However, besides the high cost, under certain specific conditions, limitations are revealed such as low cleaning efficiency, lack of safety, and complicated usage procedures. Chemical cleaning methods are only suitable for small systems. For large systems, they are costly, time-consuming, and unsafe due to the side effects of chemicals on equipment.

 

Based on that reality, the project “Design and manufacture of a coreless rotating head device for cleaning pipe scale with high-pressure water” was launched, chaired by the Key Laboratory of Welding and Surface Treatment Technology – National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering. This is a ministerial-level project under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The author team conducted in-depth research, improved and expanded technical capabilities, enhanced the application of pressure-based pipe cleaning equipment in practice, and achieved unexpected results.

 

The results of experimental runs for cleaning the interior of heat exchange tower pipes at the Acid Plant (Lam Thao Superphosphate and Chemicals Joint Stock Company) showed that the calculation, design, and manufacture of the coreless rotating head device as set out by the project is very promising for field trials. After testing, the results were: the pipe interior was cleaned without causing cracks or deformation; cleaning productivity reached 35 m/h. Field cleaning productivity was 7 times higher than previous cleaning methods.

 

 

The coreless rotating head device is a product with a new structure and design, not overlapping with any similar device product in the world. Its operating principle uses high-pressure water and air combined with rotational movements, centrifugal hammer blades with self-aligning radial orientation, working capability independent of pipe length, cleaning all types of deposits including clogging scale.

 

It can be operated on-site even with non-disassembled structural components, capable of operation in all positions: vertical, inclined, or horizontal. The coreless rotating head has a simple, compact, lightweight, unique design that is easy to use, flexible and smooth inside the pipe, ensuring safety in use… The improvement has produced a product capable of cleaning even clogged pipes thanks to the combined drilling-breaking rotating head.

 

The device can be combined with chemicals according to specific procedures, increasing effectiveness, as well as solving specific difficulties of pipe cleaning work. In particular, it has no secondary harmful effects on structures, reduces pollution and environmental toxicity, and can work in various chemical deposit environments. The product meets the requirements for cleaning scale in heat exchange pipes from Ø36 – Ø50.