Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the continuous cleaning of the inside of a tube in which a fluid circulates, in which method there is continuously driven in rotation within the tube by the fluid a movable element, one end of which is fastened to one end of the tube through a mechanical linkage permitting it to rotate freely on itself about the axis of the tube. In accordance with the invention, the movable element comprises at least one sharp edge designed to scrape the inner surface of the tube, this edge being disposed so that during the rotation of the movable element it is, along every cross section of the tube, the portion of the movable element farthest removed from the axis of the tube.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for maintaining in position one end of an element driven in rotation by a fluid circulating in a tube (12), the other end of said element being free, said device being of the type which comprises a part forming a bearing (1) and adapted to be rigidly attached to one end of the tube, and an element (4), mounted for rotation relative to the part forming a bearing (1) and adapted to be attached to one end of the movable element (13). In accordance with the invention, the part forming a bearing (1) is a one-piece part made of a rigid material that is capable of being elastically deformed, said one-piece part comprising at least two flanges (2) spaced apart by such a distance that they can be force-fitted into an open end of said tube (12) to bear elastically on its inner wall so as to rigidly join the part forming a bearing (1) to the tube.

Abstract: The invention concerns a positioning device for a tube cleaning element rotatably driven by fluid passing through the tube. This is particularly useful for heat exchanger tubes. This device includes an open-frame support member (1) having one or more parts (8a, 8b) (preferably of generally cylindrical shape) for mounting on the outside on one end of said tube, and further includes a spindle (2) mounted for rotation with respect to said frame (1) along the axis of the end of said tube and adapted to be fastened to said rotatable element.