Abstract: A method of cleaning a vessel having deposits on an interior surface includes removably bonding an ultrasonic transducer to an external wall of the vessel and using the ultrasonic transducer to produce ultrasonic energy coupled into the vessel wall such that at least a portion of the ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the interior surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating simultaneously the effects of multiple, interdependent heat-exchanger degradation modes for a heat exchanger of a power plant in the context of a series of alternative heat-exchanger remediation strategies. The method includes calculating time-varying predicted future progressions of heat exchanger performance metrics for a plurality of alternative heat-exchanger remediation strategies, and calculating time-varying predicted future progressions of financial metrics describing the accumulated financial benefit of each of the strategies. The calculations may be provided in probabilistic terms. A strategy may then be chosen based, at least in part, on the calculated results.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a vessel having deposits on an interior surface includes removably bonding an ultrasonic transducer to an external wall of the vessel and using the ultrasonic transducer to produce ultrasonic energy coupled into the vessel wall such that at least a portion of the ultrasonic energy is transmitted to the interior surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating simultaneously the effects of multiple, interdependent heat-exchanger degradation modes for a heat exchanger of a power plant in the context of a series of alternative heat-exchanger remediation strategies. The method includes calculating time-varying predicted future progressions of heat exchanger performance metrics for a plurality of alternative heat-exchanger remediation strategies, and calculating time-varying predicted future progressions of financial metrics describing the accumulated financial benefit of each of the strategies. The calculations may be provided in probabilistic terms. A strategy may then be chosen based, at least in part, on the calculated results.

Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.

Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.

Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.

Abstract: Provided area cleaning apparatus and an associated method of using the disclosed apparatus wherein the apparatus utilizes one or more nozzles configured to provide a coherent stream of one or more cleaning fluids for removing accumulated fine particulate matter, sludge, from surfaces. The nozzles may be sized, arranged and configured to provide coherent streams that maintain the initial stream diameter for a substantial portion of the maximum dimension of the space being cleaned. The apparatus and method are expected to be particularly useful in the cleaning of heat exchangers incorporating a plurality of substantially vertical and narrowly spaced tubes by directing cleansing streams along a plurality of intertube spaces.

Abstract: An improved remotely-operated high-pressure water-jet sludge lancing system for removing sludge from the secondary side of steam generators, the system including an end effector and a deployment system. The end effector includes two diametrically opposed articulated nozzle heads having water jet nozzles attached thereto. The nozzle heads are pivotally mounted to respective pneumatic extension arm actuators that are accommodated in respective arms. The arms are attached in a collinear relation to opposing sides of a centrally located drive means, which allows for the rotational positioning of the nozzle heads. The deployment system for delivering and supporting the end effector includes a self-erecting load-bearing chain and a segmented support rail having a straight section and a curved section. The chain is suspended from the support rail by hangers and cylinder rollers.