Method and apparatus for flushing x-ray tube heat exchanger

The present invention relates to cleaning heat exchangers and is particularly related to a method and apparatus for cleaning contaminants and particulates from the interior surfaces of the heat exchanger. The present invention finds particular application in conjunction with heat exchangers for x-ray tubes and will be described with particular respect thereto. A method for cleaning the interior of a heat exchanger includes connecting the heat exchanger () to a fluid supply () and fluid delivery system (). Fluid flow is provided from the fluid supply () through the interior of the heat exchanger () in a first direction. The fluid flow is pulsed a predetermined number of times to change the pressure within the heat exchanger. The fluid flow is then pulsed a plurality of times through the heat exchanger in a second direction.