With Cleaning Means For Heat Exchanger Patents (Class 165/95)
  • Patent number: 5570969
    Abstract: An improved composite waterlance and cavity connection is described where fiber reinforcements longitudinally extend through the body (24) of waterlance (10) and are inserted into a wedge shaped cavity at the top (18a) and bottom (18b) of a front manifold (18). An adhesive in the cavity and on the end of the rope (36) fixes the rope to the front manifold (18) and to the body (24) of the waterlance (10) to provide improved strength in the connection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1996
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Frank Kamler
  • Patent number: 5570660
    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 5, 1996
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: James P. Vandenberg
  • Patent number: 5566649
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning and removing the buildup of products of corrosion, oxidation, sedimentation and comparable chemical reactions from various portions of a fire tube boiler. Specific areas to be cleaned are the surfaces of the fire tubes, crevices, and junctions inside the boiler. Also cleaned is the location where the fire tube boiler comes into contact with the tube sheets, boiler shell and fire tubes. One or a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are placed inside the boiler and activated to transmit ultrasonic energy at a sufficient amplitude and frequency to dislodge deposits, sedimentation and sludge from the interior surfaces of the boiler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventor: Orlin Norris
  • Patent number: 5560323
    Abstract: A boiler cleaning device includes a frame mounting a carriage for moving a lance in and out of a boiler along said frame. The carriage is moved by a drive-chain which passes through a differentially geared set of sprockets, one of which carries a pinion rotating a ring gear mounted on a spindle portion of the lance. The spindle has a plurality of recesses each including an abutment and a ramp while the gear carries a spring loaded plunger which engages the abutment to rotate the spindle and the lance in one direction. When the drive is reversed to move the carriage backward, the gear rotates the other direction and the plunger merely rides up the ramps and down the abutments and the spindle does not rotate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Copes-Vulcan, Inc.
    Inventor: Royce A. Billings
  • Patent number: 5558157
    Abstract: An improved apparatus and method is provided for removing microfouling from the tube side of a shell-and-tube heat exchanger on a more effective and efficient basis. The tube side of the heat exchanger is isolated and drained completely of surface water while it is still on-line. A source of low relative humidity air which is dry is provided. The low relative humidity air is passed through the tube side of the heat exchanger while there is still a heat load on the shell side of the heat exchanger. The surface water is re-introduced to the heat exchanger after the tube side of the heat exchanger has been dried so as to wash away and remove the dried out microfouling from the tube side of the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 24, 1996
    Inventors: James Makowski, Sunish Shah, Tony Lostroscio, Ronald D. Wine, Arne A. Lindberg
  • Patent number: 5553571
    Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating a steam generator tube bank are disclosed in which a water drum of a typical steam drum/water drum combination is replaced with a plurality of smaller readers to permit the use of rapping, or mechanical rappers, to clean the tubes extending between the steam drum and the headers. The steam generator tube bank of the present invention comprises a steam drum or collecting header, a plurality of headers extending below the steam drum, and a plurality of tubes extending between the steam drum and the headers and placing the steam drum and headers in fluid flow communication. The headers are sized to permit debris or deposits which accumulate on the tubes to be removed by rapping the headers, thereby inducing vibration of the headers and the tubes. The tubes are arranged in rows, and the headers are arranged to form rows of axially-aligned pairs of headers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Walter R. Campbell, John W. Phalen, Stephen J. Goidich
  • Patent number: 5540275
    Abstract: A rapping hammer system adapted for periodically rapping and cleaning tubes of a heat exchanger unit to remove undesired deposits from outside the tubes. A plurality of rapping hammers are each pivotably attached to a radial arm extending outwardly from and spaced apart along a rotatable shaft. A spring device is attached to each radial arm and arranged to contact the rapping hammer with sufficient force so as to substantially restrain repeated striking movements of the rapping hammer against an impact stem of the heat exchange unit following an initial impact of the hammer. A method is also disclosed for operating the rapping hammer system for periodically rapping and cleaning the outside surface of heat exchanger tubes such as boiler tubes of accumulated ash and soot deposits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Assignee: Foster Wheeler Energy Corporation
    Inventor: Frantisek L. Eisinger
  • Patent number: 5524681
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling and draining coolant from a battery cooling system (10). A coolant delivery system (94) is fluidly connected to the battery cooling system (10) for providing new coolant to the battery cooling system (10) when filling and for purging coolant from the battery cooling system (10) when draining. A pressurization system (96) is fluidly connected to the battery cooling system 10) for pressurizing the battery cooling system (10) after providing coolant when filling and for purging coolant when draining. A vacuum system (98) is fluidly connected to the coolant delivery system for creating a vacuum after draining to evacuate the battery cooling system (10) prior to filling. And, a controller (189) is electrically connected to the battery cooling system (10) to cycle a condenser fan (32) and coolant pump (26) coupled to the battery cooling system on and off according to a predetermined timing sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Ford Motor Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Davies, Craig A. Kovarik
  • Patent number: 5518068
    Abstract: The invention relates to an installation for cleaning tubes in a tube assembly (1) such as a heat exchanger or a condenser, which assembly comprises n sections in parallel where n is an integer greater than 1, the tubes being cleaned by circulating balls in a flow of water inside the tubes. For each of its sections, the installation comprises a branch length of pipework (6) fitted with its own drive pump (8) and extending between an upstream device (7) for recovering balls that is mounted on the outlet from the section under consideration and a downstream device (10) for reinjecting balls that is mounted at the inlet (2) to said section. The installation has a single device (11) for injecting new balls which is connected to all n lengths (6) by a corresponding number of small diameter pipes (12), thereby enabling the n sections to be served in turn by means of said device and also enabling it to be located at a distance from the tubes to be cleaned, in a location that is easy to access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Technos Et Compagnie
    Inventor: Roger Ricard
  • Patent number: 5511590
    Abstract: In an automotive cooling system made up of a radiator, overflow bottle, engine and heater core members, a method of removing spent antifreeze therefrom involves applying air pressure at the highest vertical point of the cooling system members, and draining the antifreeze via the lowest vertical point thereof. A method of refill via the radiator or pressurized overflow bottle involves utilization of a refill element with vacuum and coolant prongs. Simultaneous vacuum and refill of coolant is achieved with the refill element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: BASF Corporation
    Inventors: David E. Turcotte, John J. Conville, Stephen M. Zeld, Daniel E. Coker, James T. Lyon
  • Patent number: 5512140
    Abstract: This invention discloses a method of in-service cleaning an operating column by inserting into the column a lance through which a compatible liquid is dispensed at a pressure of at least about 5000 psig. Also disclosed is apparatus which comprises a column through which a fluid can pass, nozzles mounted on the outside of the column, where each nozzle comprises a flange welded to the column and a valve bolted to the flange, a lance which can be inserted through the nozzles into the column and means for dispensing a liquid through the lance at a pressure of at least about 5000 psig.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 30, 1996
    Assignee: Occidental Chemical Corporation
    Inventor: Charles R. Rutan
  • Patent number: 5499639
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the tubes of a heat exchanger of a type having at least one header that defines a manifold chamber having a plurality of tubes extending therefrom, the tubes and the header defining tube openings to provide open communication between the tubes and the manifold chamber, the tube openings defining a peripheral seating surface, there being bores in the header, respective ones of which are in register with respective ones of the tube openings, the apparatus comprising a tubular member having a first end and a second end, the tubular member being dimensioned such that the first end can be received through at least one of the bores, a force transmitting lever assembly connected to the tubular member and operatively connected to the header whereby the tubular member can be urged toward the seating surface of a tube opening in register with a bore through which the tubular member is received, there being a seal formed between the tubular member and the seating surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 1995
    Date of Patent: March 19, 1996
    Inventor: Robert V. Williams, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5494004
    Abstract: A pivotal housing member has an end pivotally coupled to an end of a base housing member for movement between a retracted or folded position and an extended position. The pivotal housing member has a pulsed deflagration or detonation device located therein for producing pulsed deflagration or detonation pressure waves for cleaning purposes. When the pivotal member is in its folded position, the two housing members may be moved through the opening formed through the wall of a boiler, etc. for cleaning the interior surface of the wall with the pulsed pressure waves. In order to increase the wall area cleaned from a given wall opening, the two housing members may be rotated about an axis of the base housing member and the pivotal housing member pivoted to different extended positions from its folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Lockheed Corporation
    Inventor: Louis G. Hunter, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5490392
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved heat transfer device, such as the heat exchanger included in a system for cooling and conditioning air in a textile mill, the system having an air washer and the heat exchanger operating to cool water to be used in the air washer. Water is circulated through a chilling basin where it is cooled by a refrigeration system having evaporator panels in the basin, and the water flows through the basin from a supply inlet to a discharge outlet. Bubbler tubes discharge streams of air bubbles so that the air bubbles flow along the evaporator panels in close proximity thereto. Preferably, the streams of air bubbles are discharged from the bubbler tubes under pressure supplied by an air blower, with a manifold and connecting pipes supplying the pressurized air to the bubbler tubes. The bubbler tubes are preferably spaced from the outlet so that air bubbles do not enter the discharge outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Pneumafil Corporation
    Inventors: Roger D. Williams, Mark S. Gengler
  • Patent number: 5482111
    Abstract: To impregnate with water the spongy balls (1) that are to be used for cleaning the tubes of a condenser, the balls are put into a tank (2) whose upper portion forms a chamber (10) that is separated from the remainder of the tank by a grid (9) to which the balls cannot pass, the chamber is connected to a pump (17) having a piston (19), and then after the tank and the volumes in communication therewith have been filled with water, all of the valves giving access to the tank are closed, the piston of the pump is pulled back, thereby causing air to be expelled from the balls in the chamber, and the volume is again completely refilled with water so as to evacuate said air and impregnate the balls with water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 9, 1996
    Assignee: Technos et Compagnie
    Inventor: Andre Bizard
  • Patent number: 5473787
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for on-line cleaning of the tubes of a heat exchanger. Tube cleaners are comprised of two members, a rigid flotation member and an elastomeric cleaning member. The cleaner has a selected density to allow uniform distribution through the tubes and to allow recovery by surface extraction or by strainers. Pressures as the cleaner enters or flows along a tube may be measured and selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Betz Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: James F. Echols
  • Patent number: 5462429
    Abstract: A mechanical wiper mounted within an incinerator for waste gases, such as silane, and said wiper adapted to move adjacent selected internal surface areas to remove combustion products buildup on such selected areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 31, 1995
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Francis E. Pritchard, Eugene H. Koederitz, Ronald E. Fuhrhop, Thomas H. Barker, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5450895
    Abstract: A cleaning system using balls for cleaning fluid-conducting tubing including separation apparatus for separating the balls before recirculation by ball recirculation apparatus. The separation apparatus includes a conduit having an inlet in flow communication with the downstream side of the tubing, a ball outlet connected to the inlet of the ball recirculation apparatus and a fluid outlet connected to an outlet fluid line, and a generally cylindrical sieve substantially extending between the inlet and the ball outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 19, 1995
    Assignee: C.Q.M. Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Peery
  • Patent number: 5447193
    Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning liquid-conducting tubing including a plurality of balls, ball recirculation apparatus for recirculating balls and liquid recirculation apparatus for recirculating the liquid used for entraining the balls to the ball recirculation apparatus. The ball recirculation apparatus has an inlet at the downstream side of the tubing and an outlet at the upstream side of the tubing. The liquid recirculation apparatus has an inlet in flow communication with the ball recirculation apparatus and an outlet at the upstream side of the tubing. Also, an apparatus for injecting a volume of liquid from a source of liquid into a liquid conducting system including a compressor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 5, 1995
    Assignee: C.Q.M. Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Peery
  • Patent number: 5442921
    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 tile 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: September 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: EPRI
    Inventors: Winston Chow, George E. Hecker, Yusuf G. Mussalli, Barry C. Syrett
  • Patent number: 5441101
    Abstract: An apparatus to change and recondition a coolant of a car having a radiator, an engine block and a top hose connecting the radiator and the engine block. The apparatus having a valve to be received in the top hose. There is an inlet and an outlet pipe to be connected to the valve. A pump is connected to the inlet pipe and to the outlet pipe. There are tanks, each having an inlet and an outlet, to receive coolant from the pump and to supply coolant to the pump. These tanks also act to store reconditioned coolant and to receive coolant to be reconditioned. Valves direct coolant flow to one or other of the tanks as required. Using the apparatus coolant can be withdrawn from the radiator, pumped to a first or second tank, reconditioned in that tank, passed to the other of the two tanks and then returned to the engine block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 15, 1995
    Inventor: John C. S. Johnsson
  • Patent number: 5429178
    Abstract: An electro-mechanical, dual tube and plug device for on-line monitoring of performance losses due to reduced conductivity of a heat exchanger resulting from micro-bio fouling of the surfaces of said heat exchanger/condenser 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 comprising a paddle wheel and a sensor and 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 spring loaded temperature sensors in the plugged empty heat transfer tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: John F. Garey, David J. Schlottenmier, Murray F. Feller
  • Patent number: 5429077
    Abstract: An apparatus and method by which deposits are removed from the heat exchange surfaces of heat exchange element in a boiler. According to the present invention, a heat exchange medium flowing through the element at a first temperature has injected into it a fluid at a second temperature. The injection of the fluid and the temperature difference between the fluid and the medium causes a pressure wave to be produced in the heat exchange element at a specific location whereby the pressure wave in the medium causes mechanical vibration of the element. The result is that ash, scale, soot and other deposits are fractured, loosened and removed from the surfaces of the element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Assignee: The Babcock & Wilcox Company
    Inventor: Thomas E. Moskal
  • Patent number: 5425333
    Abstract: In apparatus for control of liquid coolant flow to and from an engine and radiator coolant system, comprising a closed tank to receive the coolant; a first line extending at the exterior of the tank, and also communicating with the tank interior, the first line connectible with the coolant system; ducting associated with the tank and having an inlet for connection to a source of compressed air, an outlet outside the tank, and having an aspiration side port between the inlet and outlet, the side port also connected to the tank interior; and a first valve for controlling compressed air flow through the ducting; whereby in one position of the valve compressed air flows into the tank via the side port to drive coolant from the tank interior via the first line and to the coolant system, and in another position of the valve compressed air flow through the ducting to the outlet acts to draw fluid into the tank from the engine coolant system via the first line, in response to suction communication to the tank interio
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Assignee: Wynn Oil Company
    Inventors: James L. Baylor, Russell A. Lindquist, Michael J. Camacho
  • Patent number: 5423483
    Abstract: A sootblower nozzle head of lance tube has nozzle members, each comprising a plurality of full expansion nozzles positioned closely adjacent and parallel to each other so that the jets from the individual nozzles commingle as they exit the nozzle member to form a common jet, thereby providing the cleaning efficiency of a full expansion nozzle in the limited space available in the head of the sootblower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 13, 1995
    Inventor: Hans H. Schwade
  • Patent number: 5413168
    Abstract: An improved method for cleaning heat exchangers, wherein a first liquid containing a cleaning agent is used to remove substantially all of the accumulated sludge and deposits from the surfaces of the heat exchanger, and a second liquid containing a cleaning agent is used to remove deposits from the crevice regions of the heat exchanger. The concentration of cleaning agent in the second liquid and/or the duration of exposure for the second liquid are preferably greater than those of the first liquid, because the risk of corrosion is reduced as a result of a lower concentration of ferric ions in the second liquid. Furthermore, improved crevice region cleaning is obtained with the second liquid because the available cleaning agent is not depleted by the large volume of sludge and deposits removed by the first liquid. Mechanical cleaning techniques such as pressure pulse cleaning may be utilized with either or both of the cleaning liquids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 9, 1995
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corporation
    Inventor: Allen J. Baum
  • Patent number: 5398517
    Abstract: A cleaning apparatus is contained within the potable water collection apparatus, to selectively clean the cooling coil and the collection pan, when the collection apparatus is not collecting potable water. The potable water collection apparatus comprises an enclosure having an air mover to provide a dynamic airflow path between an inlet port and an outlet port; a compressor; a condensing coil in fluid communication with the compressor; a cooling coil in fluid communication with the condensing coil, thus forming a closed loop circulation system for the circulation of a refrigerant fluid. The cooling coil is in the dynamic airflow path. A collection tray is disposed below the cooling coil, and a collection container receives collected water from the collection tray. The cleaning apparatus comprises a hood enclosure for substantially enclosing the cooling coil and the inner surface of the collection tray. The hood enclosure is movable between a first closed cleaning position and a second opened position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Inventor: Forrest R. Poindexter
  • Patent number: 5388636
    Abstract: A system for cleaning the inside of tubing, as of a heat exchanger, which is made up of a number of balls entrained by a liquid flowing through the system, a separator for separating the balls from the liquid downstream of the tubing, an accumulator for accumulating the balls downstream of the separator, a storage tank for storing a volume of injection liquid, and a mechanism for injecting the balls upstream of the tubing by displacement of the injection liquid from the storage to upstream of the tubing through the accumulator to entrain the balls therewith. The accumulator and the storage tank can be combined in a single housing or configured as separate airtight housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1995
    Assignee: C.Q.M. Ltd.
    Inventor: Moshe Peery
  • Patent number: 5385202
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are provided for the operational monitoring of a condenser including a steam chamber through which steam to be condensed flows and at least one configuration having a plurality of tubes in the steam chamber through which a coolant fluid passes from an inlet to an outlet end. The steam pressure and/or temperature is measured at least at one measuring point in the steam chamber. In addition, the inlet temperature of the coolant fluid at the inlet end, the outlet temperature of the coolant fluid at the outlet end and the coolant fluid mass throughput are measured at each selected tube. The measurements are evaluated to determine the heat transfer coefficient of each selected tube and the coefficients thus determined are assessed for diagnostic purposes. In particular, a signal is given when at least one heat transfer coefficient differs substantially from a predetermined setting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Armin Drosdziok, Walter Zorner
  • Patent number: 5377913
    Abstract: A jet lance device comprising a hydraulic crane with an articulated jib movable by hydraulic motors, a hydraulic rotator mounted on the free end of the jib such that a rotatable support element thereof is turnable about an axis in the vertical plane through the jib, and a jet member mounted on the support element. This jet member comprises a jet lance which is pivotable on a pivot axis transverely of the rotation axis of the rotator and connectable to a source of jet liquid under high pressure, and the device further comprises controllers and drivers for operating the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: January 3, 1995
    Inventor: Meino J. Van Der Woude
  • Patent number: 5359967
    Abstract: A method for controlling nitrogen oxides (NO.sub.x) levels in a gas produced by a fossil fuel fired unit comprises establishing an optimum gas temperature range for the unit and monitoring a gas temperature of the unit. The heat exchanger surfaces of the unit are then cleaned until the monitored gas temperature is within the optimum gas temperature range. An optimum fuel combustion rate range is also established for the unit and a fuel combustion rate of the unit is monitored. Air is provided to the unit until the monitored fuel combustion rate is within the optimum combustion rate range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 1, 1994
    Inventors: Hudson R. Carter, John T. Huston
  • Patent number: 5348234
    Abstract: A device for cleaning heat exchanger pipe bundles. The device includes a guide column supported by a support construction for displacement parallel to itself, wherein the guide column defines a guide path for a slide piece guided slidably along the column, a number of lances connected to the slide piece parallel to the guide column, a hose connected to the slide piece for supplying liquid under high pressure to the lances, and an endless flexible member engaging on the slide piece for reciprocally moving the slide piece along the guide column. The column and the flexible member are assembled from a number of parts so that they can have a length adapted to the conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Stork Nedserv B.V.
    Inventor: Meino J. v.d. Woude
  • Patent number: 5341406
    Abstract: A sliding lance guide flexible lance system (10) is attached to a hand hole (12) of a nuclear power plant steam generator by means of flange (14) of tilt module (16). A rail (18) extends from the tilt module (16) to a support stand (20) and is attached to the stand (20) by a pivot (22) so that the rail (18) is free to rotate with the tilt module (16). A tilt drive motor (24) is attached to the tilt module (16). A flexible lance (26) extends into the rail (18) for extension through a lance guide shoe (27). The lance guide shoe (27) deflects the lance from the rail (18) into the tube gap of the steam generator. The lance guide shoe (27) is slideably mounted in the rail (18), and is attached to a lance guide belt (30), which extends within and along the rail (18). Similarly, the flexible lance (26) extends within and along the rail (18). A lance guide belt sprocket drive (40) is mounted on support (33) to engage the lance guide belt (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Electric Power Research Institute, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen C. Jens, Bernard Sawaf, deceased, Paul F. Viola, Paul R. Belkus, Robert A. S. Lee
  • Patent number: 5336331
    Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is moved in lateral increments across the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for moving laterally to a new position before again being extended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids (such as chemical and/or abrasive fluids) through the condenser. A similar wand system may be provided on the remote face of the condenser to receive the fluids and return them to a recovery tank for recycling. The pump may also circulate dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Inventor: Jerry Y. Jenkins
  • Patent number: 5333674
    Abstract: The invention concerns a method for measuring the cleaning effectiveness of cleaning bodies (20) on heat exchangers having a bunch of tubes (16). Further, a method and a plant is proposed with which the heat transfer from steam into cooling water through the walls of the condenser tubes is measured. The measurement is carried out with the aid of an inertialess temperature sensor (15) so that, by highly sensitive measuring of the temperature sequence of a certain control volume, the cleaning effect of the cleaning bodies can be derived.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Taprogge GmbH
    Inventor: Wolfgang Czolkoss
  • Patent number: 5330624
    Abstract: Sludge is removed from a reboiler while the reboiler is supplying heat to a fractionator, by using sludge removal apparatus added to the reboiler. The reboiler to which the sludge removal apparatus is added comprises an evaporative type shell and tube heat exchanger in which sludge can accumulate as a residue from evaporated liquid, and further in which unevaporated liquid is withdrawn from the reboiler as a product. Sludge removal is accomplished by drawing a relatively small liquid flush stream from the reboiler liquid product stream, pressuring the flush stream through a pump, and then recycling the flush stream to a sparger appropriately disposed in the heat exchanger shell. Sludge dislodged by the sparger is removed along with the reboiler liquid product in a flow path along the bottom surface of the shell through cut-outs provided in the lower edge of the weir and baffle plates in the reboiler which without the cut-outs would block the flow path for the sludge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: John W. Ebert
  • Patent number: 5329982
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine coolant extractor/injector with coupling comprises a tank assembly, an air pressure control assembly and a hose assembly. The air pressure control assembly creates a vacuum in the tank assembly by using the venturi effect. The air pressure control assembly does this by connecting to a compressed air hose. The air from the air hose flows through a venturi chamber creating a vacuum. The vacuum forces air out of the tank, creating a vacuum in the tank. The vacuum is maintained in the tank by means of a valve.A transfer hose is also connected to the tank. The transfer hose is inserted into an automobile radiator; in the alternative, the transfer hose is connected to an automobile radiator by means of a coupling. The valve is then opened. The vacuum in the tank pulls coolant out of the radiator through the transfer hose and into the tank.Coolant is injected or reinjected into the radiator by increasing the air pressure inside of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Inventor: Gerry E. Payne
  • Patent number: 5323846
    Abstract: A fluid circulator and temperature regulator apparatus for use in an electrophoresis process with a sequencing cell including a cooling jacket having an inlet and an outlet, the apparatus being adapted to be connected to the cooling jacket inlet and outlet, and the apparatus comprising a reservoir, a pump for circulating cooling fluid through the cooling jacket, and a heat exchanger for regulating the temperature of the cooling fluid, the apparatus being operable for filling and draining the reservoir, for degasifying fluid in the reservoir, and for filling and draining the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Assignee: Fotodyne Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy G. J. Ehr, Michael E. Hansen
  • Patent number: 5320073
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: The Babcock and Wilcox Company
    Inventors: Edward O. Silcott, Robin R. Dunnette, Robert L. Irelan
  • Patent number: 5318700
    Abstract: The method of treating used liquid coolant employed in the coolant passages of an engine or radiator, and employing a coolant pumping structure, that includes providing a source of supply coolant liquid, and a used coolant reservoir; operating the pumping structure to displace supply coolant liquid from the source into the coolant passages, thereby displacing used coolant from the passages for flow into the reservoir structure; and chemically treating the used coolant liquid to remove metallic and other contaminants therefrom, thereby to produce treated coolant liquid usable as the supply coolant liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Assignee: Wynn Oil Company
    Inventors: Patrick L. Dixon, Walter Lubberts, Geoffrey H. Wooley
  • Patent number: 5315966
    Abstract: To clean boiler tubes, a hammering device for shaker rods comprises a series of hammers mounted on a horizontal shaft for vertical rotation. The hammers are moved clockwise around the shaft somewhat less than 180.degree. from the face of the rod, and then released circumferentially around the shaft axis to fall by gravity in anticlockwise direction, thereby hitting the surface of the shaker rod in a straight line. The hammer comprises a hitting surface and a support shank on which a piece of lug is installed parallel to the hitting surface. To move the hammer, a cam fixed to the shaft engages eccentrically the lug so the cam releases the lug at 100.degree. to 130.degree., that is somewhat less than a half turn. The lug is provided with an outer rotating ring. The hammer impact surface defines a cam such that an apex point faces the impact transfer axis of the shaker rod in a series of positions of hammer varying between -2.degree. and +8.degree..
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Inventors: Serge Gamache, Louis-Paul Gauvin
  • Patent number: 5311929
    Abstract: A heat exchanger for mixtures of air and solid particles, particularly for woodworking shops, poultry farms and industrial environments of the like. The heat exchanger comprises a bank of staggered tubes through which warm air is exhausted, a casing with baffles enclosing the bank of tubes such that fresh air is forced between tubes in two or more successive passes, a series of cone-scrapper assemblies equally spaced on a rod inside each tube, and a pull frame connecting all rods, for reciprocating all scrapers in harmony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Inventor: Normand Verret
  • Patent number: 5307866
    Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning the inside of pipes in a heat exchanger is disclosed, which includes an aggregate having the provision of high-pressurized water and, at least, one hose leading from said aggregate for directing the high-pressurized water. The hose is wound around a reel or a retractable feeding device in the aggregate when in a non-operational mode. An operating tube for at least partially containing the hose and being suitable for handling during operation by a user and for directing the high-pressurized water emitted from the hose is further provided. A flexible guide hose is located between the reel of the aggregate and the operating tube with a mounting device for fixing the operating tube in all directions on a frontal side of, at least, one pipe of the heat exchanger allows for a convenient and safe operation by personnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Inventor: Bernd Weigel
  • Patent number: 5306430
    Abstract: The method of removing hot liquid coolant from an internal combustion engine cooling system, which includes a radiator having a by-pass outlet, the method including applying suction to the by-pass outlet to draw a by-pass stream of hot fluid, including hot pressurized gas, from the radiator, thereby to reduce fluid pressure in the radiator; and then opening the radiator for safely removing hot liquid coolant therefrom; The removed liquid may be disposed of or treated in a zone or zones outside the cooling system; and returning the treated coolant liquid may then be returned to the cooling system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Wynn Oil Company
    Inventors: Patrick L. Dixon, Robert B. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 5287915
    Abstract: Hot fluids are cooled in a heat exchanger which comprises a housing providing a passage for the hot fluid, and heat exchange surfaces arranged within the housing which surfaces provide a passage for a coolant to and from the housing such that there is no direct contact between the hot fluid and the coolant, and which surfaces are movable within the housing. The heat exchanger is very suitable for cooling synthesis gas obtained in the gasification of coal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Chih-Hsiung F. Liu, Lloyd A. Clomburg, Jr., Otto E. Crenwelge, Jr., William G. Gottenberg, Charles V. Sternling
  • Patent number: 5283049
    Abstract: A closed tube extension or deadleg is included below the vertical tube of a hydrocarbon pyrolysis furnace. The deadleg passively collects spall coke particles to avoid plugging of the tube or its hydrocarbon inlet. Inspection or cleaning devices can be inserted through the deadleg into the tube and blocked tubes can be cleared. Pressurized steam and/or air can be injected through the deadleg to accelerate decoking of individual tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 1, 1994
    Assignee: Quantum Chemical Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph H. Fluder, Richard A. Benson, Julio A. Peguero
  • Patent number: 5279357
    Abstract: A coil cleansing assembly for automated cleaning of dirt and debris from within banks of heat exchanger coils is disclosed. The cleansing assembly is mounted above, below and between banks of such coils to enable focused jets of high velocity spray to impinge upon the surfaces of the coils and, thus, dislodge particles. It can be used with either individually finned tubes or plate fin coves of aluminum, galvanized steel or copper.Alternative embodiments for the cleansing spray assembly include a rotating arm system with spray ports mounted on a spray supply tube and a longitudinal track arrangement upon which a plurality of wand-type spray bars are mounted for reciprocating travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 18, 1994
    Assignee: The King Company
    Inventors: Douglas D. Kennon, Robert G. Anhorn
  • Patent number: 5272874
    Abstract: An improved exhaust treatment apparatus includes a particulate filter assembly connected to the exhaust system of a diesel engine for removing the solid particulate soot matter entrained in the engine exhaust. The particulate filter assembly includes a disposable low-temperature filter element that can be readily replaced when it becomes clogged. Heat insulated catalyst assemblies located upstream of the particulate filter assembly reduce the amounts of solid particulate matter and other gaseous pollutants in the engine exhaust. A self-cleaning exhaust gas heat exchanger located between the catalyst assemblies and the particulate filter cools the hot, catalyzed exhaust gases before they reach the low temperature filter element. The self-cleaning heat exchanger also includes an intermittent water injection system for periodically removing soot accumulations from the heat exchanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1993
    Assignee: Dry Systems Technologies
    Inventor: Norbert Paas
  • Patent number: 5267606
    Abstract: The apparatus and method for flushing and draining the cooling system of a vehicle employs a drain pipe. The drain pipe connects to the bottom of the radiator, the bottom of the engine block or the lower radiator hose and has a bend of 180.degree. above both the inlet and outlet of the drain pipe. The outlet of the drain pipe is below the inlet for the drain pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Inventor: Roland Cassia
  • Patent number: 5266169
    Abstract: A center transfer unit positioned between a solids collection chamber and a cleaning particle vessel contains vibrating inclined screens to separate chunks of waste solids from cleaning particles recycled to the cleaning particle vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cathy J. Geary, Joseph L. Greene, Jr., Larry F. Knight, Ronald W. DeLorme