CLEANING ASSEMBLY KIT FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/640,998, titled “CLEANING ASSEMBLY KIT FOR A HEAT EXCHANGER, AND A METHOD OF USING THEREOF”, filed on May 1, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to cleaning of heat exchangers, and more particularly, to a cleaning assembly kit for a heat exchanger and a method of using thereof. In at least one example, the cleaning assembly kit is used with a heat exchanger for water boiler systems, such as a condensing heat exchanger.

BACKGROUND

Heat exchangers (e.g., condensing heat exchangers and atmospheric vent boiler tube exchangers) are important components of many water boiler systems. Over extended use periods, heat exchangers may experience fouling. Fouling can result, for example, from dirty or malfunctioning burners. Existing processes for cleaning the inside of condensing heater exchangers are tedious, and do not always result in the fouling being completely removed. In turn, this degrades the performance of the heat exchangers, including degrading their heat transfer efficiency. Other causes of fouling can also include foreign airborne materials (e.g., dust and bugs).

SUMMARY

In at least one broad aspect, there is provided a cleaning kit for cleaning an inner volume of a heat exchanger comprising: a cover lid couplable to an opening of a body of the heat exchanger; and a manifold assembly comprising, a main fluid conduit including (i) a fluid inlet couplable to a cleaning fluid source, and (ii) a fluid outlet couplable to the inner volume of the heat exchanger; a drainage conduit fluidically coupled to the main conduit at a coupling juncture, and comprising a drainage outlet; and valve system including, an inlet valve located inside the main conduit and disposed between the inlet opening and the coupling juncture; and a drainage valve located inside the drainage conduit, between the drainage outlet and the coupling juncture.

In some examples, the kit is operable in one of a filling mode and a drainage mode, wherein, in the filling mode, the valve system is adjusted to a filling configuration to fill the inner volume of the heat exchanger with cleaning fluid; and in the drainage mode, the valve system is adjusted to a drainage configuration to drain the inner volume from the cleaning fluid.

In some examples, each of the filling and drainage modes, the cover lid is coupled to the opening of the body of the heat exchanger.

In some examples, in the filling configuration, the inlet valve is opened to fluidically couple the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet, thereby permitting cleaning fluid to flow through the manifold assembly from the cleaning fluid source into the inner volume of the heat exchanger, and the drainage valve is closed to fluidically decouple the fluid inlet from the drainage outlet.

In some examples, in the drainage configuration, the drainage valve is opened to fluidically couple the fluid outlet to the drainage outlet, thereby permitting cleaning fluid to drain from the inner volume of the heat exchanger; and the inlet valve is closed to fluidically de-couple the fluid inlet from the fluid outlet.

In some examples, the main conduit further comprises an auxiliary outlet couplable to an auxiliary tool, and the valve system further comprises an auxiliary valve located inside the main conduit between the fluid inlet and the auxiliary outlet.

In some examples, wherein in each of the filling and drainage configurations, the auxiliary valve is closed.

In some examples, the assembly is further operable in an auxiliary tool mode where the valve system is adjusted to an auxiliary tool configuration whereby, the auxiliary valve is opened to fluidically couple the fluid inlet to the auxiliary outlet, thereby allowing fluid to flow through the manifold assembly from the cleaning fluid source to the auxiliary tool; and the inlet valve is closed and the drainage valve is either opened or closed.

In some examples, in the auxiliary tool mode, the cover lid is removed from the opening of the body of the heat exchanger.

In some examples, the cover lid includes an external surface and an internal surface, and in a coupled position to the heat exchanger, the external surface is directed away from the inner volume, and the cover lid further comprises, a fluid flow meter extending from the external surface and, in the coupled position, fluidically couples to the inner volume of the heat exchanger through an outlet opening extending through the cover lid, and wherein, in the filling and drainage modes, the fluid flow meter indicates a level of cleaning fluid inside the inner volume of the heat exchanger.

In some examples, the heat exchanger is for use with water boilers.

In some examples, the heat exchanger is a condensing heat exchanger.

Accordingly, a method of using a cleaning kit assembly to clean an inner volume of a heat exchanger, the cleaning kit assembly comprising a modified cover lid and a manifold assembly, the method comprising: coupling each of the modified cover lid and the manifold assembly to a body of the heat exchanger; operating the cleaning kit in a filling mode by adjusting a valve system, of the manifold assembly, to be in a filling configuration; filling the inner volume of the heat exchanger with cleaning fluid; operating the cleaning kit in a drainage mode by adjusting the valve system, of the manifold assembly, to be in a drainage configuration; and draining the inner volume of the heat exchanger from cleaning fluid.

Other features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the following detailed description taken together with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the application, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the application will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the various embodiments described herein, and to show more clearly how these various embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one example embodiment, and which are now described. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings described herein.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example condensing heat exchanger;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the condensing heat exchanger of FIG. 1, taken along the section line 2-2′ of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A illustrates an example cleaning assembly;

FIG. 3B illustrates another example cleaning assembly;

FIG. 3C illustrates still another example cleaning assembly;

FIG. 4A illustrates the cleaning assembly of FIG. 3A in a filling operation mode, and illustrating the heat exchanger and assembly in cross-sectional view, taken along the section line 4-4′ of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4B illustrates the cleaning assembly of FIG. 3A in a drainage operation mode, and illustrating the heat exchanger and assembly in cross-sectional view, taken along the section line 4-4′ of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 4C illustrates the cleaning assembly of FIG. 3A in an auxiliary tool operation mode, and illustrating the heat exchanger and assembly in cross-sectional view, taken along the section line 4-4′ of FIG. 3A;

FIG. 5 illustrates another example configuration for the cleaning assembly in the filling operation mode of FIG. 4A, and including a recirculation system;

FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate another example configuration for a cleaning assembly for a heat exchanger, in front view (FIG. 6A) and side view (FIG. 6B);

FIGS. 7A and 7B show comparative images of an inner volume of a condensing heat exchanger before cleaning (FIG. 7A) and after cleaning (FIG. 7B); and

FIG. 8 is an example method for cleaning a condensing heat exchanger, in accordance with disclosed examples.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Examples herein generally relate to a cleaning assembly for a heat exchanger, and a method of using thereof. While disclosed examples relate primarily to a condensing heat exchanger, it will be understood that the same concepts and principles can be applied identically to any other heat exchanger, including various heat exchangers used with water boiler systems, including atmospheric vent boiler tube exchangers and the like.

I. General Overview

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an example design for a conventional condensing heat exchanger (102). The exemplified design can be used, for instance, as part of a water heating system.

As shown, the heat exchanger (102) includes a body (104). Body (104) extends between a front end (104a) and a rear end (104b). Front end (104a) includes an opening (150) (FIG. 2) to access an inner volume thereof. A cover lid (106) is provided for opening and closing the opening (150). In other examples, opening (150) is provided along any other portion of the heat exchanger body (104), and the heat exchanger (102) can include more than one opening (150).

As shown in FIG. 2, body (104) houses various components of the heat exchanger (102). These components include a burner (110) for generating heating, as well as water coils (112) for carrying cold water that is heated by the burner (110).

As is typical of condensing heat exchanger designs, body (104) also includes an insulated deflector (122) in between the condensing chamber (118) from the combustion chamber (120). The water coil (112) typically surrounds each of the chambers (118) and (120) and thereby defines an inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (102). Various outlets are also provided, such as the cooled gas outlet (114) and the condensing outlet (116).

It is appreciated that FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate only an exemplary design for a condensing heat exchanger (102), and that the disclosed examples are not limited to any specific or particular heat exchanger design.

As stated in the background, in the course of extended use, the condensing heat exchanger (102) will require cleaning as a result of fouling. For instance, as shown in FIG. 7A, fouling can affect the outer surface of the water heating coils (112) (e.g., surrounding the condensing chamber (118) and the combustion chamber (120)).

In view of the foregoing, disclosed examples provide for a cleaning assembly kit for cleaning the inner volume (108) of a heat exchanger (102), as well as a method of using the kit. As noted previously, the disclosed cleaning assembly kit can be used with any type of heat exchanger (102), and is not so limited to condensing heat exchangers. FIG. 7B shows an example inner volume of the heater exchanger after cleaning using the disclosed cleaning kit.

Ii. Example Cleaning Assembly Kit

FIG. 3A exemplifies a cleaning assembly kit (302) which can be coupled to a condensing heat exchanger (102).

At a broad level, the cleaning assembly kit (302) includes two components: (i) a manifold assembly (304), and (ii) a cover lid (306).

In some examples, the manifold assembly (304) and cover lid (306) are two separate components (see e.g., FIGS. 3-5). In other examples, they may be coupled together (e.g., permanently or removably) to form a single component (see e.g., FIGS. 6A-6B).

Each of the manifold assembly (304) and cover lid (306) are explained herein in greater detail.

(i.) Manifold Assembly (304).

In use, the manifold assembly (304) routes cleaning solution (e.g., water and/or soap) into and out of the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (102).

As shown in FIG. 3A, the manifold assembly (304) includes one or more conduits (e.g., hollow pipes) (350a)-(350e) that are fluidically coupled together. These include a main conduit (350a), an outlet conduit (350b), and an inlet conduit (350c). In at least one example, the conduits may also include an auxiliary attachment conduit (350d) and a filling conduit (350e). In other cases, conduits (350d), (350e) may simply form part of the main conduit (350a).

Main conduit (350a), outlet conduit (350b) and filling conduit (350e) are fluidically coupled together at a first coupling junction (390a). Further, main conduit (350a), inlet conduit (350c) and auxiliary attachment conduit (350d) are fluidically coupled together at a second coupling junction (390b).

In some cases, the main conduit (350a) extends, in an elongated fashion, between the two coupling junctions (390a), (390b). The advantage of providing an elongated main conduit (350a) is to allow the manifold assembly (304) to space out from the heat exchanger (102) when coupled thereto, which simplifies installation and use.

In other examples, the first and second junctions (390a), (390b) are merged together to form a single junction. In these cases, the manifold assembly (304) may not include a main conduit (350a), and the conduits (350b)-(350e) may fluidically couple together at the single junction (e.g., in a star shape).

As further exemplified, a plurality of openings (312) are formed in the manifold conduits (350). These openings (312) include a first fluid inlet (312a), a second fluid outlet (312b) and a third drainage outlet (312c).

The fluid inlet (312a) is fluidically couplable to a cleaning fluid source (314). Cleaning fluid source (314) is, for example, a tank or other source of water or fluid (or solution) useful for soaking and/or cleaning the heat exchanger (102).

In some examples, the fluid inlet (312a) defines a distal end of the inlet conduit (350c) (FIG. 3A). In other examples, the fluid inlet (312a) is formed directly along the main conduit (350a) (FIGS. 3B and 3C), or otherwise at the location of the junction (390b). If the fluid inlet (312a) is formed along the main conduit (350a), it can be disposed on a mid-portion thereof (FIG. 3B) or on a distal end thereof (FIG. 3C). In these cases, and as best shown in FIG. 3B, the manifold assembly (304) may not include the inlet conduit (350c).

Fluid outlet (312b) is used for filling and/or draining the heat exchanger (102) from cleaning fluid. In some examples, fluid outlet (312b) defines a distal end of the filling conduit (350e), and is fluidically couplable to the inner volume (108) of heat exchanger (102). In the illustrated example, fluid outlet (312b) is indirectly coupled to the heat exchanger (102) via a secondary fluid conduit (316).

To that end, the fluid outlet (312b) can be coupled to any portion of the heat exchanger body (104). In the illustrated example, fluid outlet (312b) is coupled to the condensing outlet (116). This coupling provides direct access into the inner volume (108) of heat exchanger (102) (FIG. 2).

Drainage outlet (312c) defines a distal end of the outlet conduit (350b). After soaking the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (102), the cleaning fluid is drained out via the drainage outlet (312c) to an external drainage location.

In some examples, manifold (304) also includes an additional auxiliary fluid outlet (312d) (FIGS. 3A and 3B). As explained herein, fluid outlet (312d) can couple to an auxiliary tool (308), such as a spray gun (308). In at least one example, fluid outlet (312d) defines a distal end of the auxiliary conduit (350d).

Manifold assembly (304) further includes a valve system (320) disposed inside of the manifold conduits (350). Valve system (320) includes one or more valves (320a)-(320c) that are configurable between an “open” position (i.e., allowing fluid flow) and a “closed” position (i.e., blocking or minimizing fluid flow). The valves (320) can include exterior handles (322) (FIG. 3A) that enable manually manipulating the valves between the open and closed positions.

In the illustrated example, the valve system (320) includes at least two valves: (i) a fluid inlet valve (320a); and (ii) a drainage valve (320b).

Fluid inlet valve (320a) may be disposed anywhere between the fluid inlet (312a) and the first coupling junction (390a). For instance, the fluid inlet valve (320a) may be disposed inside the main conduit (350a), and between the coupling junctions (390a), (390b). In other examples, it may be disposed inside of the inlet conduit (350c), between the inlet (312a) and the second coupling junction (390b). In some cases, where the manifold assembly (304) only includes a single coupling junction (390), it is possible that the valve (320a) is located inside that junction.

Drainage valve (320b) may be disposed anywhere between the drainage outlet (312c) and the first coupling junction (390a). For instance, it may be disposed in the outlet conduit (350b), and between the drainage outlet (312c) and the first coupling junction (390a).

In examples where an auxiliary opening (312d) is provided (FIGS. 3A and 3B), the valve system (320) can also include an auxiliary valve (320c) disposed between the second junction (390b) and the auxiliary fluid outlet (312d). For instance, it may be disposed in the auxiliary conduit (350d). In other cases, the auxiliary valve (320c) may not be present in the manifold assembly (304). This may be because it is integrated directly into the auxiliary tool (308), or otherwise is not required to control flow of liquid into the tool (308).

Valves (320a)-(320c) can be of any design configuration known in the art. For example, the valves can be any one of check, ball, butterfly, globe and/or gate valves.

(ii.) Cover Lid.

During cleaning, cover lid (306) replaces the conventional lid (106) of the condensing heat exchanger (102) (FIGS. 1 and 2) and seals the heat exchanger's opening (150).

In some examples, the cover lid (306) is sized and shaped to cover over the entirety of the heat exchanger opening (150) in a sealing manner. For instance, as exemplified in FIGS. 6A-6B, the cover lid (306) can have a circular shape to mate and engage over a circular opening (150) of the heat exchanger. More generally, the cover lid (306) can have a size and shape that complements the size and shape of the heat exchanger opening (150).

The cover lid (306) may also couple to the heat exchanger body (104) in any manner. In some examples, the cover lid (306) may include one or more fastening holes (352) that receive fasteners (e.g., nuts) (FIGS. 6A-6B).

As exemplified, cover lid (306) comprises opposing surfaces, including an internal surface (306a) and an external surface (306b) (FIG. 3A). When coupled to the heat exchanger body (104) in a coupled position, the internal surface (306a) is directed towards the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger body (104) while the external surface (306b) is directed away from the inner volume (108).

In some examples, the cover lid (306) also includes a fluid level meter (310). Fluid level meter (310) extends from the lid's external surface (306b) (e.g., at a vertical, or at an angle to vertical). The fluid level meter (310) is fluidically coupled to the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (102) via an outlet opening (330), e.g., formed through the cover lid (306). In some examples, the fluid meter (310) couples to the lid via a fluid conduit (324).

In use, as the heat exchanger (102) is filled with cleaning fluid using the manifold assembly (304), fluid exits the heat exchanger (102) into the fluid level meter (310). The fluid level meter (310) is used to determine and monitor the extent to which the heat exchanger (102) is filled with fluid. This allows the operator to ensure that the heat exchanger (102) is not overfilled or underfilled with cleaning fluid, which may be difficult to ascertain otherwise.

In at least one example, fluid meter (310) includes one or more level markings (318). These markings provide a useful reference for the operator to determine the extent to which the heat exchanger is filled with fluid.

In other examples, the cover lid (306) may not necessarily include the fluid level meter (310).

(iii.) Integrated Cleaning Kit

FIGS. 6A-6B exemplify an integrated cleaning kit (302) in which the manifold assembly (304) is coupled to the cover lid (306). The manifold assembly (304) may be integrally or separably coupled to the cover lid (306).

An advantage of this configuration is providing the kit as a single component that can be mounted together onto the heat exchanger (102), thereby simplifying use and installation. Another advantage is that when the cover lid (306) couples to the heat exchanger opening (150), it supports the weight of the manifold assembly (304). This avoids having to mount and support the assembly (304), separate from the cover lid (306), as in FIGS. 3-4.

To this effect, the cover lid (306) may couple to any portion of the manifold assembly (304). In the exemplified embodiment, the cover lid (306) couples to a portion of the filling conduit (350e). For instance, as shown in FIG. 6B, a portion of the cover lid (306) extends to form a coupling portion (650), that couples to (e.g., around) the filling conduit (350e). As such, the filling conduit (350e) extends from one side of the cover lid (306) to the other side.

In at least one example, the fluid outlet (312b) is disposed on the same side as the internal lid surface (306a). Further, in an upright position, the coupling portion (650) is disposed on a lower end (606b) of the cover lid (306). As used herein, the upright position is a position wherein the upper end (606a) of the cover lid (306) is positioned vertically above the lower end (606b).

An advantage of the coupling configuration between cover lid (306) and fluid conduit (350e), is that the fluid outlet (312b) is positioned to extend below the boiler heat exchanger body (104) in an assembled state, such as to easily couple to the condensing outlet (116). This configuration also positions the rest of the manifold assembly (304) in front of the outer surface (306b) of the cover lid (306), such as to be easily accessible to the user.

As best shown in FIG. 6A, a portion of the level meter conduit (324) may also mount overtop the main conduit (350a) (e.g., mount to the second coupling junction (390b)). This may occur using a linkage portion (602) that extends between conduits (324), (350a). Linkage portion (602) can house a plug or other blocking member to prevent fluid flow between the level meter conduit (310) and the main conduit (350a). An advantage of this design is to provide a vertical support to support the weight of the level meter. In these cases, in the upright position, the main conduit (350) may angle vertically upwards (e.g., by a right angle) such that it provides the vertical support.

Iii. Modes of Operation

In operation, the cleaning assembly kit (302) is operable between at least two modes of operation: (i) a filling mode (FIG. 4A) and (ii) a drainage mode (FIG. 4B). In some examples, the cleaning assembly kit (302) is further operable in a third mode of operation, an auxiliary tool or attachment mode (FIG. 4C).

The remaining discussion exemplifies the different operation modes, and with reference to the cleaning assembly kit (302) of FIG. 3A. However, it is understood that the same modes can be applied using the configurations of FIGS. 3B and 3C, as well as FIGS. 6A-6B.

(i.) Filling Mode.

FIG. 4A exemplifies the cleaning kit (302) operated in a filling mode. In this mode, cleaning fluid fills up the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger body (104), and allows for soaking the inner volume.

In the filling mode, the heat exchanger lid (106) is removed and the modified cover lid (306) is coupled (e.g., mounted) over the opening (150).

Additionally, in the filling mode, the manifold valve system (320) is adjustable to a filling mode configuration. In this configuration, the inlet valve (320a) is opened to fluidically couple the fluid inlet (312a) to the fluid outlet (312b). The drainage valve (320b) and auxiliary valve (320c) may be both closed to fluidically decouple the remaining outlets (312c), (312d) and prevent or minimize fluid flow therethrough.

Once the valve assembly (320) is appropriately configured, the cleaning fluid source (314) is coupled to the manifold's fluid inlet (312a). This allows cleaning fluid to travel into the fluid inlet (312a), through the manifold (304), and exit from the fluid outlet (312b) (i.e., defining a “fluid filling” flow path). Once the fluid exits the fluid outlet (312b), it can travel into the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (104), e.g., via the condensing outlet (116).

In some examples, a pump (402) (e.g., a centrifugal pump) is coupled between the fluid source (314) and the fluid inlet (312a). Pump (402) can facilitate pumping of fluid through the manifold assembly (304).

To this end, when operated in the filling mode, cleaning fluid fills the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger body (104), e.g., until the body is filled with fluid. The operator can monitor the extent to which the body (104) is filled with fluid using the fluid level meter (310) disposed on the modified cover lid (306).

After the heat exchanger body (104) is filled with fluid, the cleaning fluid source (314) is decoupled from the body (104). This is performed in several manners including disconnecting the source (314) from fluid inlet (312a), turning off the pump (402) and/or adjusting the fluid inlet valve (320a) to the closed position.

(ii.) Drainage Mode.

FIG. 4B exemplifies the cleaning assembly kit (302) operated in a drainage mode. In this mode, cleaning fluid is drained out of the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger body (104). In some cases, this is performed after soaking the inner volume (108) for a period of time, e.g., a few hours, to ensure the water coils (112) are cleaned from fouling.

In the drainage mode, the cover lid (306) remains coupled (e.g., mounted) over the opening (150) of the heat exchanger (102). Further, the manifold valve system (320) is adjusted into a drainage mode configuration. In this configuration, the drainage valve (320b) is opened to fluidically couple the fluid outlet (312b) to the drainage outlet (312c). The inlet valve (320a) and auxiliary valve (320c) are closed to fluidically decouple the remaining outlets (312a), (312d), and otherwise prevent or minimize fluid flow therethrough.

When operated in the drainage mode, cleaning fluid drains out of the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (104) along a drainage fluid flow path (e.g., extending from the same opening (312b) to the drainage outlet (312c)) and to an external drainage location. Accordingly, it is appreciated that the fluid opening (312b) is used for both filling and draining the heat exchanger, which simplifies design of the manifold (304).

In some examples, if the manifold assembly (304) is coupled to the condenser outlet (116), the drainage is gravity-assisted because of the positioning of the condenser outlet (116) on the lower side of the heat exchanger body (104).

In some examples, a pump (not shown) is used for draining fluid out of the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (102). The pump can couple to the drainage outlet (312c), or otherwise, between the condensing outlet (116) and the manifold assembly (304).

(iii.) Auxiliary Tool Mode.

FIG. 4C exemplifies the cleaning assembly kit (302) operated in the auxiliary tool mode. In this mode, an auxiliary tool (308) (e.g., a spray gun) is used to clean out any remaining residue inside of the heat exchanger (102). To facilitate this mode, the modified covering lid (306) can be removed from the heat exchanger (102) to allow access to the inner volume (108) thereof.

As exemplified, in the auxiliary tool mode, the manifold valve system (320) is adjusted to an auxiliary tool configuration. In this configuration, the auxiliary valve (320c) is opened to fluidically couple the fluid inlet (312a) to the auxiliary fluid outlet (312d). As noted previously, in some cases the auxiliary valve (320c) is integrated directly into the tool (308), or the tool assembly.

Further, the fluid inlet valve (320a) is closed to prevent or minimize diversion of the fluid away from the tool (308). In this manner, the cleaning fluid travels from the cleaning fluid source (314) to the tool (308) (e.g. defining an auxiliary fluid flow path), thereby allowing the tool (308) to spray fluid inside the heat exchanger (104).

In at least one example, the drainage valve (320c) is opened in the auxiliary tool mode to allow fluid to drain out of the inner volume (108). In other examples, the drainage valve (320c) is closed.

In some examples, there is no auxiliary valve (320c) to manipulate in the auxiliary tool mode. For instance, in the case of a spray gun (308), the spray gun trigger is simply used to control the outflow of solution.

IV. Example Method

FIG. 8 shows an example method (800) for using the cleaning assembly kit (302) in conjunction with a condensing heat exchanger (102).

At (802), the cover lid (306) is coupled (e.g., mounted) to the heat exchanger body (104) such as to seal the body's opening (150) (FIGS. 3A-3C). As well, the manifold assembly (304) is fluidically coupled to the body (104) via the manifold's fluid outlet (312b). The manifold fluid outlet (312b) can be coupled, for instance, to the condensing outlet (116) of the heat exchanger (102) (FIGS. 3A-3C).

At (804), the manifold valve system (320) is adjusted to a filling configuration (FIG. 4A). This involves opening the inlet valve (320a), and closing both the drainage valve (320b) and the auxiliary valve (320c) (i.e., assuming an auxiliary valve is included).

At (806), the inner volume (108) of the heat exchanger (102) is filled with cleaning fluid. For instance, this involves coupling the cleaning fluid source (314) to the manifold inlet opening (312a) (FIG. 4A). In some examples, a cleaning fluid pump (402) is used to facilitate the filling. The filling volume can be monitored using the fluid meter (310) on the modified cover lid (306).

At (808), once the heat exchanger is filled, the cleaning fluid source (314) is de-coupled from the heat exchanger (102). The heat exchanger's inner volume (108) may then be soaked for a period of time with the cleaning fluid, e.g., soaked for a few hours.

At (810), after soaking is completed, the manifold valve system (320) is adjusted to a drainage configuration (FIG. 4B). This involves opening the drainage valve (320b), and closing both the inlet valve (320a) and the auxiliary valve (320c) (i.e., assuming an auxiliary valve is included).

At (812), the heat exchanger body (104) is drained of cleaning fluid. For instance, cleaning fluid exists the heat exchanger body (104) via the condensing outlet (116), and drains out of the manifold's discharge outlet (312c). The draining can be gravity-assisted and/or can involve operating a draining pump (not shown).

At (814), in some examples, the manifold valve system (320) is further adjusted to be in an auxiliary tool configuration (FIG. 4C). For example, this may involve closing both the inlet valve (320a) and opening the auxiliary valve (320c). In some cases, the drainage valve (320b) can also be opened.

At (816), the auxiliary tool (308) is operated. This can involve coupling the cleaning fluid source (314) back to the manifold inlet opening (312a) (FIG. 4C), and optionally, operating the cleaning fluid pump (402). The auxiliary tool (308) (e.g., spray gun) is then used to further clean and wash any remaining residue inside of the heat exchanger (102). In this mode, the modified cover lid (306) can be decoupled (e.g., dismounted) from the heat exchanger body.

V. Alternative or Specific Examples

FIG. 5 shows another example configuration for the manifold assembly (304) in the filling configuration. As compared to FIG. 4A, the manifold valve system (320) is now configured such that both the inlet valve (320a) and discharge valve (320b) are opened, while the auxiliary valve (320c) is closed.

In this alternate filling configuration, drainage outlet (312c) is used to recirculate cleaning fluid back into the heat exchanger (102). The drainage outlet (312c) is fluidically coupled to the fluid level meter (310) on the modified covering lid (306), e.g., via conduit (506). As the heat exchanger (104) is being filled, if the inner volume (108) overfills, the overflow spillage is captured from the flow meter (310) and routed back into the heat exchanger (102). A fluid pump (504) can be provided in some examples to facilitate the fluid recirculation. Further, once the heat exchanger is filled with cleaning liquid, the inlet valve (320a) may be closed.

In some examples, the kit is used for leak detection, such as by filling the heat exchanger with fluid to detect any leaks in the heat exchanger body (104).

VI. Interpretation

Various systems or methods have been described to provide an example of an embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described limits any claimed subject matter and any claimed subject matter may cover methods or systems that differ from those described below. The claimed subject matter is not limited to systems or methods having all of the features of any one system or method described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or methods described below. It is possible that a system or method described is not an embodiment that is recited in any claimed subject matter. Any subject matter disclosed in a system or method described that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein.

It should also be noted that the terms “coupled” or “coupling” as used herein can have several different meanings depending in the context in which these terms are used. For example, the terms coupled or coupling may be used to indicate that an element or device can electrically, optically, or wirelessly send data to another element or device as well as receive data from another element or device. As used herein, two or more components are said to be “coupled”, or “connected” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate components), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, or “directly connected”, where the parts are joined or operate together without intervening intermediate components.

It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about” and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term if this deviation would not negate the meaning of the term it modifies.

Furthermore, any recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints herein includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within that range (e.g. 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.90, 4, and 5). It is also to be understood that all numbers and fractions thereof are presumed to be modified by the term “about” which means a variation of up to a certain amount of the number to which reference is being made if the end result is not significantly changed.

The present invention has been described here by way of example only, while numerous specific details are set forth herein in order to provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that these embodiments may, in some cases, be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the description of the embodiments. Various modification and variations may be made to these exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, which is limited only by the appended claims.