Abstract: A method is provided for preventing upstream infiltration of a contaminant from a vessel into a detonative cleaning apparatus. At least between detonation cycles of the apparatus, a pressurized gas is introduced to the combustion conduit effective to substantially resist upstream infiltration of the contaminant. The method may be implemented via a flange apparatus having first and second faces, an inboard surface bounding a central aperture, and an outboard perimeter. The apparatus has a channel with at least a first port outboard of the inboard surface in communication with the channel. At least one second port in the inboard surface is in communication with the channel. The gas may be introduced through the first port and discharged from the second port.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.

Abstract: A shockwave cleaning apparatus cleans one or more surfaces within a vessel. A sensor senses one or more thermodynamic properties associated with the vessel. A control system is coupled to an initiator and a fuel/oxidizer source to control the firing of the apparatus responsive to input from the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface within a vessel is supported at least partially above a support surface. The apparatus had an elongate combustion conduit extending from an upstream end to a downstream end The downstream end is associated with an aperture in a wall of the vessel and positioned to direct a shock wave toward the surface. A guide member is on the support surface. A number of support assemblies support the combustion conduit at a number of locations along a length of the combustion conduit and engage the at least one guide member.

Abstract: A method is provided for preventing upstream infiltration of a contaminant from a vessel into a detonative cleaning apparatus. At least between detonation cycles of the apparatus, a pressurized gas is introduced to the combustion conduit effective to substantially resist upstream infiltration of the contaminant. The method may be implemented via a flange apparatus having first and second faces, an inboard surface bounding a central aperture, and an outboard perimeter. The apparatus has a channel with at least a first port outboard of the inboard surface in communication with the channel. At least one second port in the inboard surface is in communication with the channel. The gas may be introduced through the first port and discharged from the second port.

Abstract: Pressure probe methods and apparatus are disclosed. An exemplary probe includes a body having an exterior surface with a forwardly-convergent nose. A passageway extends between a first port in the body and a pressure sensor. A support member holds the body in an operative position. A cooling fluid circuit extends at least partially through the support member and body. The pressure probe may be used in conjunction with a detonative cleaning apparatus.

Abstract: A detonative cleaning apparatus may be configured to accommodate a desired embodiment by securing a number of conduit segments end-to-end in an appropriate configuration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.