Abstract: A method for clearing natural gas service lines includes providing an independently operable vacuum clearing unit having a frame supporting a centrifugal blower, an internal combustion engine for operating the blower and a bag separator connected to an air intake on the blower. The blower is exhausted above the truck through an absolute (HEPA) filter. A drum top separator selectively mounted on the open upper end of one of a plurality of waste barrels releasably secured in fixed position on the truck is connected between the vacuum clearing unit and an inlet port accessible externally of the truck. The inlet port is connected by an elongated flexible service hose and a service hose adapter to a gas service line to be cleared. The vacuum clearing unit is then operated, thereby drawing any debris present in the gas line through the unit and into one of the plurality of waste barrels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cleaning compositions which, as powder or as aqueous formulation, comprise sodium bicarbonate and, as dispersants, polyaspartic acids and/or salts thereof, to the use of these cleaning compositions for the abrasive cleaning of hard surfaces, and also to a method of cleaning surfaces contaminated with deposits using these cleaning compositions.

Abstract: In the invention pickling process, steel and nickel or chromium alloys are pickled with an acidic pickling solution employing an oxidant, particularly hydrogen peroxide, and in which liquor is recirculated through inlets comprising a nozzle feeding liquor into a diffuser such that liquor is withdrawn from the bath and the volume of liquor flowing through the diffuser is a multiple of flow through the nozzle. Steel or the alloys are pickled with an acidic solution containing iron and free hydrogen peroxide at a concentration of up to 0.1 gpl. The process can operate effectively at a free fluoride concentration of from 20 to 30 gpl and a sulphuric acid concentration of from 80 to 110 gpl. The lifetime of the bath before it needs to be replaced can be lengthened by the process compared with using an air agitation system.

Abstract: A method for processing substrates such as semiconductor wafers (21) includes providing a chamber (12) having a production nozzle (26) and two cleaning nozzles (36, 41). During production intervals, a level of particles carried by gases exiting the chamber are measured by an in-situ particle monitor (53). If an abnormally high particle level is detected, a cleaning procedure is carried out during a nonproduction interval which exists between production intervals in a production mode. During this cleaning, the chamber is maintained at a low pressure by a vacuum pump (56), and a cleaning gas (GAS1) is supplied through valves (83, 103, 108) and mass flow controllers (81, 101, 106) to respective nozzles. The valves are controlled so as to pulse or modulate the flow of the cleaning gas to the nozzles.

Abstract: A chemical analyzing apparatus comprises a reaction cell holder which holds a plurality of reaction cells that are supplied with samples and reagents at a predetermined position, a measurer for measuring characteristics of the sample, a plurality of reagent containers, a liquid deliverer provided below each of the plurality of reagent containers, one or more sound wave generators provided outside the reaction cells, and storage containers for storing cleansing liquid with different contamination states. The cleansing liquid with different contamination states is reused according to the contamination levels of the reaction cells.

Abstract: A heated high pressure air and/or a high pressure water are spouted through nozzles. Therefore, the coated layer is removed without crushing the bumper unlike in the conventional method, and therefore, a plurality of process steps can be skipped. Thus the bulk of the apparatus can be reduced, the operating cost can be lowered, and the environment can be protected. The method for removing a coated layer includes the step of installing a bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer. Then the coated layer is removed from the bumper by spouting water and/or a pre-heated air to the bumper. Then the bumper is carried to a predetermined psition after removing the coated layer, and then the bumper is detached. The apparatus includes an installing/detaching means for installing/detaching the bumper to be subjected to a removal of the coated layer.

Abstract: A dump facility for RV sewage-containing tanks allows the tanks to be emptied in a simple and hygienic manner. A container which can receive a tank includes a connector for making a liquid tight seal with an outlet from the tank when it is received by the container. A flexible conduit is connected to the connector and transports sewage from the tank to a disposal location, and a spray head may be mounted to the connector to spray cleaning liquid into the tank within the container. The container is mounted for movement about a generally horizontal axis between the first position in which a tank may be readily inserted into the container, and a second position in which sewage from the tank may flow by gravity through the connector and the flexible conduit. Rotation of the tank about the axis may be provided manually or by a reversible powered element (such as a motor with associated sprockets and chain).

Abstract: A liquid displacement apparatus comprises a processing tank for placing a target object in its inside, a supply unit for supplying at least pure water into the processing tank from a lower part thereof, in which the pure water is drained by overflow from an upper part of the processing tank, and a drain unit disposed in the upper part of the processing tank for partially increasing a flow rate of the pure water in the processing tank.

Abstract: A chemical treatment apparatus including a treatment tank filled with chemical with which wafers are treated, and a jet pipe having chemical jetting holes which is provided at the bottom portion of the treatment tank and jets the chemical from the jetting holes thereof, the jetting holes containing at least first jetting holes for jetting the chemical upwardly and second jetting holes for jetting the chemical in a direction different from that of the first holes. The second direction is set to a direction within the range from the horizontal direction of the jet pipe to the obliquely downward direction at 45 degrees with respect to the horizontal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of the storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of liquids, such as crude oil, wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time, such apparatus comprising concentric hallow pipes, a spray nozzle for injecting a flushing fluid, and connecting means including a packing gland which allows the concentric pipes to be movably oriented inside a storage tank through a manway. With this construction, a flushing fluid can be sprayed into a sludge layer in the storage tank through the inner pipe and sludge/flushing fluid withdrawn through the annular region between the concentric pipes. The packing gland in the connecting means, and a second packing gland between the inner and outer pipes allows for independent movement of the pipes within the storage tank.

Abstract: A method of cleaning surfaces so as to remove dirt, buildup, paint, asbestos, coating materials, or any other buildup or layer from the surface using a high fluid pressure cleaning for removing coatings and buildup from hard, often porous, and generally unpermeable surfaces such as brick, concrete, limestone, masonry, stone, asphalt, etc. Specifically, the method of surface cleaning involves high pressure water dispensation, or non-caustic chemical and then high pressure water dispensation via a number of different sized, shaped, and usage housings that include at least one rotating jet for applying the high pressure cleaning water that thereafter vacuumed out of the housing after cleaning by a high suction vacuum where the housing includes one or more rows of annular or peripheral sealing means such as brushes, rubber seals, rubber wipers, or other similar flexible yet sealing instruments.

Abstract: During a rinsing stage a first quantity of water is accumulated in a buffer reservoir and the tank is rinsed. During a washing stage a second quantity of water is accumulated and the milk tank is washed. A first period of time used for accumulating the first quantity is measured. A second period of time is determined from the measured first period of time and either the first quantity and the second quantity or the ratio between the first quantity and the second quantity. During the washing stage water is supplied during the second period of time. A flexible and reliable method of dosing the second quantity of water essentially independently of the prevailing water pressure is obtained, which does not require a correspondingly large reservoir or any instruments specially provided for measuring the second quantity of water.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a transport belt of a machine for manufacturing a material web, in particular a paper or cardboard web, is provided which includes at least one cleaning nozzle working in conjunction with a suction chamber. Thus, the transport belt can be imparted upon with a cleaning medium; and a suction device that is connected to the suction chamber also acts on the transport belt. The device includes at least one auxiliary nozzle from which a treatment medium, preferably fluid, serving to clean the suction device can be introduced into at least one of the suction chamber and a suction line of the suction device.

Abstract: A method for removing a sludge from a crude oil tank while recovering hydrocarbons from the sludge. The method is carried in the crude oil tank. The sludge is studied to determine a preferred treatment fluid. Once the treatment fluid is in place in the tank, the contents are vigorously mixed and agitated. Subsequently, the contents of the tank are sampled and any recovered hydrocarbons are removed, followed by removal of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: An improved system for removing solids such as sand from hydrocarbon liquid and water separation vessels. A nozzle discharges a fluid stream for displacing the solids within the vessel interior through a valve or exit port. The nozzle can be manipulated to selectively control the fluid stream discharge placement. A controller positions the nozzle below the vessel to clear a port and valve above the nozzle. The controller can also position the nozzle within the vessel interior and can control the placement of the nozzle liquid discharge stream. This directional control efficiently directs the solids toward a discharge port and reduces inadvertent movement of the solids into oil buckets and other defined spaces within the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a liquid (2) containing suspendible solid matter from a tank (1) comprises a plurality of nozzles (47) located at the lower region of the tank. A pump (10) removes the liquid and ejects it through the nozzles (47) to cause resuspension of settled solid matter. When sufficient resuspension has occurred, the tank (1) is emptied by opening a valve to remove a portion of the liquid being transferred to the nozzles (47). The nozzles (47) are arranged as oppositely facing pairs ofjet nozzles at the lower end of a rotatable vertical pipe (46). The pump (10) is suspended by a cable (13) connected to a drum (19) which can be rotated to raise or lower the pump. A pump outlet (12) is connected to a flexible hose (27) which is wound around the drum (19) or around a separate drum (110). A movable containment flask (14) houses the drum (19) and accommodates the pump (10) when withdrawn from the tank (1).

Abstract: A method for removing a liquid from a container having a bowl and a flange, the bowl holding the liquid and containing a hydrophilic ophthalmic lens, wherein there is provided a nozzle with a central face and a shoulder around the periphery of the face. The shoulder has a sealing means which is sized to fit on the flange of the container, where it forms a sealed volume above the container bowl, this volume including the volume of the bowl itself. The central face has through it at least one fluid entrance passage and at least one fluid exit passage arranged so that the flow is distributed substantially symmetric about the center axis of the lens so that when the purging fluid is introduced into the sealed volume, there is no migration of the lens. There is connected to the entrance passage a source of purging fluid that has a pressure and flow sufficient to remove substantially all the liquid through the exit passage.

Abstract: A method of treating a felt to remove contaminants therein comprises the steps of providing a felt used in transporting paper webs, preparing an enzyme solution comprising an enzyme selected from the group consisting of a cellulase, a hemicellulase, and mixtures thereof, applying the enzyme solution to the felt for a first predetermined period of time, rinsing the felt with water, applying a solution of sodium hydroxide to the felt to remove the enzyme solution, and rinsing the felt with water to remove the sodium hydroxide solution thereby removing the contaminants in the felt.

Abstract: A universal washing apparatus for use in washing wells provided in reaction containers such as wells of microtiter plates and the like. The washing apparatus has separate dispense and aspirate manifolds positioned one on top of the other which may be independently lowered or raised with respect to a microtiter plate for performing various wash operations. The washing apparatus uses an indexing mechanism for indexing the well plate relative to the manifolds in the horizontal plane so that the washing apparatus is compatible for washing different well plate configurations.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and treating a ventilation duct includes the step of creating a partial vacuum in the duct and propelling a jet nozzle through the duct. The propelling device includes radially extending flexible hollow arms connected to a source of pressurized fluid to keep the nozzle substantially in the center of the duct and propelling the nozzle with the reaction thrust of the pressurized fluid emitting from the hollow arms.

Abstract: A process for preparing two connected powder transfer conduits for cleaning without releasing powder from the conduits. The conduits are connected to each other by flexible tube of a water-dissolvable material to enable powder communication between the two conduits. A sealing operation is performed to form a seal in the tube sufficient to prevent the powder communication from one side of the seal to the other. The seal is then severed to produce two tube sections where each tube section is sealed at the point of severance. A cleaning conduit is then place over at least one of the two tube sections and connected to the respective conduit. The cleaning conduit is connected to a liquid cleaning source which is adapted to deliver a cleaning liquid capable of dissolving the tube section thereunder upon contact therewith.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an inner wall of a mold part includes forming a chamber between displaced mold parts by introducing a casing between the mold parts. The casing enclosures a blasting device for introducing a blasting nozzle which directs a cleaning jet at the inner wall. The chamber encapsulates noise and particles which are produced during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A method for determining positioning of a controllable blower lance for cleaning a pre-determinable surface of a heatable internal chamber, preferably a combustion chamber, in which deposits form, wherein at least one site of impact of a cleaning medium of the blower lance on a surface to be cleaned of the internal chamber and at least one position of at least a part of the blower lance, by means of which the direction of flow of the cleaning medium out of the blower lance can be determined, are established and recorded and a correlation is established between at least the site of impact and the position, taking into account at least one parameter concerning the internal chamber, wherein by means of the correlation, the positioning of the blower lance can be determined for cleaning the pre-determinable surface.

Abstract: An improved remotely-operated high-pressure water-jet sludge lancing system for removing sludge from the secondary side of steam generators, the system including an end effector and a deployment system. The end effector includes two diametrically opposed articulated nozzle heads having water jet nozzles attached thereto. The nozzle heads are pivotally mounted to respective pneumatic extension arm actuators that are accommodated in respective arms. The arms are attached in a collinear relation to opposing sides of a centrally located drive means, which allows for the rotational positioning of the nozzle heads. The deployment system for delivering and supporting the end effector includes a self-erecting load-bearing chain and a segmented support rail having a straight section and a curved section. The chain is suspended from the support rail by hangers and cylinder rollers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning a spray stream nozzle employed in dispensing upon a photoexposed blanket photoresist layer formed over a semiconductor substrate a photoresist developer solution. There is first provided a spray stream nozzle having a minimum of one aperture formed therein. There is then provided through the spray stream nozzle a volume of a photoresist developer solution sufficient to develop a photoexposed blanket photoresist layer formed over a semiconductor substrate placed beneath the spray stream nozzle. Finally, there is provided then through the spray stream nozzle a volume of a solvent which is not susceptible to clogging the spray stream nozzle.

Abstract: A cleaning system for an endoscope is disclosed wherein the inlets of respective channels of the endoscope are connected to a suction pump through a connecting device enabling the endoscope to be cleaned by aspirating fluid through the channels under operation of the pump. The connecting device includes as passage arrangement having a plurality of first connecting ports and at least one second connecting port. The device further includes control means to control fluid flow through the passage arrangement enabling individual channels in the endoscope to be isolated from the suction.

Abstract: A device for cleaning, disinfecting, and/or drying an endoscope consists of a basin supported on a base. The basin forms a channel that defines a teardrop shape. The device includes a lid that sealingly engages the basin. During operation, the endoscope to be cleaned is completely immersed in cleaning solution in the basin. The basin includes injectors arranged so as to create a rotating flow of cleaning liquid and sterile rinsing water or recycled drying air within the channel. The vessel also includes injection nozzles that attach to various inlets of the endoscope to inject products at specified pressures and to continuously test the tightness of the seal.

Abstract: A method for excavating solid materials within a pressurized storage tank by inserting a flexible lance under pressure within an outlet of the tank, the lance sealed off so that pressure is maintained in the tank, and flowing a pressurized fluid into the storage tank to excavate the solid material from the tank by allowing the material to be sucked out of the outlet port of the tank for collection. The method also includes flowing water under pressure adjacent the exit port for affecting a greater suction on the solids and providing a fluid medium for the solids to easily flow from the tank. The system which undertakes the method of the present invention may be utilized on a skid so as to make the system occupy less space when utilized on the rig floor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a heating, ventilating and air conditioning duct comprising a high pressure air emitting nozzle which is disposable inside the duct and an expansible and contractible draught member, which is responsive to differential pressure being created on opposite sides thereof, for drawing the high pressure air emitting member in a downstream path of travel through the duct. The draught member includes a sheet of fabric which is coupled, at its perimetrical edge portion via a plurality of lines, to the high pressure air emitting nozzle. The perimetrical edge of the fabric sheet, in its expanded condition, is spaced from a confronting portion of the duct via a low pressure, high velocity air zone which causes the draught member to move in a to-and-fro transverse path as it is moved downstream. A strip of abrasive material is provided along the perimeter of the draught member for wiping the inside of the duct as it moves to-and-fro downstream.

Abstract: A substance, particularly a cleaning substance, is to be introduced into a conching machine. This is done either by spraying the substance into the conching trough and/or by circulating a cleaning substance into and out of the conching trough so that a substantially homogenous distribution of the substance is achieved and/or a minimum amount of the cleaning substance is necessary.

Abstract: A modular, enclosed, interchangeable hazardous material treatment plant is disclosed. The treatment plant can utilize any one of a variety of abatement technologies for treating an unauthorized discharge of hazardous material, including spray aeration, vacuum extraction, biological, carbon, ozone, ultra-violet, or other. Regardless of the type of plant, connection to the site is made between the enclosed plant and the standard underground connection port which contains connection to all underground piping. No on-site assembly or disassembly of the plant is required. If a succession of treatment plants is required, one can be disconnected and the next connected within an hour. During treatment, all that is visible above ground is the enclosure. After treatment of the site is complete, the only visible remainder of the plant is the cover of the underground connection port.

Abstract: This Invention is a method and apparatus for spraying water on the underside of a series of colorant applicators in order to rinse excess colorant from the machine parts. There is a water manifold having a first end portion connected to an upper trolley by a pivoting joint and a second end portion attached to a lower trolley by both a pivoting joint and a sliding joint. Both the upper and lower trollies are constrained in the horizontal, vertical, and rotational direction by a series of cam followers. The extra degrees of freedom provided by the two pivoting joints and the sliding joint insure that no binding occurs. An optional feedback control system can be added utilizing a rotational position transducer to sense the angle of the water manifold so that the motion of the trolleys can be retarded or advanced accordingly.

Abstract: At least two pivoting jets (55a, 55b, 55c) of cleaning liquid, each directed between two successive lines of tubes substantially perpendicular to the rows of tubes, are sent, in succession, from locations situated inside the bundle of the steam generator, into a space between two successive rows of tubes so as to sweep the tube plate between a central part vertically in line with the space between the two rows of tubes and two outer parts situated at the periphery of the bundle and along the length of the space between the rows of tubes. The flow rate of cleaning liquid is at least equal to 20 1/min, per jet. The invention applies in particular to the cleaning of the tube plate of a steam generator of a pressurized-water nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A readily transportable, compact and self-contained drain cleaning apparatus includes a hand-held control housing that is provided with an internal passage into which a release member and an adjustable regulating unit extend at spaced intervals such that a fluid chamber is defined between the release member and the regulating unit within the internal passage. The control housing includes a cartridge housing portion for attaching a miniature cartridge, containing a pressurized gaseous medium and preferably either a drain cleaning or algaecide fluid, thereto with an interior of the cartridge opening into the internal passage downstream of the regulating unit. Upstream of the release member, the control housing has an elongated tube attached thereto and the tube has an end, remote from the control housing, provided with a terminal discharge member that is adapted to be sealingly engaged with an open portion of a clogged drain conduit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning the internal channels of a medical endoscope wherein the water bottle is replaced with a cleaning bottle adapted to pass fluids stored in the bottle into both the air and the water channels of the instrument. An end cap having a fluid reservoir is placed over the distal end of the instrument. The air/water pump and the suction pump are then cycled to pass a cleaning solution stored in the replacement bottle through the air and water channels into the end cap. The solution in the end cap is drawn through the suction line and collected in a container for disposal. The procedure is repeated using a rinse solution. The pumps are allowed to run after the rinse solution is exhausted, thus air drying the channels.

Abstract: A ceramic core is removed from an investment casting by directing a stream of high pressure alkali solution between about 5,000 psi (345 bar) and about 10.000 psi (690 bar) at the core to loosen and dissolve the core.

Abstract: A liquid waste disposal and canister flushing system includes a cabinet with a sink for receiving the canister and a subsink for receiving a lower portion thereof. The subsink is connected to a drain line. A plunger subassembly includes a stopper which functions as a drain valve for the canister. An injection jet is connected to water and cleaning solution sources and discharges diluted cleaning solution into the canister for flushing same. The injection jet engages the plunger subassembly for ejecting the stopper from a canister drain opening. A control system includes a programmable microprocessor which can be programmed to provide drain and flush cycles of predetermined duration. A method of liquid waste disposal and canister flushing utilizes the microprocessor for delaying the flush cycle until completion of the drain cycle. The control system can provide drain and flush cycles of predetermined durations.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument cleaning apparatus includes a syringe coupled to a flushing chamber by a form-fitting stopper. A distal, or instrument receiving end of the flushing chamber is inserted into a supply of cleaning fluid and the plunger of the syringe is drawn out to its fully retracted length, thereby filling the syringe and the flushing chamber with cleaning fluid. Then the distal end of an endoscopic instrument is inserted about through an aperture in a stopper having the shape of a conical frustum and is inserted into the flushing chamber to a depth of about 4 inches (10 cm) and the plunger of the syringe is thrust forward to inject pressurized cleaning solution through the endoscopic instrument. In another embodiment, the syringe receiving stopper is recessed within a proximal end of the flush chamber by about 3/8 inches (0.95-1.

Abstract: An apparatus preventive maintenance having a driving mechanism capable of driving a jet nozzle 24 to cause it to travel upward-and-downward, to rotate and to swing is settled on the top of a housing in the bottom portion of a reactor pressure vessel and on a hole for a fuel support piece, water pumped by a high pressure pump is spouted from a jet nozzle, and cavitation bubbles generated during the spouting are supplied to the positions to be treated for preventive maintenance, such as housings in the bottom portion of the reactor pressure vessel. Therewith, the residual tensile stress in the position to be treated is improved in a releasing direction by the energy generated by the collapsing of the cavitation bubbles.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for producing and dispersing herbicidal foam within a sewer line in such a manner as to apply the foam to either the entire interior surface or a specific or a plurality of specific areas within a generally cylindrical line.

Abstract: Described is a method of removing explosive agents from the interior of explosive agent filled bodies such as munitions shells. A rotating nozzle is inserted into an opening cut into the shell. Ultra-high pressure fluidjets (i.e. above 40,000 psi) are projected from orifices in the nozzle onto the explosive agent in the shell. Explosive agent and explosive agent laden fluid is contained and carried away from the shell for recycle or disposal.

Abstract: A method for removing contaminants from a surface such as pavement using a portable closed-loop system which is transported to the location to be cleaned by a vehicle. The method includes storing a volume of fluid in a clean tank, pumping the fluid to a cleaning head, blasting the surface to be cleaned with the fluid, suctioning the contaminants from the surface, removing suspended and colloidal contaminants, removing hydrocarbons, and returning this fluid to the clean fluid tank for recirculation through the system.

Abstract: A method for a wafer cleaner using a rotation mechanism. Wafers are placed into a carrier 3 having grooves to maintain a spacing between the wafers. The carrier 3 and wafers are placed into a tank 1 with a cleaning solution. Nozzles 11 are used to direct pressurized solution against the wafers causing them to rotate within the carrier. In another embodiment, the tank 1 includes a megasonic transducer 16. In the second embodiment, the wafers are rotated while the megasonic transducer 16 is producing megasonic energy. The rotation of the wafers causes the cleaning solution and the megasonic energy to act on the wafers uniformly, and further exposes the edges of the wafers directly to the cleaning solution and the megasonic energy, thereby enhancing particle removal from the wafers. Other embodiments are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for removing a liquid from a container having a bowl and a flange, the bowl holding the liquid and containing a hydrophilic ophthalmic lens, wherein there is provided a nozzle with a central face and a shoulder around the periphery of the face. The shoulder has a sealing means which is sized to fit on the flange of the container, where it forms a sealed volume above the container bowl, this volume including the volume of the bowl itself. The central face has through it at least one fluid entrance passage and at least one fluid exit passage arranged so that the flow is distributed substantially symmetric about the center axis of the lens so that when the purging fluid is introduced into the sealed volume, there is no migration of the lens. There is connected to the entrance passage a source of purging fluid that has a pressure and flow sufficient to remove substantially all the liquid through the exit passage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of a ventilator manifold while it is attached to a respiratory support system. A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device used in conjunction with the ventilator manifold to clean the interior chamber of the manifold of patient secretions that have accumulated during the use of the manifold. The cleaning device includes a dual lumen catheter which accesses one of a plurality of manifold ports by inserting the cleaning device through a flexible boot attached to one of the manifold ports. The flexible boot allows for omni-directional use of the cleaning device inside the manifold by medical personnel. The use of the flexible boot in combination with the cleaning device allows medical personnel to cleanse the interior of the manifold without concurrent loss of respiratory support to the patient.

Abstract: A process for removing impurities from the threaded end of a tubular member by placing a housing around the end of the first end of the member, for defining a collection space between the member and the housing; sealing the bore of the member with an inflatable bladder positioned within the bore the first end of the member; sealing the space between the wall of the housing and the wall of the tubular member so that the collection space is maintained within the housing; spraying the threads of the first end of the member with a pressurized spray so that the contaminants are removed from the threads and are collected in the housing; and removing the contaminated fluid collected in the housing during the spraying process so that the contaminated fluid does not make contact with the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A process for removing accumulated meltable matter from a pipe includes introducing inside a pipe a cylindrical travelling element or pig made of low density, high elasticity foam. A mixture of reagents which, after a certain period of time will cause a highly exothermic reaction to occur, is introduced inside the pig so that by displacing the pig the meltable deposits within the pipe will melt and will be carried by the pig to a place from which they will be removed together with the pig.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the removal of solid material from a workpiece utilizes a high velocity stream of ice which is caused to impinge on the workpiece. A working liquid, such as water, is supplied at high pressure to a discharge nozzle with an orifice for forming the needle-like stream. The water is cooled before it reaches the nozzle to a temperature below its freezing point so that at least some of the stream is transformed to ice. Optionally, the stream is cooled after it is emitted from the orifice by flowing an envelope of cryogenic gas around the emitted stream. The apparatus includes an inner conduit that carries the working liquid through a cutting tool where the liquid is at least partially solidified by an evaporator that utilizes a cryogenic fluid to cool the working liquid.

Abstract: A method for cleaning an oil tank containing residues wherein the oil residues are fluidized by a fluidizing agent and are discharged from the tank in liquid state and are separated into fractions, and wherein the fluidizing agent primarily used is a portion of the oil residues discharged from the tank which, following purification and heating, is recycled to the tank and distributed by spraying above the layer of oil residues.

Abstract: A furnace cleaning apparatus for cleaning a cyclone furnace with a fluid from a fluid source. The furnace cleaning apparatus comprises a beam assembly capable of being pivotably mounted to the cyclone furnace. A rotary actuator is connected to the beam assembly for turning the beam assembly. A trolley is movably mounted to the beam assembly. A chain drive assembly and a drive source for moving the trolley relative to the beam assembly are mounted to the beam assembly. An articulated arm assembly is pivotally connected to the trolley. A rotary actuator is mounted to the articulated arm assembly for pivoting the articulated arm assembly relative to the trolley. A nozzle is connected to a second end of the articulated arm assembly. A fluid conduit connects the nozzle to a fluid source.