Abstract: A stayrod configuration for permitting complete sludge lancing of the tubesheet, including a plurality of first stayrods, each having the same diameter as the steam generator tubing and being threaded into the tubesheet at spaced positions which match the tube pattern. This plurality of first stayrods is attached to a connector, which is threaded to provide a receptacle for a second, full-length stayrod within a shortened spacer.

Abstract: Device for sealing retractable soot-blower lances at the point of insertion through the wall of a heat exchanger. A labyrinth box consists of lamellas. The lamellas narrowly surround the soot-blower lances and are secured at the outer edge in a wall box. The wall box is tightly sealed to the wall of the heat exchanger and has an air-barrier connection. The object is to allow one wall box to accommodate several soot-blower lances, even when they have different outside diameters. Several soot-blower lances accordingly extend through the wall box and several lamellas radially surround the soot-blower lances alternately either narrowly or loosely.

Abstract: A rapper system particularly adapted for removing slag and other encrustations from heat transfer tubes or walls of heat exchanger components. The rapper systems according to this invention employ an electro-impulse type actuator. Linkages couple the heat exchanger components to the actuator such that the actuator exerts simultaneous but opposing forces to the driven surfaces to generate a modal response at the surfaces. Such deflection causes ash encrustations to be removed from the heat exchanger components. According to one embodiment, an elongated cross beam is used with an actuator mounted to it and driving a single connecting rod, whereas other connecting rods are coupled to the cross member. In another embodiment, a pair of cross members are provided which are oriented along skewed axes and drive four or more points on the heat exchanger components.

Abstract: A model steam generator including an improved feedwater system for monitoring the conditions of the heat exchange tubes within a nuclear steam generator is disclosed herein. The feedwater system generally comprises a first conduit fluidly connected between the boiler vessel of the model steam generator and the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator via a first valve, and a second conduit which is fluidly connected between this boiler vessel and a feedwater reservoir by way of a second valve. The feedwater reservoir is in turn connected to a source of demineralized, deaerated water by means of a third conduit having a third valve. This reservoir is further fluidly connected to the feedwater of the nuclear steam generator by means of a fourth conduit having a fourth valve. The improved feedwater system of the invention gives the operator three running options. First, he may run the model steam generator directly off the feedwater used in the nuclear steam generator.

Abstract: A monitor for determining a buildup of slag on the flame side of water cooled walls of coal fired steam generators and other heat transfer surfaces. This monitor has a body to be positioned in an orientation similar to the water tubes of the steam generator (or other heat transfer surfaces) so that any deleterious buildup on the surfaces will also be effected upon the exterior of the monitor. Positioned within the body of the monitor is a temperature sensor, such is a thermocouple having at least a hot junction. Also positioned within the body and proximate the sensor (e.g., thermocouple) is a heater unit having a high temperature portion located proximate the hot junction. In this manner, when the heater is energized, the hot junction is raised to a preselected temperature. By monitoring the time constant of temperature change of the sensor with current to the heater being cycled, information as to the degree of buildup on the exterior of the body can be obtained.

Abstract: A steam generator having a tube sheet, tubes ending in the tube sheet, a chamber adjoining the tube sheet having an access opening formed therein and a device disposed in the chamber for inserting a sleeve into one of the tubes in a plurality of partial insertion strokes, the inserting device includes a movable clamping device holding and moving the sleeve in axial direction of the tube in one of the partial insertion strokes, and a stationary clamping device associated with the movable clamping device holding the sleeve during a backstroke of the movable clamping device.

Abstract: The invention is a method for controlling sootblowing in a power boiler or chemical recovery boiler. The method comprises assigning the sootblowers into a number of groups. Sootblowers within a group are generally adjacent to each other and cover heat transfer surfaces having similar fouling deposit formation characteristics. Each group will typically have up to 4 sootblowers. Every sootblower is assigned a weight factor which is the percentage of the total number of sootblowing cycles that the sootblower will be operative. Every sootblowing cycle in the boiler begins with the most upstream sootblower group and proceeds progressively through all of the other groups in the direction of the flow of combustion gases until the most downstream sootblower group is reached. By blowing in this manner the dislodged fouling deposits from the upstream heat transfer surfaces are swept in the direction of combustion gases.

Abstract: A method for determining the existence of phosphate hideout in a steam generating steam cycle (10) so that the nature of the impact of the phosphate hideout on pH and the PO.sub.4 concentration in the boilerwater of the steam generating steam cycle (10) can be ascertained. The subject method includes the steps of determining from the concentration of PO.sub.4 that is provided to the steam generating steam cycle (10) the input of PO.sub.4 to the steam generating steam cycle (10), determining the loss of PO.sub.4 from the steam generating steam cycle (10) that is attributable to blowdown and contamination and solubility, and thereafter determining as a result of subtracting from the input of PO.sub.4 to the steam generating steam cycle (10) the loss of PO.sub.4 from the steam generating steam cycle (10) whether there exists phosphate hideout and, if so, what the magnitude of the phosphate hideout is as well as what impact the phosphate hideout will have on the pH of and the PO.sub.

Abstract: An electronic steam humidifier includes a reservoir drawer having boiling electrodes submerged in water provided by a solenoid fill valve energized by a dual reference level current start-up circuit which is responsive to the current flow through the water from an AC source as measured by a current detection circuit. A system operation counter initiates a flush/drain operation after a certain time period of operation to flush mineral deposits from the reservoir through a siphon tube to a drain trough. A current control circuit includes a pulse width modulator connected to a triac for reducing the average current to the boiling electrodes during an overcurrent condition as indicated by a comparator coupled to the current detection circuit. A reservoir interlock mechanism initiates a flush/drain operation when the reservoir drawer assembly is removed for maintenance.

Abstract: A nuclear steam generator vessel having a stayed tube sheet with an untubed circular central region in the upper surface thereof, a baffle plate disposed a predetermined distance above the tube sheet parallel thereto and a plurality of tube lane blocks spaced-apart longitudinally of a tube lane extending diametrically across the tube sheet, incorporates a system for controlling the flow velocity of secondary fluid along the tube sheet to reduce deposition of sludge thereon. The system includes a cylindrical flow boosting ring disposed coaxially with the central region and supported beneath the baffle plate a predetermined distance above the tube sheet. The ring may be used alone or in combination with one or both of two perpendicular vertical plates which extend diametrically across the central region in contact with the tube sheet, one of these plates lying along the tube lane axis and spanning the innermost ones of the tube lane blocks. When the ring is used with the vertical plates it is supported thereby.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring dry substance in the flue gas in liquor recovery units in mills for the manufacture of papermaking pulp in order thereby to render it possible to control the operation of the unit. According to the invention, this is carried out in that the radiation emission caused at the combustion of fuel particles in the hearth of the unit above the fuel supply level is detected optically, and that the signals are used for indication and/or control of the operation of the unit.

Abstract: A gas fired hot water heater includes a housing enclosing an internal chamber divided by a vertical partition into two compartments, the partition having a top edge spaced below the top of the chamber. One of the compartments has a gas burner in the lower portion with an adjacent combustion air intake vent. A first heat exchanger is located in the same compartment above the gas burner but below the top edge of the partition, and a second heat exchanger is located in the other compartment at substantially the same horizontal level as the first. The two heat exchangers are connected in series. Condensate collection means is provided in the other compartment below the second heat exchanger to collect condensate forming on the second heat exchanger and to duct the condensate out of the housing. A flue pipe ducts flue gases from the housing, and a blower is provided to blow the flue gases through the flue pipe.

Abstract: A magnetic scale inhibiting device is easily installed in a water heater inlet dip tube without the need of an external housing. The device comprises a number of thin magnets held in aligned relationship within the dip tube by resilient spacers which engage the magnet and the dip tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating and cleaning air passages (4) provided in the side-wall of a furnace, such as a soda recovery boiler, and connected to an air box positioned outside the wall, comprising a sleeve member reciprocatably mounted in the air box and insertable into the air passage. The rear opening of the sleeve member connects to and is supported by a hollow section of an elongate holder which is slidably mounted in the longitudinal direction thereof and extends through the wall of the air box, and which holder is operatively connected to a driving device. The hollow section of the holder comprises at least one air inlet.

Abstract: A heat exchanger for transferring heat from a dust-containing gaseous medium to a second medium comprises a housing (3) with an inlet (1) and an outlet (5) for the gaseous medium, which flows along a U-shaped path around a partition wall (2) suspended from a top plate (4). The second medium flows along U-shaped pipes (6) in the U-shaped path from an inlet chamber (29) to an outlet chamber (28). Rapping cylinders (13), which are mounted on the top plate (4), periodically rap the pipes (6) to dislodge dust from the pipes into a discharge hopper (12). The top plate is mounted via resilient supports (31) on the upper edge of the housing (3).

Abstract: A sludge trap, or mud drum, for use in nuclear steam generators includes internal baffles defining multiple laminar flow paths having decreased vertical settling distances. The baffling arrangements take advantage of the diverging nature of circular geometry of sludge traps such that flow path cross-sectional areas are maintained and increased in the direction of flow, to avoid undesired, detrimental flow acceleration; turbulence as well is minimized, thereby to achieve a desired quiescent environment for effective gravitational settlement of sediment and particulate matter.

Abstract: A steam generator wrapper closure and a method of installing the same includes a plug member (108) which includes a large diameter portion (110) and a small diameter portion (112) with an annular shoulder portion (114) defined therebetween. A locking pawl (124) is rotatably mounted upon the plug (108) through means of its shaft (122). A pawl shaft extension rod (154) and a handle (150) are utilized to manipulate the pawl (124) and the plug (108) from a position external to the steam generator outer shell (16). The axis of the pawl shaft (122) is radially offset with repect to the axis of the plug (108), and the diametrical extent of the pawl (124) is less than that of the small diameter portion (112) of the plug (108).

Abstract: A model steam generator including a system for facilitating the inspection of the sample tubes within the boiler vessel of the model generator is disclosed herein. The system includes means for detachably connecting the tubesheet from the primary and secondary sides of the boiler vessel. In the preferred embodiment, both end of the tubesheet and the abutting ends of the primary and secondary sides of the boiler vessel are circumscribed by tapered flanges. The tubesheet is detachably connected from the primary and secondary sides of the boiler vessel by means of Grayloc.RTM.-type annular clamps which are circumscribed by grooves for receiving the abutting flanges at the tubesheet joints. Additionally, the system includes a frame for suspending the secondary side of the boiler vessel, a wheeled cart having a jack for both laterally and vertically moving the primary side of the boiler vessel and the tubesheet into a clamping position onto the secondary side of the boiler vessel.

Abstract: An infrasound generator including a quarterwave resonator tube having a closed end and an open end and being of substantially uniform diameter, the open end of the tube being adapted to communicate with a space containing the heat exchange surfaces of a boiler through an aperture in a wall of the space and having means for supplying pulsating pressurized air to the closed end of the resonator tube. An outwardly opening conical diffuser is connected between the open end of the resonator tube and the space and a sleeve extends back from the wall and surrounds at least a portion of the length of the tube, the sleeve being of greater diameter than the tube with resilient closure means connected between the diffuser and the sleeve.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: A deposit measuring device, useful for improving combustion processes especially kraft mill recovery boilers, determines the temperature at the windward and leeward sides of a probe tube positioned in the flue gas stream transverse thereto and then determines the rate of build-up of deposits on at least the windward side and the temperature of the flue gas stream. This information is used by an operator or automatically to control boiler operations. The measuring device has a deposit removal means associated therewith periodically to remove deposits from the tube. The ability to control the boiler operation enables considerable economic benefits to be achieved.

Abstract: Magnetic separator for the purification of liquids with a tube which conducts the latter, contains balls or wire screens as magnetizable bodies and is surrounded by a coil for magnetizing the bodies. The tube contains, in the flow direction of the liquids over the major part of its length, balls and subsequently wire screens. A common coil is associated with the balls and the wire screens for magnetizing. The balls and the wire screens are connected to a common flushing line.

Abstract: A soot blower for cleaning heating surfaces of a heat exchanger wherein a lance has jets at its front and is connected at its rear through a soot blower valve to a feed line for a blowing medium. The lance passes through a wall of the heat exchanger and is sealed by a wall casing where the lance passes into the heat exchanger. A connector is provided for a purging medium for the lance between the soot blower valve and the jets of the lance. There is also a connector for a sealing medium on the wall casing. A compressor generates and distributes purging medium and sealing medium for the soot blower connected to the respective connectors. A check valve between the soot blower valve and the purging medium connector prevents flow of blowing medium into the generating and distributing compressor.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the tubes of tube-type heat exchangers and/or preventing the accumulation of deposits therein, the device consisting of a helix of a material which is resistant to corrosion and abrasion, which can be constantly agitated and thus repeatedly brought into contact with the internal walls of the tubes under the effect of the fluid stream the helix being held in position against longitudinal movement by a hooking means disposed at the upstream end of the helix which means permits the rotation of the helix within the tube. Use of said device for the automatic cleaning of tube-type heat exchangers.

Abstract: The invention is a method for dissolving copper in the presence of iron comprising:(a) contacting the copper with an oxidant solution;(b) dissolving at least a portion of the copper into the solution;(c) controlling the copper ion concentration in the solution below that required to cause a runaway oxidant decomposition reaction;(d) removing at least a portion of the dissolved copper from the solution;(e) adding additional oxidant to the solution; and(f) at least repeating steps (a) and (b).

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of a gas, air in particular, having an elevated temperature and being contaminated by condensable pollutions, to purify the gas and recover heat. The apparatus aims at a high efficiency of heat recovery as well as purification of the gas while simultaneously avoiding environmental pollutants problems.According to the invention the method is characterized by transferring heat from the gas to a heat collecting fluid by means of a system of heat transferring surfaces, while applying to the gas a turbulent flow. By cooling the gas, the contaminations present therein are transferred into a solid or liquid state, the turbulence enhancing an aggregation of condensed contaminations and the deposition of the contaminations onto the heat transferring surfaces, said surfaces then being mechanically and/or chemically and/or thermically cleaned, as the case may be with the apparatus used for executing the method in operation.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with a device for the internal cleaning, under operation, of the tubes of a heat exchanger containing a plurality of substantially straight tubes (1a,1b,1c) having both ends fastened to tube sheets (2), head chambers outside the tube sheets for the medium flowing through the tubes, cleaning members (26,30) in the tubes, and driving means comprising cables (27,31) and cable drums (13,14) to propel the cleaning members forward and backward in the tubes. The cleaning device is characterized in that the cleaning member is a helical spring (26,30) and that the cables (27,31) are endless cables, or cables having a limited length, which extend over the cable drums (13,14) in the head chambers (11,12).

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: Means for cleaning the sealing surfaces of coke oven leveling doors and frames, the cleaning means being installed on a coke-pushing machine without any increase in the normal overall length thereof. A carriage extends between and is movable along guideways mounted on the side walls of a surrounding casing, the carriage being provided with liquid nozzles adapted to be directed at the sealing surfaces of the leveling door frame and the sealing surfaces of the leveling door when rotated upwardly. Nozzles are connected through hoses to a supply of high-pressure liquid, the arrangement being such that as the carriage moves along the guideways, high-pressure liquid issuing from the nozzles will clean the sealing surfaces of a leveling door frame and a leveling door when it is rotated upwardly.

Abstract: Fouling of the convection section of a steam generator by ash or other solid deposit from the product gas stream is monitored using radiation pyrometers which determine the temperature drop across a bank of heat exchanger tubes and calculation therefrom of a fouling factor related to the degree of fouling. Soot blowers are actuated, in manual response or automatic response, to the fouling factor, to effect cleaning of the heat exchanger tubes. Heat flux meters also may be provided to determine variations in the degree of fouling transverse to the flow of the gas stream and the determinations may be used to actuate selective cleaning of parts of the tube bank.

Abstract: Steam outlet connection for connecting the outlet (5) of a tube of the bank of tubes of a steam generator to the pipe (8) connecting it to a steam header. The connection is of the T type with a straight portion (10) closed at one end and a side branch (19) connected to the pipe (8). The closed end of the straight portion (10) has an end wall (14) having a zone of sufficiently slight thickness to permit its perforation for the purpose of injecting a gas into the tube.

Abstract: A chemical recovery furnace (10) having air nozzles (12) is provided with apparatus (22) for keeping the nozzles clear of combustion product deposits, and also accurately controlling the airflow through such nozzles. Each nozzle has slots (20) in the sidewalls thereof, which slots are of decreasing width, the smallest width (38) being closest to the furnace. A plug (22) is slidable within each nozzle to control airflow, and also remove deposits from within the nozzle.

Abstract: A primary air duct for a chemical recovery furnace is rectangular in cross section. Smelt accumulates on the walls of the air duct at the furnace end. A scraper structure is comprised of a pair of C-channels hinged together at one end. A mechanism moves the hinged scraper forward so it can be guided into scraping contact with the duct walls. The edges of the C-channels are guided by pin and groove engagement between the channels and the duct walls. The scraper is reciprocated from an inoperative position to a scraping mode by a rod to which force is applied.

Abstract: A fluid lancing apparatus is provided for cleaning sludge from between tubes of a tube bundle of a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger tubes are arranged in a plurality of parallel equally spaced rows. The lancing apparatus includes an elongated lance arm and a jet head attached to the lance arm. The jet head includes at least first and second longitudinally spaced transversely directed nozzles, a longitudinal distance between the first and second nozzles being equal to a spacing between the parallel equally spaced rows of the tube bundle. An alignment rod is provided for initially positioning the lancing apparatus. Methods of utilizing such an apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging tubes in a modern high temperature steam generator by the application of high frequency shock energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatic vibrator, a connecting shaft connected at one end to the vibrator by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the vibrator to the shaft, a base plate for distributing the high frequency shock energy over a relatively large area encompassing portions of at least a plurality of tubes, the base plate being connected to the other end of the connection shaft by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the shaft to the base plate, and the base plate being secured in position adjacent the tubes for the transmission of high frequency shock energy from the base plate to the tubes while allowing for thermal expansion of the tubes during operation of the steam generator.

Abstract: A sootblower of the long retracting variety including a drive system which simultaneously rotates the lance tube as it is inserted and withdrawn from the boiler. A variable speed drive is employed to modulate the rotational speed of the lance tube in accordance with the projected distance of the lance tube such that the lance tube is driven faster at intermediate lance tube projected distances thereby optimizing the cycle time of the sootblower. The modulated rotational speed of the lance tube is maintained at all projected distances below the critical speed which varies as a function of projected distance and the sootblower type. By driving the lance tube at certain projected distances at a rotational speed above the critical speed for other projected distances, the translational speed is increased and cycle time reductions are realized as compared with the prior art wherein the lance tube is driven at a constant speed below the minimum critical speed.

Abstract: A soot blower system comprising a plurality of soot blowers (60) each of which is selectively operable to clean ash deposits (54) from the walls (12) of a furnace chamber (10) in direct response to the local heat transfer rate from the hot combustion products to the walls of the furnace sensed by one or more heat flux meters (62) mounted to the furnace wall in the general region surrounding each of the soot blowers.

Abstract: An 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, characterized by a universal valve body 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.

Abstract: A composition including exfoliated vermiculite and ash produces a soft clinker deposit. In a method to remove ash deposits from furnace structures, vermiculite is added to the gases and ash produced during a combustion process and combines with the ash forming deposits. The vermiculite-ash deposit is softer than a pure ash deposit and can be removed by the application of jets of steam to the furnace structures. An apparatus, used to preheat and inject vermiculite into furnace structures, includes a housing having walls defining a passage. The housing has a distal portion for projecting into containment vessel holding combustion gases and a proximal portion for receiving hot gas under pressure. The passage within the proximal portion includes a narrow section, a tapered section and a wide section.

Abstract: A sequencing blow down or blow off valve mechanism for the low water cut off and/or water column of the equalizing piping network of a steam boiler. The valve mechanism is located at the junction of the vertical cut off outlet pipe, the lower horizontal pipe to the boiler and the vertical drain line. The valve mechanism normally rests in a position completing the network while blocking the drain line. The valve mechanism may be moved to successive positions completing drain paths from the lines of the network to the drain line. Whenever the valve mechanism is out of the normal position, the fuel supply to the boiler is shut off to prevent boiler firing. The valve mechanism provides a visual indication of the valve position. Further the valve mechanism allows access to the network lines for cleaning and/or rodding of the lines whenever the valve mechanism is in any of the successive positions. Manual and automatic operation are disclosed.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a furnace having an elongate, cylindrical, combustion chamber surrounded by a water jacket. Air is blown into the combustion chamber through a loop-shaped distributor having a front bight and a rear bight and parallel horizontal side members. Axially-oriented jet ports are disposed in said bights which direct jets of air toward each other into the center portion of the combustion chamber and chord-oriented jet ports in the side members which direct jets of air downwardly toward the bottom center of the combustion chamber. Fire-tubes are located in the top portion of the water jacket through which the combustion products flow in heat exchange with the water introduced into the water jacket and second fire-tubes in heat exchange with the outlet water lead the combustion gases to a stack. A special band of scraper-deflectors is provided on at least some of the fire-tubes.

Abstract: A method for predicting the optimum cycle time to schedule sootblowing using on-line process measurements. The optimum cycle times dynamically adjust to changing conditions resulting from boiler operation, fuel changes, or seasonal changes. The optimum cycle time is calculated four times per second for each heat trap of a boiler (10). The optimum conditions are based on economic criteria which account for heat trap fouling, rate of fouling of other heat traps (12, 13, 14, 16, and 18) within the boiler, and on-line boiler incremental steam cost.

Abstract: A maintenance platform is provided for gaining access to the upper area of the furnace (10) of a steam generator that can be quickly and easily assembled during a maintenance shutdown. The main beams (26) forming the framework of the platform are supported both from the furnace walls (42, 44) and also from the furnace roof (32, 34, 38). These beams, which are of considerable length, are stored outside of the furnace in a nearly vertical position when not in use, and are guided into the furnace by a plurality of rollers (40), so as to keep the beams in a single plane close to the outer furnace wall while they are being moved into the furnace.

Abstract: A maintenance platform for reaching the upper area of the furnace (10) of a steam generator that can be quickly and easily assembled during a maintenance shutdown. The grid or frame of the platform is made up of a plurality of beams (22) extending into the furnace from opposite furnace walls (19). Cables (50) from the roof (60) support one end of the beams. Planking (66, 68) that interlocks (62, 64, 70) with the beams (22) completes the platform.

Abstract: A solid fuel boiler has a heat exchanger above the fuel bed, and the heat exchanger is provided with an easily operable cleaner.The heat exchanger comprises a plurality of vertically disposed tubes within each of which is an elongate means (e.g. a chain) which depends from a support member which can be driven, at will, by a motor in order to cause the elongate means to scrape off or dislodge from the inner surfaces of the tubes any soot or other powdery deposits.The support member, mounted on eccentric crank mountings, is moved by said motor in an orbital path in a horizontal axis.Each elongate means has its upper end connected to one end of a swivel device whose other end is connected to the support member; this makes the cleaning pattern random.Each elongate member comprises turbulence creators to improve heat extraction from air/flue gases.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the scheduling time between sootblowing operations in a boiler having a plurality of heat traps, comprises measuring the instantaneous efficiency for each heat trap of the boiler, using a filter constant and the amount of load under which the heat trap is placed to calculate an average slope for the loss of efficiency between sootblowing operations and calculating an optimum scheduling period between sootblowing operations as a function of a cost factor reflecting the cost of a sootblowing operation, the duration of the sootblowing operation and the slope.

Abstract: A method of identifying a parameter of a model for a rate of loss of boiler efficiency due to a sootblowing operation, in a boiler or other convection heat transfer device having a plurality of heat traps, comprises measuring a time since a last sootblowing operation in the heat trap in question, measuring an overall boiler efficiency at the beginning of sootblowing for the heat trap in question, measuring a change in efficiency due to the sootblowing operation and calculating the parameter using an equation. According to the equation, the ratio of efficiency change over overall boiler efficiency equals the time factor since the last sootblowing operation times the parameter minus a summation of factors for each of the other heat traps and their associated sootblowing operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging high temperature water walls of boilers while steaming, utilizing a jet of water applied in such manner as to develop sufficient mechanical energy to dislodge the slag without chilling the wall to a harmful degree.

Abstract: An apparatus for deslagging tubes in a modern high temperature steam generator by the application of high frequency shock energy is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pneumatic vibrator, a connecting shaft connected at one end to the vibrator by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the vibrator to the shaft, a base plate for distributing the high frequency shock energy over a relatively large area encompassing portions of at least a plurality of tubes, the base plate being connected to the other end of the connection shaft by an interference fit tapered connection for transmission of high frequency shock energy from the shaft to the base plate, and the base plate being secured in position adjacent the tubes for the transmission of high frequency shock energy from the base plate to the tubes while allowing for thermal expansion of the tubes during operation of the steam generator.