CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS (cleaning pipes or tubes in general B08B9/02; devices or arrangements for removing water, minerals, or sludge from boilers while the boiler is in operation, or which remain in position while the boiler is in operation, or are specifically adapted to boilers without any other utility F22B37/48; removal or treatment of combustion products or combustion residues F23J; removing ice from heat-exchange apparatus F28F17/00)

Description

F28G covers apparatus and methods for removing fouling, scale, deposits, and other contaminants from the interior or exterior surfaces of heat-exchange conduits, including boiler tubes, pipes, and similar thermal transfer systems. This classification encompasses mechanical cleaning devices (brushes, scrapers, sponge balls), chemical cleaning processes, and combined approaches designed to maintain heat transfer efficiency and system integrity. It applies to both in-service cleaning operations and maintenance procedures for industrial heat exchangers, steam generators, and related equipment. Adjacent classes F28D (heat exchangers) and F22B (steam generation) address the heat-exchange devices themselves, while F28G focuses specifically on their cleaning and surface maintenance.