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: 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 and methods are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A vessel wall separates a vessel exterior from a vessel interior and has a wall aperture. An elongate conduit has an upstream first and a downstream second end and is positioned to direct a shock wave from the second end into the vessel interior. A source of fuel and oxidizer is coupled to the conduit to deliver the fuel an oxidizer to the conduit. An initiator is positioned to initiate a reaction of the fuel and oxidizer to produce the shock wave within the conduit for generating the shock wave. A source of purge gas is positioned to introduce the purge gas to the conduit to drive reaction products of the fuel and oxidizer downstream.

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.