CA2413899C - Method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components - Google Patents
Method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2413899C CA2413899C CA002413899A CA2413899A CA2413899C CA 2413899 C CA2413899 C CA 2413899C CA 002413899 A CA002413899 A CA 002413899A CA 2413899 A CA2413899 A CA 2413899A CA 2413899 C CA2413899 C CA 2413899C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cleaning
- bitumen
- contaminants
- industrial
- tank
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B3/00—Cleaning by methods involving the use or presence of liquid or steam
- B08B3/04—Cleaning involving contact with liquid
- B08B3/10—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration
- B08B3/12—Cleaning involving contact with liquid with additional treatment of the liquid or of the object being cleaned, e.g. by heat, by electricity or by vibration by sonic or ultrasonic vibrations
Abstract
A method of cleaning contaminants from an industrial component. A first step involves immersing the industrial component in a chemical pre-soak tank containing a chemical cleaning agent effective with the contaminants. The chemical pre-soak tank is maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit. The industrial component is maintained in the pre-soak tank for a time duration sufficient to soften the contaminants without causing the contaminants to break down into layers of constituent elements, while raising the temperature of the industrial component in preparation for cleaning. A second step involves subjecting the tank to ultrasonic waves at a frequently of not less than 80 megahertz and not more than 120 megahertz..
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Method Of Cleaning Contaminants From Industrial Components FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components, and, in particular, bitumen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1G Industrial comb>onents used in the Alberta oil sands invariably become contaminated with bitumen. This includes industrial components of equipment used in the extraction process, such as filters and heat exchanger tube bundles. It also includes industrial components used on site, such as scaffolding components.
Attempts to clean these industrial components by other means have proven unsuccessful. Steam and high pressure water merely tend to translocate the bitumen; moving the 2_0 bitumen around the industrial component without removing it.
The use of chemical. degreasers has also proven unsuccessful.
SLJ1~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a more effective method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components. A
first step involves immersing the industrial components in a tank containing a chemical cleaning agent effective with the contaminants. The 'tank is maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit. fhe industrial components are maintained in the pre-soak tank for a time duration sufficient to soften
Method Of Cleaning Contaminants From Industrial Components FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components, and, in particular, bitumen.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1G Industrial comb>onents used in the Alberta oil sands invariably become contaminated with bitumen. This includes industrial components of equipment used in the extraction process, such as filters and heat exchanger tube bundles. It also includes industrial components used on site, such as scaffolding components.
Attempts to clean these industrial components by other means have proven unsuccessful. Steam and high pressure water merely tend to translocate the bitumen; moving the 2_0 bitumen around the industrial component without removing it.
The use of chemical. degreasers has also proven unsuccessful.
SLJ1~1ARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a more effective method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components.
According to the present invention there is provided a method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components. A
first step involves immersing the industrial components in a tank containing a chemical cleaning agent effective with the contaminants. The 'tank is maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit. fhe industrial components are maintained in the pre-soak tank for a time duration sufficient to soften
2 the contaminants without causing the contaminants to break down into layers of_ constituent elements, while raising the temperature of the industrial components in preparation for cleaning. A second step involves subjecting the tank to ultrasonic waves at a frequency of not less than 80 megahertz and not more than 120 megahertz.
The method, as described above, represents the culmination of great deal of research into what works and what does not work. Ultrasonic cleaning will not be effective, unless the industrial component is pre-soaked in a chemical cleaning agent to soften the contaminants. The industrial component m~.zst be at the same temperature as the temperature range at which the ultrasonic cleaning takes i~ place. A further purpose of the pre-soak is, therefore, to raise the temperate of the industrial component to at or near the desired temperature range. It was found that the ultrasonic cleaning was not effective at temperatures less than 160 degrees fahrenheit. However, when the temperature exceeded 180 degrees fahrenheit the heat began to become detrimental to the process. At frequencies of less than 80 megahertz the ultrasonic cleaning was not effective.
However, at frequencies in excess of 120 megahertz too much cavitation took place, tending to destroy the amplitude of the waves.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through use of the method, as described above, an even greater improvement in the cleaning was achieved by varying the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic cleaning is a product of frequency and. amplitude. By varying the amplitude, contaminants that would not release from the industrial component at one amplitude tended to release at another amplitude.
The method, as described above, represents the culmination of great deal of research into what works and what does not work. Ultrasonic cleaning will not be effective, unless the industrial component is pre-soaked in a chemical cleaning agent to soften the contaminants. The industrial component m~.zst be at the same temperature as the temperature range at which the ultrasonic cleaning takes i~ place. A further purpose of the pre-soak is, therefore, to raise the temperate of the industrial component to at or near the desired temperature range. It was found that the ultrasonic cleaning was not effective at temperatures less than 160 degrees fahrenheit. However, when the temperature exceeded 180 degrees fahrenheit the heat began to become detrimental to the process. At frequencies of less than 80 megahertz the ultrasonic cleaning was not effective.
However, at frequencies in excess of 120 megahertz too much cavitation took place, tending to destroy the amplitude of the waves.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through use of the method, as described above, an even greater improvement in the cleaning was achieved by varying the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic cleaning is a product of frequency and. amplitude. By varying the amplitude, contaminants that would not release from the industrial component at one amplitude tended to release at another amplitude.
3 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view, in section, illustrating a scaffolding component being pre-soaked in preparation for ultrasonic cleaning in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view, in section, illustrating an ultrasonic cleaning step in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view illustrating a rinsing step in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAI?~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMEODIMENT
The preferred method of cleaning contaminants from an industrial component will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. Bitumen will be used as a specific example of a contaminant that can be effectively removed in accordance with the teachings of this method. Scaffolding components will be used as a specific example of industrial components that can be effectively removed in accordance with the teachings of this method.
Referring to FIGURE 1, a pre-soak step involves immersing scaffolding components 10 in a tank 12 that contains a chemical cleaning agent 14 effective with bitumen.
Chemical cleaning agent 14 is maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit. In the illustrated embodiment, tank 12 is equipped with a heater 16 with a temperature controller 18
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a side elevation view, in section, illustrating a scaffolding component being pre-soaked in preparation for ultrasonic cleaning in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a side elevation view, in section, illustrating an ultrasonic cleaning step in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 3 is a perspective view illustrating a rinsing step in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
DETAI?~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMEODIMENT
The preferred method of cleaning contaminants from an industrial component will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 3. Bitumen will be used as a specific example of a contaminant that can be effectively removed in accordance with the teachings of this method. Scaffolding components will be used as a specific example of industrial components that can be effectively removed in accordance with the teachings of this method.
Referring to FIGURE 1, a pre-soak step involves immersing scaffolding components 10 in a tank 12 that contains a chemical cleaning agent 14 effective with bitumen.
Chemical cleaning agent 14 is maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit. In the illustrated embodiment, tank 12 is equipped with a heater 16 with a temperature controller 18
4 for heating chemical cleaning agent 14 to the appropriate temperature. Ultrasonic cleaning will not be effective, unless scaffolding components 10 are pre-soaked in chemical cleaning agent 14 to soften the contaminants. Scaffolding !. components 10 are maintained in tank 12 for a time duration sufficient to soften bitumen without causing bitumen to break down into layers of its constituent elements, while raising the temperature of scaffolding components 10 in preparation for cleaning. Scaffolding components 10 must be at the same temperature as the temperature range at which the ultrasonic cleaning takes place for ultrasonic cleaning to be effective.
A period of approximately 2Ct minutes of soaking scaffolding components 10 in tank 12 is usually sufficient. There are a variety of chemical cleaning agents 14 commercially available which are known to be effective in the softening bitumen.
Chemical cleaning agents 14 will, therefore, not be further described.
Referring to FIGURE 2, tank 12 is then subjected to '?0 ultrasonic waves 28 of not less than 80 megahertz and not more than 120 megahertz while varying the amplitude of ultrasonic waves a?8. At frequencies of less than 80 megahertz, ultrasonic cleaning is not effective and at frequencies in excess of 120 megahertz too much cavitation takes place which tends to destroy the amplitude of ultrasonic waves 28. In the illustrated embodiment, an ultrasonic generator 30 is provided for supplying ultrasonic waves 28. A controller 32 is provided on ultrasonic generator 30 for varying t:ne amplitude of ultrasonic waves 28. By varying the amplitude, contaminants that would not release from scaffolding components 10 at one amplitude tend to release at anothE:r amplitude. Exposure of scaffolding components 10 to ultrasonic waves 28 for a period of approximately 30 minutes has been found to be sufficient.
Care must be taken not to over expose scaffolding components 10, as excessive exposure to ultrasonic waves 28 will cause bitumen to breakdown z.nto constituent elements. Once the bitumen breaks down into constituent elements translocation tends to occur.
Referring to FIGURE 3. a further step includes rinsing scaffolding components 10 afte r their removal from tank 12.
Rinsing of scaffolding components 10 aids in removing bitumen particles that were freed during cleaning, it also serves to remove any remaining chemical residue. Rinsing can be accomplished with a stream of water 34 from a hose 36.
In this patent document,, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the 7.5 word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference v o an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
GO
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
A period of approximately 2Ct minutes of soaking scaffolding components 10 in tank 12 is usually sufficient. There are a variety of chemical cleaning agents 14 commercially available which are known to be effective in the softening bitumen.
Chemical cleaning agents 14 will, therefore, not be further described.
Referring to FIGURE 2, tank 12 is then subjected to '?0 ultrasonic waves 28 of not less than 80 megahertz and not more than 120 megahertz while varying the amplitude of ultrasonic waves a?8. At frequencies of less than 80 megahertz, ultrasonic cleaning is not effective and at frequencies in excess of 120 megahertz too much cavitation takes place which tends to destroy the amplitude of ultrasonic waves 28. In the illustrated embodiment, an ultrasonic generator 30 is provided for supplying ultrasonic waves 28. A controller 32 is provided on ultrasonic generator 30 for varying t:ne amplitude of ultrasonic waves 28. By varying the amplitude, contaminants that would not release from scaffolding components 10 at one amplitude tend to release at anothE:r amplitude. Exposure of scaffolding components 10 to ultrasonic waves 28 for a period of approximately 30 minutes has been found to be sufficient.
Care must be taken not to over expose scaffolding components 10, as excessive exposure to ultrasonic waves 28 will cause bitumen to breakdown z.nto constituent elements. Once the bitumen breaks down into constituent elements translocation tends to occur.
Referring to FIGURE 3. a further step includes rinsing scaffolding components 10 afte r their removal from tank 12.
Rinsing of scaffolding components 10 aids in removing bitumen particles that were freed during cleaning, it also serves to remove any remaining chemical residue. Rinsing can be accomplished with a stream of water 34 from a hose 36.
In this patent document,, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the 7.5 word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference v o an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
GO
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (2)
OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of cleaning bitumen from an industrial component, comprising the steps of:
immersing the industrial component in a tank containing a chemical cleaning agent effective to soften the bitumen maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit for a time duration sufficient to soften the bitumen without causing the bitumen to break down into layers of constituent elements, while raising the temperature of the industrial component in preparation for cleaning; and subjecting the softened bitumen and the industrial components in the tank to ultrasonic waves of not less than 80 megahertz and not more than 120 megahertz while varying the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves.
immersing the industrial component in a tank containing a chemical cleaning agent effective to soften the bitumen maintained at a temperature of not less than 160 degrees fahrenheit and not more than 180 degrees fahrenheit for a time duration sufficient to soften the bitumen without causing the bitumen to break down into layers of constituent elements, while raising the temperature of the industrial component in preparation for cleaning; and subjecting the softened bitumen and the industrial components in the tank to ultrasonic waves of not less than 80 megahertz and not more than 120 megahertz while varying the amplitude of the ultrasonic waves.
2. The method as defined in Claim 1, including the further step of rinsing the industrial component after removal from the tank.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002413899A CA2413899C (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2002-12-06 | Method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002413899A CA2413899C (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2002-12-06 | Method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2413899A1 CA2413899A1 (en) | 2004-06-06 |
| CA2413899C true CA2413899C (en) | 2009-08-18 |
Family
ID=32477027
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002413899A Expired - Lifetime CA2413899C (en) | 2002-12-06 | 2002-12-06 | Method of cleaning contaminants from industrial components |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2413899C (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102017127855A1 (en) * | 2017-11-24 | 2019-05-29 | Echovista Gmbh | Optical monitoring device |
-
2002
- 2002-12-06 CA CA002413899A patent/CA2413899C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2413899A1 (en) | 2004-06-06 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20221206 |