Abstract: A check valve driving device for injecting gas, which enables an accurate operation of a check valve for injecting gas and long-term usage by enhancing durability, comprises: an upper portion fixing block which moves vertically by coupling onto a yoke repeating vertical movements; a lower portion fixing block which is coupled to a prechamber at a lower portion of the yoke; a roller which is rotatably coupled onto the upper portion fixing block, and of which a center portion diameter is bigger than diameters of both end portions; a guide, which is rotatably coupled onto the lower portion fixing block, for rotating when a curved surface on one side thereof comes into contact with the roller moving vertically; an operation piece, which is rotatably coupled onto the lower portion fixing block, wherein a front end of the operation piece moves vertically in accordance with the rotation of the guide; and a pressing rod which is coupled to the front end of the operation piece, and which is lowered in accordance with

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 sootblower having a nozzle that includes one or more deep reaching jets aligned with its respective platen bank to clean slag deposits inset from the leading edge of the platen bank. The nozzle also includes one or more edge cleaning jets substantially angled with respect to the platen bank for cleaning the leading edges of the platen bank. For most applications, the major axis of the sootblower is perpendicular to the major axis of its respective platen bank, resulting in a sootblower with a nozzle having angled and perpendicular jets, referred to as angled-perpendicular nozzles. The jet sizes are selected to balance the opposing components of force perpendicular to the sootblower to avoid the imposition of torque on the lance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of rebuilding a sootblowing system of a recovery furnace, said sootblowing system including a plurality of sootblowers (1), and each sootblower (1) including a frame (10), a moveable carriage (14) supported by the frame (10), a motor (2) for moving the carriage (14), a lance tube (11) mounted on the carriage (14) to be insertable into and retractable from the recovery furnace (8), said lance tube (11) having at least one nozzle (12), and a steam feed tube (45, 35, 15) connected to the lance tube (11) for feeding sootblowing steam to be ejected through said at least one nozzle (12) into the recovery furnace, said steam feed tube (45, 35, 15) having a first valve (3) arranged to admit steam through said at least one nozzle (12) only when the carriage with the lance tube (11) is in an activated position, i.e.

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 cleaning system and method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces in a boiler using a temperature measuring system for measuring and monitoring wall temperature of an annular wall of the tube of a lance of one or more sootblowers. Controlling a flow of steam or other fluid through the tube during the cooling portions of the strokes based on wall temperature measurements from the temperature measuring system. Infrared or thermocouple temperature measuring systems may be used. The steam or other fluid may be flowed at a default flowrate that may be substantially zero until the temperature measuring system indicates the wall temperature of the annular wall begins to exceed a predetermined temperature limit which may be the softening point of the annular wall. Then the steam or other fluid is flowed at a rate greater than the default flowrate.

Abstract: A mobile leaf blower includes a main blower assembly driven by an engine or motor. The blower has a deflector box at the blower outlet with deflector plates which enable the air flow to be either directed laterally and forwardly of the blower unit or to a flexible blower tube attached to the unit. The operator may either cause the air flow to flow through the flexible blower tube or forwardly and laterally of the blower unit along the ground. When not in use, the flexible blower tube can be wound around a hose reel attached to the main handles of the ground blower unit.

Abstract: A sootblower of the short travel rotary furnace wall type having features which permit indexing of the angular position of the screw tube assembly during successive operating cycles. Indexing of the arc swept by the sootblower nozzle is provided through the use of a novel cam plate component and operating the sootblower in a manner which provides for indexing between operating cycles.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus for cleaning a heat exchange coil includes a gas-dispensing member having a cavity for carrying a gas and at least one orifice in communication with the cavity. An actuating device which couples to the gas dispensing member and moves the gas dispensing member relative to a coil such that the gas dispensed from the gas dispensing member through the at least one orifice removes dust and debris from the coil. A timer initiates operation of the gas-dispensing member and the actuating device at given time intervals.

Abstract: A pneumatic cleaning module for a magnetic ruler of a position measurement system is combined with a displacement transducer of the position measurement system by a screw so that when the displacement transducer moves along the magnetic ruler, the pneumatic cleaning module implements a high-pressure air to remove swarf, dirt and impurities from a surface of the magnetic ruler.

Abstract: A vehicle mounted patching system for patching potholes and the like and incorporating method and apparatus for removing and flushing asphalt emulsion from the feed lines of the patcher which completely recycles the cleaning agent used to flush the feed lines, as well as eliminating any external discharge of potentially toxic materials.

Abstract: The present application relates to a pneumatic device for cleaning ventilation ducts, which includes a guiding air hammer, a turning conduit, an air-supply pipe and a slewing mechanism for the conduit. The guiding air hammer has a hollow spherical or hemispherical shape and is connected to the turning conduit. A cleaning fumarole and a guiding fumarole are provided on the rear arc wall of the guiding air hammer. When in operation, the air-supply pipe stretching means retracts and stretches the air-supply pipe, which enables the guiding air hammer to clean out the dust on the inner walls and in the corners of a ventilation duct without the need of an operator entering the ventilation duct. The air-supply pipe stretching means may be controlled by manual operation or program composition. The device may be used for cleaning ventilation ducts with a polygonal section.

Abstract: This invention is an apparatus for purging unwanted gasses from the Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP). It consists of a purging wand which is inserted into the chamber for an optimal purge. The purging wand moves back and forth along a simple axis activated by a linkage robot. The wand is carried along a track with the FOUP and when its reaches its optimal position inside the FOUP, the source of cleaning gas is allowed to flow into and spray out of the wand thereby purging the FOUP. After the purging is completed, the linkage robot withdraws the wand from within the FOUP to its original position.

Abstract: Apparatus for dislodging an accretion of a substance from the vicinity of a vessel, includes apparatus for generating gas-borne shock waves in the vicinity of a vessel, thereby to expose a substance accrued on a surface thereof to separation forces causing at least partial separation of the substance from the surface, so as to facilitate removal of the at least partially separated substance therefrom; and support apparatus for supporting the apparatus for generating shock waves in a selected association relative to the vessel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the removal of laser ablation byproducts generated in the imaging of laser sensitive media. In accordance with the invention, the byproducts are generated when a laser sensitive media is imaged with a laser. At least two sources of fluid flow are directed toward the imaging area and are oriented such that a substantial component of the bias of one source is anti-parallel with that of the other. These two fluid flow sources are operative to direct the ablation byproducts away from the imaging area, where they are collected by a sink, to which fluid moves. The sink removes the ablation byproducts from the vicinity of the laser sensitive media.

Abstract: An elongated element, for example, a soot blower for the cleaning of wall surfaces, is guided along a predetermined, meandrical blow figure. The element is supported in two spaced-apart cardanic joints (3, 4) the first of which is stationary and the second axially moveable on a first spindle (6) the ends of which are axially moveable on two parallel second spindles (8). The first and one of the second spindles (6, 8) are each provided with two non-mechanical, inductive proximity switches or end switches (11-14) which are connected with a controller (16) having a memory and being programmable. The end switches (13, 14) detect a reference point in horizontal and vertical directions, and two end switches (11, 12) detect the rotations of the spindles (6, 8) as a measure of the distance travelled by the second cardanic joint (4).

Abstract: A regenerative heat exchanger for gaseous media which are in a heat exchange with one another includes stationary or rotating storage masses and at least one cleaning device for the storage masses, wherein the cleaning device can be pivoted in relation to the annular cross section of the storage masses from the inside toward the outside or vice versa. The regenerative heat exchanger can be used for the preheating of air as well as for the preheating of gas. The free end of a swivel arm of the cleaning device constructed as a blow tube has a bent portion which extends parallel to the plane of the storage masses and the bent portion is provided with at least two blow nozzles.

Abstract: An elongated element, for example, a soot blower for the cleaning of wall surfaces, is guided along a predetermined, meandrical blow figure. The element is supported in two spaced-apart cardanic joints (3, 4) the first of which is stationary and the second axially moveable on a first spindle (6) the ends of which are axially moveable on two parallel second spindles (8). The first and one of the second spindles (6, 8) are each provided with two non-mechanical, inductive proximity switches or end switches (11-14) which are connected with a controller (16) having a memory and being programmable. The end switches (13, 14) detect a reference point in horizontal and vertical directions, and two end switches (11, 12) detect the rotations of the spindles (6, 8) as a measure of the distance travelled by the second cardanic joint (4). The impulses of the end switches.

Abstract: A soot blower lance tube indexing mechanism including a pinion, first and second pinion ratchet/sprocket assemblies, a spindle, first and second spindle sprockets, and a clutch. The clutch is operable to link the first pinion ratchet/sprocket assembly with the first spindle sprocket to rotatably drive the spindle in a first direction when the lance tube is extended. The clutch is further operable to link the second ratchet/sprocket assembly with the second spindle sprocket to rotatably drive the spindle when the lance tube is retracted. In an alternative embodiment, the lance tube rotates in a single direction regardless of whether the lance tube is being extended or retracted.

Abstract: There is mentioned an air nozzle/flexible whip cleaning means for ductwork which is connected to a source of high pressure air using at least a plurality of connectable lengths of semi rigid plastic pipe 8. The means comprises at least one primary air nozzle 1 to which a flexible tubing whip 4 may be attached. At least one round headed reverse air nozzle 11 and at least one round headed forward air nozzle 12 may be included, the purpose of the nozzle heads and flexible tubing whip being to direct air in different directions as helpful for the purpose of removing dust, debris and unwanted foreign matter from the interior of ductwork.

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 dust blower mounted at the center of a circular knitting machine for blowing dust and fluff away from the annular loop-forming zone of the circular knitting machine, and including a rigid guide tube connected to a compressed air source and rotated horizontally by a constant speed motor, and a swivel nozzle head mounted on one end of the rigid guide tube and rotated vertically when compressed air is driven out of its radial nozzles.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower for use in cleaning heat exchanger surfaces during a single stroke of its operating cycle. A control system is utilized to vary the rate at which the blowing medium is discharged from the lance tube into the heat exchanger. The rate of discharge is greater during the cleaning stroke of the lance tube than during the non-cleaning stroke.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus as for inside surfaces in residential air ducts, employing a baffle that locally increases air velocity at the surface of the duct to the entrainment velocity that will remove dust and detritus with the help of reaction driven scouring elements for the mechanical dislodgement of dirt and dust. The dirt and dust can then be carried to a collection point by an induced flow of air through the duct. The invention also contemplates a method of cleaning a duct utilizing the above apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for cleaning printing press components with carbon dioxide snow or pellets. Upon impact, the snow or pellets dislodge debris adhering to the components and sublime to a non-hazardous gas. A typical component cleaned by the present invention would be a rotating blanket cylinder of an offset printing press. The snow or pellets are typically conveyed by an air stream under pressure to a moving nozzle, a series of fixed nozzles, or some other dispensing device.

Abstract: A boiler soot blower provides a lance tube having a pair of opposed nozzles at its end. The lance tube is carried by a carriage for reciprocation between an extended and retracted position, and is caused to rotate about its longitudinal axis in timed relationship to the extension and retraction. A lost motion drive is provided for the rotation of the lance tube so that the nozzles produce a helical first spray pattern of cleaning fluid during extension and a second spray pattern of cleaning fluid during retraction which is offset from the first spray pattern and extends substantially midway between the adjacent portions of the first spray pattern. This results in a composite pattern which provides efficient cleaning.

Abstract: Metals castings, having a number of internal passageways which open at different surface portions of the castings, are mounted upon a horizontally axised wheel-like frame. The frame is intermittently rotated and momentarily stopped so that castings are rotated at times and stationary at times. During the times that the castings are stationary, they are simultaneously subjected to either an externally applied vibration or to a momentary, several millisecond long, high pressure burst of air through their respective passageways. The alternating vibrations and momentary bursts of air loosen and remove the sand and other casting debris contained within the passageways. Additionally, the changing angularity of the castings, due to the rotation, coupled with the vibrations and bursts of air, dislodge such sand and debris from the walls and, also, downwardly out of the passageways.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel system for removing foreign particles from a machine part, and, more particularly, to a system for cleaning meat by-products from meat processing rollers or other equipment.

Abstract: A portable containment structure is employed to clean a gripper assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for unclogging the top surface of the tube plate of a steam generator comprising, in a cylindrical vessel, a bundle of bent tubes of inverted U-shape and connected to a tube plate. The unclogging is achieved by two water jets under high pressure coming from projection heads and which can be directed towards the tube plate. These two water jets are moved simultaneously and symetrically with respect to the diametric boundary line of two zones in the form of a semi-circle on the tube plate. At the same time the detached sludge is removed by aspiration of this sludge throughout the length of the peripheral zone of the tube plate.

Abstract: A sootblower for an economizer of the type having a vertically extending cylindrical casing in which is mounted a plurality of spiral coils arranged parallel to each other in concentric relation with respect to the central vertical axis of the cylindrical casing. The spiral coils are in the form of finned tubes, the coils being disposed in closely spaced relation but providing clearance between the fins on adjacent coils. A heat exchange fluid is conducted through the spiral coils whereby the coils can extract heat from exhaust gases passing upwardly through the economizer from a boiler.

Abstract: A soot blowing system for cleaning banks or clusters of heat exchange tubes or the like contained in a furnace or flue housing comprising a movable platform carrying an apertured lance which is inserted sequentially into spaced openings in the wall of the furnace or flue housing so as to pass in proximity to the banks of the heat exchange tubes; the lance is directly connected to a flexible steam supply hose and is incrementally rotatable over a pre-determined area within the furnace or flue housing to steam clean the tubes in that area; upon withdrawal from the housing the platform and lance move to the next aperture in the housing where it is inserted and again incrementally rotated to clean that area of the tube bank.