Hydrokinetics
Conventional cleaning methods to remove foulants are often as time-consuming as they are ineffectual. Worse still, they can damage process equipment and pose a variety of safety concerns. With patented and proven sonic resonance technology, Hydrokinetics can blast through conventional limitations.
Our patented Hydrokinetics cleaning technology for cleaning the ID of industrial tubulars and piping is based on the introduction of sonic resonance into the cleaning water stream. The sonic resonance safely transfers to both the tube and/or pipe and the fouling material which resonate at different frequencies thus breaking the bond between them. This process will be repeated as needed until the entire length of tube/pipe is cleaned with the Hydrokinetics tool.
In addition, we may use a projectile or plugging device to remove the film like substance from the tube or pipe wall as required. These plugging devices (similar to pipeline pigs) are made of materials that will not harm the integrity of the tube or pipe material.
Hydrokinetics how it works
The patented Hydrokinetics process is based on ultrasonics or sonic resonance, offering a more efficient, cost effective, ecological and safer method of clearing fouled pipes and tubes as compared to traditional methods such as hydroblasting, baking, chemical cleaning, drilling or brushing. In addtion the Hydrokinetics process signifcantly reduces or elimintaes much of the scaffolding, disassembly and reassembly required with conventional methods which translate into huge savings
Long lengths, multiple bends and tough fouling
Hydrokinetics requires only a few feet of working area but can handle the biggest challenges, including miles of industrial piping. Whether the pipe is below grade or above grade and has multiple 180-degree tight bends, Hydrokinetics can effectively clear fully choked lines or residual film like scale on the pipe wall. With Hydrokinetics, fewer or no line breaks are required which means we focus on decimating your downtime allowing you to get online and producing faster.
Straight tubes, U-tubes, fin fans or oddly shaped bundles
Hydrokinetics can effectively clean a wide range of foulants from heat excahngers, Wheteher you have straight tube bundles, fin fans, U-tubes or just oddly shaped bundles, with Hydrokinetics we're able to clean in situ regardless of wheteher your equipment is vertical, horizontal or in a confined space. A fraction of the setup time, cleaning time and labour is required versus conventional methods which means you get back online faster.
Less downtime and more production translates to millions in savings. Our Hydrokinetics option typically saves 50% of the cleaning time required usng traditional methods. With none or fewer line breaks and with little or no scaffoding required we can be in and out before others get started.
Traditional cleaning versus Hydrokinetics
| Traditional | Hydrokinetics | |
| Plastics Facility/200-ft. pipe | 36 hours | 12 hours |
| Polyethylene unit/tubular reactor | 250 hours | 36 hours |
| Elastomer plant/plastic polymer line | 48 hours | 4 hours |
| Polyethylene plant/1,800 feet of process piping | 1 week | 1 hour |
| High-Pressure Off Gas Line* | 60 hours | 4 hours |
| Reactor Tails Line** | 96 hours | 4 hours |
Figures above are pulled from actual case studies.
* Saved customer 5 mechanical days
** Saved customer 7 mechanical days
Challenging Fouling Material
Hydrokinetics has proven effective for the removal of a wide range of foulants including but not limited to:
| Asphalt | Black Iron |
| Calcium Carbonate | Cement |
| Coke | Crude Oil |
| Latex | Mill Scale |
| NORM Scale | Nylon |
| Polycarbonates | Polyethylenes |
| Polypropylenes | Poly Wax |
| Pulp | Styrene |
| Sulphates | Sulphur |
Hydrokinetics a safer option for people and equipment
Hydrokinetics is by far the safest foulant-removal method available on the market. With more than 20 years and thousands of man-hours, we've never had a lost-time accident.
The process is isolated from the technician and operated remotely, inducing a frequency vibration through the blockage. No harsh chemicals or high-pressure streams of water—good for both employees and equipment. Hydrokinetics is also ideal for cleaning tubes where sparks pose a risk.
A significantly minimized amount of wastewater and fouling material is extruded at the opposite end of the pipeline or tube into a containment basin, far away from technicians and workers.
What's more, there's no risk of damage to operational equipment. The sonic vibration only takes a few milliseconds to complete and the tube or pipe being cleared is exposed to the sonic wave for only a fraction of the process time. The maximum frequency is 11,250 vibrations per minute—far below the number of cycles per second needed to cause metal fatigue even in soft metals such as copper-nickel alloys or copper.
Hydrokinetics has safely and successfully cleared bundles and piping composed of the following materials:
| Admiralty Alloy Types | Aluminum |
| Black Iron | Bronze |
| Carbon | Copper |
| Copper-Nickel Alloys | Fiberglass |
| Hastelloy® C | Inconel |
| Mild Steel | PVC |
| Stainless Steel (all types) |
Hydrokinetics the environmentally sound solution
Hydrokinetics uses no chemicals whatsoever—nothing but pressurised water and highly effective sonic pulses to clear fouling. So effective, in fact, that we finish the job in a fraction of the time, with less use of motorized equipment and far less water than conventional methods.
Less water consumed means less effluent discharged. This in turn translates into huge savings with reduced effluent disposal and treatment costs.