Abstract: A system and an apparatus for positioning a plurality of flexible cleaning lances through tubes penetrating a tube sheet of a heat exchanger tube sheet, includes a smart lance tractor drive, a controller, and a tumble box connected to the controller operable to generate and/or distribute electrical power to the AC induction sensor from an air pressure source, supply electrical power to the controller and distribute pneumatic power to pneumatic motors for positioning the tractor drive on the positioner frame. The smart tractor drive includes sensors for detection of mismatch between expected and actual lance positions, sense lance insertion distance and lance removal and provide automated drive reversal operation to remove blockages within tubes being cleaned.

Abstract: Detecting fouling of a heat exchanger of a boiler includes emitting a spray of pressurized fluid from a nozzle of a sootblower element when the nozzle is adjacent to a surface of the heat exchanger, and sensing a value indicative of a reactive force created by an impact of the pressurized fluid on the surface of the heat exchanger and translated back to the sootblower element through the spray of the pressurized fluid. The method also includes determining when a substantial deposit is on the surface of the heat exchanger indicating fouling based on the value indicative of the reactive force.

Abstract: A steam dispersion system including insulation is disclosed. The steam dispersion system may include a steam dispersion tube with at least one opening defined on an outer surface of the steam dispersion tube and a hollow interior. The insulation covers at least a portion of the steam dispersion tube, the insulation defining an opening aligned with the opening of the steam dispersion tube, wherein the insulation meets 25/50 flame/smoke indexes for UL723/ASTM E-84 and has a thermal conductivity less than about 0.35 Watts/m-K (2.4 in-hr/ft^2 deg F.). A nozzle defining a throughhole may be placed within the opening of the steam dispersion tube, the throughhole being in fluid communication with the hollow interior of the steam dispersion tube to provide a steam exit.

Abstract: A dryer is configured to remove static electricity during a drying process. The dryer includes a drum rotatable within a cabinet. The drum is configured to receive laundry. A steam generator generates and exhausts steam into the drum. A steam diffuser uniformly diffuses the steam within the drum. A ventilation system ventilates air within the drum.

Abstract: A cleaning device includes at least: a holder, a lance having a fluid distribution device, a drive unit for a translational motion of the lance in the holder, and a fluid conducting system having a feed, a return, and flow paths starting from the feed to the return and to the fluid distribution device. At least one actuating means (or actuator) is provided in order to connect the feed to the return or to the fluid distribution device as needed. Furthermore, a method involves cleaning heating surfaces of a convection section of a thermal power plant that includes spaced heat exchanger pipes using such a cleaning device.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

Abstract: A cleaning mechanism includes: an airflow control chamber for receiving exhaust air from a cooling fan; a cleaning outlet for outputting the exhaust air to be used for cleaning; a flexible pipe having one end in communication with the cleaning outlet and one free end directable by a user for cleaning; and an activation component for activating a cleaning operation in which the exhaust air is directed through the flexible pipe. The activation component may include a switching mechanism for switching the direction of airflow in the airflow control chamber between the cleaning outlet and an exit out of the computer. The cleaning mechanism may include an airflow accelerator for increasing the airflow to the cleaning outlet.

Abstract: A sootblowing control system that uses predictive models to bridge the gap between sootblower operation and boiler performance goals. The system uses predictive modeling and heuristics (rules) associated with different zones in a boiler to determine an optimal sequence of sootblower operations and achieve boiler performance targets. The system performs the sootblower optimization while observing any operational constraints placed on the sootblowers.

Abstract: A controller determines and adjusts system parameters, including cleanliness levels or sootblower operating settings, that are useful for maintaining the cleanliness of a fossil fuel boiler at an efficient level. Some embodiments use a direct controller to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower operating settings. Some embodiments use an indirect controller, with a system model, to determine cleanliness levels and/or sootblower settings. The controller may use a model that is, for example, a neural network, or a mass energy balance, or a genetically programmed model. The controller uses input about the actual performance or state of the boiler for adaptation. The controller may operate in conjunction with a sootblower optimization system that controls the actual settings of the sootblowers. The controller may coordinate cleanliness settings for multiple sootblowers and/or across a plurality of heat zones in the boiler.

Abstract: A modular canopy having standardized side panels, trusses and tracks. The modular canopy includes parallel opposing sidewalls formed from multiple standardized side panels. Each sidewall extends from a front mounting structure to a rear mounting structure and carries a track that typically extends the almost entire length of the sidewall for supporting the carriage of the sootblower within the canopy. Trusses connect adjacent side panels together and extend from one sidewall to the other over the top of the sidewalls. The modular canopy may also include standardized removable or permanently attached covers. The canopy is typically assembled with permanent fasteners, such as lockbolts, that cannot be removed without destroying the fasteners. A sootblower canopy of any desired length can therefore be manufactured or repaired from a common set of component parts with one of the sections, typically an end section, cut to the desired length as needed.

Abstract: A sootblower frame particularly adapted for long retracting-type sootblowers for cleaning of internal surfaces of large scale combustion devices. The frame, preferably formed from sheet metal stock, incorporates integrally formed surfaces and configuration features which provide for guiding and movement of the sootblower carriage assembly. The side panels of the frame further provide the surface for the mounting of the drive rack by which the carriage is advanced and retracted along the frame.

Abstract: A surface clinging robotic device. The device includes a supporting structure or base, on which is mounted (a) a lead pivoting support surface, such as a pivoting wheel, and (b) two or more traction drives, such as drive wheels. Each of the traction drives are independently driven by a separate drive motor. A plurality of vacuum cups are mounted on the bottom of the base. The vacuum cups each have a low friction foot designed for movement over a surface with minimal friction while vacuum is maintained. The low friction foot portion is provided by a generally surface direction oriented C-shaped Teflon skin. The robotic device can move over gaps or obstructions in the surface without losing vacuum in all of the vacuum cups, using a fluid limiting valve at each vacuum cup to interrupt flow in the event of loss of vacuum in that vacuum cup.

Abstract: A single motor rack and pinion driven sootblower is converted to a dual motor version. The single motor version includes a lance tube which is advanced and retracted transversely on a carriage and is further rotationally driven by a translational mechanical drive which rotates the lance tube as it is being axially driven. The conversion is accomplished by disengaging the translational drive by removing the original drive hub within the drive housing of the carriage and this original drive hub is substituted with a tubular rotary drive hub which is not in driving engagement with the translational drive when installed. A second rotational motor is then mounted on the carriage assembly and connected to externally exposed portions of the substitute hub through a gear drive for independently rotating the substitute hub and thereby independently rotating the lance tube about its axis.

Abstract: A wall box coupled with a wall port of a combustion device is provided. The combustion device includes a wall and an interior volume defined by the wall. The wall box includes a cooling chamber surface defining a cooling chamber located adjacent to the wall port. A cooling fluid enters the cooling chamber via an inlet and exits the cooling chamber via an outlet, and the inlet is located exterior from the combustion device, the outlet is located the exterior from the combustion device.

Abstract: A heat exchanger exchange-tube cleaning lance positioning system that includes a three axis cleaning lance positioning mechanism that is attachable to the end of a heat exchanger and that is controlled by a lance position computer controller that determines the locations of each of the openings of the exchange-tubes of the heat exchanger by analyzing an image signal generated by a camera mounted to the three axis cleaning lance positioning mechanism and then positions a connected exchange tube cleaning lance into and through each of the exchange-tube passageways to clean the exchange-tube passageways automatically.

Abstract: A condenser tube cleaning nozzle which is cushioned with resilient washers. The present invention provides a stiffened nozzle adapted to handling high pressure, while at the same time providing cushioning at all contact points on a tube sheet and within a particular tube being cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a cleaning installation for removing soot or similar inside deposits in a flow channel in a processing system such as a boiler, heat exchanger, flue gas filter or the like, by intermittently blasting a fluid or gaseous medium into the processing system, said device comprising a flow passage between the associated valve means and the flow channel, wherein the flow passage is provided with an inlet allowing for a continuous flow of protective gas around the flow passage into the flow channel in the processing system. By the present invention, corrosion is reduced since a cushion of air is generated at the end of the flow passage during off-cycles of the cleaning operation as air is constantly drawn or forced in through the inlet. This means that the components are covered by this cushion and protected against corrosive gasses in the heat exchanger or the like.

Abstract: A blower assembly for an automatic car wash is provided. The blower assembly includes a housing, an impeller, a fan motor, an oscillation motor and an oscillation linkage assembly. The impeller is rotatively disposed in the housing. The housing includes an egress spout. The fan motor is rigidly connected to the housing. The linkage assembly mechanically relates the oscillation motor to the fan motor and housing and oscillates both. In the preferred embodiment, the motor and housing are rotatably supported on both axial sides of the motor and the motor shaft and motor housing drive substantially the same axis of rotation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a cleaning installation for removing soot or similar inside deposits in a flow channel in a processing system such as a boiler, heat exchanger, flue gas filter or the like, by intermittently blasting a fluid or gaseous medium into the processing system, said device comprising a flow passage between the associated valve means and the flow channel, wherein the flow passage is provided with an inlet allowing for a continuous flow of protective gas around the flow passage into the flow channel in the processing system. By the present invention, corrosion is reduced since a cushion of air is generated at the end of the flow passage during off-cycles of the cleaning operation as air is constantly drawn or forced in through the inlet. This means that the components are covered by this cushion and protected against corrosive gasses in the heat exchanger or the like.

Abstract: There is disclosed method and apparatus for cleaning roots, tubers, bulbs, and the like, for example, sugar beets, chicory, Jerusalem artichokes, dahlia, potato, and onions (hereinafter "articles"). In the apparatus, spaced horizontal rollers have helices on their cylindrical surfaces which scroll the articles laterally to the ends of the rollers where they are deposited on a slide that removes them from the cleaner, or, optionally, returns the articles to the cleaner at strategically located lower positions for stalk removal and/or leaf stripping, or for other desired cleaning. The first sets of rollers are designed to separate small chips, small stones and loose soil from the articles. The next sets of rollers are designed to remove adhering soil and/or mud, weeds, and larger stones. Strategic placement sizing, rotational speed, and direction of rotation of the helices on the rollers are instrumental in removing leaves, stalks, weeds, breaking up dirt clods and mud balls, and cleaning of the articles.

Abstract: A frame for housing a retractable sootblower, having a movable carriage and lance tube for cleaning inside surfaces of a boiler, includes a front end wall disposed proximate and a rear end wall disposed distal to the boiler. A pair of opposed side walls, each having one end connected to the front end wall and the other end connected to the rear end wall, are also provided so as to generally define a rectangular box. Also included are one or more top panels, each configured to extend between the opposed side walls with the panels in a closed position to thereby provide protection to the sootblower from above and to be moveable to an open position to provide substantially unobstructed access to the carriage from above the frame.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower for avoiding and dislodging accumulated soot and ash. The sootblower includes an elongate housing and a blowing tube or blowing tube assembly reciprocable in the housing. The blowing tube is extended and retracted by pressurized gas. Pressurized gas is also applied to the sootblower. An internal gas channeling arrangement couples the pressurized gas to the blowing tube when the blowing tube is extended. The pressurized gas is thus discharged from the blowing tube when the blowing tube is extended. Additional structure is provided for rotating the blowing tube as it moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A nozzle configuration capable of handling several cleaning mediums including two sets of discharge nozzles, each of which is associated with a respective cleaning medium. The first nozzle set discharges cleaning medium fluid of relatively higher pressure, while the second nozzle set has nozzles of relatively larger throat diameter for the discharge of relatively lower pressure medium. The nozzles of the second set are arranged coaxially with and downstream from the nozzles of the first set, whereby cleaning medium fluid discharged from the first nozzle set passes through the throats of the nozzles of the second set without substantial obstruction therein.

Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame, preferably in opposition to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a combustion device such as a boiler coincidentally with operation of the boiler. The apparatus comprises a means for rotation of a lance and rotatable cleaning head attached to the lance. The lance also moves in a linear direction and out of a combustion chamber. The invention requires the presence of the linear and rotational driving mechanism exterior to the boiler to allow operation of the device while the combustion chamber is at high temperature. During operation, a high pressure water jet is expelled from the nozzles of the rotatable cleaning apparatus at greater than 10,000 psi. A microprocessor controls the system to allow a repeatable, consistent, and tailored cleaning of the internal components of a combustion device.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower having an open frame. The frame includes an inboard end wall, an outboard end wall and a pair of opposingly positioned side panels. The side panels are seamless and mounted to interconnect the inboard and outboard end walls together. The side panels cooperating with the end walls to generally define a rectangularly shaped structure which encloses the carriage and lance tube of the sootblower. The generally open top and bottom of the frame allows for substantially unobstructed access from above and below to the carriage and lance tube. The sootblower also includes a dry lance hub which eliminates various problems associated with lubricant deterioration.

Abstract: A sootblower includes a supply tube for delivering fluid to a concentrically mounted lance tube. The lance tube reciprocates into and out of a boiler delivering fluid to clean the inside surface. Deformable packing between the inside surface of the lance tube and the outside surface of the supply tube prevents the escape of the cleaning fluid from the system. A follower gland is biased into engagement with the packing to maintain its seal when the packing wears. The bias is provided by a plurality of coil springs trapped between a pair of plates, flanges or washers suitably connected to the gland. A plurality of covered apertures in one of the flanges allows the insertion or removal of some of the springs to provide the desired degree of compression to the packing.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus and method, particularly applicable to a brush bed conveyor system, by which objects, typically citrus fruit, are washed or sprayed. A moveable high pressure spray manifold is contained within a manifold carriage and is disposed within the conveyor chassis such that it is moved along above a brush bed by a conveyor chain. Separation bars extend from the conveyor chain to segregate the objects into queues retained within the spray pattern of the manifold. When the manifold reaches a predetermined end position, a release latch is decoupled from the separation bars to disconnect the separation bars and conveyor chain from the manifold carriage. The predetermined end position is sensed and the manifold carriage is quickly returned to its initial position by means of a selectively activated pneumatic piston assembly.

Abstract: An improved egg washing, breaking and separating system is constructed of two side-by-side washers feeding a corresponding pair of candlers. From the candlers, a respective pair of conveyor transition ramps lead to corresponding ones of a pair of stacked upper and lower egg breaker/separator units. Each egg breaker/separator unit includes an endless chain of a plurality of individual egg cracker/separator cup assemblies with the upper chain independently driven about a four sided frame in a direction opposite to the lower chain. Eggs are shuttled into the cup assemblies from each of the conveyor transition ramps. The chains of cracker/separator cup assemblies ride via slides operating within tracks extending about the frame. Each washer allows rows of eggs to advance along an egg conveyor which travels beneath a plurality of endless chains of brushes as well as a cleaning water distribution manifold.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower having an open frame. The frame includes an inboard end wall, an outboard end wall and a pair of opposingly positioned side panels. The side panels are seamless and mounted to interconnect the inboard and outboard end walls together. The side panels cooperating with the end walls to generally define a rectangularly shaped structure which encloses the carriage and lance tube of the sootblower. The generally open top and bottom of the frame allows for substantially unobstructed access from above and below to the carriage and lance tube. The sootblower also includes a dry lance hub which eliminates various problems associated with lubricant deterioration.

Abstract: A device for reducing peelable products such as potatoes in size to a predetermined shape, consisting of at least one pair of mutually adjacent rotatably driven reducing elements, the outer surface of which has at least one constriction such that two oppositely situated constrictions form a passage opening between the elements for the reduced product, wherein the surface of at least one element is provided with a reducing surface, wherein the constriction is formed such that, as seen in top view, the passage opening acquires a predetermined shape in order to obtain a product with an associated revolutional shape, for instance spherical, elliptical or any other composite form.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sootblower used to project a fluid cleaning medium against internal surfaces of a combustion device. The nozzle block assembly of this invention incorporates a converging/diverging throat configuration having a truncated center plug in the flow nozzle which provides improved jet flow characteristics within the limited nozzle length available in the sootblower environment. Various techniques for supporting the truncated plug of this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extraction/insertion type soot blowing apparatus in which a lance tube is inserted into a combustion chamber, and a high-pressure gas is blown from a nozzle provided at the tip end of the lance tube against a deposit adhered onto the inner surface of the combustion chamber to remove the deposit. A rack adapted to be advanced and withdrawn along with the lance tube, and a long shaft for rotating the lance tube, are driven due to connection thereof with two output shafts of a differential gear device, and rotation and linear motion of the lance tube are respectively restrained within predetermined ranges. Thereby, at first the lance tube is inserted into the combustion chamber at a high speed without being rotated, and thereafter the advance is stopped and a gas is discharged while the lance tube is being rotated.

Abstract: A golf ball washing apparatus and method includes a bin and a conveyor which takes rows of golf balls from the bin and conveys them up an inclined ramp. A plurality of reciprocating brush heads clean the balls and a fluid spray head sprays cleaning fluid onto the balls as they advance up the ramp. Golf balls which exit the top of the ramp reach a gate where they are alternatively recirculated through the washing apparatus or directed out to a storage bin. The entire wash operation is clearly visible to an operator so that he can readily determine when the balls have been cleaned sufficiently to warrant opening the gate.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower is provided with means for preheating the sootblower lance prior to introduction of blowing medium into the lance to prevent condensation of the blowing medium which would be subsequently discharged from the lance against internal boiler surfaces accelerating surface erosion. The sootblower of the present invention preheats the lance by only providing blowing medium to the lance after at least a portion of the lance has been extended into the boiler and heated by hot boiler gases to thereby prevent condensation of the blowing medium within a cooled lance.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sludge from the tubes and tubesheet of a steam generator. A support structure is adapted to be mounted at an access port of a steam generator. A lance tube extends from the support structure into the steam generator. A spool attached to a high pressure hose is received in the lance tube. A pinch roller assembly mounted on the support structure is used to move the cylinder through the lance tube. High pressure water flows through slots drilled in the spool and out holes in the lance tube against the tubes and tubesheet. A rocker motor causes back and forth rotation or rocking of the lance tube to create a sweeping action. The lance tube may also be adjusted axially to insure that the water streams are directed to the tube lanes.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower having a substantially open frame. The frame includes an inboard end wall, an outboard end wall and a pair of opposingly positioned side panels. The side panels are seamless and mounted to interconnect the inboard end and outboard end walls together. At least one truss extends between the side panels. The side panels cooperating with the inboard and outboard end walls to generally define a rectangularly shaped box for enclosing the carriage and lance tube of the sootblower. This box has a generally open top and bottom which provides substantially unobstructed access from above and below to the carriage and lance tube. The sootblower also includes a mechanism for adjusting the backlash between the drive rack and gear.

Abstract: A soot blower assembly having a horizontally elongate steam supply tube disposed in cantilevered relationship and having a steam discharge opening at the free end, and a horizontally elongate steam discharge lance telescoped axially over the supply tube. The lance has a rear support hub which exteriorly surrounds the steam supply tube, and a seal-bearing arrangement is mounted within the hub for cooperation with the steam supply tube to permit the lance to move both axially and rotatably relative to the steam supply tube. The seal-bearing arrangement includes an axially elongate bearing sleeve which is mounted on the hub and has an inner bearing surface for rotative bearing engagement with the steam tube. This bearing sleeve is preferably constructed of bronze of similar bearing material, and is axially split to compensate for temperature-induced variations.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sootblower used to project a fluid cleaning medium against internal surfaces of a combustion device. The nozzle block assembly of this invention incorporates a converging/diverging throat configuration having a truncated center plug in the flow nozzle which provides improved jet flow characteristics within the limited nozzle length available in the sootblower environment. Various techniques for supporting the truncated plug of this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adjusting joint packing for a sootblower of the type having a stationary feed tube gland with an overfitting lance tube which is moved within the combustion device to emit a blowing medium for cleaning purposes. The joint packing gland mechanism causes the axial loading on the joint packing which forms a seal between the lance tube and the feed tube to be automatically adjusted upon each sootblower actuation cycle. The joint packing gland includes an actuator which engages the sootblower frame upon actuation of the sootblower causing relative rotation between the actuator and lance tube. A friction clutch is interposed between the actuator and a threaded gland to transmit rotation only when a packing preload force is below a predetermined level, thus adjusting packing force when needed.

Abstract: An improved control assembly is provided for supporting a helically coiled flexible conductor between two components that are movable relative to one another. The control assembly is slidably movable along a support rod in response to movement of one component relative to the other and is floatable upon the support rod to enable the control assembly to maintain proper alignment with the support rod along the length of the rod. In addition, as convolutions of the coiled conductor are discharged over a knob at the end of the control assembly, the control assembly is rotationally indexed around the support rod so that wear of the interior surface of the control assembly is evenly distributed around the internal bore of the control assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning rolls comprising a plurality of cylindrical brushes that are rotated by a combination of sheaves and belts or their equivalent, which are powered by some form of a motor and uses a solvent to remove debris, such as residual fiber affixed to the rolls.

Abstract: An improved multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The lances include a plurality of flexible lances attached to rigid lances and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube which are capable of traversing a curved path within the tube bundle.

Abstract: A sootblower hub having packing for sealing between a sootblower feed tube and lance tube. A packing gland is used which provides a live loading feature for exerting an axial force on the packing. The packing gland is comprised of elements which can be separately assembled in a manner which maintains a preload on the packing loading spring, even when it is disassembled from the sootblowing mechanism. Once the packing gland is installed into a sootblower carriage a preload maintaining member can be actuated to enable the axial loading force created by the spring to be transferred to the packing.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for automatically cleaning and dispensing golf balls. The apparatus has a supply chute which connects to a cleaning apparatus and to a gravity operated sorting apparatus which incorporates a dispensing apparatus which feeds a predetermined number of golf balls to an outlet. According to the invention, the sorting apparatus comprises a downwardly sloping barred-grating onto which the golf balls fall from a supply-chute and over which they roll in rows to the dispensing apparatus. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the dispensing apparatus has a row of apart-lying cams which can move upward to their operating positions between the rods of the ball-grating to lift a predetermined number of balls from rows of balls lying on the rods and allow them to fall into the outlet while in their rest positions and cams remain free of the balls lying on the ball-grating.

Abstract: A multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a conduit securing and supporting assembly, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The apparatus further includes a means for positioning the housing with respect to a heat exchanger tube bundle to be cleaned.

Abstract: A brake assembly for impeding the longitudinal travel of a moving object. The brake asembly provides for a biasing mechanism which biases an engagement block into the line of travel of the moving object. When the moving object contacts the block, movement is impeded until the object is subjected to a force capable of deflecting the block counter to the biasing member and out of the line of travel of the object. The object can thereafter move past the said brake assembly and continuing along its line of travel. In particular, the brake assembly is used to impede the longitudinal travel of a reciprocating sootblower until the cleaning nozzles of the sootblower have had their position indexed relative to a previous cleaning cycle.

Abstract: A sootblower for the cleaning of internal surfaces of large scale boilers which are subject to the accumulation of soot or slag encrustations. In instances where a sootblower is used to project the jet of steam of steam or a steam/air mixture, between actuation cycles, condensate can form in the sootblower or the associated piping. At the beginning of an actuation cycle the condensate is ejected from the sootblower. If the condensate impinges against the heat transfer surfaces inside the boiler it can cause damage to these surfaces through excessive thermal and mechanical shock. In accordance with this invention the sootblower is provided with a nozzle block assembly incorporating a condensate separator which causes condensate to be ejected by the lance tube away from impact with the heat transfer surfaces where it can be safely dissipated from the boiler without causing damage to the heat transfer surfaces which are cleaned using a substantially fully vaporous pure spray of sootblowing medium.

Abstract: A soot-removal blower comprising , first, a lance (1) with nozzles (2) at the tip and with its base connected by way of a valve (9) to a supply of fluid and, second, a choke in path of the fluid. The choke is inside the lance in the vicinity of the nozzles.

Abstract: A multi-hose flexible lance tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a spool and means for rotating the spool. A plurality of tubular flexible lances are reeled on the spool assembly. Each flexible lance is in communication with a high pressure fluid source and is adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube. The flexible lances advance into the interior of the heat exchanger tubes as the spool is rotated to reel out the flexible lances and as the high pressure fluid exits the jetting tips of the flexible lances. The cleaning apparatus also includes tube guides to guide and support the flexible lances and further includes a positioning assembly for positioning the flexible lances in substantial alignment with the heat exchanger tubes.