EP3753641A1 - Device for cleaning insides of containers and installations - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cleaning device (51) for removing deposits in the interiors (71) of containers and systems (70) by means of explosion technology. An explosive, gaseous mixture is made available by means of the cleaning device (51) and exploded for the purpose of cleaning the interior (71). The explosion pressure wave is conducted into the interior space (71) via an outlet opening (69) in the cleaning device (51). The explosive mixture or its gaseous components are introduced at high speed from pressure vessels (22, 24) into a receiving space of the cleaning device (51).

Description

The invention relates to the field of cleaning the interior of containers and systems. It relates to a method and a cleaning device for removing deposits in the interior of containers and systems by means of explosion technology. The cleaning device is designed in particular to carry out the method according to the invention.

The method and the device are used in particular to clean soiled and slagged containers and systems with caking on their inner walls, in particular of incineration systems.

Heating surfaces z. B. from waste incineration plants or generally from combustion boilers are generally subject to heavy pollution. These soils have inorganic compositions and are typically caused by the deposition of ash particles on the wall. Deposits in the area of high flue gas temperatures are usually very hard, as they either stick to the wall when melted or partially melted, or are stuck together by substances that melt or condense when they solidify on the colder boiler wall. Such deposits can only be removed with difficulty and inadequately using known cleaning methods. This means that the boiler must be periodically shut down and cooled down for cleaning. Since such boilers usually have fairly large dimensions, it is often necessary to build one Scaffolding in the furnace necessary. This also requires an interruption of operation of several days or weeks and is also extremely uncomfortable and unhealthy for the cleaning staff because of the heavy accumulation of dust and dirt. A mostly unavoidable side effect of a plant interruption is damage to the container materials themselves as a result of the strong temperature changes. In addition to the cleaning and repair costs, the system downtime costs due to the loss of production or income are an important cost factor.

Conventional cleaning methods that are used when the systems are shut down are, for example, boiler knocking and the use of steam jets, water jet blowers / soot blowers and sandblasting.

Furthermore, a cleaning method is known in which the cold or the hot boiler in operation is cleaned by introducing and igniting explosive devices. The one in the document EP 1 067 349 described method, a cooled explosive device is brought by means of a cooled lance in the vicinity of the contaminated heating surface, where the explosive charge is ignited. The caking on the heating surface is blown off by the force of the detonation as well as by the wall vibrations generated by the shock waves. The cleaning time can be significantly reduced with this method compared to conventional cleaning methods. With the necessary safety precautions, cleaning can take place while the incinerator is in operation or while the container is still hot. This makes it possible to clean a boiler in this way within hours and without interrupting operations, which would take days with a conventional cleaning method.

Disadvantageous in the EP 1 067 349 method described is the need for explosives. In addition to the high costs for the explosive material, a great deal of security must be undertaken in order to avoid accidents or theft, for example when storing the explosives. Bringing in Explosive material in a hot container also requires an absolutely reliable and efficient cooling system to prevent the explosive from detonating prematurely.

From the EP 1 362 213 B1 Another cleaning method is known which also uses the means of generating an explosion. Instead of explosives, however, according to this method, a container shell that can be inflated with an explosive gas mixture is attached to the end of a cleaning lance. The cleaning lance is inserted into the boiler room together with the empty container shell and positioned near the point to be cleaned. The container shell is then inflated with an explosive gas mixture. By igniting the gas mixture in the container shell, an explosion is generated, the shock waves of which lead to the detachment of dirt on the boiler walls. The container shell is torn to shreds and burned by the explosion. It is therefore a material for use.

This method and the associated device have the advantage over the above-mentioned blasting technology with explosives that the method is inexpensive to operate. So are z. B. the starting components of a gas mixture, which comprises oxygen and a flammable gas, compared to explosives inexpensive. Furthermore, in contrast to explosives, the procurement and handling of said gases do not require any special permits or qualifications, so that anyone with appropriate training can carry out the process.

Furthermore, it is also an advantage that the starting components are fed to the cleaning lance via separate feed lines and the dangerous, explosive gas mixture is therefore only produced in the cleaning lance shortly before the explosion is triggered. Compared to explosives is the handling of the individual components of the gas mixture are far less dangerous, as these are individually highly flammable but not explosive.

The associated method has the disadvantage that handling the container shell is very cumbersome. For each cleaning process, a container cover must be fastened over the outlet opening of the cleaning device. This process is also quite time-consuming, so that the individual cleaning processes each take a comparatively long time.

Furthermore, the filling process is also comparatively slow. This is due to the fact that the explosive mixture can only be let into the container shell at a relatively low filling speed so that it can unfold and expand in a controlled manner without damaging it. If the explosive mixture is let into the container shell at high speed, it is contracted by the negative pressure generated and does not expand. Furthermore, even individual layers of the container shell can be peeled off on the inside.

In addition, the expanded container shell cannot be introduced into narrow areas, such as those found in tube bundles. This means that the explosive mixture cannot be led into the narrow areas to be cleaned and caused to explode there. Rather, the explosive mixture can only be ignited from outside these areas, with the explosion waves penetrating into the narrow areas ensuring a limited cleaning effect.

Furthermore, a permanent supply of consumables in the form of container covers must be provided. The consumables also represent an additional cost factor. The container casings usually have to be made by hand, which is correspondingly expensive.

In addition, when using container casings, residues arise that are not completely burned off by the explosion. These residues can impair the operation of the system to be cleaned.

The object of the present invention is therefore that in the EP 1 362 213 B1 to modify the cleaning device described and the associated method so that a targeted and even improved cleaning effect is achieved. In particular, narrow areas should also be accessible to the explosion mixture.

According to a further object, the implementation of the method should be less cumbersome and less time-consuming and more cost-effective.

According to a further task, no residues should arise when carrying out the cleaning process.

The object is achieved by the features of independent claims 1 and 18. Further developments and special embodiments of the invention emerge from the dependent claims, the description and the drawings. Features of the method claims can be combined with the device claims and vice versa.

The cleaning method disclosed in connection with the invention is based on bringing an explosive mixture into the vicinity of a point to be cleaned in order to subsequently cause the mixture to explode.

The explosive mixture is gaseous at least in the explosive state.

According to a first variant, the explosive mixture can be formed from a gaseous component introduced into the cleaning device. The This means that the introduced gaseous component already forms the explosive, gaseous mixture.

According to a second variant, the explosive mixture can be formed from two or more and in particular from two gaseous components introduced separately into the cleaning device. The gaseous components are mixed with one another in the cleaning device in a mixing zone to form an explosive, gaseous mixture. The mixing zone is arranged in particular in front of or in the feed pressure line.

Gaseous components means that they are present in gaseous form when the explosive mixture is formed in the receiving space and, in particular, when it is introduced into the cleaning device. The gaseous components, also known as starting components, can, however, also be in liquid form in pressure vessels under pressure. The gaseous component can in particular be a rapidly evaporating liquid.

The explosive mixture contains in particular a fuel and an oxidizing agent, such as. B. gaseous oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas. The fuel can be liquid or gaseous. This can e.g. B. from the group of combustible hydrocarbons, such as acetylene, ethylene, methane, ethane, propane, gasoline, oil, etc. be. So is z. B. a first gaseous component a fuel and a second gaseous component the oxidizing agent.

The explosive mixture is provided in particular in the receiving space of the cleaning device.

To trigger the explosion, the mixture is ignited in particular via an ignition device.

The force of the explosion and the surface made to vibrate by the shock waves, e.g. a container or pipe wall, cause the wall caking and slagging to burst off and thus the cleaning of the surface.

The strength of the explosion required for cleaning and thus the amount of gaseous components used to generate the explosive mixture depends on the type of contamination and the size and type of the contaminated container. The dosage and strength of the explosion can and are preferably selected so that no damage to installations occurs. The possibility of optimal dosage of the substances used reduces the cleaning costs on the one hand, and the risk of danger and damage to the system and people on the other.

The cleaning device contains, in particular, a feed pressure line, also called a supply line, via which the explosive mixture is directed to an outlet opening.

The feed pressure line in particular forms a closed feed pressure channel, also called a feed channel. This can form a circular cross-section and have a diameter of 150 mm (millimeters) or less, or of 100 mm or less, or of 60 mm or less, and in particular of 55 mm or less. The diameter can also be 20 mm or larger, or 30 mm or larger, in particular 40 mm or larger.

The length of the feed pressure line can, for. B. 1 m (meter) or more, or 2m or more, or 3m or more, or 4m or more.

The cleaning device contains in particular an outlet device which contains the outlet opening. The outlet device is arranged in the outflow direction, in particular following the feed pressure line.

In particular, the outlet device forms a receiving space for receiving at least a part of the supplied explosive mixture. In particular, the feed pressure line and the outlet device form a receiving space for receiving at least a part of the supplied explosive mixture.

The receiving space is open to the outside, in particular via the outlet opening.

The explosive mixture is z. B. in the receiving space, especially in the feed pressure line, exploded. The explosion pressure wave propagates through the outlet opening into the interior of the system or the container.

Such a method with the associated device can be used, for example, for cleaning catalysts in flue gas cleaning devices. The explosion pressure waves exiting through the outlet opening of the cleaning device act on the catalytic converter and dissolve dirt.

The outlet opening is z. B. open to the outside during ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture.

The outlet opening is open to the outside in particular during the ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture. The outlet opening is open to the outside in particular during the introduction of the explosive mixture into the receiving space.

The outlet opening is open to the outside in particular during a complete cleaning cycle, comprising the introduction of an explosive mixture and the ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture. The outlet opening can in particular be non-closable.

The total volume of explosive mixture is formed at least by the volume of explosive mixture in the receiving space.

Optionally, the outlet opening can be closed during the introduction of the explosive mixture into the receiving space. The outlet opening can be closed by means of a cover. The cover is z. B. mountable. The cover can be flexible or rigid. The cover can be made of plastic. The cover can be plate-like. The cover can be designed in such a way that it is destroyed by the explosion of the explosive mixture and thus clears the path for the explosion pressure wave through the outlet opening to the outside. The total volume of the explosive mixture is formed here exclusively by the volume of the explosive mixture in the receiving space.

According to a further aspect of the invention, at least part of the explosive mixture introduced is introduced into the interior of the container or system via the outlet opening of the cleaning device. A cloud is formed from the explosive mixture in the interior. This cloud is made to explode.

In the present case, the total volume of explosive mixture includes the volume of explosive mixture in the receiving space of the cleaning device and the volume of the cloud of explosive mixture formed outside the cleaning device.

The cloud is characterized in particular by the fact that it does not have physical means or a barrier, such as e.g. B. a container shell is delimited. Rather, the edge area of the cloud is in direct contact with the surrounding atmosphere.

The total volume of the explosive mixture is caused to ignite in a controlled manner via an ignition device in the receiving space and in particular in the feed pressure line.

If the total volume of the explosive mixture comprises a cloud, then this too, together with the volume in the receiving space, is caused to explode in a controlled manner via the ignition device.

The ignition-effective component of the ignition device is arranged in particular in the cleaning device. The ignition-effective component of the ignition device is arranged, for example, in the feed pressure line or is at least in operative connection with it.

The total volume from the explosive mixture, possibly including the cloud, is generated, for example, in a period of 2 seconds or less. The total volume is preferably generated in a period of 1 second or less, preferably 0.5 seconds or less, in particular 0.2 seconds or less or even 0.1 seconds or less. However, the total volume can also be generated in a period of 0.03 seconds or less. A period of 0.01 to 0.2 seconds has proven to be possibly optimal.

The period mentioned includes in particular the introduction of the explosive mixture into the receiving space.

Said period is calculated in particular from the opening of the metering fitting (s) described below to introduce the at least one gaseous component into the feed pressure line of the cleaning device to the closing of the metering fitting (s) to end the introduction.

The ignition and consequently the explosion of the explosive mixture is coordinated in terms of control technology, in particular with the time at which the metering valve (s) is closed.

The ignition takes place immediately when the metering fittings are closed. In particular, the ignition has at most a very short delay.

The time span between the opening of the metering fitting (s) for the purpose of introducing the at least one gaseous component and the ignition of the explosive mixture is therefore also in particular within the above-described time period.

Ultimately, the lower limit of this time period is technically determined in particular by the arrangement and switchability of the metering fitting (s) for introducing the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning device.

To form the total volume of explosive mixture, the at least one gaseous component is introduced into the cleaning device via the at least one metering valve, in particular at such a high speed that the explosive mixture forms a pressure front, also known as a shock front, in the feed pressure line.

When viewed in the outflow direction, the pressure front forms the boundary between the explosive mixture behind the pressure front and the ambient atmosphere in front of the pressure front.

The explosive mixture has in particular an overpressure behind the pressure front in the direction of flow.

The overpressure corresponds to the pressure difference between the actual pressure and the (atmospheric) ambient pressure. This excess pressure can be 0.5 bar or more, or 1 bar or more, and in particular 2 bar or more. The overpressure can also be 2.5 bar or more or even 3 bar or more.

The explosive mixture is ignited, in particular, in the aforementioned overpressure conditions.

Since the explosive mixture has an overpressure behind the pressure front, this is also characterized by a higher density, based on the ambient conditions. This is due to the fact that the compressed gas introduced from the pressure vessel is not yet completely relaxed in the cleaning device at the time of ignition, but rather is still under overpressure and is therefore compressed.

This means that under the conditions according to the invention, more mass of explosive mixture per unit volume is fed into the cleaning device than with conventional, open cleaning systems, in which the introduction of the gas is comparatively slow and the gas with the formation of the explosive mixture at the latest, however, by the time Ignition has relaxed to ambient pressure.

The introduction of the gaseous components under excess pressure and correspondingly with high density makes it possible to provide a high mass of explosive mixture within a very short time. This means that the method according to the invention allows a large mass flow to be introduced into the cleaning device and ignited within a very short time.

Since the explosion performance is dependent on the mass of the available explosive mixture, the explosion performance is also at a higher density of the explosive mixture with the same volume is correspondingly larger.

The pressure front pushes the ambient air in front of it in the direction of flow. In particular, the pressure front expels the ambient air from the cleaning device via the outlet opening. In particular, there is no or minimal intermixing between the explosive mixture and the ambient air in the feed pressure channel or in the outlet device.

The explosive mixture and with it the pressure front can move towards the outlet opening or flow towards it at a speed of 100 m / s or more, in particular 200 m / s or more.

With the ignition of the explosive mixture in the feed pressure line, an explosion pressure wave moving in the direction of the outlet opening is generated. The explosion pressure wave propagates at a very high speed. This particularly exceeds the speed of sound and can, for. B. in the range of 3000 m / s.

The explosion pressure is a multiple of the pressure of the explosive mixture before the explosion. The explosion pressure can be, for example, 25 times the initial pressure. If the explosive mixture now has an overpressure, the explosion pressure also increases by a corresponding multiple.

For example, if the explosive mixture has a pressure of 1 bar (ambient pressure), the explosion pressure corresponds to around 25 bar when it is amplified by 25 times. However, if the explosive mixture has a pressure of 2 bar (in the overpressure range, higher density), the explosion pressure corresponds to around 50 bar with an amplification of 25 times. The is accordingly The explosion pressure and thus the cleaning effect is much higher if the explosive mixture that is ignited has an overpressure in the cleaning device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the explosive mixture is ignited when the pressure front is still in the feed pressure line. According to one aspect of the invention, the explosive mixture is ignited when the pressure front is still in the outlet device.

According to one aspect of the invention, the cloud of explosive mixture is not yet formed or not yet fully formed at the time of ignition. For example, the cloud can only be formed or fully formed when the explosive mixture is ignited. The explosive mixture can thus be ejected from the outlet opening by the explosion pressure wave moving in the feed pressure line in the direction of the outlet opening with the formation of the explosive cloud and immediately caused to explode.

An explosion cycle can be divided into different cycles, similar to an internal combustion engine. In a first cycle, the metering valve (s) to the feed pressure line is or are opened and the at least one gaseous component, e.g. B. from at least one pressure vessel, introduced under pressure into the cleaning device and passed as an explosive, gaseous mixture via the feed pressure line to the outlet device. If necessary, the cloud is formed via the outlet device outside the outlet opening.

After the predetermined amount of gaseous component has been introduced, the at least one metering valve is closed. The ignition is then activated and the total volume of explosive mixture formed is made to explode. After the explosion, you can open the at least one metering valve a gaseous, explosive mixture can be generated again in the receiving space.

If the total volume of the explosive mixture is generated in a very short time, pulsed explosions can also be generated with the method according to the invention. That is, there are z. B. each corresponding total volumes generated from an explosive mixture and made to explode.

It can e.g. B. one or more explosions can be generated in one second. So it is possible to generate 2 to 10 explosions within a second. Furthermore, pulsed explosions can generate vibrations in the system or in the container, which promote the cleaning process.

The method for generating pulsed explosions also has the advantage that several total volumes of an explosive mixture, each comprising a cloud, can be generated one after the other in a short time. The volumes of these clouds can be dimensioned smaller in comparison to the generation of individual clouds at greater time intervals. The clouds from pulsed explosions can e.g. B. have a volume of 1 to 5 liters. Larger clouds are also possible.

In the case of smaller clouds, the losses due to segregation in the edge zones are smaller, especially in the case of strong currents in the surrounding atmosphere, so that a comparatively high explosive force is achieved despite the smaller size of the cloud. Furthermore, with the very short formation time of smaller clouds, the risk of spontaneous ignition at high temperatures is also significantly lower. The generation of smaller clouds also has the advantage that the cleaning device can be made smaller.

The formation of the explosive mixture in the feed pressure line goes hand in hand with the formation of the cloud from the explosive mixture when it emerges from the outlet opening of the cleaning device at the end of the feed pressure line.

The shorter this period of time, the lower the degree of mixing of the cloud with the ambient atmosphere in the interior of the container or the system when the mixture is ignited.

In addition, it was surprisingly found that there is a comparatively large difference in density between the ambient atmosphere, which is formed, for example, from hot smoke gases (200 ° to 1000 ° C.), and the explosive mixture, which counteracts mixing.

The degree of mixing of the explosive mixture emerging from the outlet opening with the ambient atmosphere is not only related to the time span over which the formation of the cloud and the subsequent ignition extend. Rather, the geometry of the outlet device adjoining the at least one feed pressure line, which forms at least one outlet opening, is also decisive.

It has been shown that an abruptly ending feed pressure line leads to the turbulence of the exiting explosive mixture and consequently to its dilution. In particular, in the area of the outlet opening at which the explosive mixture leaves the feed pressure line at high speed, the ambient atmosphere, e.g. B. flue gases sucked in. This leads to a dilution of the mixture below the explosion limit. The dilution is caused by processes of mixing with the ambient atmosphere in the interior of the container or the system due to turbulence processes.

However, dilution of the explosive mixture means the loss of the explosiveness. In the best case, such a diluted mixture simply burns off or nothing happens at all in the container or in the system despite the high heat.

The swirling effect is now the stronger, the higher the exit speed of the explosive mixture from the feed pressure line. In order to generate a cloud from an explosive mixture in the interior of the container or the system, it is important that this cloud is generated and ignited as quickly as possible. The faster such a cloud can be generated and ignited, the better it will be retained until ignition, i.e. the lower the dilution of the cloud by mixing processes. This preserves the mixture's explosiveness.

However, the fastest possible generation of such a cloud requires high exit speeds of the explosive mixture from the feed pressure line. But it is precisely this measure that leads, as mentioned, to increased mixing of the cloud that is forming with the ambient atmosphere due to eddy currents when it emerges from the feed pressure line.

This problem is one of the reasons why the mixture has hitherto been introduced into the interior of the container or the system in a protected manner in a container shell.

The cleaning device according to the invention contains a feed pressure line and an outlet device which is arranged at the end of the feed pressure line and has at least one outlet opening.

The feed pressure line and the outlet device form z. B. a receiving space for receiving at least part of the introduced explosive mixture out. The recording room is z. B. open to the outside via the at least one outlet opening.

The cleaning device and in particular its outlet device is z. B. designed to introduce the explosive mixture into the interior of the container or the system and to form a cloud from the explosive mixture in the interior of the container or the system.

The cross-sectional area of the at least one outlet opening is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of the feed pressure channel of the at least one feed pressure line.

The outlet device can also contain a plurality of outlet openings. Furthermore, several feed pressure lines can also be routed to the outlet device. The outlet device contains in particular one or a plurality of outlet bodies which form the outlet opening or the outlet openings.

The outlet body is a component that forms a flow channel for the explosive mixture, which opens into the outlet opening. The outlet opening denotes the transition from the cleaning device to the interior of the container or the system in which the explosive mixture flowing out is no longer passed through the cleaning device.

The outlet body or its flow channel are part of the receiving space for the explosive mixture.

The outlet bodies can be fed with the explosive mixture through a common or separate feed pressure lines. Accordingly, the outlet device can be connected to one or more feed pressure lines be. The outlet device can also contain line branches which lead the explosive mixture to the individual outlet bodies.

Furthermore, a feed pressure line can also be led into a distribution space, from which the explosive mixture is fed to the individual outlet bodies via passages. The distribution space can be designed, for example, spherical or hemispherical. One or more flow guide elements can be arranged in the distributor space. Such a flow guide element can, for. B. be designed as an impact ball.

In these cases, the total cross-sectional area of the outlet openings is preferably larger than the cross-sectional area of the feed pressure channel or larger than the total cross-sectional area of the feed pressure channels.

The total cross-sectional area of the passages in the distributor space can be from slightly larger to slightly smaller than the cross-sectional area of the feed pressure channel or than the total cross-sectional area of the feed pressure channels.

The outlet device or its outlet body, which includes the outlet opening, is preferably designed as a diffuser. The diffuser also forms part of the receiving space for an explosive mixture.

If the outlet device contains several outlet bodies, these can also have a cylindrical shape or some other geometric shape.

The outlet device or its outlet body can be designed as an end section of the feed pressure line.

A diffuser is a component that slows down gas flows. It is characterized by an increasing cross-section, starting from the feed pressure line towards the outlet opening. This cross-sectional enlargement is preferably continuous. The diffuser is basically the reverse of a nozzle.

It has been shown, surprisingly, that the design of the end section of the feed pressure line as a diffuser or the outlet body of the outlet device as a diffuser enables the formation of an explosive cloud from the explosive mixture in the interior of the container or the system without this being caused by a container shell must be protected.

The diffuser causes a change in the introduction velocity from a high value in the feed pressure line to a lower value in the area of the at least one outlet opening. By slowing down the explosive mixture towards the outlet opening, the vortex formation and thus the mixing of the mixture with the ambient atmosphere immediately following the outlet opening is prevented or at least considerably reduced.

Since the flow is slowed down in particular immediately in front of the outlet opening, the explosive mixture is nevertheless fed to the outlet device via the feed pressure line at a comparatively high speed and under increased pressure. This allows z. B. a rapid formation of the cloud in the interior. The same effect also allows the receiving space to be filled quickly with an explosive mixture.

Furthermore, the gaseous components of the explosive mixture entering the diffuser from the feed pressure channel expand due to the increase in cross section. This results in a cooling of the explosive mixture. This cooling effect is advantageous when the cloud is formed, since the temperature of the cloud that forms in the interior is considerably below the auto-ignition temperature. This also increases the risk of self-ignition or an ignition of the cloud by the hot ambient atmosphere in the interior of the container or the system is reduced or excluded.

It has been shown, surprisingly, that a cloud produced with the method according to the invention from an explosive mixture in the interior of a combustion system is not ignited, even if the ambient temperature in the interior is far above the auto-ignition temperature. As mentioned, this is due to the fact that on the one hand the cloud is formed and ignited in a very short time compared to the filling of a container shell, so that on the one hand it cannot heat up above the auto-ignition temperature and on the other hand is not mixed with the ambient atmosphere.

Before the cloud is heated to auto-ignition temperature by the hot environment, it is ignited in a controlled manner by the cleaning device.

In particular, the diffuser contains or consists of a funnel-shaped extension. The diffuser consists in particular of metal. It can be made of sheet metal, such as sheet steel.

The funnel-shaped diffuser can, for. B. be designed to be collapsible towards its longitudinal axis. In this way, the outlet device of the cleaning device can be guided through a narrow opening into the interior and can be unfolded there. To pull the outlet device out of the interior space, the funnel-shaped diffuser is folded up again towards its longitudinal axis.

Thanks to the diffuser, the flow cross-section can be continuously increased, in particular starting from the feed pressure channel towards the outlet opening.

The feed pressure line goes to the outlet opening z. B into a funnel-shaped extension. This transition is z. B. continuously.

The feed pressure channel can have a constant cross section. The cross section of the feed pressure channel can also enlarge towards the outlet device. The increase in cross section can be continuous.

In particular, it can be provided that the cross-section increases in a defined section in the mixing zone, in particular in the area and / or adjacent to the inner tube end. The increase in cross-section can be divergent.

The opening angle of the diffuser is preferably 45 ° (degrees of angle) or smaller, preferably 30 ° or smaller, and in particular 20 ° or smaller. Said opening angle can in particular also be 15 ° or smaller or even 10 ° or smaller. The opening angle corresponds to the angle between the longitudinal axis of the feed pressure line and the opening axis of the funnel-shaped extension. The opening axis connects the outermost point of the funnel-shaped extension in the direction of the longitudinal axis at the level of the outlet opening with that point on the feed pressure channel at which the feed pressure channel opens into the funnel-shaped extension.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the ratio of the length of the diffuser to the largest diameter of the outlet opening is 2: 1 or more, and preferably 3: 1 and in particular 5: 1 or more. The length of the diffuser is measured along the longitudinal axis.

According to a preferred development of the invention, the ratio of the largest diameter of the outlet opening to the inner diameter of the feed pressure line is 3: 1 or more, and in particular 5: 1 or more.

A_h ist dabei der Flächenquerschnitt des Trichterhalses, k die Trichterkonstante bzw. das Öffnungsmaß des Trichters und A(x) sein Flächenquerschnitt im Abstand x vom Trichterhals.According to a special development of the invention, the funnel-shaped extension corresponds at least approximately to an exponential funnel. The cross-sectional area an exponential funnel is preferably described by an exponential function: $$\mathrm{A.}\left(x\right)={\mathrm{A.}}_H\cdot e^{\mathit{kx}}$$

A _h is the surface cross section of the funnel neck, k the funnel constant or the opening dimension of the funnel and A ( x ) is its surface cross section at a distance x from the funnel neck.

According to a particular development of the invention, a swirl element is arranged in the diffuser. The swirl element serves to additionally reduce the flow velocity in the diffuser before the mixture exits.

The outlet device can be designed to form several or a common cloud from the explosive mixture.

The outlet openings of a plurality of outlet bodies can be oriented in different spatial directions.

Various arrangement variants for the outlet bodies are possible for forming the at least one cloud. For example, the outlet bodies with their outlet openings can be oriented radially outwards from a center or a center axis. The outlet bodies can in particular be oriented from a center in different spatial directions running radially outward. The different spatial directions can be in two dimensions, i.e. lie in one plane or in three dimensions.

• von einem Zentrum radial nach aussen gerichtet sein, wobei die Auslassöffnungen eine kugelförmige oder halbkugelförmige Auslassfläche definieren;
• in einer Ebene, d.h. z. B. scheibenförmig von einem Zentrum radial nach aussen angeordnet sein, wobei die Auslassöffnungen eine ringförmige Auslassfläche definieren; oder
• von einer Zentrumsachse radial nach aussen gerichtet sein, wobei die Auslassöffnungen eine zylinderförmige Auslassfläche definieren.

So the outlet bodies can:

• directed radially outward from a center, the outlet openings defining a spherical or hemispherical outlet surface;
• be arranged in a plane, ie for example in the form of a disk, radially outward from a center, the outlet openings defining an annular outlet surface; or
• be directed radially outward from a central axis, the outlet openings defining a cylindrical outlet surface.

The outlet openings are always arranged radially outwards.

All of the outlet devices described can be attached to a cleaning-side end of a cleaning lance as described in the general part of the description and in particular in FIG Figures 1 and 2 is described, be arranged.

For example, the explosive mixture conveyed to the outlet device can be conveyed into the interior of the container or the system via several such outlet bodies with the formation of a common cloud or several neighboring clouds.

According to a particular embodiment of the outlet device, it is constructed in such a way that the gas flow is deflected by 90 ° from the longitudinal direction to the side. The at least one outlet opening is directed to the side. The outlet device is in particular T-shaped, with two outlet openings directed to the side. According to this embodiment, the gas flow divides in the outlet device and is each deflected through 90 ° to the side.

To generate the explosive total volume, at least one gaseous component is introduced into the cleaning device from at least one pressure vessel via at least one metering fitting with excess pressure. Pressure sensors for measuring the pressure in or in the pressure vessel can be provided on the pressure vessel or vessels.

In this way, a first and a second gaseous component can each be introduced separately into the cleaning device from at least one pressure vessel each via at least one metering fitting. Several gaseous components are introduced into the cleaning device, in particular in a stoichiometric ratio to one another.

The at least one metering valve is used for the metered introduction of the at least one gaseous component into the cleaning device. The metering fittings are in particular valves. The valves can be solenoid valves.

The at least one gaseous component can be introduced into the feed pressure line directly or indirectly via at least one inlet channel on the cleaning device.

The pressure vessels can, for example, have a maximum pressure at the beginning of the introduction of several bars, such as 10 bar or more, and in particular of 20 bar or more. A pressure of 20 to 40 bar can be provided. This allows the gaseous component to be introduced into the cleaning device under high pressure and correspondingly at high speed.

The at least one gaseous component can thus be introduced at an average speed of over 50 m / s (meters per second), in particular of over 100 m / s, advantageously of over 200 m / s. The average speed can e.g. B. 200 to 340 m / s. The speed of sound is preferably not exceeded.

It can be provided that the pressure vessels are not emptied completely, ie down to ambient pressure. In particular, the residual pressure has an overpressure. The residual pressure can e.g. B. 5 bar or more, in particular 10 bar or more, such as 10 to 15 bar. Thanks to the high residual pressure, high speeds can be achieved during introduction.

The introduction of the at least one gaseous component can take place according to the principle of differential pressure. The differential pressure method is characterized in that the residual pressure in the pressure vessel is in the overpressure range after the introduction of the gaseous component has ended.

The overpressure is the pressure value that results from the difference between the pressure prevailing in the pressure vessel and the prevailing ambient pressure. The ambient pressure is in particular the pressure prevailing outside the pressure vessel. The ambient pressure is, for example, atmospheric pressure. This means that the pressure vessel or vessels are not emptied to ambient pressure.

The control of the amount of gaseous component to be introduced, which z. B. should be in the case of two or more gaseous components in the stoichiometric ratio, can be done by detecting the pressure in the pressure vessel. The corresponding target residual pressure or differential pressure can thus be determined from the amount of gaseous component to be introduced on the basis of a known maximum pressure at the beginning of the introduction process. The metering valve (s) are opened via the control device until the target residual pressure is measured via the pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is correspondingly connected to the control device.

The control of the amount to be introduced, which z. B. should be in the case of two or more gaseous components in the stoichiometric ratio, can in particular also be done over the opening time of the metering fittings, that is, time-controlled.

Starting from a known maximum pressure at the beginning of the introduction process, the gas velocity through the metering fitting can be determined mathematically or empirically. A direct relationship between the opening time and the gaseous component introduced can be derived from this. The specified opening time of the dosing fittings is controlled by the control device.

On the supply side of the at least one metering valve, a feed line, for. B. in the form of a hose to connect to the metering valve. The feed line can be for the supply of the gaseous component from the pressure vessel.

The feed line can be part of the pressure vessel for the gaseous component or even form it. In this case, the gaseous component is under pressure in the feed line. The pressure can assume the values mentioned above.

Both the feed line for the oxygen and for the combustible gas can be designed as part of the pressure vessel or as a pressure vessel for the gas according to the type described above.

One, several or all of the gaseous components can each be introduced into the cleaning device via one or more metering fittings. If a gaseous component is introduced into the cleaning device via several metering fittings, these metering fittings can be connected to a common pressure vessel or to different pressure vessels.

The number of metering fittings per gaseous component can also be determined according to the stoichiometric ratio with which the gaseous components are introduced into the cleaning device.

Furthermore, the flow cross-sections of the metering fittings can also have a stoichiometric ratio to one another.

Furthermore, the flow cross-sections of the inlet channels can also have a stoichiometric ratio to one another.

Non-return devices, such as non-return valves, can be arranged downstream of the metering fittings in the direction of flow. These protect the metering fittings from kickback such as can occur when the explosive mixture is ignited. In addition, the non-return devices also prevent the exchange of gaseous components between the pressure vessels. The non-return elements are arranged in the direction of flow in particular upstream of the feed pressure line.

Instead of non-return elements, a device for feeding in an inert gas such as nitrogen can be arranged at the same point. The inert gas introduced forms a kind of buffer and prevents the metering valve from being heated up by hot explosion gases. On the other hand, the introduced inert gas forms a gas barrier and prevents the exchange of gaseous components between the metering fittings.

The cleaning device also preferably contains an ignition device. The explosive mixture is preferably ignited in the feed pressure line or in the outlet device by means of the ignition device. Here, the initiated explosion is transferred from the cleaning device to the cloud from the explosive mixture outside the diffuser or to the explosive mixture in the receiving space of the outlet device.

The explosive mixture is ignited using means known from the prior art. This is preferably done by electrically triggered Spark ignition, by auxiliary flames or by pyrotechnic ignition with the aid of appropriately attached ignition devices and ignition devices.

The ignition device is in particular an electrical ignition device. This is characterized in that it forms an ignition spark or, in particular, an arc for ignition.

The cleaning device contains, in particular, a control device. The control device serves, among other things, in particular to control the ignition device. The control device also serves in particular to control the metering fittings for introducing the gaseous components into the cleaning device. The control device therefore serves to generate the explosive mixture, in particular to form the cloud. The control of the metering fittings and the ignition device are especially coordinated with one another in terms of control technology.

The control device is designed in particular to open and close the metering fittings within the specified time periods.

The cleaning device for carrying out the method according to the invention can in particular be a longitudinal component such as a cleaning lance. Such a cleaning lance is for example in the EP 1 362 213 B1 described. Many of the features and design variants cited therein, with regard to the structure of the supply and cooling line or the supply device, can therefore also be transferred to the present patent application.

The longitudinal component is z. B. designed as a pipe-like device.

The cleaning device, in particular the longitudinal component, contains, in particular, a supply-side and a cleaning-side end section, with the cleaning-side End portion the outlet opening is arranged. In particular, the outlet device is also arranged on the cleaning-side end section.

The end section on the supply side is that end section at which the at least one gaseous component is introduced into the cleaning device. Since this end section generally also faces the user, the expression user-side end section may also apply. The end section on the supply side can form a grip part via which the cleaning device can be held by the user.

The cleaning-side end section is that end section which is directed towards the cleaning point.

The feed-side end section comprises, for. B. a metering device in which the explosive mixture is provided. The said metering fittings for introducing the gaseous components or the mixture are arranged on the metering device.

The end section on the cleaning side comprises the outlet opening, and in particular the outlet device. The feed pressure line is arranged between the metering device and the outlet opening or outlet device. This can be designed as a feed pressure line.

The longitudinal component or the cleaning lance can have a length of one to several meters, e.g. B. from 4 to 10 m.

The cleaning lance also contains at least one feed pressure line for receiving the explosive mixture. The at least one feed pressure line is preferably integrated into the structure of the longitudinal component. For this purpose, the longitudinal component can be tubular. The one or more feed pressure lines can also be used as separate lines outside or inside the longitudinal component and z. B. be guided along the same.

The metering fittings for the supply of oxygen and the combustible gas are arranged, for example, on the longitudinal component, in particular on the supply-side end section of the longitudinal component.

The metering fittings are arranged in particular in such a way that they feed the gaseous components directly or indirectly into the feed pressure line or feed pressure lines of the longitudinal component. The gaseous components are z. B. mixed with one another in a mixing zone in the longitudinal component.

If several metering valves are provided for the explosive mixture or for one gaseous component each, then these can, for. B. be arranged one after the other in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal component. Several metering fittings for one gaseous component each can be arranged along the circumference of the associated inlet channel, viewed transversely to the longitudinal direction.

The longitudinal component contains a gas pipe, also called an outer pipe. The gas guide tube forms, for example, the feed pressure line with the feed pressure channel. In the end section on the supply side, an inner tube can be arranged in the gas guide tube. The inner tube forms a first inlet channel for a first gaseous component. A second, annular inlet channel for a second gaseous component is formed between the gas guide tube and the inner tube. The two tubes and, accordingly, the inlet channels can be arranged concentrically to one another.

The inner tube ends inside the gas guide tube, so that the gas guide tube merges into a feed pressure line at the inner tube end.

A first gaseous component, in particular a combustible gas, is introduced into the first inlet channel via at least one first metering fitting. A second gaseous component, in particular an oxygen-containing gas, is introduced into the second inlet channel via at least one second metering valve. When the first gaseous component emerges from the inner tube into the adjoining feed pressure channel, a mixing zone is formed in connection with the inner tube end, in which the two gaseous components mix with one another.

The gaseous components are then passed as an explosive mixture through the feed pressure channel of the feed pressure line, which adjoins the two inlet channels, to the end section on the cleaning side. The feed pressure channel or feed pressure line is formed by the outer pipe.

A supply device is provided on the supply side of the metering fittings. The supply device supplies the cleaning device with the corresponding gaseous components. The utility includes z. B. one or more pressure vessels in which the gaseous components or the explosive mixture is stored under pressure.

So the metering valves can be connected to feed lines, e.g. B. in the form of hoses connected. The feed lines can be connected to pressure vessels. The metering fittings can also be connected directly to corresponding pressure vessels.

According to a particular embodiment, a narrowing of the cross section is provided in the area of the inner tube end. This constriction can be such that the cross section of the first, annular inlet channel narrows towards the inner pipe end, e.g. B. conically narrowed. The cross section can in particular be convergent.

Furthermore, the constriction can be such that the cross section of the adjoining feed pressure channel increases in the feed direction following the inner pipe end, e.g. conically enlarged. The cross section can be divergent.

The inner tube end can lie in the area of the cross section which increases in the feed direction. The narrowest point can be arranged behind the inner tube end, viewed in the feed direction.

The geometric configuration of the cross-sectional change can in particular be such that the cleaning device forms a Laval nozzle in the region of the inner pipe end when the gaseous components are introduced into the inlet channels accordingly.

The direction of flow of the gaseous components in the inlet channels is in particular in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal component following their introduction into the inlet channel. The direction of flow of the gaseous mixture in the feed pressure line is in particular in the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal component.

On the longitudinal component is z. B. also provided the ignition device for ignition and thus for triggering the explosion.

Since no consumables such as container covers are necessary for the operation of the present cleaning device, it and in particular the associated cleaning device can also be designed as a permanent installation on the container or on the system, in particular on a wall. The outlet device of such a fixed installation is preferably arranged in the interior of the container or the system. However, it can also be provided that the at least one outlet opening of the outlet device is arranged in the wall of the container or the system or is integrated into it.

A cleaning device according to the invention designed as a permanent installation has the advantage that it can be operated by the operator of a system himself and that no service team has to be called up for cleaning. This saves considerable costs. In addition, more frequent cleaning operations can be carried out as a result, as a result of which the degree of contamination and thus the effort for a single cleaning process can be kept within limits.

• Einleiten wenigstens einer gasförmigen Komponente in das Reinigungsgerät;
• Bereitstellen eines gasförmigen, explosionsfähigen Gemischs aus der wenigstens einen gasförmigen Komponente in der Speisedruckleitung und über die Speisedruckleitung in der Auslasseinrichtung, wobei die Speisedruckleitung und die Auslasseinrichtung einen Aufnahmeraum zur Aufnahme wenigstens eines Teils des explosionsfähigen Gemisches ausbilden;
• gesteuertes Zünden des explosionsfähigen Gemisches mittels einer Zündeinrichtung, wobei das explosionsfähige Gemisch zur Explosion gebracht wird.

The method, which is carried out in particular with the device according to the invention, comprises the following features:
Method for removing deposits in the interiors of containers and systems with a cleaning device by means of explosion technology, the cleaning device containing a cleaning device with a feed pressure line and an outlet device connected to the feed pressure line with at least one outlet opening, with the following steps:

• Introducing at least one gaseous component into the cleaning device;
• Providing a gaseous, explosive mixture of the at least one gaseous component in the feed pressure line and via the feed pressure line in the outlet device, the feed pressure line and the outlet device forming a receiving space for receiving at least part of the explosive mixture;
• controlled ignition of the explosive mixture by means of an ignition device, the explosive mixture being caused to explode.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the receiving space is open to the outside via the at least one outlet opening during the introduction of the at least one gaseous component and during the ignition and explosion of the explosive mixture.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the total volume of explosive mixture is formed at least by the volume of explosive mixture in the receiving space.

A further development of the method is characterized in that part of the explosive mixture introduced is introduced into the interior of the container or system via the outlet opening, and a cloud of the explosive mixture is formed in the interior.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the total volume of explosive mixture includes the volume of explosive mixture in the receiving space of the cleaning device and the volume of the cloud of explosive mixture formed outside the cleaning device.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the total volume of the explosive mixture is caused to explode in a controlled manner by means of an ignition device.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the total volume of the explosive mixture is generated and controlled to explode in a period of 1 second or less, preferably 0.5 seconds or less, in particular 0.1 seconds or less in the receiving space.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the introduction of the at least one gaseous component takes place via at least one metering valve from at least one pressure vessel, and the residual pressure in the at least one pressure vessel after the introduction of the gaseous component is overpressure.

A further development of the method is characterized in that at least two gaseous components are introduced into the cleaning device, and a mixing zone is formed in the cleaning device in which the gaseous components are mixed to form an explosive mixture.

A further development of the method is characterized in that in order to form the total volume of explosive mixture, the at least one gaseous component is introduced into the cleaning device via at least one metering valve at such a high speed that the explosive mixture forms a pressure front in the feed pressure line.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the explosive mixture, viewed in the direction of flow, has an overpressure behind the pressure front.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the explosive mixture, viewed in the direction of flow, has a higher density than the ambient pressure behind the pressure front.

A further development of the method is characterized in that when the explosive mixture is ignited in the feed pressure line, an explosion pressure wave moving in the direction of the outlet opening is generated, which causes the explosive mixture to be ejected through the at least one outlet opening, and thus in particular a cloud of an explosive mixture is trained or fully trained.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the explosive mixture is ignited in the feed pressure line.

A further development of the method is characterized in that the explosion initiated in the feed pressure line is transmitted to the cloud outside the outlet device.

Figur 1:

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemässen Reinigungsvorrichtung mit einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 2:

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer erfindungsgemässen Reinigungsvorrichtung mit einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 3:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 4:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 5:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 6:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 7:

eine schematische Darstellung eines Aspektes der Auslasseinrichtung nach Figur 5;

Figur 8a:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 8b

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 9a:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 9b:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 10:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 11:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 12:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 13:

ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 14:

schematische Darstellung einer Anspeisungslösung für eine erfindungsgemässe Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 15:

schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Anspeisungslösung für eine erfindungsgemässe Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 16:

schematische Darstellung einer weiteren Anspeisungslösung für eine erfindungsgemässe Auslasseinrichtung.

Figur 17a:

eine Querschnittsansicht eines weiteren Ausführungsbeispiels einer Auslasseinrichtung;

Figur 17b:

eine Frontansicht der Auslasseinrichtung nach Figur 17a;

Figur 18:

eine besondere Ausführung der Mischzone eines Reinigungsgeräts;

Figur 19a:

eine weitere Ausführungsform einer Reinigungsvorrichtung;

Figur 19b:

eine Querschnittsansicht entlang der Schnittlinie A-A gemäss Figur 19a.

The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. They each show schematically:

Figure 1:

a first embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention with an outlet device;

Figure 2:

a second embodiment of a cleaning device according to the invention with an outlet device;

Figure 3:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 4:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 5:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 6:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 7:

a schematic representation of an aspect of the outlet device according to FIG Figure 5 ;

Figure 8a:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 8b

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 9a:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 9b:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 10:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 11:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 12:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 13:

a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 14:

schematic representation of a feed solution for an outlet device according to the invention;

Figure 15:

schematic representation of a further feed solution for an outlet device according to the invention;

Figure 16:

schematic representation of a further feed solution for an outlet device according to the invention.

Figure 17a:

a cross-sectional view of a further embodiment of an outlet device;

Figure 17b:

a front view of the outlet device according to Figure 17a ;

Figure 18:

a special design of the mixing zone of a cleaning device;

Figure 19a:

a further embodiment of a cleaning device;

Figure 19b:

a cross-sectional view along the section line AA according to Figure 19a .

In principle, the same parts are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

For an understanding of the invention, certain features are not shown in the figures. The exemplary embodiments described are exemplary of the subject matter of the invention and have no restrictive effect.

In Figure 1 a first embodiment of a cleaning device 1 according to the invention for carrying out the cleaning method according to the invention is shown. The cleaning device 1 comprises a coolable cleaning lance 2. The cleaning lance 2 contains an outer casing tube 8 and an inner gas guide tube 7 which is arranged within the outer casing tube 8 and which, among other things, forms the feed pressure line. The outer jacket tube 8 surrounds the inner gas guide tube 7 and thereby forms an annular cooling channel. The inner gas guide tube 7 forms, among other things, a closed feed pressure channel.

The cleaning lance 2 has a metering device with connections for the supply of gaseous components for the formation of an explosive gas mixture on a supply-side end section 4a.

An outlet device in the form of a funnel-shaped diffuser 5 adjoins the inner gas guide pipe 7 at the cleaning-side end section 4b.

The cleaning lance 2 is supplied with the gaseous components for producing the explosive mixture via a filling device 3. The cleaning lance 2 is also controlled via a control device 17. The control device 17 serves in particular to control the supply of the gaseous components into the feed pressure line and the ignition of the explosive mixture.

The cooling can be continuous cooling or it can be controlled manually. However, it is also possible to control the cooling via the control device 17.

The supply of the gaseous components for generating the explosive mixture takes place via two gas feed lines 10, 11 which are connected directly or indirectly to the inner gas guide tube 7.

A first gas feed line 10 is connected via a first valve 23 to a pressure vessel 22, which in turn is connected via a second valve 15 to a commercially available first gas bottle 20, e.g. Oxygen bottle, is connected. A check valve 39 is arranged between the first valve 23 and the confluence of the gas feed line 10 into the inner gas guide pipe 7.

A second gas feed line 11 is also connected to a second pressure vessel 24 via a first valve 25. This is in turn connected via a second valve 16 to a commercially available second gas cylinder 21. The second gas cylinder 21 accordingly contains a flammable gas, such as acetylene, ethylene or ethane. A check valve 39 is also arranged between the first valve 25 and the confluence of the gas feed lines 11 into the inner gas guide pipe 7.

Instead of using gas cylinders 20, 21, the pressure vessels 22, 24 can also be fed with the corresponding gaseous components for producing the explosive mixture in some other way.

After opening the second valves 15, 16, the pressure vessels 22, 24 are filled with the corresponding gases. The pressure vessel volumes can, for example, have values in a stoichiometric ratio of 3.7 liters for ethane and 12.5 liters for oxygen or a multiple thereof. To produce a cloud 6 with a volume of around 110 liters, z. B. a filling pressure of 20 bar and a filling pressure of 40 bar to produce a cloud 6 with a volume of around 220 liters. Instead of different filling pressures, a uniform, higher filling pressure can of course also be used, the pressure vessels only supplying the required amount of gas to fill a smaller container and therefore not being completely emptied. In other words, the provision of the gaseous components in a stoichiometric ratio takes place here according to the principle of differential pressure.

Means can also be provided by which the pressure in the pressure vessels 22, 24 can be set independently of the pressure in the gas bottles 20, 21 or the gas otherwise supplied to the pressure vessels 22, 24. As a result, for example, higher pressures can be generated in the pressure vessel 22, 24 than prevail in the gas bottles 20, 21.

These means can for example comprise a compressor. Furthermore, the pressure in the pressure vessel can also be pneumatic via another gas, such as. B. nitrogen, or can be generated hydraulically, the gaseous component being brought to the desired pressure via a moving piston in the pressure vessel.

Correspondingly, independently of the prevailing pressure in the gas bottles 20, 21, higher outlet pressures can be generated. This in turn enables the gaseous components to be fed into the inner gas guide pipe 7 more quickly and thus the cloud 6 to be formed more quickly from the explosive mixture.

The pressure vessels 22, 24 are therefore used to meter the gaseous components. The metering takes place before the gaseous components are introduced into the inner gas guide tube 7.

With or after generation of the cloud 6 from the explosive mixture, the explosive mixture is ignited by means of an ignition device 18. The ignition device 18 is attached to the cleaning lance 2 and causes the explosive mixture to be ignited in the feed pressure channel. The initiation of a cleaning cycle with the steps comprising the generation of an explosive mixture and ignition of the mixture can be triggered via the control device 17 by means of a switch 19.

The annular channel formed by the outer casing tube 8 around the inner gas guide tube 7 serves as a cooling channel, as already mentioned. A viscous coolant, which is intended to cool the inner gas guide tube 7, is circulated through this.

The cleaning lance 2 has corresponding connections for the supply lines 12, 13 of the coolant supply on its supply-side end section 4a or in its vicinity. For example, water is supplied through a first feed line 12 and air, for example, is supplied through a second feed line 13. It can also have only one coolant supply line for supplying only one coolant, e.g. B. water may be provided. The coolant, for example a water / air mixture, is guided between the outer casing tube 8 and the inner gas guide tube 7. The coolant serves to protect the cleaning lance 2 against excessive heating. The coolant emerges again at the cleaning-side end section 4b, which is indicated by arrows 9.

The coolant passed through the cleaning lance 2 and exiting on the cleaning side also cools the diffuser 5. However, it is not a mandatory feature of this exemplary embodiment that the coolant exits on the cleaning side and cools the diffuser.

The supply of coolant into the coolant channel of the cleaning lance is controlled via corresponding valves 14. Activating the same allows the cooling to be switched on and off. The valves can be operated manually or controlled by a control device. Continuous cooling is also possible.

A lance cooling configured in this way is preferably activated before the cleaning lances 2 are inserted into the hot interior of a combustion system 30 to be cleaned. It typically remains switched on during the entire time in which the cleaning lances 2 are exposed to the heat. Such an active lance cooling can take place by the control device 17 in that the valves 14 of the cleaning lance 2 are actuated via the control device 17.

It is of course also possible to introduce a coolant through a cooling connection on the supply-side end section of the lance and let it flow back to the same end section. This would be possible, for example, if the outer casing tube is closed on one side.

However, the active cooling described above is optional and not a mandatory feature of the present invention. The outer Ummantelungsroh 8 and the annular channel can, for. B. also be designed only for passive cooling and have an insulating effect and in this way the cleaning lance 2 and that located therein Protect explosive gas mixtures or their gaseous components from heating.

To carry out the cleaning method according to the invention, the cleaning-side end section 4b of the cleaning lance 2 is inserted through a passage opening 33 in the insertion direction E into the interior space 31 of a combustion system 30 and z. B. placed in front of a bundle of tubes 32. After that or at the same time, the first valves 23, 25 are first activated briefly, e.g. for less than a second, open. During this time, the gas contents of the pressure vessels 22, 24 flow via the gas feed lines 10, 11 into the inner gas guide tube 7 of the cleaning lances 2.

In the inner gas guide tube 7, the gaseous components are mixed with one another to form an explosive gas mixture and passed through the feed pressure line in the direction of the diffuser 5. The feed pressure line and the diffuser 5 form a receiving space 27 for at least part of the explosive mixture introduced. Another part of the gaseous mixture flows outwards via the diffuser 5, for example, and forms a cloud.

In principle, only the receiving space 27 can be filled with the explosive mixture. In this case, for example, no cloud is formed outside the diffuser 5.

The formation of the cloud 6 from the explosive mixture takes 0.015 to 0.03 seconds, for example.

After closing the first valves 23, 25, the explosive mixture is ignited immediately or after a selected time delay by means of the ignition device and the cloud 6 is made to explode.

This in Figure 2 The illustrated embodiment example of a cleaning device 51 according to the invention contains a coolable cleaning lance 52 which is guided in the insertion direction E through the passage opening 76 of a combustion system 70 in its interior 71.

The cleaning lance 52 each contains a gas guide tube 67 extending from a supply-side end section 65 to a cleaning-side end section 66, through which the explosive mixture or its gaseous components are guided in the direction of the outlet opening 69. The gas guide tube 67 forms, among other things, a closed feed pressure channel 78 of a feed pressure line.

A metering device is provided on the feed end section 65. An inner tube 53, also called an inlet connector, which is arranged concentrically to the gas guide tube 67, opens into the gas guide tube 54. The inner tube 54 forms a first inlet channel and ends within the gas guide tube 67. At this point, the gas guide tube 67 merges into a feed pressure line with a feed pressure channel.

A first gaseous component of the explosive mixture is introduced into the gas guide tube 67 via the inner tube 53. For this purpose, the inner tube 53 is connected to a first gas feed line 57 via a connection.

An annular, second inlet channel is formed between the inner pipe 53 and the gas pipe 67, which is also referred to as the outer pipe, in which a second gas feed line 56 for supplying a second gaseous component of the explosive mixture opens into the gas pipe 67 via a further connection.

Immediately when the gas feed lines 56, 57 are connected to the cleaning lance 52, valves 72, 73 are arranged via which the gaseous Components in the gas guide tube 67 can be controlled. A check valve 79 is arranged between the valves 72, 73 and the confluence of the gas feed lines 56, 57 in the gas guide pipe 67.

The first gaseous component mixes with the second gaseous component in a mixing zone directly at the inner pipe end in the gas guide pipe 67 to form an explosive mixture. The first gaseous component can e.g. B. be a gaseous or liquid fuel, in particular a hydrocarbon compound. The second gaseous component can be oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas.

Furthermore, an ignition device 60 with a spark plug 61 is attached to the cleaning lance 52, which opens into the gas duct 67 and is designed to electrically ignite the explosive mixture in the gas duct 67.

The gas guide tube 67 is sheathed by a sheathing tube 55. An annular cooling channel 68 is formed between the jacket tube 55 and the gas guide tube 67, into which a coolant is introduced to cool the gas guide tube 67. For this purpose, a first and a second connection are provided on the supply-side end section 65 of the cleaning lance 52, to which a first and a second coolant feed line 58, 59 are connected for supplying a first and second coolant. The first coolant can be a cooling liquid, such as water, and the second coolant a gas, such as. B. air.

When the coolant feed lines 58, 59 are connected to the cleaning lance 52, valves 74, 75 are arranged, via which the coolant supply into the coolant channel 68 can be controlled. The valves 74, 75 can be operated manually or controlled by a control device. Continuous cooling is also possible.

It can also have only one coolant supply line for supplying only one coolant, e.g. B. water may be provided. The coolant, e.g. a water / air mixture, that is, is guided between the jacket tube 55 and the gas guide tube 67. The coolant is used to protect the cleaning lance 52 from excessive heating.

The coolant 64 can exit from the cooling channel 68 at the cleaning-side end section 66 via an axial outlet opening. The coolant guided through the cleaning lance 52 can in this way also cool the diffuser 62 described below.

A lance cooling configured in this way is preferably activated before the cleaning lances 52 are inserted into a hot container to be cleaned. It typically remains on during the entire time the cleaning lance 52 is exposed to the heat.

However, the active cooling described above is optional and not a mandatory feature of the present invention.

At the cleaning-side end section 66 opposite the supply-side end section 65, an outlet device in the form of a funnel-shaped diffuser 62 connects to the gas guide tube 67, at the end of which the outlet opening 69 for the explosive mixture is located. The diffuser 62 forms an opening angle α. Furthermore, the diffuser 62 forms a ratio of the diffuser length to the largest diameter of the outlet opening 69 L: D. The length L of the diffuser 62 is measured along its longitudinal axis A (see also Figure 1 ).

The explosive mixture flowing through the gas duct 67 at high speed is calmed in the diffuser 62 before it exits into the interior 71, so that it occurs when the cloud 77 is formed following the outlet opening 69 there are as few turbulences as possible in the border area between the explosive mixture and the ambient atmosphere.

For example, thanks to the outlet device according to Figure 1 and 2 the feed speed in the feed pressure channel can be reduced from around 300 m / s (speed of sound) to 4 m / s at the outlet opening, which is what makes cloud formation possible.

The feed pressure channel and the diffuser 62 also form a receiving space 80 for at least part of the explosive mixture introduced. Another part of the gaseous mixture can, as mentioned, flow outwards via the diffuser 62 and form a cloud.

In principle, only the receiving space 80 can be filled with the explosive mixture here as well. In this case, for example, no cloud is formed outside the diffuser.

The cleaning device according to the embodiment Figure 3 contains an outlet device in the form of a diffuser 93 with an outlet opening 95. A swirling element 94 is arranged in its center. The swirl element 94 serves to additionally slow down the flow and to mix the explosive mixture entering the diffuser 93 from the feed pressure line 92. The swirl element 94 is fixed in the feed pressure line 92. The swirl element 94 comprises a plate-shaped component which is arranged transversely to the outflow direction R (see also Figure 1 ).

The diffuser 93 also forms a receiving space 99 for part of the explosive mixture introduced. Another part of the gaseous mixture flows outwards via the diffuser 93 and forms the cloud 96.

The outlet device after Figure 3 and the operation of the same can alternatively be designed in such a way that only the receiving space 99 of the diffuser 93 is filled with an explosive mixture and made to explode. The explosion pressure waves 97 propagate starting from the outlet opening 95. In this case, no cloud is generated outside the diffuser 93. The blast waves 97 and the cloud 96 in the Figure 3 represent alternative representations accordingly.

The cleaning device 81 according to the embodiment Figure 4 contains a cleaning device with an outlet device 83, which is designed in the form of a truncated icosahedron. This contains a plurality of outlet bodies in the form of diffusers 84 which represent funnel-shaped extensions. The diffusers are oriented radially outwards from a center. The outlet openings 85 are arranged directed radially outward. The feed pressure line 82 with the feed pressure channel 88 for the explosive mixture runs towards the center of the icosahedron-shaped outlet device 83, from where the explosive mixture is fed into the funnel-shaped extensions 84.

The outlet device 103 of the cleaning device 101 according to the embodiment of FIG Figure 5 is spherical. It contains a plurality of outlet bodies in the form of diffusers 104, which are designed as funnel-shaped extensions. The diffusers are aligned radially from a center. The outlet openings 105 are arranged directed radially outwards.

The feed pressure line 102 with the feed pressure channel 108 for the explosive mixture runs towards the center of the spherical outlet device 103 and opens into a central spherical distributor chamber 111, from where the explosive mixture radially outwards through passages in the circumferential area of the spherical distributor chamber 111 into the funnel-shaped extensions 104 is directed. Flow guiding elements (not shown) can be arranged in the spherical distributor space 111.

The diameter of the feed pressure channel 108 can, for. B. 15 to 30 mm or more, in particular 20 to 25 mm, such as 21 mm.

The outlet device 123 of the cleaning device 121 according to the embodiment shown in FIG Figure 6 is constructed similarly to the outlet device 103 according to the embodiment according to FIG Figure 5 . However, the present outlet device 123 is only designed to be hemispherical. It also contains a plurality of outlet bodies in the form of diffusers 124 which are designed as funnel-shaped extensions. The diffusers are directed radially outwards from a center. The outlet openings 125 are arranged radially on the outside.

Since the hemispherical outlet device is arranged in particular on the wall, no segregation of the cloud can take place in the border area to the wall. If the hemispherical outlet device is to be used at a distance from the wall, the hemispherical outlet device can have a circumferential collar to achieve the same effect.

The feed pressure line 122 with the feed pressure channel 128 for the explosive mixture opens on the flat side of the hemispherical outlet device 123 in a central position in the outlet device 123, from where the explosive mixture is directed into the funnel-shaped extensions 124. The outlet device 123 is designed in the shape of a mushroom in combination with the feed pressure line 122. The flat side of the outlet device 123 is directed towards the wall 130 of the container or the system. The outlet device 123 can be retractable in the wall 130.

The outlet devices according to Figures 4 , 5 and 6th allow a spatial outlet of the explosive mixture in all directions. This promotes the formation of a cloud in the interior of the container or the system because the explosive mixture is distributed evenly in the room.

The outlet speed of the explosive mixture at the outlet openings of the diffusers can be compared to the individual diffuser Figure 1 and 2 be even higher. Thus, the diffusers can be made shorter in relation to the ratio of length to opening diameter than those according to FIG Figure 1 and 2 . Furthermore, their opening angle can also be made smaller.

This is because, with the exception of the edge-side diffusers, the individual diffusers are surrounded by adjacent diffusers from which the explosive mixture is also released. This means that it is no longer possible to mix in the ambient atmosphere from the side.

Since the explosive mixture is also released through all diffusers preferably at the same or a similar speed, no turbulence between the individual emerging gas streams is to be expected. Rather, the explosive mixture flowing out over a large area displaces the surrounding atmosphere in the outflow direction. Incidentally, this also applies to the exemplary embodiments Figures 10 to 13 to.

The Figure 7 shows a schematic sketch of the arrangement of the diffusers 104 according to the exemplary embodiments Figure 5 . The diameter D of the outlet opening can, for. B. 5 to 20 mm, in particular 10 to 15 mm, such as 13 mm. The diameter d of the diffuser at its narrowest point at the beginning of the funnel-shaped extension can, for. B. 1 to 5 mm, in particular 1 to 2 mm, such as 1.5 mm. The length L of the diffuser 104 up to the confluence in the central space of the outlet device 123 is z. B. 30 to 50 mm, especially 35 to 45 mm, like 39 mm. The ratio D ² : d ² can be, for. B. 75 or less. The specified dimensions and ratios preferably also apply to the exemplary embodiment Figure 6 to.

The Figure 8a shows the outlet device 143 of a cleaning device 141, into which the explosive mixture flows via the feed pressure channel 148 of a feed pressure line 142. The outlet device 143 forms a receiving space 147 for at least part of the explosive mixture introduced. In contrast to the embodiment according to Figure 1 to 3 the outlet device 143 has outlet openings 145 arranged laterally. For this purpose, a funnel-shaped base body 144 with its widened cross section opens into an outlet body arranged transversely to the latter, which is likewise widened in a funnel shape towards the two outlet openings 145. Correspondingly, the explosive mixture flowing axially through the base body 144 is deflected towards the lateral outlet openings 145 by around 90 ° (degrees of angle) (see arrows). The base body or the outlet bodies are consequently designed as diffusers. The explosive mixture forms a cloud 146 outside the diffusers.

In the Figure 8b The illustrated outlet device 163 of a further cleaning device 161 also contains a funnel-shaped base body 164 into which the explosive mixture flows via the feed pressure channel 168 of a feed pressure line 162. Here, too, the outlet device 163 forms a receiving space 167 for at least part of the explosive mixture introduced. The outlet device 163 also has outlet openings 165 arranged laterally. For this purpose, the funnel-shaped base body 164 opens with its enlarged cross-section into an outlet body arranged transversely to the latter, which is likewise widened in a funnel shape towards the two outlet openings 165. The base body 164 contains a flow guide wall 170 which divides the flow of explosive mixture directed in the direction of the outlet body to the two outlet openings 165. The flow will go to the side outlets 165 also deflected by around 90 ° (see arrows). Here, too, the base body or the outlet bodies are designed as diffusers. The explosive mixture forms a cloud 166 outside the diffusers.

The outlet devices after Figures 8a and 8b have the particular advantage that, thanks to the side exit of the explosive mixture, lower or no recoil forces occur.

The Figure 9a shows a cleaning device 341 with an outlet device 343 of a similar type to the outlet device according to FIG Figure 8a . The explosive mixture flows into the outlet device 343 via the feed pressure channel 348 of a feed pressure line. The outlet device 343 forms a receiving space 347 for the introduced explosive mixture. The outlet device 443 has outlet openings 345 arranged laterally. For this purpose, a base body 344 with a cross-section that is wider than that of the feed pressure line opens into an outlet body 349 arranged transversely thereto.

The explosive mixture is ignited in the receiving space 347. The explosion pressure waves 346 are deflected towards the lateral outlet openings 345 by around 90 ° (degrees of angle) and spread laterally starting from the outlet openings 345.

The Figure 9b FIG. 4 shows a cleaning device 441 with an outlet device 443 of a similar type to the outlet device according to FIG Figure 8b . The outlet device 443 contains a base body 444 into which the explosive mixture flows via the feed pressure channel 448 of a feed pressure line. Here, too, the outlet device 443 forms a receiving space 447 for at least part of the explosive mixture introduced. The outlet device 443 has furthermore also laterally arranged outlet openings 445. For this purpose, the base body 444 opens with its cross-section which is wider than that of the feed pressure line into an outlet body 449 which is arranged transversely to the latter and which is also widened in a funnel shape towards the two outlet openings 445.

The explosive mixture is ignited in the receiving space 447. The explosion pressure waves 446 are deflected towards the lateral outlet openings 445 by around 90 ° (degrees of angle) and spread laterally starting from the outlet openings 445.

The outlet devices after Figures 9a and 9b have the particular advantage that, thanks to the lateral exit of the explosion pressure waves, fewer or no recoil forces occur.

The outlet device 183 introduced through an opening in the wall 190 of a container or system according to FIG Figure 10 is formed from the end section of the feed pressure line 182, on the outer circumference of which a plurality of outlet bodies in the form of funnel-shaped diffusers 184 with outlet openings 185 lead away radially in different spatial directions. The feed pressure line 182 contains corresponding passages which open into the diffusers 184. The diffusers 184 are arranged both in a circle around the feed pressure line 182 and one behind the other in the longitudinal direction of the feed pressure line. They form a cylindrical outlet device 183.

At the front and rear axial ends of the outlet device 183, a shielding element 186 can be arranged, which shields the explosive mixture emerging from the outlet bodies 184 at the front and rear axial end of the outlet device 183 to the side when viewed in the direction of exit, so that the cloud does not separate into this border area can take place.

The shielding elements 186 form a type of funnel-shaped expansion following the outlet surface formed by the outlet opening 185. The shape of the shielding elements 186 can also be configured differently than shown.

It can furthermore also be provided that outlet bodies with an axial directional component are likewise arranged at the front end of the outlet device. The outlet openings of the outlet body can, for. B. form a hemispherical outlet surface, as z. B. the embodiment after Figure 6 shows.

In the Figure 11 The outlet device 203 shown contains a diffuser field. This consists of a plurality of juxtaposed outlet bodies in the form of funnel-shaped diffusers 204, which are aligned in the same way. In the present exemplary embodiment, the outlet openings 205 lie in a common plane, but this is not mandatory. The outlet openings 205 form a flat outlet surface.

The outlet device 203 is particularly suitable for installation on or in a wall. The outlet device 203 can e.g. B. be sunk in the wall, with the outlet openings 205 aligned with the wall.

This in Figure 12 The cleaning device 221 shown contains an outlet device 223. This contains a plurality of outlet bodies in the form of funnel-shaped diffusers 224 with outwardly directed outlet openings 225 arranged along the circumference of the feed pressure line 222 and leading radially away from it. The diffusers 224 lie in a common plane and thereby form a disk-shaped arrangement.

A recess or depression corresponding to the diffuser arrangement can be provided in the wall 230 of the container or the system, into which the disc-shaped diffuser arrangement can be drawn back (direction of arrow) Outlet device 203 can be stowed, embedded or sunk (see Figure 12a ). To take up the working position, the disk-shaped diffuser arrangement is extended from the recess into the space of the container or the system (direction of the arrow) (see Figure 12b ). The Figure 12c FIG. 12 further shows a top view of the diffuser arrangement of the outlet device 203.

The cleaning device 221 is particularly suitable for cleaning the wall 230 on which it is arranged. The explosion pressure generated by the cleaning device 221 has a shearing effect on the dirt adhering to the wall 230.

This in Figure 13 The cleaning device 241 shown contains an outlet device 243. Similar to a rotary valve, this has separating walls 251 which protrude radially from the feed pressure line 242 and are arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the feed pressure line 242. Due to their radial alignment, two adjacent partition walls 251 form an outlet body. The outlet body forms a wedge-shaped space that acts as a diffuser 244. Passages 250, which open into the wedge-shaped space between the partition walls 251, are provided in the feed pressure line 242. The explosive mixture flows through these passages 250 into the wedge-shaped diffuser space and is calmed in this before the mixture escapes to the outside through the slot-shaped outlet opening formed between two partition walls.

According to this exemplary embodiment, the cleaning-side end section of the feed pressure line 242 forms the distributor space.

In a modification of the embodiment according to Figure 13 can also be provided that between the partition walls outlet body, which z. B. are designed as diffusers, are arranged. These are preferably arranged in a row next to one another and connected to passages in the feed pressure line. The Partition walls extend radially across the outlet openings of the outlet bodies. The same result would be achieved if partition walls extending radially away from the feed pressure line 182 were arranged between the rows of diffusers 184 according to the exemplary embodiment 183.

The partition walls provide additional protection in the event of strong currents in the surrounding atmosphere. For example, the cloud can be protected and ignited between the partition walls. Since the explosion pressure is built up on both sides of the partition walls during the explosion, they are not deformed, even if they are comparatively thin-walled.

The outlet device according to the exemplary embodiments Figure 3 to 13 can e.g. B. be attached to a cleaning-side end portion of a cleaning lance described above.

According to the in Figure 14 In the conceptual illustration of a cleaning device 501 shown, several diffusers 504 are fed with the explosive mixture through separate feed pressure lines 502. The individual gaseous components of the mixture are fed to the individual diffusers 504 or their feed pressure lines 502 via corresponding feed lines 512, 513 from a respective common pressure vessel 510, 511.

According to the Figures 15 and 16 In the conceptual illustration of a cleaning device 521, 541 shown, several diffusers 524, 544 are supplied with the explosive mixture via a collective feed. For this purpose, the diffusers 524 are fed by a common feed pressure line 522, which branches off to the individual diffusers 524, 544.

The embodiments according to Figures 15 and 16 are with the embodiment according to Figure 14 combinable. That is, instead of a single diffuser 504 according to FIG figure 14th The feed pressure line 502 can branch and feed several diffusers.

The Figures 17a and 17b show a further embodiment of an outlet device 463 of a cleaning device with an outlet opening 465. The outlet device 463 forms a diffuser in the form of a funnel-shaped extension towards the outlet opening 465. The outlet device 463 with the diffuser also forms a receiving space 467 for part of the explosive mixture introduced. Another part of the gaseous mixture is calmed in the diffuser and flows outward via the outlet opening 465 and forms the cloud 466.

In the funnel-shaped widening of the diffuser, annular flow guide elements 469 are arranged, each of which also has a funnel-shaped widening towards the outlet opening 465. An annular flow channel 471 is formed between the outer wall of the diffuser and the flow guide element 469 or between the flow guide elements 469. This likewise has a conical widening towards the outlet opening 465. The annular flow channel 471 is interrupted by radially arranged connecting webs 470 which connect the flow guide elements 469 to one another and to the outer wall of the diffuser. The flow guide elements 469 also contribute to calming and equalizing the flow. The number of flow guide elements 469 can vary.

The flow guide elements 469 can have an increasing angle with respect to a longitudinal axis A from the inside to the outside. In the exemplary embodiment shown here, this angle increases outward in steps of 10 ° (degrees of angle). The innermost flow guide element 469 has an angle of 10 ° with respect to the longitudinal axis A, the second outermost flow element 469 has an angle of 20 ° and the outer wall has an angle of 30 °.

The Figure 18 shows a special embodiment of the cleaning device 651 in the area of the mixing zone 664. The cleaning device 651 is a cleaning lance with a feed pressure line 656 with a feed pressure channel 657. An ignition device 668 is provided on the feed pressure line 656.

A metering device 654 is arranged on the feed-side end section. The metering device 654 comprises a gas guide tube 658, also called an outer tube, and an inner tube 659. The inner tube 659 forms a first inlet channel 652, via which a combustible, gaseous component is introduced into the feed pressure channel 657. The latter component is introduced into the first inlet channel 652 via the metering valves 663, which are only shown by way of example.

An annular, second inlet channel 653 is formed between the gas guide tube 658 and the inner tube 659, via which gaseous oxygen or an oxygen-containing, gaseous component is introduced into the feed pressure channel 657 of the feed pressure line 656.

The inner tube 659 ends inside the gas guide tube 658. The second, annular inlet channel 653 merges into the feed pressure channel 657 at this point. In this area, a mixing zone 664 is formed, in which the gaseous components flowing from the first and second inlet ducts 652, 653 into the common feed pressure duct 657 mix with one another.

A narrowing of the cross section is provided in the area of the inner tube end. This constriction is such that the cross section of the second, annular inlet channel 653 narrows conically towards the inner tube end. Furthermore, the constriction is such that the cross section of the feed pressure channel 657 increases conically in the feed direction R following the inner tube end. The inner tube end lies in the area of the cross-section which increases again in the feed direction R. The narrowest point is located behind the inner tube end.

The geometric configuration of the change in cross-section is such that the cleaning device 651 forms a Laval nozzle in the area of the inner pipe end with corresponding flow conditions.

The embodiment of a cleaning device 601 according to Figures 19a and 19b shows a cleaning lance with a feed-side end section on which a metering device 604 is formed and a cleaning-side end section on which an outlet device 605 is arranged. A feed pressure line 606 with a feed pressure channel 607, via which the explosive mixture is conveyed from the metering device 604 to the outlet device 605, is arranged between the metering device 604 and the outlet device 605.

In the present example, the outlet device 605 is designed as a conical diffuser with an outlet opening. However, the outlet device 605 can also be designed differently.

The cleaning lance can be introduced through an opening in the container wall 630 into the interior of a container to be cleaned.

The metering device 604 comprises a gas guide tube 608 and an inner tube 609. The inner tube 609 forms a first inlet channel 602, via which a combustible, gaseous component is introduced into the feed pressure channel 607. A second, annular inlet channel 603 is formed between the gas guide tube 608 and the inner tube 609, via which oxygen or an oxygen-containing, gaseous component is introduced into the feed pressure channel 607 of the feed pressure line 606.

The first, combustible component is introduced into the first inlet channel 602 from a first pressure vessel 621 via a plurality of metering valves 612. The oxygen or the oxygen-containing component is introduced into the second inlet channel 603 from a second pressure vessel 622 via a plurality of metering valves 613.

The number of metering valves 612, 613 for the first and second gaseous components is selected such that the ratio of the number of metering valves 612, 613 corresponds to the stoichiometric ratio of the components to be supplied. In the present example, the first component is oxygen and the second component is ethane. These are introduced in a stoichiometric ratio of 7: 2. Correspondingly, two metering valves 612 are provided for the first component and seven metering valves 613 for the second component.

The first pressure vessel 621 is supplied with the corresponding gaseous component via a first feed line 610 and the second pressure container 622 via a second feed line 611.

The inner tube 609 ends inside the gas guide tube 608. The second, annular inlet channel 603 merges into the feed pressure channel 607 at the inner tube end. In this area, a mixing zone 614 is formed, in which the gaseous components flowing into the common feed pressure channel 607 from the first and second inlet channels 602, 603 mix with one another. The cross section of the feed pressure channel 607 experiences a funnel-shaped widening in the mixing zone.

An ignition device 668 for igniting the explosive mixture is provided on the feed pressure line 656. A control device 617 is connected to the ignition device 668 and the metering valves 612, 613 via control lines 619. The control lines 619 are also intended for a wireless connection stand. The metering valves 612, 613 and the activation of the ignition device are opened and closed via the control device 617.

Claims (15)

Cleaning device (1, 51, 81, 101, 121, 141, 161, 181, 201, 221, 241) for removing deposits in the interior (31, 71) of containers or systems (30, 70) by means of explosion technology, containing a cleaning device with a feed pressure line (7, 67, 82, 92, 102, 122, 142, 162, 182, 202, 222, 242, 502, 522) and one at the end of the feed pressure line (7, 67, 8292, 102, 122, 142 , 162, 182, 202, 222, 242, 502, 522), in particular on an end section on the cleaning side following the feed pressure line, arranged outlet device (5, 62, 83, 103, 123, 143, 163, 183, 203, 223, 243) with at least one outlet opening (26, 69, 85, 95, 105, 125, 145, 165, 185, 205, 225, 245). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outlet device is designed as a diffuser (5, 62, 83) and the diffuser (5, 62, 83) contains the outlet opening (26, 69, 84). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the outlet device (83, 103, 123, 183, 203, 223, 243) has one or more outlet bodies, each with an outlet opening (85, 105, 125, 185, 205, 225 , 245) contains. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the individual outlet bodies are designed as diffusers. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the feed pressure line and the outlet device (5, 62, 463) have a receiving space (27, 80, 467) to accommodate at least part of an explosive mixture. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the receiving space (27, 80, 467) is open to the outside via the at least one outlet opening. Device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the cleaning device and in particular its outlet device (5, 62, 83, 103, 123, 143, 163, 183, 203, 223, 243) for introducing the explosive mixture into the interior (31, 71) of the container or the system (30, 70) and for the formation of a cloud (6, 77) from the explosive mixture in the interior (31, 71) of the container or the system (30, 70). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the cleaning device is a longitudinal component with a supply-side and a cleaning-side end section (4a, 4b; 65, 66), and the longitudinal component is a feed pressure line (7, 78) for supplying the explosive mixture from the supply-side to the cleaning-side end section (4a, 4b; 65, 66), and in the supply-side end section (4a, 65) at least one metering valve (23, 72) for the metered inlet of at least one gaseous component for the explosive mixture into the cleaning device is arranged . Device according to one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the cleaning device (601, 651) has a first inlet channel (602, 652) for introducing a first gaseous component and a second inlet channel (603, 653) for introducing a second gaseous component, and the inlet channels (602, 652; 603, 653) merge into the feed pressure channel (607, 657) of the feed pressure line (606, 656) and in particular a narrowing of the cross section is formed in the transition area. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the cross-sectional area of the outlet opening (26, 69, 85, 95) or the total cross-sectional area of the outlet openings is greater than the cross-sectional area of the feed pressure channel (78, 88, 98) of the feed pressure line (7, 82, 67, 92) or the total cross-sectional area of the feed pressure lines. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the diffuser (5, 62, 83) has a funnel-shaped expansion. Device according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the diffuser is a funnel-shaped widening which adjoins the feed pressure line (7, 81, 67) and extends towards the outlet opening (26, 69, 85). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the opening angle of the diffuser (5, 62, 83) is 45 ° or smaller, preferably 30 ° or smaller, and in particular 20 ° or smaller. Device according to one of Claims 1 to 13, characterized in that at least one swirl element (94) is arranged in the diffuser (93) and / or in the feed pressure line (92). Device according to one of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the outlet device contains several outlet bodies and the outlet bodies: - are directed radially outwards from a center, the outlet openings defining a spherical or hemispherical outlet surface; are arranged in a plane directed radially outwards from a center, the outlet openings defining an annular outlet surface; or - Are directed radially outwards along a central axis, the outlet openings defining a cylindrical outlet surface.

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