Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging a steam boiler includes a plurality of loop clusters of detonating cord, each including a plurality of loops arranged in a multi-directional pattern to impart a three-dimensional generally spheroid shaped to the cluster The clusters are supported in spaced apart relation between a pair of adjacent tubing panels and are interconnected by lengths of detonating cord to form an explosive assembly adapted for substantially simultaneous detonation. A plurality of explosive assemblies are arranged in approximately every third or fourth spread between tubing panels and are interconnected so as to pyrotechnically detonate each explosive assembly after a predetermined delay in response to detonation of another explosive assembly to which it is connected. The invention is further directed to the method of deslagging a steam boiler with the plurality of loop clusters of the invention.

Abstract: A method for controlling a sweeper lubrication system which includes a lubricant container, a pump, and sootblower specific lubricator connected to a sootblower by pipelines for passing lubricant to each sootblower. For reliability, the operation of the pump is controlled by a timer and the sootblower specific lubricator of each sootblower is controlled on the basis of the operation or movement of the respective sootblower.

Abstract: A track and carriage combination for supporting maintenance equipment in pressurized water reactor steam generators is disclosed. A pair of outwardly extending grooves are machined into the annulus portion of the generator tubesheet. Geared segments are provided for being inserted in the grooves for forming a geared track upon which the maintenance device may be firmly supported. Each geared segment includes gear teeth, a base shaped to mate with and engage the annulus grooves. A keyway is provided at the tubelane for allowing the segments to be slidably inserted into the grooves. Each segment is slightly curved so as to form a track corresponding with the annulus curvature. The segments are interlockable so that the segments may be removed from the annulus without any segments being left inside the steam generator. If desired, the track may be of one-piece construction and permanently mounted in the annulus.

Abstract: A fluid flow circuit for a boiler having a combustion chamber and an exhaust passage. In one embodiment there is provided at least one upflow evaporative generating bank module in the exhaust passage and at least one downflow evaporative generating bank module in the exhaust passage, positioned downstream of the upflow module. One or more upper downcomers are connected to a steam drum and supply water to the lower header of the upflow module and to the upper header of the downflow module. If needed, the convection pass wall enclosures can also be fed by the upper downcomers to their upper inlet headers. One or more lower downcomers may be connected to each lower header of the downflow module (and to the lower outlet headers of the convection pass wall enclosures) for supplying the water to a plurality of furnace circuits which extend along the combustion chamber in the boiler. The opposite end of each furnace circuit is connected to one or more risers which, in turn, are connected to the steam drum.

Abstract: Cleaning lance device for cleaning pipe bundles of heat exchangers comprising a frame, an elongate guiding carried by the frame, a hose drum rotatably mounted on the frame close to a rear end of the guiding, a high pressure hose which is connected at one end to the hose drum and which carries at its other end a coupling element co-acting with the guiding and movable therealong, a bundle of spray lances which are connected to the coupling element in the line of the hose and which carry spray heads at their free end, and drive means for driving the hose drum in the unwinding and winding sense, for unwinding the hose from the hose drum and winding it thereon respectively and for driving the coupling element synchronously therewith along the guiding at least during unwinding, such that therein the portion of the hose extending between the coupling element and the hose drum is substatially free of tensile and pressure loads in lengthwise direction.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling and providing guidance in sootblowing based on continuous plant monitoring and model calculations. The continuous monitoring of plant conditions is through a plant distributed control system (DCS) which communicates with a computer. The conventional measurements of a DCS such as flow, pressure and temperature and sootblower status data are input into the computer. These valves are validated for accuracy. To predict the effects of fouling a plant model is utilized. The model predicts the rate and effect of fouling on energy distribution in the boiler. The model then predicts the effect that sootblowing of each section will have on the boiler performance. A comparison of the predicted and observed effects are used to update the fouling model and maintain consistency with the actual performance of the boiler. This information is presented to the boiler operator to assist in enhancing the boiler efficiency and maintain steam temperatures within established control ranges.

Abstract: In combination with a steam generator having a plurality of generator tube support plates, each generator tube support plate having a plurality of openings and a plurality of generator tubes, each tube passing through aligned openings in the support plates, a corrosion monitoring system is provided including a mockup probe, comprising a probe tube support plate having an upper side and a lower side and having substantially the same thickness and being constructed of substantially the same material as the generator tube support plates, having at least one opening of substantially the same size and shape as the openings of the generator tube support plates; at least one probe tube having an upper end and a lower end and having substantially the same diameter as the generator tubes and being constructed of substantially the same material as the generator tubes, the probe tube passing through the opening of the probe tube support plate; and wherein the mockup probe is adapted such that it may be inserted and seal

Abstract: A method for removing soot or the like adhered to heat transfer tubes of a heat-exchanger by providing a steel ball scatterer above the heat transfer tubes and intermittently scattering steel balls towards the heat transfer tubes, is improved. The improvements reside in that a steel ball scattering rate is set to a small initial rate at the commencement of the scattering operation and thereafter is increased either in a stepwise manner or continuously. Preferably, within a main body casing of the heat-exchanger, a plurality of steel ball collision preventing plates having their central portions extending convexly upwards are provided between the steel ball scatterer and the heat transfer tube group, in order to prevent fins of the heat transfer tubes from being damaged by steel balls falling from the steel ball scatterer and directly colliding against the fins.

Abstract: Sediment can be removed from hot water heaters via the method and apparatus of the invention. The tank is drained and the drain tube is used for access to the bottom of the tank. Water jet probes connected via a hose to a water supply are inserted through the drain valve opening, and are directed in such a way that the sediment is forced into suspension and runs out of the tank through the drain tube, around the probe. Preferably, the water and sediment drain into a pan, and preferably a pump is provided to pump water from the pan to a drain or other remote discharge location.

Abstract: An improved multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The lances include a plurality of flexible lances attached to rigid lances and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube which are capable of traversing a curved path within the tube bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing salt-cake deposits from boiler surfaces found in the upper areas of recovery furnaces. More specifically, in the Kraft papermaking process, a black liquor is produced which is combusted in a recovery furnace in order to supply heat for steam generation. Hot flue gases containing inorganic salt combustion by-products are passed through and around boiler heat exchange tubes found in the upper furnace areas. Deposits of the inorganic salt components are formed on the heat exchange tubes, thus insulating the tubes from the hot flue gases and resulting in lower heat recovery boiler efficiency.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for projecting a stiffly flexible conduit or cable through a bore of a tube to be cleaned, surveyed or otherwise processed, said apparatus comprising a drum enabling the conduit or cable to be stored therein in a plurality of wound coils with a distal or free end of the conduit or cable to be projected from the apparatus and into the bore of the tube tot be cleaned, surveyed or the like, the drum being mounted for simultaneous axial and rotary motion and drive means being provided to effect the axial and rotary motion of the drum, restraining means being provided to prevent radial expansion of the wound coils on the drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening and removing sludge and other impurities from the interior of a heat exchanger vessel which may be the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a nozzle having a first end that is detachably mountable into an access opening such as a sludge lance port in the secondary side of the generator, and a second end that extends into the interior of the secondary side at a 30 degree downward angle relative to the tubesheet in the vessel for minimizing the stresses applied to the heat exchanger tubes, and for uniformly reflecting the pulse back up toward the upper portions of the secondary side. A pulse generator is operably connected to the nozzle which has a controller for controlling the power level of the pulses generated. To further minimize such peak tube stresses, the pulse generator includes a pulse flattener, and the second end of the nozzle is aligned down the main tube lane.

Abstract: An anti-drift mechanism for a downwardly oriented port rodder for cleaning a port opening of a recovery boiler. The anti-drift mechanism prevents a cutter of the rodder from accidentally drifting from a retracted holding position into the port upon the loss of holding power to the actuator. Two embodiments are disclosed. The first is a frictional engagement with the port rodder while the second involves the use of a valve in conjuction with the actuator to trap fluid pressure and maintain the rodder in the holding position.

Abstract: A multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume fluid source, a spool for storing the conduit permitting it to be advanced and retracted, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a conduit securing and supporting assembly, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube and tube guides to guide and support the lances. The apparatus further includes a means for positioning the housing with respect to a heat exchanger tube bundle to be cleaned.

Abstract: A system (10) for lancing sludge deposits (12) from within a bundle (14) of vertically extending steam generator tubes (16) of a PWR steam generator secondary side assembly (18) has a flexible lance (28) mounted in a lance guide/housing transporter (30). The transporter (30) is movable along blowdown lane (20) to position end (32) of the flexible lance opposite one of the inter-tube lanes (26) so that the flexible lance (28) may be inserted along the selected inter-tube lane (26). A rigid lance guide (34) on the transporter (30) has a curved end (36) configured to turn the flexible lance (28) at a chosen angle, such as 90.degree., so that the flexible lance (28) will be fed into the selected inter-tube lane (26). The transporter has a drive (37) for advancing the flexible lance (28) through end (36) of the lance guide (34) and into the inter-tube lane (26).

Abstract: A condenser structure wherein both ends of at least one tube, which is physically located among the other (numerous) tubes of the condenser's tube bundles, is not connected to the inlet water box nor to the outlet water box; instead, this tube is provided with separate inlet and outlet connections. The separate inlet connection is preferably provided with a separately-controlled admixture of water treatment chemicals. Also disclosed is an innovative method of operating a steam condenser. One or more tubes, which are physically located among the other (numerous) tubes of the condenser, are isolated to provide a real-time test loop. The tube thus isolated is chosen to be among the tubes with the highest heat load, so that this tube provides a worst-case proxy for scaling in the other condenser tubes. The isolated tube is frequently inspected for scaling (e.g.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for positioning and for simultaneously oscillating a plurality of heater probes within a plurality of heat exchanger tubes mounted in a tubesheet of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a frame, a plurality of probe drivers mounted onto the frame, wherein each driver includes a pneumatically operated, bladder-type gripper for selectively gripping and ungripping the push-cable of one of the heater probes, as well as an oscillating mechanism powered by a variable voltage d.c. motor. A controller connected between the d.c. motor and a power source separately controls the frequency and the amplitude of the cycle that the oscillating mechanism moves the gripper in, and further controls the alignment between the midpoint of the oscillatory cycle and a selected point along the longitudinal axis of the tube.

Abstract: A method for removing accumulated ash from the heat exchangers within a steam generator includes introducing a series of high-energy shocks to the tubing panels of the heat exchangers. Explosive cords are attached to the tubing panels at preselected, spaced-apart locations and separately detonated at preselected intervals to establish a vibratory pattern in the tubing panels and thereby separate the ash from the tubing panels.

Abstract: A multi-lance cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a lance housing, a slidable manifold within the lance housing, a single conduit connecting the manifold with a high pressure, high volume, fluid source, a hose enclosure for enclosing the high pressure water hose permitting the hose to advance and retract, means for moving the manifold within the housing, a plurality of lances removably attached to the manifold and adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube, tube guides to guide and support the lances, and a slide plate on which the manifold is located for preventing the lances from bending and entering the hose enclosure. The apparatus may further include means for positioning and guiding the housing with respect to a heat exchanger tube bundle to be cleaned.

Abstract: A multi-hose flexible lance tube cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior of heat exchanger tubes, the apparatus having a spool and means for rotating the spool. A plurality of tubular flexible lances are reeled on the spool assembly. Each flexible lance is in communication with a high pressure fluid source and is adapted to fit within a heat exchanger tube. The flexible lances advance into the interior of the heat exchanger tubes as the spool is rotated to reel out the flexible lances and as the high pressure fluid exits the jetting tips of the flexible lances. The cleaning apparatus also includes tube guides to guide and support the flexible lances and further includes a positioning assembly for positioning the flexible lances in substantial alignment with the heat exchanger tubes.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling soot removal in a heating device (2) in which heat energy is generated by combustion of a fuel, with accompanying production of soot, to produce combustion product gases, and heat energy is transferred from the product gases to a heated medium via a heat exchange surface on which the soot collects in a layer, by: producing (10) an indication of the present thickness of the soot layer; determining (12) the increase in cost of transferring heat energy to the heated medium due to the soot layer; and performing (4) a soot removal operation starting at a time selected on the basis of the determined cost increase.

Abstract: A steam generator for supplying steam to cooking equipment comprises a water-filled boiler comprising an automatic, level-regulated water emission, a steam discharge for automatic introduction of hot steam into a cooking chamber for the cooking equipment as needed, a heating unit operating at intervals and a decalcification arrangement having a water drain arranged close to the floor and to a side wall of the boiler for, as needed, at least partial emptying of the boiler for the purpose of flushing-out lime particles that flake off and collect on the floor of the boiler. Preferably, the decalcification arrangement comprises an arrangement for generating a flow in the steam generator that automatically kicks in at preferably adjustable intervals dependent on the operating duration and/or temperature of the heating unit to supply water to an elimination device.

Abstract: An acoustic ash depostion monitoring apparatus for a boiler arrangement having at least one soot blower. The apparatus comprises at least one tone generating apparatus for generating a tone and at least one tone receiving apparatus, located in proximity to the tone generating apparatus, for receiving the tone generated by the tone generating apparatus. Also provided are controlling apparatus for determining when the tone received by the receiving apparatus falls below a predetermined level and for enabling a soot blower in proximity to the tone generating and tone receiving apparatus when the tone received by the receiving apparatus is determined to have fallen below the predetermined level.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for preventing the formation of stagnate volumes and associated sludge deposition sites in the lower central regions of the steam generating fluid contained in a vertical-tube heat exchanger of a steam generator. The fluid in the steam generator is injected into the heat exchanger by diametrically-opposed flow vanes which direct the fluid in opposite directions near the central region of a heating tube support plate or tube sheet at the lower end of the heat exchanger. The fluid is injected closely adjacent and parallel to the tube sheet surface to thereby induce an initial rotational flow in the fluid, the rotational flow thus introduces horizontal and outwardly directed radial flow components into the vertically flowing fluid in the generator. The unique construction of the flow vanes induces a complex system of vertical, radial and rotational (horizontal) flow components into the steam generating fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a seal for the shaft of a flue gas flap or the blast pipe of a soot blower for boilers or industrial furnaces subjected to excess pressure, having a shaft or pipe which is enclosed by at least two corotating coaxial sealing rings bounding between themselves an annular chamber for the supply of barrier air and each bearing on the inside metal bristles which bear against the shaft or blowing pipe and are arranged in at least two groups of brushes disposed in a circle one beside the other, an annular coaxial gap being left between the two annular groups of brushes of each sealing ring, such gap opening in the direction of the shaft or blowing pipe and being acted upon with barrier air.

Abstract: A method for producing selectively controlled pressure pulses in a mass of gas, particularly contained in a space of large dimensions. To achieve a sufficiently high power in the pulses, the pulses are generated by a valveless displacement machine in which the pressure when the machine opens towards its outlet port differs from the pressure of the mass of gas. The pulse is generated as the working fluid, due to said pressure difference, flows at high velocity through the outlet port. An acoustic power of the generated pulses of up to 20 kW can be attained by the method. The invention also concerns a rotary displacement machine for performing the method.

Abstract: A waste heat boiler for cooling partial oxidation crude gas comprises a pressure container, a crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger in the container, a tubular body formed as a tubular basket and arranged in the pressure container, the crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger being arranged inside the tubular basket, and heating surfaces associated with the crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger.

Abstract: A method of removing unwanted chemical deposits known as sludge from the metal surfaces of steam generators with laser energy is provided. Laser energy of a certain power density, of a critical wavelength and frequency, is intermittently focused on the sludge deposits to vaporize them so that the surfaces are cleaned without affecting the metal surface (sludge substrate). Fiberoptic tubes are utilized for laser beam transmission and beam direction. Fiberoptics are also utilized to monitor laser operation and sludge removal.

Abstract: A remotely operable boiler tube wall cleaning and inspection system including a collapsible "H" frame capable of being inserted through the boiler manway access ports and being positioned at will over the full area of the tube wall.

Abstract: An improved cleaning system for a horizontal type tube assembly which can achieve cleaning of the outer surfaces of the tubes in the tube assembly automatically by remote control without necessitating human labor of workers who are compelled to work in a narrow limited space, is disclosed.

Abstract: A boiler air port cleaner in the form of a substantially plate-like cutter reciprocated by a piston and cylinder power device and guided by a guide structure mounted on the outer wall of a boiler with the plate-like cutter cleaning slag from air ports in the inner boiler wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for loosening and removing sludge and other impurities from the interior of a heat exchanger vessel which may be the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The apparatus generally comprises a nozzle having a first end that is detachably mountable into an access opening such as a sludge lance port in the secondary side of the generator, and a second end that extends into the interior of the secondary side at a 30 degree downward angle relative to the tubesheet in the vessel for minimizing the stresses applied to the heat exchanger tubes, and for uniformly reflecting the pulse back up toward the upper portions of the secondary side. A pulse generator is operably connected to the nozzle which has a controller for controlling the power level of the pulses generated. To further minimize such peak tube stresses, the pulse generator includes a pulse flattener, and the second end of the nozzle is aligned down the main tube lane.

Abstract: A water-cleansing tank for steam generators is disclosed. It consists of a bottom, a side wall and a roof. It has a conduit which encompasses the lower end of a drain (20) collecting the water to be cleansed. Side holes provide for a calm flow inside the cleansing tank and for the depositing, by gravity, of the polluting particles. The overall arrangement is simple and efficient. The invention can be applied to nuclear power plants.

Abstract: An adaptive control technique, in which the duty cycle of a vibrational cleaning device for the heat exchange surfaces of a steam generator is automatically adapted to the current state of dirt accumulation on the surfaces. To ascertain the degree of dirt accumulation, the number of strokes of the drive cylinder of a fluidic actuator of the vibrational device is measured in a short interval at the beginning of each cleaning cycle and compared with a reference value. The cleaning cycle length or vibration period within the cycle is either lengthened or shortened commensurate with the results of the comparison and in this way the duty cycle of the vibrational device is continuously adapted to the current need for cleaning.

Abstract: A heat exchange element in the form of a tube, lies in a particulate laden gas flow and is charged with an electrostatic charge of the same polarity as an electrostatic charge on particles suspended in the gas flow, in order to prevent accumulation on any part of the heat exchange element which would interfere with the rate at which thermal energy can be transferred through the heat exchange element or restrict flow of gas through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: An automatic tube circumference scanning apparatus automatically performs inspections, repairs and other operation on a group of tubes arrayed in a narrow space and extending in horizontal directions. The apparatus includes an upper support/traverse section mounted on an upper tube in the group of tubes so as to be able to travel along a tube axis and to stop and grip the upper tube, a lower support/traverse section mounted on a lower tube so as to be able to travel, stop and grip the lower tube, a flexible rail extending vertically between the upper and lower support/traverse sections and fixed thereto, and a probe scanning section mounted on the flexible rail so as to be able to move up and down and which grips any arbitrary tube between the aforementioned upper and lower tubes for making a probe scan around such tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cooling gases and/or vapors from non-ferrous metal treatment plants, wherein gases and/or vapors which develop in the treatment region are passed parallel to a heat transfer surface consisting of one or more sets of vertical tubes disposed in intimate mutual contact to form a shaft structure, the tubes being fed with water under pressure to produce steam, and the shaft structure being suspended above the treatment region.

Abstract: An automatic programmable cleaning system for heat transfer tubes in an engine exhaust gas waste heat recovery boiler is disclosed. The waste heat is transported as an exhaust gas stream at a water vaporizing temperature through heat transfer tubes in the waste heat recovery boiler. The automatic programmable cleaning system operates on predetermined cycles to inject water into the waste heat exhaust gas stream during the operation of the waste heat recovery boiler in order to vaporize the water injected into the waste heat exhaust gas stream and loosen carbon build-up in the heat transfer tubes. In this way, the loosened carbon and the waste heat gases are exhausted together from the waste heat recovery boiler during cleaning thereof. The method for automatically cleaning a waste heat recovery boiler including repetitive cyclical cleansing of the heat transferred tubes by injecting ans vaporizing water in the waste heat exhaust gas stream during operation of the waste heat recovery boiler is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic column choke valve and reamer, adapted to hot water heating boilers and the like, permitting maintenance on low water fuel cut-off controls and similar columns without draining the boiler, characterized by a universal valve body and locking mechanism which interchangeably mounts a reaming assembly and/or choke assembly, the latter of which may be retained in the column after removal of the valve body. The water column choke is adapted to columns of variant horizontal cross-section without exchange of the valve body, per se. Suplemental to the basic choke valve is the adaptation of an electric low water cut-off control, useful as and when the water column may be isolated from the boiler.

Abstract: A radiation cooling unit for cooling dust-laden gas. At least one cylindrical radiation heat transfer surface is disposed in a tank adjacent to, and extending essentially along the length of, an inner wall of the tank. First knock-or impact-beating devices disposed externally of the tank act upon the cylindrical heat transfer surface through the wall of the tank. A plurality of essentially radially and axially extending, partition-like radiation heat transfer surfaces are disposed within a free space in the tank, and each comprise axially extending tubes and at least one header. Second knock- or impact-beating devices are disposed externally of the tank, extend through the cylindrical heat transfer surface, and act upon radially outwardly disposed edges of the partition-like heat transfer surfaces, with the length-to-width ratio of the latter being such that they are adapted to be accelerated and cleaned by the second knock- or impact-beating devices.

Abstract: A process and a device for cleaning inner or outer walls of vertically extending or inverted tubes of heat exchangers and especially for cleaning tubes in trash incinerators. The process involves imparting kinetic energy to the tubes in an axial direction and then suddenly stopping the tubes to shake loose dirt and the like. The device for the process includes arranging a plurality of rows of vertically extending tubes such that the tubes move upwardly and downwardly in the direction of the axis of the tubes. The tubes advantageously include their own lower distributors and upper headers. These distributors and/or headers rest on a movable cam or cam plate which, for example, may be rotated so that a radially extending offset of the shoulder of the cam permits the cam to lift the upper headers upwardly to a height at which point they are suddenly dropped.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for controlling rapping of heat exchanging surfaces based on the heat transfer coefficient of the exchanger systems.

Abstract: A process and a device for cleaning inner or outer walls of vertically extending or inverted tubes of heat exchangers and especially for cleaning tubes in trash incinerators. The process involves imparting kinetic energy to the tubes in an axial direction and then suddenly stopping the tubes to shake loose dirt and the like. The device for the process includes arranging a plurality of rows of vertically extending tubes such that the tubes move upwardly and downwardly in the direction of the axis of the tubes. The tubes advantageously include their own lower distributors and upper headers. These distributors and/or headers rest on a movable cam or cam plate which, for example, may be rotated so that a radially extending offset of the shoulder of the cam permits the cam to lift the upper headers upwardly to a height at which point they are suddenly dropped.

Abstract: An articulated delivery system for search and retrieval tooling used in recirculating steam generators. An elongated flexible snorkel is provided with at least two channels for receiving the search and retrieval tooling. Cables along the side of the snorkel and a steering device at the rear end of the snorkel provide for articulation or bending control of the forward end of the snorkel in either direction in a single plane. Rotation of the rear end of the snorkel at the steering device provides third axis control of the articulated end of the snorkel.

Abstract: Automatic device for regular cleaning of the surfaces of a heat exchanger for gaseous fluids flowing in vertical channels (1) defined between the said surfaces, comprising resilient members (5) arranged permanently in the said channels (1) and capable of being caused to vibrate in order to perform the cleaning of the said surfaces, characterized in that it comprises conduits (10, 11, 12) for the injection of additional compressed gas, opening out in front of the openings of groups of channels (1) and an injection control device designed to produce, successively and at regular intervals for each group of channels, an injection of additional compressed gas inducing in the said group of channels (1) a flow of gaseous fluid originating from the exchanger, causing the resilient members (5) present in each group of channels (1) to vibrate.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning air ports in a chemical recovery furnace includes a plurality of rods, each having a cleaning tip thereon, mounted on a wind box adjacent the furnace. The rods are longitudinally slidable to insert the cleaning tips into the air ports, and are rotatable about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rods so as to index the cleaning tips to a new point of insertion into the air port opening. An air cylinder actuator is employed to insert the cleaning tips into the openings in a ramming motion to dislodge residual buildup in the air port opening, retract the cleaning tips from the air port openings, and index the tips to a new point of insertion. Successive invocation of the actuating means results in removal of residual buildup along the entire length of the air port openings.

Abstract: A soot blower lance for power generation boilers and the like, particularly for high temperature operation, in locations exposed to radiant heat. The lance is of multi-section tubular construction, with high temperature alloys used in the sections exposed to maximum temperatures. The lance is provided with a thin outer coating of ceramic, such as fused silica and zirconia. Significantly extended operating life is realized, along with significant energy savings from reduced usage of cleaning fluids for cooling purposes.

Abstract: A long retracting sootblower for boiler cleaning of the type having a lance tube which is advanced into and out of a boiler and simultaneously rotated, and having one or more nozzles discharging a jet of blowing medium which trace helical paths. An indexing mechanism is provided to change the positioning of the helical paths traced by the nozzles between successive actuation cycles to minimize boiler erosion and mechanical stress caused by repeated blowing medium impact against surfaces within the boiler. the indexing mechanism includes relatively slidable longitudinal advancement rack sections which cause the engaging pinion gears to index by one or more teeth upon each actuation cycle. A movable rack portion is biased by a compliant element to remain in a normal position until initial advancement of the lance carriage which causes the movable portion to be indexed with respect to the fixed portion of the rack.

Abstract: A robot arm apparatus is provided for inspecting and/or maintaining an interior of a steam generator which has an outside wall and a port for accessing the interior of the steam generator. The robot arm apparatus includes a flexible movable conduit for conveying inspection and/or maintenance apparatus from outside the steam generator to the interior of the steam generator. The flexible conduit has a terminal working end which is translated into and around the interior of the steam generator. Three motors located outside the steam generator are employed for moving the terminal working end inside the steam generator in "x", "y", and "z" directions, respectively. Commonly conducted inspection and maintenance operations include visual inspection for damaged areas, water jet lancing for cleaning sludge deposits, core boring for obtaining sludge deposits, and scrubbing of internal parts.