With Cleaning Means For Heat Exchanger Patents (Class 165/95)
  • Patent number: 6041612
    Abstract: This invention is drawn to a brush which cleans dust and debris from refrigeration coils in conventional coolers. When the door is opened, a cable draws a brush upwardly across the face of the condenser coil and removes dust from the coil. The brush is attached to a jointed arm which controls the positioning of the brush and keeps the brush contiguous the coil. A method of operating the device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Inventor: Steven C. Stringer
  • Patent number: 5992505
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a fouling resistance and a cleanliness factor of heat-transfer surface and which is capable of continuously and accurately monitoring a build-up degree of deposits on a heat-transfer surface of a heat exchanger includes a fouling sensor having a given length of metal wire wound inside the heat-transfer surface for measuring an average temperature of the heat-transfer surface, a direct current voltage supply member for supplying a voltage to a heating wire of the fouling sensor, an accurate resistance measuring member connected with a temperature measuring metal wire of the fouling sensor for measuring an electrical resistance of the metal wire, an inlet/outlet portion water temperature measuring member for measuring the temperatures of the inlet/outlet portions of the apparatus, a water flow rate measuring member, and a data calculation apparatus for computing a fouling resistance and a cleanliness factor of a heat-transfer surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Korea Electric Power Corp.
    Inventor: Jeon-Soo Moon
  • Patent number: 5983994
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for cleaning the inside of a heat exchanger tube while the tube is in operation and for simultaneously enhancing the heat transfer rate across the tube wall. The method consists of positioning a rod containing a tube cleaner inside of the heat exchanger tube and moving the rod in a back and forth motion during operation of the heat exchanger tube. The tube cleaner is designed to scrape the inside wall of the heat exchanger tube and to create turbulence in the fluid near the tube wall thereby improving the heat transfer rate across the tube wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventor: John L. Tsou
  • Patent number: 5975311
    Abstract: A filter includes, in a filter body, a filter unit in the general form of a wheel with, for local contraflow circulation of a cleaning fluid through its filter element, a circulation unit to which a pipe is connected. The pipe is an inlet pipe of the cleaning fluid and, on the other side of the filter unit to the circulation unit there is locally interposed in the filter body an interceptor plate, with, connected laterally to the filter body, between the filter element of the filter unit and the interceptor plate, a pipe which is an outlet pipe for the cleaning fluid. Applications include heat exchangers in which solid cleaning elements circulate, for retaining and recycling the latter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: E. Beaudrey & Cie
    Inventor: Philip Jackson
  • Patent number: 5964278
    Abstract: A heat exchanger has been developed with a helical insert (9) permanently mounted in a housing (2). Between the windings in the insert (9) there is formed a helical channel (20) for one heat exchange medium. The insert (9) is designed with a channel (10) for the second heat exchange medium. The heat exchanger is designed with a central tube (13) which is axially movable and rotatable. The central tube (13) is designed with scraper elements for removal of deposits in the channel (20). In one embodiment the scraper element is formed by a helical insert (15) of the same design as the insert (9). The insert (15) is designed with a channel (16) for the second heat exchange medium. In a further embodiment the central tube (13) is designed with one or more scraper arms (23) which may be liquid-cooled. Deposits are often formed on the heat transfer surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Kvaerner Engineering a.s
    Inventors: Jostein Langoy, Nils Myklebust, Nils I. Viken, deceased, Steiner Lynum, Alfhild Irene Fagervik
  • Patent number: 5964982
    Abstract: A solution to be evaporated is passed through one or several evaporation stages. In each evaporation stage, the solution is circulated between a heat exchanger and an evaporating vessel, and steam is withdrawn from the evaporating vessel. For removing crusts, the evaporation in the respective evaporation stage is interrupted, and a cleaning suspension containing at least 3 wt % granular solids is circulated through the heat exchanger and the evaporating vessel. The solids, which have an abrasive effect, remove the crusts. Preferably, the solution to be evaporated is circulated through the evaporation stage for removing the crusts, where the heat exchanger is heated and the cleaning solution is evaporated to such an extent that solids crystallize out and a cleaning suspension is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Metallgesellschaft Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunter Roller, Dieter Stein, Ulrich Wagner, Ludwig Englmaier
  • Patent number: 5941082
    Abstract: A cleaning system which includes a piping system connected between two opposite ends of the cooling loop of an air conditioning system and two opposite ends of a cooling medium reclaiming machine, a first storage tank and a second storage tank respectively connected between the two opposite ends of the cooling loop of the air conditioning system and the piping system, and a plurality of valves provided at the piping system for controlling the flowing direction of a cooling medium between the cooling loop of the air conditioning and the cooling medium reclaiming machine, and a hard grained material carried with the cooling medium through the cooling loop of the air conditioning system between the storage tanks to rub dirty deposit away from the inside wall of the cooling loop of the air conditioning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Inventor: Ta-Hsin Huang
  • Patent number: 5926892
    Abstract: A heat exchanger washing apparatus comprises a hopper for accommodating a plurality of washing brushes, a first heat exchanger leading guide having a first guide passage for guiding the washing brushes, a first opening/closing member for opening and closing the first guide passage, a first stopper disposed to the first guide passage, a second stopper, an air introduction passage communicating with the connecting port of the first guide passage downstream of the portion thereof where the first opening/closing member is disposed, a second opening/closing member for opening and closing the air introduction passage, a second heat exchanger leading guide connected to the first guide passage downstream of the connecting port and having a second guide passage for guiding the washing brushes with the extreme end of the second guide passage serving as an inserting portion which will be inserted into the pipe of a heat exchanger, first stopper control means, second stopper control means, first opening/closing control m
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Kyokuto Rubber Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Fukuhara, Fumitaka Sugishima
  • Patent number: 5924478
    Abstract: A mobile work machine is provided with an onboard washing system. The washing system has a mixing device which mixes a predetermined amount of concentrated cleaning fluid with water based on the flow rate of water passing through the mixing device and delivers a resulting washing fluid mixture to a sprayer for delivery by a plurality of nozzles toward a radiator core. A fan further induces the washing fluid mixture to pass through the radiator core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Steven E. Crocker
  • Patent number: 5890531
    Abstract: Periodic self-cleaning apparatus of use in combination with a process tube which receives a process fluid therethrough such as a tubular reactor to form a looped system having a launching and receiving chamber for a cleaning device or pig which is propelled periodically through the tube by the motive force of the fluid to clean the tube without disrupting the continuous unidirectional flow of the fluid. The pig need not be spherical and extraneous fluid pumps are not needed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: Noram Engineering and Constructors Ltd.
    Inventors: Stuart A. Gairns, John Joustra
  • Patent number: 5879466
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for periodically cleaning the fins of a radiator of an internal combustion engine using a nozzle system with at least one nozzle directed toward the fins, and a cleaning agent delivery system connected to the nozzle system. The apparatus determines the presence of airflow resistance through the fins, generates an airflow resistance signal, delivers the airflow resistance signal to a control system, and delivers a control signal to the cleaning agent delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Todd D. Creger, William O. Jankovsky
  • Patent number: 5875833
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 2, 1999
    Assignee: Apparatebau Rothemuhle Brandt & Kritzler Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung
    Inventor: Siegfried Schluter
  • Patent number: 5873142
    Abstract: A lance tube formed of a tubular conduit having an inner end to be joined to a source of pressurized fluid, a closed distal end, a continuous wall between the inner and distal ends, and a plurality of tube discharge openings in the continuous wall; and a plurality of axially positioned fluid direction tubes within the conduit, each tube having a straight intake section generally axially aligned with the conduit and having an intake opening toward the conduit inner end, a straight discharge section having a discharge opening at one of the discharge openings in the conduit wall, and an intermediate curved section joining the intake and discharge sections, whereby fluid entering the conduit will be directed through the fluid direction conduits, and will be discharged in laminar flow from the discharge openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Framatome Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott M. Theiss
  • Patent number: 5849148
    Abstract: An evaporator system including a plurality of effects arranged in series for progressively concentrating a liquid, the effects each including: a header chamber for receiving liquid to be concentrated; a multiplicity of tubes adapted to provide evaporation of liquid from the inner surfaces of the tubes and a perforated distributor plate located in the header chamber to distribute liquid to the openings of the tubes; and wherein the evaporator system is provided with a branched wash liquid feed line for providing parallel feeding of wash liquid to the header chambers of the effects onto the distributor plates therein. Each distributor plate comprises an essentially planar plate member having a multiplicity of distributor holes therein for distributing liquid to be evaporated to the multiplicity of tubes therebelow and a series of overflow conduits for providing a flow of wash liquid through the plate to the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Ancon Chemical Pty. Ltd.
    Inventor: Michael L. G. Walker
  • Patent number: 5845684
    Abstract: A clean and easy-to-use, portable upright apparatus, and a method for its use, which can be used to flush and fill the radiator and coolant systems of motorized vehicles in approximately 15 minutes, the apparatus comprising a self-priming pump, a waste collection tank, a tank for holding new or recycled coolant, a filter assembly, and a wheeled support structure for conveniently and efficiently housing the pump, tanks, filter assembly, and the several hoses needed to perform the flush and fill procedure. Applications may include, but are not limited to, flushing coolant from automobile radiators and refilling them with new or recycled coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Inventors: Otho N. Fletcher, Jr., Timothy D. Fletcher
  • Patent number: 5840130
    Abstract: In a combined gas/steam power plant with a once-through forced-flow steam generator, a separation bottle (25) is connected between the evaporator (22) and the superheater (23). To clean the water/steam circuit, in the full-load or the part-load mode, a larger quantity of water than necessary is conveyed through the economizer (21) and the evaporator (22) via a feed pump (20). The quantity of water is selected such that wet steam passes into the separation bottle (25). This water fraction, together with all the impurities contained therein, is separated in the separation bottle and is drawn off via a clarifying line (29). Overfeeding can be regulated in such a way that the fresh steam temperature corresponds to the nominal value of the respective load point. When cleaning of the water/steam circuit is intended in the full-load mode, and without overfeeding the system, steam from a stage of incomplete evaporation can be extracted out of the evaporator and led into the separation bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 24, 1998
    Assignee: Asea Brown Boveri AG
    Inventors: Erhard Liebig, Christoph Ruchti
  • Patent number: 5804063
    Abstract: A change-over apparatus for use in conjunction with a cooling system of an internal combustion engine having an engine and radiator and having an upper hose between the radiator and the engine which has been cut to form an upper radiator hose section and an upper engine hose section wherein a change-over apparatus comprising at least one tubular body having first and second tube bodies having end openings, with the end opening for connection to said upper radiator hose section, said second end opening for connection to said upper engine hose section, a liquid ingress opening spaced from said first end opening, a liquid egress opening spaced from said second end opening, and, optionally, a flow regulating means placed between said liquid ingress opening and said liquid egress opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Prestone Products Corporation
    Inventors: Richard F. Creeron, Aleksei V. Gershun, Stephen M. Woodward, Peter M. Woyciesjes
  • Patent number: 5799622
    Abstract: A furnace heat exchanger tube cleaning apparatus is described. The furnace comprises a combustion chamber for generating heated gases including combustion products, a water jacket containing a liquid to be heated and including heat exchanger tubes passing therethrough and a flue for discharge of the combustion products. In operation, the heated gases including combustion products flow from the combustion chamber along the heat exchanger tubes to the flue. As the heated gases pass along the heat exchanger tubes, heat from the heated gases is transferred to the liquid in the container, thereby heating the liquid. The efficiency of heat transfer is increased by helical flights arranged to depend downward into the respective heat exchanger tubes from a support structure. Specifically, the flights create turbulence in the flow of the heated gases, thereby improving heat transfer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Assignee: Decker Manufacturing
    Inventor: Clarence Waldner
  • Patent number: 5784887
    Abstract: A targeted fluid delivery system (110) is provided for delivering a treatment fluid (F) into tubes (I) of a tube and shell type heat exchanger such as in a condenser (C), typically used in a power plant. The system (110) targets the treatment fluid (F) delivery to separate regions (R) of tubes (I) such that the concentration of the treatment fluid (F) within the tubes (I) of the targeted region (R) is greater than a concentration of the treatment fluid (F) upon mixing with water from other tubes (I) outside of the targeted region (R) at an outlet (O). The system (110) includes a plurality of manifold tiles (160) oriented in fixed relationship to a tubesheet (100) of the condenser (C) at an inlet thereof such that the manifold tiles (160) are rigidly held in place, but do not block the tubes (I) of the condenser (C). The treatment fluid (F) is delivered to the tubes (I) through injectors (180) in the manifold tiles (160).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Winston Chow, Yusuf G. Mussalli, Barry C. Syrett
  • Patent number: 5782209
    Abstract: A segmented automated sludge lance is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The segmented lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: James P. Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 5769034
    Abstract: A device, system and method permitting on-line explosives-based cleaning and deslagging of a fuel burning facility such as a boiler, furnace, incinerator, or scrubber. A coolant, such as ordinary water, is delivered to the explosives to prevent them from detonating due to the heat of the on-line facility. Thus, controlled, appropriately-timed detonation can be initiated as desired, and boiler scale and slag is removed without the need to shut down or cool down the facility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Inventors: Frank Zilka, Tim Zilka, Kurt Prouty, Don Howard
  • Patent number: 5764717
    Abstract: An improved method for removing scale, sludge, corrosion and other debris and deposits from the interior of a heat exchanger vessel such as a nuclear steam generator, includes generating pressure pulses in a non-corrosive, strongly basic, amine-containing chemical cleaning agent in aqueous solution after the agent has been introduced into the interior of the vessel to create shock waves in the liquid for dislodging, dissolving and fluidizing sludge and corrosion products. The chemical cleaning agent is an aqueous solution containing at least one of the group of lower alkyl amines, e.g., dimethylamine, ethylamine, 1,2-diaminoethane, or diaminopropane, lower alkanol amines, e.g., ethanolamine, 2-methyl-2-amino-1-propanol, and 5-aminopentanol, lower alkoxy alkyl amines, e.g., 3-methoxypropylamine, and cyclic diimines, e.g., 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 4,7-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2'-bipyridine, and 4,4'-bipyridine, and terpyridine, or combinations thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Michael W. Rootham
  • Patent number: 5759498
    Abstract: Improved gas exhaust apparatus of a semiconductor plant for substantially reducing the accumulation of solid substance on the surface of a gas exhaust system is disclosed. The apparatus includes a heating section for providing a thermal chamber, thereby transforming incoming gas and oxygen into solid substance. A barrier section is secured to an inner surface of the heating section for preventing the solid substance from accumulating on the inner surface of the heating section. A scrubbing section attached to the heating section is used to expel the solid substance out of the gas exhaust apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: David Sheu, Ling-Hsin Tseng, Ka-Hing Wong, D. Y. Sheu
  • Patent number: 5745950
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sootblower and particularly to a hub and drive assembly therefore capable of producing improved cleaning by directing the blowing medium over substantially all of the surface to be cleaned. Includes a hub and drive assembly in accord with the present invention converts the alternating, clockwise and counter-clockwise rotary output of a reversible drive motor to uni-directional rotary movement of the sootblower lance. Further, the hub and drive assembly of the present invention provides an incremental degree of lost rotational movement each time the direction of longitudinal movement of the lance and nozzle assembly changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Combustion Engineering, Inc.
    Inventors: W. Wayne Holden, Michael C. Holden
  • Patent number: 5746259
    Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for servicing equipment such as air conditioning systems, refrigeration systems, engines, transmissions, and tires More particularly, invention is directed toward a system for safely transferring precisely measured quantities of a variety of liquids and gases to the serviced item using essentially a single work station apparatus cooperating with multiple reservoirs of fluids. Furthermore, one or more types of fluids can be supplied, from remote reservoirs, to one or more mobile work stations. Fluids can also be withdrawn from the apparatus being serviced, and reprocessed for future use. Stated another way, the invention eliminates the need for dedicated service equipment to provide each applicable service. This invention is suitable for many market segments such as commercial, industrial, marine, utility, and the like. Government, military, public and private sectors of the economy will benefit from the use of this invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: John O. Noble, III
  • Patent number: 5737937
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an accessory structure for vehicle air-conditioner for improving the compartment atmosphere by cleaning the evaporator as heat exchanger and others or feeding aromatic or other functional solvent in a vehicle air-conditioner for taking in external air or internal air from an air-conditioning air intake route, and more particularly to an accessory structure for vehicle air-conditioner capable of improving the compartment atmosphere, by connecting a solvent feed route to solvent flow injection means provided at the upstream side of the heat exchanger in the air-conditioning air intake route, providing the base end of the solvent feed route with receiving means separated from the solvent source, fixing the receiving means in a specific place in the compartment, and putting in an accommodating space such as glove box, while separating the solvent source such as filled container from the receiving means, thereby preventing the solvent source from being ruptured or damaged, and more
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1998
    Inventor: Yasumasa Akazawa
  • Patent number: 5730209
    Abstract: Method and apparatus for moving a conditioning fluid, e.g. defrost gas, through a plate fin type heat exchanger having open-ended passages containing easyway or hardway finning. Each group of open-ended passages is provided with means to introduce the fluid into the passages at a location to achieve maximum contact of the fluid with each open-ended passage. A downflow reboiler according to the invention can be readily conditioned (e.g. defrosted).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Swaminathan Sunder, Patrick Alan Houghton, Frank Jude Riska, William Robert Licht, Melvyn Roy Collyer
  • Patent number: 5681456
    Abstract: A complete fluid handling system for automotive engine coolant that is installed within an automotive service center. The system delivers either new coolant in a 50% antifreeze--50% water ratio or recycled coolant also in a 50/50 ratio. The coolant is mixed in a new coolant delivery tank and is delivered under pressure to a service device at each service bay. The recycled coolant is also delivered to the services device at the service bays from a recycled coolant delivery tank under pressure. Recovery of coolant can be directed to either a waste holding tank or to a recycling tank. If directed to recycling tank the coolant is cleaned and treated to restore the coolant to the proper chemical balance.The system enables a technician to conveniently and effectively remove and replace engine coolant. The system enables safe and an immediate access to hot cooling systems, including overheated engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Inventor: Wes Delport
  • Patent number: 5680665
    Abstract: An apparatus for selectively recirculating, conditioning, sorting and collecting the balls and discharging the bails from a pipe cleaning system utilizing recirculating foam rubber balls includes a housing having a dividing wall defining an inlet chamber on one side thereof and a collection chamber on the other side thereof, the inlet chamber having an inlet and the collection chamber having an outlet. A movable plate further divides the collection chamber into a acceptable ball chamber and a rejected ball chamber. A roller arrangement is operably connected with the housing and cooperates with the movable plate to condition and sort the balls in the system into the rejected ball chamber and the acceptable ball chamber. The collection chamber has a movable screen which selectively controls the flow of balls from the acceptable ball chamber to the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 28, 1997
    Assignee: Water Services of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Dean Anson, Dennis P. Tronca, James E. Biersach
  • Patent number: 5676201
    Abstract: An apparatus for carrying out a physical and/or chemical process, such as a heat exchanger, comprising a reservoir (1) provided with upwardly-directed tubes (2), in which reservoir (1) a fluidized bed is present consisting of granular material and maintained by medium to be treated. The invention is provided with means for causing fluidized bed particles to circulate from a bottom box (3) of the reservoir (1) through the riser pipes (2), a top box (4) and a downcomer (15) back again to the bottom box (4), and with a closable bypass line (27) for feeding a portion of the fed medium to the riser pipes (2) while shortcutting the fluidized bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Bronswerk Heat Transfer B.V.
    Inventor: Dick Gerritt Klaren
  • Patent number: 5676197
    Abstract: A self-propelled windrower includes an engine compartment containing an engine-driven fan for pulling cooling air through a screen covering a circular air inlet leading into the compartment. The fan also is coupled for creating a suction in an air duct extending diametrically across the air inlet, the duct in turn being coupled to the center of a channel-like vacuum wand mounted for sweeping the exterior of the screen and removing airborne debris collected by the screen. Provided for rotatably supporting a drive shaft for the wand is a bearing support member including a cylindrical portion having an end fixed to a mounting plate secured to the air duct, the cylindrical portion having an interior end section receiving an outer race of a roller bearing having an inner race receiving and being fixed to the wand drive shaft. An electric drive motor is located within said compartment and mounted to said air duct at a side thereof remote from said screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 14, 1997
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: David Henry Diebold, Alan Joseph Novak, Robert James Johnston, John Lewis Rukgaber, Larry Allen Workman
  • Patent number: 5649574
    Abstract: A removal and refill apparatus for use in removing and/or refilling coolant in an automotive cooling system. The automotive cooling system typically includes a radiator, overflow bottle, engine, water pump, and heater core elements. A method for utilizing the coolant removal and refill apparatus utilizing vacuum and pressure is described for use with the removal and refill apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: David E. Turcotte, John J. Conville, Stephen M. Zeld, Daniel E. Coker, James T. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5647428
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for removing hard-body cleaners from cooling water downstream of a heat exchanger. The bodies are removed from the cooling water by a screen placed such that water flowing in and out of a container which is open to the atmosphere flows through the screen. Bar rake screens, traveling screens or other stationary forms of screens may be used. The cleaning bodies are removed from the screen by mechanical, gravity or fluid flow forces, and then may be recirculated to a heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 15, 1997
    Assignee: BetzDearborn Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Echols
  • Patent number: 5641341
    Abstract: A method for minimizing the clogging of a cooling zone heat exchanger of a reflow solder apparatus that includes the steps of: removing a gas/flux mixture from an exhaust zone (20) that is located adjacent a heated zone and/or a cooling zone; conducting the gas/flux mixture to and through a first filter chamber (22), conducting the filtered gas from the filter chamber (22) through a low pressure portion of a blower housing of a cooling zone (16), then subsequently to and through a high pressure portion (44) of the cooling zone that includes a collection tray (38), a mesh filter (48), a heat exchanger (46) and at least one perforated plate (50). The heat exchanger is thermostatically controlled at a preset tempering temperature that minimizes the collection of flux on its exterior surfaces while allowing a solder joint of an article to solidify.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Assignee: Heller Industries
    Inventors: David Heller, James Neville, Peter J. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5630471
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for transferring cleaning bodies for a heat exchanger through which can flow a cooling fluid. The apparatus requires in the case of discontinuous operation a minimum number of drives operated with external power and has a casing which has an inlet connectable by means of a line to an outlet of the heat exchanger, as well as an outlet; a sink space, which is connected by means of a controllable closable and openable opening with the interior of the casing and an outlet connectable by means of a line to the heat exchanger inlet and a screening means located in the casing and which is positioned between the outlet of the casing on the one hand and the casing inlet on the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 20, 1997
    Assignee: Taprogge GmbH
    Inventor: Detlef Taprogge
  • Patent number: 5615716
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine coolant changing apparatus for changing an engine coolant such as LLC (long-life coolant) in an engine coolant path containing a radiator, comprising coolant storing means possessing a pressure action port and a liquid inlet and outlet, detaching mechanism to be attached or detached to or from a filler port of a radiator, communicating device for communicating between the liquid inlet and outlet and the detaching device, and pressure action device for applying a negative pressure to the pressure action port to overheat the coolant to a low temperature by driving an engine when discharging the coolant from an engine coolant system, and applying a positive pressure to the pressure action port when feeding a fresh liquid, so that the coolant can be changed promptly in a short time, without requiring manipulation of radiator drain cock or jack-up of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Inventor: Yasumasa Akazawa
  • Patent number: 5615733
    Abstract: A on-line monitoring system of a simulated heat-exchanger which includes a plurality of temperature sensors adapted to detect the temperatures of cold water and hot water at respective water inlets and water outlets, a flowrate detector adapted to detect the flow rate of cold water, an A/D converter adapted to convert detected temperature signals and flowrate signal into corresponding digital signals, and a microprocessor adapted to calculate total heat transmission rate subject to the data obtained from the A/D converter and to calculate the heat transmission constant of the heat exchanging tube inside the heat exchanging chamber, then to store the calculated data in a memory for use as a reference value for the calculation of a next heat transmission rate so as to further calculate the heat transmission rate and thickness of fouling of the heat exchanging tube by comparing the latest coefficient of heat transmission with the previous coefficient of heat transmission, permitting the calculated result to be s
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Helio-Compatic Corporation
    Inventor: Ming-Chia Yang
  • Patent number: 5615734
    Abstract: An apparatus for use with a search device and a foreign object extrication device in a steam generator includes a router having two conduits for routing the search and extrication devices, and a positioning mechanism for positioning the conduits. The extrication device may include a cable having a pushing mechanism for pushing a foreign object within the steam generator and a hook mechanism for pulling the foreign object. Alternatively, the extrication device may include a loop mechanism for pulling. The extrication device may include a cable having a slotted end for pushing. Alternatively, the cable may have an anvil for pushing. The router may include a guide tube interconnected with the first conduit for guiding the search device from the tube lane into a selected one of the tube rows of the steam generator and another guide tube interconnected with the second conduit for guiding the extrication device from the tube lane into the selected tube row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Hyp
  • Patent number: 5607008
    Abstract: In a method of monitoring the condition of soiling and/or calcification of heat exchangers in heating installations, subsequent operational data of temperature and pump speed are collected in turns during the operation and compared with the initial operational data of temperature and pump speed collected in an initial condition, for instance when an installation is put into service initially. When an admissible deviation of the subsequent operational data from the initial operational data is exceeded, which is as a rule to be attributed to the soiling and/or calcification of the heat exchanger, a corresponding malfunction signal is emitted or the heating installation is switched off. In accordance with the method, a conventional heating installation is provided with a monitoring device, by means of which the soiling and/or calcification of the heat exchanger is automatically checked in turns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 4, 1997
    Inventor: Armin Niederer
  • Patent number: 5605117
    Abstract: A sootblower for cleaning heat exchanger surfaces in a boiler. The sootblower includes a carriage assembly supported by a frame and adapted to cause translational and rotational movement of a lance tube to insert and retract the lance tube into and out of the boiler. The lance tube includes nozzles which project a blowing medium against the heat exchanger surfaces in the boiler. A mechanism is provided to articulate the sootblower so that the angular orientation of the lance tube can be altered with respect to the heat exchanger surfaces in the boiler. The articulating mechanism permits the carriage assembly to advance and withdraw the lance tube in and out of the boiler along a different axes thereby enabling greater cleaning coverage of the heat exchanger surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1997
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Moskal
  • Patent number: 5601657
    Abstract: An improved method for cleaning heat exchangers, wherein a first cleaning liquid is used to remove a majority of the accumulated sludge and deposits from the surfaces of the heat exchanger, and a second cleaning liquid is used to remove deposits from the crevice regions of the heat exchanger. Boiling may be induced in the crevices between the tubes and the tube support plates by venting of the secondary side while heating through the primary side of the heat exchanger. Repeated venting as the water level is lowered results in crevice boiling at each tube support plate. Mechanical cleaning techniques such as pressure pulse cleaning may be utilized with either or both of the cleaning liquids. Additional liquids may be introduced into the heat exchanger to provide further cleaning action or to facilitate flushing of the previous cleaning liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 11, 1997
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Allen J. Baum
  • Patent number: 5598889
    Abstract: A recovery device comprising a sleeve (21) arranged in the outlet (15S) of a heat exchanger (10) and containing a filter assembly (24) capable of retaining solid cleaning materials (18) circulating through the heat exchanger. The filter assembly (24) comprises a rotary member (25) with a filter panel (26) and two interconnected pipes (27S, 27E) arranged on either side of the rotary member (25) in connection with the relative rotation thereof, as well as a circulation assembly for locally generating a counter-flow through the filter panel (26) of the rotary member (25) opposite the pipes (27S, 27E). The device is particularly useful in tubular heat exchangers used in condensers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1997
    Assignee: E. Beaudrey & Cie
    Inventor: Philip Jackson
  • Patent number: 5597417
    Abstract: With a method and apparatus for the percussive cleaning of objects disposed in a chamber that is under process pressure, whereby an elongated percussive element is held below and in contact with the object that is to be cleaned and percussive energy is applied to the percussive element via an accelerated elongated striker, it is provided for a more simple pressure balancing that at least during the acceleration of the striker, the two ends of the striker be maintained at the same pressure, which essentially corresponds to the pressure in the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 28, 1997
    Assignee: L. & C. Steinmuller GmbH
    Inventors: Gustav Thones, Ulrich Rottlander
  • Patent number: 5592990
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning tubing by balls circulated with the fluid through tubing, includes a ball collector housing having an apertured partition permitting the fluid, but not the balls, to pass therethrough, so that the balls accumulate in the upper compartment and are recirculated into the tubing by controlling various valves. The upper compartment is closed by a removable cover to permit adding balls to the upper compartment or removing balls therefrom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1997
    Assignee: Ball-Tech Energy Ltd.
    Inventor: Chaim Ben-Dosa
  • Patent number: 5590706
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical, dual tube and plug device for on-line monitoring of performance losses due to reduced conductivity of a non condensing heat exchanger resulting from micro-bio fouling of the surfaces of said heat exchanger and for detecting change of heat transfer resistance of individual heat transfer tubes. The dual tube and plug assembly includes a first flow assembly tube and a second temperature assembly tube attached to the discharge end of a heat exchanger for providing accurate measurement of temperature and cooling water flow. The first flow assembly tube includes a tube having an inner chamber, including a flow sensor a temperature sensor for measuring discharge water temperature. The second temperature assembly tube plugs the inlet and the outlet of a heat transfer tube immediately adjacent to the flow assembly tube and includes a plurality of temperature sensors in the plugged empty heat transfer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute
    Inventors: John L. Tsou, John F. Garey
  • Patent number: 5579726
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 3, 1996
    Inventor: Louis Finucane
  • Patent number: 5575328
    Abstract: A debris box, for use with a search and retrieval device for searching and retrieving a plurality of foreign objects within a heat exchanger, includes a holder mechanism, such as a container, for containing the foreign objects which are retrieved by the search and retrieval device within the heat exchanger; and an insertion mechanism, such as a snake, for inserting the holder mechanism into the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Edward J. Hyp
  • Patent number: 5575639
    Abstract: A fuel combuster such as a torch tip, having means therein for cleaning the orifice of the tip, as well as a method of cleaning such an orifice. The combustion device comprises a metallic elongated tube having a forward section terminating in a front end, a middle section and a rearward section, the middle section communicating at its respective ends with the forward section and the rearward section. The rearward section is adapted, suitably at its rearward end, for connection to a source of combustible gas, and is suitably provided with axially positioned fuel jet means for injecting combustible gas into the tube and with apertures for intake of combustion supporting gas to be mixed with the combustible gas. The fuel jet means includes an orifice having an elongated wire passing therethrough. Movement of the wire loosens any dirt in the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Uniweld Products, Inc.
    Inventor: David S. Pearl, II
  • Patent number: 5573045
    Abstract: The invention relates to an engine coolant changing apparatus for changing,an engine coolant such as LLC (long-life coolant) in an engine coolant path containing a radiator, comprising coolant storing container possessing a pressure action port and a liquid inlet and outlet, detaching device to be attached or detached to or from a filler port of a radiator, communicating device for communicating between the liquid inlet and outlet and the detaching means, and pressure action device for applying a negative pressure to the pressure action port and for concurrently causing overheating and the coolant to a low temperature by driving an engine when discharging the coolant from an engine coolant system, and device for applying a positive pressure to the pressure action port when feeding a fresh liquid, so that the coolant can be changed promptly in a short time, without requiring manipulation of radiator drain cock or jack-up of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventor: Yasumasa Akazawa
  • Patent number: 5572957
    Abstract: An automated sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable. The automated sludge lance and method can be used in the no-tube-lane, in the annular chamber, or in combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: James P. Vandenberg