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

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for driving a flexible lance hose into and out of tubes in a heat exchanger tube sheet includes a housing and an upper endless belt drive assembly and a lower endless belt drive assembly spaced apart by a gap for receiving a flexible lance hose therein. One of the drive assemblies is fixed to the housing. The other drive assembly is movable within the housing toward and away from the one endless belt drive assembly. The apparatus further includes a drive motor fastened to the housing configured to engage at least one of the upper and lower endless belts and drive a flexible lance hose disposed in the gap.

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

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

Abstract: Embodiments of a threaded component locking apparatus for preventing inadvertent disconnection of the male and female connection are disclosed. One embodiment includes an annular groove around the male member spaced from its threads and a ring shaped retainer disposed in the annular groove. A rear lip on the female threaded component interferes with the ring shaped retainer to prevent loosened connection between the components from becoming completely disconnected. Another embodiment utilizes a C-clip retainer member to limit loosening of the connection. Another embodiment utilizes a canted spring ring to interfere with and limit loosening of the connection. Another embodiment has a pair of collar halves that fit around the male member each having an annular groove for receiving a canted spring ring or ring shaped retainer to interfere with a rear lip on the female threaded component to limit loosening of the connection.