still, the method may include the step of breaking up a plurality of dry ice pellets using a fragmenter contained within one of the container and the hose.

[0011]These, and other aspects and objects of the present invention will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following description, while indicating preferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the present invention without departing from the spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

[0012]A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting the present invention, and of the construction and operation of typical mechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readily apparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting, embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate the same elements in the several views, and in which:

[0013]FIG. 1 illustrates a first perspective view of the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0014]FIG. 2 illustrates a second perspective view of the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0015]FIG. 3 illustrates a third perspective view of the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0016]FIG. 4 illustrates a fourth perspective view of the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0017]FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a plurality of different nozzles and tools used with the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0018]FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevation view of a fragmenter used with the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0019]FIG. 7 illustrates an end elevation view of the fragmenter used with the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0020]FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a fin fan that is cleaned using the inventive fin fan cleaning system;

[0021]FIG. 9 illustrates another perspective view of a fin fan;

[0022]FIG. 10 illustrates a first embodiment of the fin fan cleaning system having a single hose;

[0023]FIG. 11 illustrates a second embodiment of the fin fan cleaning system having two hoses;

[0024]FIG. 12 illustrates a third embodiment of the fin fan cleaning system having three hoses; and

[0025]FIG. 13 illustrates another perspective view of a fin fan.

[0026]In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which is illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the invention be limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, the word connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. They are not limited to direct connection but include connection through other elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalent by those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027]The present invention and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments described in detail in the following description.

[0028]The present invention is directed to a cleaning equipment 20 for use with fin fans 22 and similar devices mounted on or about buildings, in many cases commercial and industrial buildings. Typically, fin fans 22 are made of aluminum. While use of aluminum allows the fin fans 22 to operate efficiently, aluminum is a relatively delicate material that can easily be damaged depending on the force and pressure of materials directed at the fin fans 22. While the present invention is described in connection to cleaning of fin fans 22, it should be noted that the present invention could similarly be used to clean any other number of different devices.

[0029]Because the fin fans 22 are located on the roof of the building or on the exterior of the building, the fin fans 22 typically are exposed to the elements, including condensation, dirt, dust, plants, and the like. This results in the collection of moisture and debris on the fin fans 22, which then leads to the collection of fouling about the fin fans 22. The collection of any materials on the fin fans 22 can result in a reduction in efficiency of the fin fan 22.

[0030]As such, the cleaning equipment 20 is designed to provide sufficient cleaning of fin fans 22, while minimizing the amount of damage that may be caused to the fin fans 22 due to the sensitive nature of the aluminum materials used to manufacture the fin fans 22. The cleaning equipment 20 includes one or more blasting nozzles 24 configured to spray a cleaning material onto the fin fans 22. A variety of different blasting nozzles 24 may be used. For instance, the blasting nozzle 24 may be a standard blasting nozzle, an oscillating nozzle, a pencil nozzle configured for precise, small cleaning operations. See FIG. 5. The specific blasting nozzle 24 may be selected based on a number of different factors, including the type of fin fan 22 that is being cleaned, the amount of fouling for that fin fan 22, the specific type of fouling and material or materials that cause the fouling, and the like.

[0031]In addition to providing a variety of blasting nozzles 24 described above, the cleaning equipment 20 may offer a variety of cleaning materials that are propelled from the blasting nozzle 24 or nozzles. In a preferred embodiment, high density dry ice is propelled from the blasting nozzle 24. Where dry ice is being used, a variety of different dry ice sizes may be used depending on a number of different factors, including the type of fin fan 22 that is being cleaned and the materials used to manufacture that fin fan 22, the amount of fouling for that fin fan 22, the specific type of fouling and material or materials that cause the fouling, and the like. For instance, the dry ice may be comprised of a snow mixture, or the dry ice may have an average pellet particle size of approximately 1 millimeter, approximately 2 millimeters, approximately 3 millimeters, approximately 4 millimeters, or approximately 5 millimeters, all being high density blast pellets. Of course, in certain instances, even larger pellets may be desired. Typically, smaller pellets, including a snow mixture, may be used when the fin fans 22 are more delicate in nature, or when the fin fans 22 are less fouled, whereas larger pellets are used when the fin fans 22 are made of more durable materials and/or when the fin fans 22 are dirtier and more fouled.

[0032]The dry ice pellets may be propelled from the nozzle 24 at a variety of different volumes and pressures. Again, the specific volume and pressure may be determined based on a number of different characteristics, including the type of fin fan 22 that is being cleaned, the material used to manufacture the fin fan 22, the amount of fouling for that fin fan 22, the specific type of fouling and material or materials that cause the fouling, and the like. Where the fin fans 22 are more delicate in nature or the fin fans 22 are less fouled, the dry ice may be propelled at approximately 50 pounds per square inch and at a rate of 100 cubic feet per minute. In instances where the fin fans 22 are more durable, or the fin fans 22 are more fouled in nature, the dry ice may be propelled at higher volumes and/or pressures, such as at 375 pounds per square inch and at a rate of 1500 cubic feet per minute. Of course, the volume and pressure could vary between the rates specified above, and in certain instances, the volume and pressure may be less than or greater than the ranges described herein depending on the type of fin fans 22 and the amount and type of fouling that has occurred.

[0033]In one embodiment, the cleaning equipment 20 may consist of a single-hose system 26. See FIG. 10. In the single-hose system 26, a single hose 28 is used to deliver dry ice or other cleaning media from a container 30 to the blasting nozzle 24. The container 30 contains the dry ice or other cleaning media that is selected as described above. The dry ice or other cleaning media may be mixed with air or other gases or materials within the container 30. The blasting nozzle 24 may include a handle 32 that a user grasps and a trigger 34 that a user activates to initiate flow of dry ice from the container 30, through the hose 28 and out the blasting nozzle 24. Flow of the cleaning media can be terminated when the trigger 34 is released. The blasting nozzle 24 may also include various controls (not shown), for instance, a dial or other control that enables one or both of the volume and pressure of the cleaning media to be adjust while the user is using the blasting nozzle 24. Alternatively, flow of the cleaning media may be otherwise managed, for instance, based on an interface, handles, controls, controllers, knobs, switches etc. 33 located on the container 30 itself; based on remote controls or instructions, for instance using an application on a smartphone, tablet, computer, or the like (not shown); or any other mechanism to initiate, terminate, or adjust flow of the cleaning media from the container 30 to the blasting nozzle 24. Additionally, the cleaning equipment 20 may be configured to automatically adjust spraying characteristics, including the volume and pressure, based on sensors or readings collected during the cleaning process. Adjustments to the cleaning equipment 20 may be monitored and documented to inform characteristics and settings of future cleaning projects.

[0034]In another embodiment, the cleaning equipment 20 may consist of a double-hose system 36. See FIG. 11. The double-hose system 36 includes a first hose 38 and a second hose 40. Where two hoses 38, 40 are used, each hose may be configured to transport a different material. For instance, the first hose 38 may be configured to transport air, whereas the second hose 40 may be configured to transport dry ice. A valve 39, such as a venturi valve, may be used to blend or combine the contents of the two hoses 38, 40. The valve 39 may be located outside of the blasting nozzle 24, or it could be incorporated within the blasting nozzle 24. This would enable the materials to be blended or combined before the materials are propelled out of the blasting nozzle 24. The double-hose system 36 may include some or all of the components described above in connection with the single-hose system 26, including but not limited to the container, the nozzle, and the associated features including controls and the like.

[0035]In yet another embodiment, the cleaning equipment 20 may consist of a triple-hose system 42 including a first hose 44, a second hose 46, and a third hose 48. See FIG. 12. Such a system would operate similar to the double hose system described above, but with the addition of a third material that can be blended and/or combined with the materials contained in the first hose 44 and the second hose 46. For instance, a solvent may be blended and/or combined with the air and the cleaning media, such as dry ice. In one embodiment, the solvent may be a cleaner specifically configured to clean or other remove the fouling from the fin fan 22. In one example where the fin fans 22 are coated in a grease material, the solvent may be a degreaser mixture. Other additives may be used to break up or loosen the fouling coated on the exterior of the fin fans 22. Specific additives may be used to specifically address fin fans 22 coated in mildew, mold, exhaust, pollen, dust, dirt, or other types of fouling. Such a system would allow a minimal amount of the solvent to be effectively mixed with the dry ice and air such that the fin fan 22 can be sufficiently cleaned, while minimizing risk of damage or other negative side effects to the fin fans 22 upon spraying. The materials may be blended and/or combined at a valve 49 or at the handle 32 before being dispensed out of the blasting nozzle 24.

[0036]According to another aspect of the present invention, a fragmenter 50 configured to help maintain consistent characteristics of the cleaning media may be incorporated into the cleaning equipment 20. For instance, one or more fragmenters may be mounted within or adjacent to one or more of the container 30, any of the hoses, the blasting nozzle 24, the handle 32, or any other component of the cleaning equipment 20. The fragmenter 50 may be in the form of a grate, a fence, or any other design having multiple components that break up materials. As shown, the fragmenter 50 includes a plurality of thin arms that extend from an outer edge of the fragmenter 50 towards the center of the fragmenter 50. In other embodiments, the fragmenter 50 includes a first plurality of member that run parallel to one another, with a second plurality of other members running perpendicular to the first plurality of members. Where dry ice is used as the cleaning media, such a configuration helps to break up any dry ice pellets that may stick or otherwise be frozen with adjacent dry ice pellets. This results in the separation and breakdown of any large fragments of dry ice into smaller pieces, which in turn helps prevent damage to the fin fans 22.

[0037]While the above description relates to use of a single blasting nozzle 24, the cleaning equipment 20 may include multiple blasting nozzles configured to simultaneously clean the fin fans 22. Additionally, the blasting nozzles 24 may be configured to expel cleaning media at any number of different angles and in any number of different patterns as may be desired.

[0038]While the above description is primarily in connection with use of the cleaning equipment in connection with fin fans, it should be noted that there are virtually innumerable uses for the present invention, all of which need not be detailed here. All the disclosed embodiments can be practiced without undue experimentation.

[0039]Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept. In addition, the individual components need not be fabricated from the disclosed materials but could be fabricated from virtually any suitable materials.

[0040]Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosed shapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually any configuration to improve the operating characteristics of the cleaning equipment. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0041]It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.

[0042]Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out the present invention is disclosed above, practice of the present invention is not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions, modifications and rearrangements of the features of the present invention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept.

[0043]Moreover, the individual components need not be assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could be provided in virtually any configuration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosed embodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosed features of every other disclosed embodiment except where such features are mutually exclusive.

[0044]It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions, modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the present invention are differentiated by the appended claims.