On the other hand, the careful elimination of fouling from inside of the tubing is important for a high vacuum in the condenser and thereby for the optimal efficiency of the energy generation through water vapour.
[7] To avoid economic losses caused by shutdowns, Josef Taprogge invented a continuously working cleaning system which kept the condenser free from fouling during the operation of the steam turbine.
During the time of the German Wirtschaftswunder, the process which was marketed and further developed by Taprogge GmbH was widespread and very well received in the power stations due to its efficiency.
[10] The patented process[11] uses sponge rubber balls which are injected into the cooling water flow (1) before it enters into the condenser.
To inject the balls into the cycle, a pressure vessel with detachable cover is installed downstream of the pump.
The process works continuously and the tubes remain free of mud, algae, bacteria and scaling.
The screen surfaces are arranged on shafts with pivoted bearings and can be turned on demand to have fouling removed by the water flow.
In the 1970s, the product range was extended by backwash filters to protect the heat exchangers and condensers from macro fouling, like stones, pieces of wood, fibres, plastic sheeting, and mussels.
In contrast to submarine rakes for seaborne matter, the stainless steel filter has no moving parts and masters biggest water flows.