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: 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: An apparatus for providing detonative cleaning through a vessel wall has a first conduit extending through the wall. A first valve has an open condition permitting communication through the first conduit and a closed condition. A second conduit has an insertion portion dimensioned to be received within a receiving portion of the first conduit. A second valve has an open condition permitting communication through the second conduit and a closed condition.

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: 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: An inspection camera may be used in conjunction with a shockwave cleaning apparatus. The camera has a head held in an operative position within a vessel interior. A light source has at least a light emitting element carried by the head. At least an incident lens of the camera is carried by the head so as to capture light from the source as returned by a surface within the vessel interior.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. An elongate combustion conduit extends from an upstream end to a downstream end associated with an aperture in a wall of the vessel and positioned to direct a shockwave toward the surface. A resilient member resiliently restrains the combustion conduit against recoil forces.