Abstract: A method and system utilizing a mobile cleaning unit for providing cleaning of heat exchanger tube bundles. The mobile cleaning unit utilizes a pressurized seal positioned about top door of the cleaning enclosure to provide a fluid and vapor lock of the cleaning enclosure. An oxygen purging system of the cleaning enclosure, the cleaning fluid reservoir, and the control panels provides additional safety. The mobile cleaning unit can use cleaning fluid produced at the facility site and return the cleaning fluid to the facility site for reprocessing after the heat exchanger tube bundles are cleaned.

Abstract: A heat exchanger comprises a plurality of heat exchange tubes inserted into a cleaning device. The cleaning device has the effect of movably scraping the dirt or dust accumulated in an outer side of each heat exchange tube, and a watering device is provided for spraying water to lower the temperature of the heat exchange tubes and to clean the heat exchange tubes. The cleaning device cooperates with the watering device to scrap the dirt or dust accumulated in the heat exchange tubes, clean and lower the temperature of the heat exchange tubes, so as to prevent the dirt or dust from being accumulated in the heat exchange tubes, improve the radiating effect of the heat exchange tubes and save the energy.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning crevices between a plurality of tubes and a plurality of tube support plates supporting the tubes in a steam generator. The steps include filling a secondary side of the steam generator with a solvent to a first level above a first tube support plate to be cleaned, draining the solvent to a second level lower than the first tube support plate, and refilling the secondary side of the steam generator with the solvent to a third level above the first tube support plate. A cleaning system is also provided.

Abstract: A cryopump regeneration method includes a temperature raising step of raising the temperature of a cryopanel so as to vaporize gas molecules condensed on the exhaust surface of the cryopanel, an evacuation step of evacuating a pump vessel, a determination step of determining whether the internal pressure of the pump vessel has reached a set pressure higher than the water vapor pressure at 0° C., a pressure rise test step of stopping the evacuation and performing a pressure rise test, and an observation step of observing residual water based on the internal pressure of the pump vessel.

Abstract: A regenerative heat exchanger for gas streams in heat exchange with one another, the heat exchange occurring via a buffer continuously immersed in all participating gas streams, which is cleanable by a pivotable blowing arm carrying spray nozzles on its free end, a bearing axis of the blowing arm being situated axially parallel to the flow direction of the gas streams in the area of the buffer and its imaginary extension penetrating the buffer, the buffer forming an axis of symmetry for two blowing arms, lying in a mirror image opposite to one another, each having at least one nozzle each for compressed air and for pressurized water.

Abstract: A system for assuring subsea hydrocarbon production flow in pipelines by chilling the hydrocarbon production flow in a heat exchanger and causing solids to form, periodically removing deposits and placing them in a slurry utilizing a closed loop pig launching and receiving systems.

Abstract: A self-cleaning, shell and tube type heat exchanger using a solid particle-water supply system. The heat exchanger includes solid particle supplying means for storing and supplying solid particles to be used in cleaning the heat exchanger tubes, and water supply means for fluidizing the solid particles stored in the solid particle supplying means so as to supply the solid particles into a mixed fluid discharging means, or for directly supplying water to the mixed fluid discharging means. The mixed fluid discharging means sucks the supplied solid particles and water, and sprays the supplied solid particles and water as a mixed fluid from above the vertical heat transfer tube arrangement such that inside surface of the heat transfer tubes can be cleaned. Separating means separates the mixed fluid used in cleaning the heat transfer tubes into solid particles and water, using a gravitational separation method.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning heat exchanger tubes and in particular an improved collection system for nuclear generator cleaning and blasting media and deposit material. A suction line having a downwardly directed suction inlet is effective to vacuum airborne media and debris in said chamber and vacuum media and debris deposited on the bottom of said chamber below said suction inlet. A hopper, air jet and shaker means are provided to transport deposited media and debris toward the suction inlet. Breaker and partition means are provided to reduce back-streaming of debris into heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, this system is found within a kitchen hood, such as those found in restaurants, used to remove excess cooking heat and grease. Building fire safety and sanitation codes mandate routine hood maintenance to maintain fire safety, operator comfort and workplace sanitation. Conventional maintenance can be very messy, time consuming and quite expensive. In an exemplary embodiment, the hood is fabricated to incorporate an integral heat exchanger which further creates a trough housing a grease extraction device. The exchanger and trough are located in such a manner that collected heat and/or grease may be removed from the exhaust air stream and further fabricated to permit automatic and/or semi automatic cleaning of both devices and trough. This invention improves fire safety and sanitation, saves time and reduces maintenance costs. Cleaning is achieved using less energy and keeps the heat exchanger at peak efficiency to further enhance energy savings.

Abstract: A method of cleaning sludge from the tube sheet (34) of a nuclear steam generator (10) includes introducing a moveable sludge lance (76) said moveable sludge lance having duel lance heads (77) through handholes (62) in the side of the generator and into a central tube lane (60) having a central stay rod (61) and sludge lancing with high pressure fluid through the row 1 tubes (85) in the tube lane, where the distance (200) between the dual lance heads (77) is wide enough to allow the dual lance heads to extend beyond the central stay rod (61).

Abstract: A heat exchanger vessel (1) comprises a tubular outer shell (2) in which a bundle of heat exchanging tubes (7) is arranged, which bundle of heat exchanger tubes is coupled to an inlet (9) and outlet (10) for a first fluid, such as high-pressure natural gas, and the tubular outer shell (2) comprises at least one inlet (13,14) and at least one outlet (16) for a second fluid, such as seawater, wherein at least one inlet (14) for the second fluid is provided with particle injection means for injecting cleaning particles into the space between the outer surfaces of the heat exchanger tubes (7) and the inner surface of the tubular shell (2) of the heat exchanger vessel (1) and at least one outlet (16) for the second fluid is connected to means for removing particles from the second fluid and for recirculating particles to at least one inlet (14) of the second fluid.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed for evaluating and monitoring performance of a heat exchanger system. Operating parameters of the system are monitored and fouling factors for heat transfer surfaces of the exchanger are determined. Trending of fouling may be performed over time based upon the fouling factors, and a model of fouling may be selected from known sets of models, or a model may be developed or refined. Fluid treatment, such as water treatment regimes may be taken into account in evaluation of fouling. An automated knowledge based analysis algorithm may diagnose possible caused of fouling based upon sensed and observed parameters and conditions. Corrective actions may be suggested and the system controlled to reduce, avoid or correct for detected fouling.

Abstract: A cooling system for a work machine is disclosed. The cooling system has a heat exchanger pivotally connected along a pivot axis. The cooling system also has a first fluid conduit and a second fluid conduit. The first fluid conduit is connected to a first end of the heat exchanger at the pivot axis. The second fluid conduit is connected to the heat exchanger at a second end opposite the first end.

Abstract: A machine includes a heat exchanger for an engine having a heat exchanger core and a filtration system. The filtration system includes a flexible filter sheet coupled with at least one take-up roller and a filter cleaner adapted to clean the filter via compressed air. A method of operating a machine cooling system includes rotating a rotatable drive element coupled with a filter, and cleaning the filter by directing compressed air therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A vessel wall separates a vessel exterior from a vessel interior and has a wall aperture. The apparatus comprises an elongate conduit having an upstream first end and a downstream second end. The conduit is positioned to direct a shock wave from the second end into the vessel interior. A source of fuel and oxidizer is coupled to the conduit to deliver the fuel and oxidizer to the conduit. An initiator is positioned to initiate a combustion of the fuel and oxidizer. The conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion downstream of the first portion. The second portion is extensible and contractible relative to the first portion to selectively position the second end at a desired location within the vessel. The conduit downstream end comprises a centerbody positioned to direct the shock wave essentially axisymmetrically.

Abstract: A method and device for removing scaling from the interior of a conduit used in a heat transfer device, the method comprising the steps of diverting a portion of the fluid from the conduit, passing the diverted portion through a filter, passing the filtered portion through a magnetic field, and reintroducing the fluid into the conduit. The method of the present invention can also be used with chillers to control bacterial growth therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat exchanger unit that can save space, even when performing air conditioning in addition to ventilation. The heat exchanger unit performs heat exchange ventilation with a supply air channel flowing from an outdoor space to an indoor space and an exhaust air channel flowing from the indoor space to the outdoor space and includes an optical deodorization portion and a first blowing portion. The optical deodorization portion is provided so as to be linked to at least the indoor space and performs air conditioning with a circulation channel. The circulation channel is provided in the vicinity of either the supply air channel or the exhaust air channel. The first blowing portion includes a double-suction first impeller having a first suction inlet and a second suction inlet. Here, one of the supply air channel and the exhaust air channel that is provided in the vicinity of the circulation channel is provided at the first suction inlet side of the first impeller.

Abstract: A machine having a heat exchanger system includes a heat exchanger guard including first and second sidewalls. The first sidewall is adjacent a core of the heat exchanger system. A first slot adapter is positioned over an opening formed in the first sidewall. The first slot adapter is vertically oriented and includes a first slot opening for receiving a compressed air cleaning wand therethrough. A cover is fixedly attached to the first slot adapter and is movable between an open position and a closed position.

Abstract: A radiator assembly includes a finned radiator core and a debris removing apparatus having a compressed air inlet and at least one compressed air outlet configured to direct compressed air through the radiator core. A work machine such as a wheel loader includes a radiator and a debris removing apparatus coupled with on-board compressed air and having at least one pressurized gas outlet configured to direct a gas toward the face of the radiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the prevention of fouling of process streams by the application of electric charge on process components. The electric charge may be attractive or repulsive to the foulants, they may be constant or variable and may be applied to any section of the process stream where convenient and wherein their preventive effects are optimized.

Abstract: A device and method to perform on-line automatic flushing and cleaning for a steam turbine generator condenser, related with technology for flushing and cleaning of equipment during steam turbine generator operation, the apparatus includes: a polar coordinate traveling mechanical system, including one computer program polar coordinate control unit, which will control the servo motors to position the high-pressure water jet on the opening for Copper tube (or Titanium tube); the benefit for the invention is that, the polar coordinate traveling mechanical system move the high-pressure water jet to flush and clean each Copper tube (or Titanium tube) on condenser tube plate, to realize high-pressure water cleaning for each pipe during operation of generator, therefore, the heat exchanging efficient can be increased, further to reduce the consumption of coal for steam turbine generator, and archive the aim to saving coal, and reduction in generating cost.

Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility (31) such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives (101) to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.

Abstract: A heat-dissipation device having a dust-disposal mechanism for removing dust from cooling metallic fins is provided, which includes a heat-conducting module and a dust-disposal mechanism. The heat-conducting module has a plurality of metallic fins arranged in the same direction and apart with a gap formed therebetween. The dust-disposal mechanism has a cleaning unit corresponding to the metallic fins so as to insert into the gap between the metallic fins and clear or absorb the dust accumulated on the metallic fins, thereby enhancing the cooling efficiency of the heat-conducting module.

Abstract: A cooling water circulation apparatus capable of limiting attachment of microorganisms and scale in an environmentally friendly manner and a method of removing scale in the cooling water circulation apparatus. An electrolytic device 10 is provided on a cooling water circulation route R1. In the arrangement, mineral contents such as calcium ions and magnesium ions contained in cooling water W are deposited as scale S on an electrode 12A or 12B in an electrolytic step, thereby enabling the mineral contents to be removed from the cooling water W. Even if the hardness of the cooling water W is increased by evaporation of the water with elapse of time, the hardness can be reduced by the electrolytic processing. Thus, the deposition of the scale S in the circulation route R1 can be reduced. Further, the scale S deposited on the electrode 12A or 12B can be easily separated by operating while reversing the polarities of the electrodes 12A and 12B at predetermined time intervals.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a heat exchanger such as a condenser of an air conditioning system on a vehicle, for pivotal movement between an operational position and a position angularly related to the operational position, for such purposes as inspection, cleaning, service and maintenance, the apparatus being configured for holding the heat exchanger in the operational position, and for guiding and controlling movement thereof to the tilted position, and holding the heat exchanger in the tilted position.

Abstract: A prepackaged, peroxide-based, cleaning composition is described which is suitable for on-site dilution, and for cleaning substrates such as air conditioner coils.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device and method for removing ash from an interior surface of a radiant synthesis gas cooler. The device for removing ash includes a rapper actuator, a striker pin coupled to the rapper actuator including a proximal end and a distal end, and a striker target assembly disposed such that a proximal surface of the striker target assembly is in contact with the distal end of the striker pin and a distal surface is in contact with the surface of the radiant synthesis gas cooler.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has an exchanging assembly and a cleaning assembly. The exchanging assembly has multiple exchanging tubes. Each exchanging tube has an outer tube and an inner tube inserted into the outer tube. The cleaning assembly is connected to the exchanging assembly and has a front connecting board, a rear connecting board, a moving board, multiple brushing elements and a drive device. The moving board is mounted movably on the exchanging tubes between the connecting boards. The brushing elements are mounted in the moving board and contact with the exchanging tubes. The drive device is mounted with the connecting boards and the moving board to drive the moving board to move along the exchanging tubes.

Abstract: A curved scraper blade for a scraped-surface heat exchanger pivots about an axis off the centerline of the blade. The profile of the blade is chosen to provide a low initial scrape angle and to change gradually if at all as the blade wears away in service. The off-center pivot placement allows scraped material to flow between the blade and the drive shaft. Several materials are suitable for the blade, including PEEK thermoplastic.

Abstract: A device is coupled to a heat exchanger for mitigating fouling by applying a mechanical force to a fixed heat exchanger to excite a vibration in the heat exchange surface and produce shear waves in the fluid adjacent the heat exchange surface while the heat exchanger is in operation. An electromagnetic driven impulse device induces vibration onto heat exchanger tubes and/or an acoustic wave through the liquid service fluid to reduce fouling. The device can be mounted directly onto the outer part or piping and produces acoustical/vibrational modes onto the tube or near the surface of tubes.

Abstract: An apparatus removing material accumulated on the exterior surfaces of adjacent heat exchanger plates arranged side-by-side in a spaced relationship in a bulk material heat exchanger and a bulk material heat exchanger incorporating the apparatus is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus develops vibratory shock waves through each coil to dislodge material that has accumulated on the surfaces of the heat exchanger plates. In another aspect, the apparatus translates each heat exchanger plate in a sequential back-and-forth motion to create a shearing effect in material that has accumulated between the adjacent surfaces of heat exchanger plates. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a driven cam and a cam follower, where the cam or cam follower includes a profile to achieve the desired motion of each heat exchanger plate.

Abstract: A method of replacing fluid in an automotive system requires interconnecting a radiator fill port of the radiator with a first external tank through a closed control valve, disconnecting an upper hose from an upper radiator port and reconnecting the upper hose to a second external tank containing a replacement fluid. The system is sealed so that fluids are constrained for movement only within and between the engine, radiator and external tanks through the various hoses. When a pressure differential is applied within the system, fluid is forced from the automotive system into the first external tank, while automatically refilling the automotive system with the replacement fluid from the second external tank.

Abstract: A gravity pressure vessel (GPV) for processing a fluid stream containing organic materials provides several improvements to the art. In one embodiment, a GPV of the present invention sustains the heat energy requirements of a hydrolysis GPV by including therein, a first reaction chamber for conducting an exothermic reaction, and subsequently providing a second reaction chamber for hydrolysis of certain organic materials refractory to the exothermic reaction. Another embodiment provides for the perpetual cleaning of the heat transfer surfaces of the GPV. Still another embodiment provides for selective alteration of a hydrolysis reaction within a GPV independent of the flow of the fluid stream through the GPV.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a plurality of parallel-oriented plates or layers securely fixed between two outer walls or frames to define between adjacent plates an area of sealed passages for two heat exchanging fluids, channel or duct means for conducting a hot medium and a cold medium respectively over the layers such that the flow of hot and cold medium takes place in an in-line and a counter-flow fashion, and an external return bend means providing a transfer of the respective medium from one layer to another. Each of the channel means are defined by a pair of layers disposed one next to the other, by straight or directional baffle means, and an internal return bend means located between the adjacent layers.

Abstract: This invention provides a thermal energy system comprising a heat exchanger for transferring thermal energy between a source and a load, the heat exchanger having a primary side associated with the source, and a secondary side for conducting a fluid associated with the load, wherein the secondary side of the heat exchanger is passively back-flushed upon consumption of a portion of the fluid. Passive back-flushing prevents fouling of the heat exchanger due to sediments, scale,and mineral deposits which may be present in the circulating fluid.

Abstract: A fan coil controller for a hot and cold water system of a building that turns off the fan while the hot water and cold water coils are flushed. A fan coil control circuit is configured to periodically and temporarily operate a hot water flow control circuit and a cold water flow control circuit to cause a flushing of the hot and cold water system and simultaneously provide a signal to a fan control circuit to prevent the thermostat enabling the fan during flushing of the hot and cold water system.

Abstract: A device for mechanically cleaning a grooves used to hold a rotor or a stator winding of an electric machine includes an axially moveable device carrier and at least one cleaning tool connected to the device carrier and extending radially from the device carrier into the groove. In addition, a corresponding method includes the steps of radially moving at least one cleaning tool connected to a device carrier so as to mechanically remove impurities on a wall section of the groove, axial advancing of the device carrier in a manner adapted to the radial movement of the at least one cleaning tool, and setting the dimensional tolerance range for the groove by adjusting the cleaning tool. The device and the method are suitable for cleaning grooves into which a new winding is to be installed in an existing laminated body, for example, in the case of the retrofitting of generators.

Abstract: In a system for cleaning tubes of tube-bundle type heat exchangers including a plurality of tubes (5) arranged in parallel between two chambers (10a, 10b) and flown through by a fluid medium, in particular crude oil, at a temperature above 120° C., wherein, for cleaning the tubes (5), deposits on their inner walls, such as coking, dirt particles or the like, are detached by cleaning bodies passing through the tubes (5), and carried out of the tubes (5), for cleaning the inner wall of the plurality of tubes (5) of the heat exchanger during the operation of the heat exchanger (10), it is provided that the cleaning bodies (1a–1h) are formed in such a way that they are resistant to high temperatures (above 120° C.

Abstract: An apparatus has a body with first and second faces, an inboard surface bounding a central aperture, an outboard perimeter, and an array of bolt holes between the first and second faces. A channel is inboard of the bolt holes and first and second ports communicate with the channel. The apparatus may be used as a cooling flange in a detonative cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A method for thawing and removing frozen material from a cryogenic separation unit such as that found in an olefin production plant comprising employing a flushing agent to thaw and remove the frozen material, purging the flushing agent with a gas, and removing residual flushing agent with a solvent that is miscible with the flushing agent and has a freezing temperature substantially lower than the flushing agent.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning tubing using cleaning balls (20) circulated with the fluid through tubing (8). The system includes a separator (12) having a perforated funnel, which permits the fluid, but not the cleaning balls (20), to pass through. A housing (21) having an apertured partition (28) is used to divide the housing (21) into an first compartment (19) and a second compartment (27). An entrance (2) of a fluid supply pipe (23) and an exit (3) of a ball supply pipe (24) are formed for creating a difference in pressure to create a suction force to recirculate the cleaning balls (20) from the housing (21) via the ball supply pipe (24), back to the tubing (8) for cleaning the walls of the tubing (8). An entrance (13) of a ball return pipe (17) and an exit (14) of a fluid return pipe (16) are formed for creating a difference in pressure to create a suction force to recirculate the cleaning balls (20) from the separator (12) via the ball return pipe (17), into the housing (21).

Abstract: This cleaning system includes a compressor driven by a motor, a condenser; a cooling fan for directing an air stream at the condenser during normal operation, a motor drive system for driving the fan, and a timing device for reversing the rotational direction of the fan motor to direct the stream of cooling air away from the condenser to remove debris collected on the condenser and clean the condenser during a cleaning cycle. The fan is driven by drive system having a solid state commutated motor or a drive system having a reversible permanent split capacitor motor. The timing device includes a timer for controlling the time periods during the normal operation (cooling) cycle and during the cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A waste heat recovery system includes: a tank; heat exchange pipes connected with one another in the form of a ‘S’ shape in multiple steps inside the tank and having city water flow pipes bound up into a bundle; circulation leading plates mounted between the heat exchange pipes for inducing a flow of waste water; movable nozzles mounted on the circulation leading plates and connected with a high pressure water pipe for spraying high pressure water onto the surface of the heat exchange pipe or having a brush for cleaning the surface of the heat exchange pipe; a nozzle driving part for driving the movable nozzle by means of a driving motor; and waste water inlet and outlet for flowing hot waste water from the upper portion to the lower portion of the tank and city water inlet and outlet for flowing city water from the lower portion to the upper portion of the tank.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.

Abstract: A portable apparatus and method for chemically cleaning a single pass plate and frame heat exchanger allows the cleaning solution to be uniformly distributed across the plate pack. This portable system of one pump of preferably 10-horsepower, capable of 300 gallons per minute flow through a discharge port; at least two distribution/collection tubes with apertures of predetermined diameter and predetermined placement; one reversing manifold; two bag filters; and one circulation tank with a capacity at least on the order of 150 to 200 gallons; attaches to a single pass plate and frame heat exchanger. The single pass plate and frame heat exchanger is configured with at least two removable flanges that, once removed, allow for the installation of the distribution/collection tubes. The apertures in the distribution/collection tubes are placed facing downwards depending upon the direction of the operational fluid to enhance a vacuuming effect for particle and debris removal during cleaning.

Abstract: An agricultural machine is described with a screen for protecting a part of a cooling system of a motor mounted on the agricultural machine, the screen being mounted in its operational position adjacent the cooling system, wherein the screen is movable from the operational position next to the cooling system of the motor to a position in which the screen lies outside the envelope defining the outer form of the agricultural machine, the screen being hingedly connected to the agricultural machine so that the initial trajectory of the screen is horizontal and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the agricultural machine, and that a further second trajectory of the screen is horizontal and substantially circular, having its centre of curvature on or adjacent a first hinge position.

Abstract: In a system for cleaning tubes of heat exchangers flown through by a fluid medium, in particular crude oil, having a temperature in excess of 120° C., wherein, for cleaning a tube, deposits such as dirt particles or the like adhering to its inner wall are detached by cleansing off and carried out of the tube, for cleaning the inner wall of the heat exchanger tubes during the operation of the heat exchanger, it is provided that cleaning bodies withstanding high temperatures (in excess of 120° C.

Abstract: The ball trap of the present invention is configured for connection in a pipeline such that the main flow path of the fluid in the pipeline passes through the ball trap. The ball trap includes a sieve conduit with a safety-release sieve gate. The sieve gate is displaceable between a closed position, in which cleaning balls are trapped in the ball trap, and an open position, in which the impedance of the fluid flowing in the pipeline is lowered. The system is configured such that the gate is normally in the closed position and may be displaced to the open position for cleaning purposes or in response to a predetermined pressure differential between the upstream and downstream sides of the sieve conduit.

Abstract: A horizontal rooftop engine cooling system includes one or more radiator units horizontally mountable to the rooftop of a bus and including a radiator interconnected to one or more passages of an engine of the bus to allow coolant to flow between the engine and the rooftop cooling system to cool the engine. The cooling system can incorporate a fan mounting shroud, a ram-air aerodynamic shroud, and/or an ornamental aesthetic appearance shroud.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for protecting personnel required to work inside of a heat exchanger unit when the cooling air fan has been taken out service for maintenance or repair of the fan or other mechanical equipment, while hot fluid continues to flow through the heat exchanger tubes, and adjacent heat exchanger units continue to operate. An inflatable heat shield is inserted into the out of service heat exchanger unit, and inflated therein to block the convective heat generated by the hot fluid and the adjacent operating units from reaching the personnel working inside the heat exchanger unit.