In-situ Shipboard Heat Exchanger Maintenance Using Innovative I2 Bubble Infusion Technology

This paper summarizes the results of a two year project led by the Naval Facilities Engineering and Expeditionary Warfare Center to demonstrate the potential for the patented I2 Vapor Infusion (I2 VP) system to reduce the rate of foul within Department of Defense shipboard heat exchangers (HX). Fouling of DoD shipboard heat exchangers is a chronic and costly operating problem that requires significant maintenance. The heat transfer performance and efficiency decreases due to the fouling of the heat exchanger plates and tubes resulting in additional fuel consumption and increased greenhouse gases. Costly and labor consuming, remedial chemical cleaning protocols currently used produce considerable hazardous waste (Ye Yi, R. et al, 2002). Laboratory and field testing was used to determine materials interaction and proof of concept prior deployment and study onboard a functioning military test ship. I2 VP was shown to reduce the formation of biological foul and increase the period between physical cleanings while maintaining acceptable system parameters.