Sonic Sootblower EPC

Model: EPC-170
Product Name: Explosion Pulse Cleaning (EPC) System
Manufacturer: USER MÜHENDİSLİK

Application Area: Removal of slag and ash from boilers, tube bundles, economizers, and other high-temperature surfaces

1. GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The EPC (Explosion Pulse Cleaning) system is an advanced cleaning technology developed to remove stubborn slag and ash deposits that adhere tightly to internal surfaces. It works by producing high-intensity shock waves and sound pressure of up to 170 dB, with 4–10 pulses per second and a cleaning range up to 10 meters. EPC operates efficiently even in extreme environments up to 1500°C.

2. OPERATING PRINCIPLE

Two different gases (compressed air and fuel gas) pass through a series of measurement and control valves and are mixed in a dedicated mixing chamber at an optimal ratio. This mixture is:

  • Ignited by high-voltage spark plugs within milliseconds,
  • Rapidly expands and exits through the nozzle at Mach ≥ 1,
  • Producing a shock wave that is directed into the boiler volume to dislodge deposits.

Pulse Interval: 5–15 seconds
Pulse Frequency: 4–10 pulses/second (6–90 bursts per cycle)

3. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Parameter

Value

Sound Pressure Level

>170 dB (C-weighted peak)

Operation Frequency

4–10 pulses per second

Effective Cleaning Range

Up to 10 meters

Max Flue Gas Temperature

1500°C

Gas Consumption

~0.4 g/pulse, ~4 g/s

Compressed Air Consumption

Approx. 50 Ndm³/s (during operation)

Ignition System

Spark plug (millisecond trigger timing)

Control System

PLC with touchscreen interface

Gas Sources

Industrial air and fuel gas

Mounting Type

Flanged / Direct integration to boiler walls

Module Quantity

Varies depending on application area

Automation

Fully programmable, remotely monitored

4. MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS

 

Component

Material

Actuator

AISI 316 / 

Horn

AISI 316 / 

5.THERMAL & MECHANICAL EFFECTS

Thermal Effects

  • Sudden pressure, temperature, and entropy fluctuations along shock wave path
  • Induces thermal fatigue and weakens adhesion of slag and ash layers
  • Layers separate due to stress from extreme thermal gradients

Mechanical Effects

  • Shock waves create push-pull oscillation in air, inducing scrubbing effect on surfaces
  • Sharp and narrow shock fronts generate high shear forces
  • Pressure fluctuations weaken molecular bonds in deposit layers
  • Reflections between tubes amplify internal damage in stubborn deposits
  • Energy penetrates deep into boiler via acoustic reflections

6. CLEANING PERFORMANCE

 

Deposit Type

Cleaning Efficiency

Non-sintered ash

High

Sintered slag

High

Resin/sticky deposits

⚠️ Limited

Note: Cleaning effectiveness depends on deposit type, geometry, and system configuration.

7. KEY ADVANTAGES

  • Online Cleaning: Operates while system is running – no shutdown required
  • Fully Automated: Operates on programmable PLC cycles
  • Wide Area Impact: Acoustic wave penetrates deep and inaccessible regions
  • Non-destructive: No corrosion, erosion, or mechanical abrasion
  • Compact Design: Space-efficient, easy to install
  • Custom Engineering: Tailored EPC design based on field parameters

8. PROJECT DESIGN & DELIVERY

Each EPC system is designed by USER MÜHENDİSLİK based on the following parameters:

  • Surface dimensions (height, width, depth)
  • Flue gas temperature
  • Particle type, density, and adhesion behavior
  • Internal structure of the boiler or application environment

A fully engineered, tailor-made EPC configuration is provided for installation and commissioning.

NOTE:

This datasheet provides general technical specifications. For project-specific CAD drawings, acoustic simulations, installation diagrams, or performance studies, please contact USER MÜHENDİSLİK directly.