Heat Exchanger World November 2022 | Page 19

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Hvac Cleaning

companies can carry out the work themselves or a robotic duct cleaning service can typically be provided by the same robot technology equipment provider . Such a company is JettyRobot based in Prague , Czech Republic . JettyRobot is a company dedicated to and specialised in the development of robots working in HVAC duct and pipe environments . A specialised robot can carry out a wide range of complex tasks :

• Real-time inspection ( pre- & post-cleaning )

• Ultra-efficient cleaning

• Disinfection

• Dust , rust and debris removal

• Old coating removal

• Duct coating , sealing & ( pipe ) lining

• Defectoscopy

• Repairs

Robots were originally developed to clean HVAC ducts . They can also be employed to clean industrial exhausts in a multitude of different industries and environments , such as :

• Automotive

• Metal casting ( foundries )

• Welding facilities

• Engineered wood production

• Paint shops and coating plants

• Metal processing

• Food processing

• Rubber production

• Distillery

• Foam processing

Pipes operating in the power generation , Oil & Gas as well as waste water industries can also be inspected , cleaned ( even abrasive blast cleaned ) and re-coated using robot technology . Industrial exhausts and pipes will not be discussed in detail in this article . The focus shall be HVAC ducts . The robots used in HVAC duct cleaning are characterised by having a number of common components ( See Table 1 ). They can then be modified for the specific task or project through a series of accessories , however is it self-evident that not all robots are created equal .

The quality of design and manufacture as well as robotic functionality and ‘ operational agility ’ allow the ultimate user of this state-of-the-art technology to differentiate between devices and select the best robot for their project . A uniquely designed belt robot based on space technology will clean air conditioning ducts , commercial kitchen and industrial vents , and in fact any spaces where cleaning is arduous or impossible without dismantling of the ductwork with an extremely high degree of efficiency and effectiveness . These robots offer many advantages compared to traditional duct cleaning methods and even to standard robotic cleaning technology .

JettyRobot advantages :

• Quick set-up – compact , modular design

• Easy operation at a distance – using a control panel and 100-metre-long umbilical ( 328 ft )

• High torque pulling force ( power ) and excellent manoeuvrability in tight spaces

• HD camera-recorded cleaning process – front and rear

• Environment-friendly cleaning process using dry ice - possible to clean without aggressive chemicals

• Efficient release of contamination using state-of-theart technology

• Gentle cleaning processing and low service weight device – no damage to ductwork

• Disinfection of ducts possible

• Rotary brush tool still available as well as vacuum device

• Accessories can be custom-designed and added as required – pneumatic scraper , UVC-light wand

• Stability in service

• Suitability for all duct shapes

Two of the above-mentioned advantages worthy of more detail are the robots ’ stability in service and their suitability for all duct shapes . JettyRobots are centred in and “ propped ” ( pneumatically locked ) against the side of the duct , generating sufficient stability to even allow for the use of high pressure cleaning methods . The JettyRobots ’ multi-tracked body allows it to expand ( under pneumatic pressure ) to the required size of the duct and easily pass through , inspect and clean circular , rectangular or square-shaped ducts in both horizontal and vertical planes ; they can also handle slopes , as well as negotiate S-shaped ducting and various turns . These specialised robots offer great safety ( technicians do not have to enter dangerous areas removing the need for confined space working ), and greater accessibility ( the whole system is cleaned , even areas normally inaccessible to maintenance personnel ). They also improve efficiency as robotic cleaning is faster and more effective than manual cleaning , generating additional labour and operational cost savings . Use of dry ice means that the risk of leaks during cleaning normally associated with chemical solutions or water is reduced to zero ; HVAC ducts are not normally sealed . There is also no need to remove the contaminated water . The ductwork does not require disassembly – the

• Umbilical - power & control cables for communication

• Specialist hoses for : blasting media , dry ice , high pressure water etc .

JettyRobot with vacuum attachment . Table 1 www . heat-exchanger-world . com Heat Exchanger World November 2022

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