Abstract: A system for removing sludge from a sludge-bearing fluid flowing in a vertically oriented nuclear steam generator so that the sludge is not present therein in sufficient quantities to corrode components (e.g., heat transfer tubes) located in the steam generator. The system comprises a tube sheet having a plurality of apertures therethrough for receiving the ends of the heat transfer tubes so that the tubes are supported by the tube sheet. The tube sheet has a top surface thereon and also a recess formed in the top surface for separating and for collecting the sludge from the sludge-bearing fluid. The recess has a substantially frusto-conical wall generally converging at the bottom end of the recess for providing a settling basin for the sludge after the sludge is separated from the sludge-bearing fluid. A pipe extends from adjacent the bottom end of the recess to the exterior of the heat exchanger for transporting the sludge from the recess to the exterior of the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process and system for removing sludge deposits from a tube sheet of a steam generator having at least one handhole provided adjacent the tube sheet is disclosed.

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: Both a system and a method for removing sludge and debris from the interior of the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of introducing a sufficient amount of water in the secondary side to submerge at least the tubesheet, generating a succession of shock waves in the water by means of pulses of pressurized gas to create shock waves that loosen the sludge and debris, and vertically flushing the interior of the secondary side by suctioning water off from the bottom portion of the steam generator while simultaneously forcefully spraying water from the top portion of the generator over the bundle of heat exchanger tubes in order to remove the sludge and debris loosened by the shock waves.

Abstract: A method for loosening and removing sludge and debris from the vessel of a heat exchanger, such as the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator, is disclosed herein. The method generally comprises the steps of providing a sufficient volume of a liquid, such as water, into the steam generator so that the lower portion which includes the tubesheet is submerged, and then generating a succession of pressure pulses within the water from one or more pressure pulse generators wherein each pressure pulse creates shock waves that exert momentary forces throughout the submerged portion of the generator of a magnitude sufficient to loosen the sludge and debris, but safely below the yield and fatigue limits of the heat exchanger tubes and other components within the generator. The pressure pulses commence as soon as a sufficient amount of water is introduced into the steam generator to submerge the tubesheet, and continue all the way through the draining of the steam generator.

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: A steam generator includes a vertically elongated housing. A horizontal tube plate and a U-shaped tube bundle are disposed in the housing. The tube bundle has mutually spaced apart legs defining an intermediate space therebetween and tube ends disposed in the tube plate. The tube plate has a horizontal blow-down line formed therein. The tube plate has holes formed therein leading from the blow-down line into the intermediate space.

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: Built-up deposits on the top surface of a tubesheet and on adjacent tube sections in a tube bundle heat exchanger are removed by inducing vigorous turbulent flow of cleaning liquid radially along the surface of the tubesheet by repetitively and periodically injecting gas pulses into the liquid to form an expanding and retracting gas bubble proximate the plate center. The gas pulse rise time is smoothed by controlling the actuation time of a discharge valve and by a surge volume downstream of the valve to thereby avoid harmful pressure shock waves in the heat exchanger. The cleaning liquid is recirculated through an external filter loop to remove suspended foreign materials dislodged by the turbulent flow.

Abstract: An improved two-dimensional shuttle rotary cleaning device includes a frame with which is connected a bracket adapted for pivotal movement between first and second positions normal and parallel to the frame, respectively. A cleaning assembly is slidably connected with the bracket for cleaning the exterior surfaces of pendant tubes of a boiler. The cleaning assembly includes a tubular lance and a rotary union connecting the lance with the bracket and rotating the lance about its axis. An air cylinder is connected with the cleaning assembly for reciprocating the assembly relative to the bracket along the axis of the lance. Pressurized cleaning fluid is supplied to the lance via the rotary union. The fluid exits the lance via the plurality of radial openings, whereby the cleaning fluid is directed under pressure against the surfaces of the pendant tubes to remove slag and other built up materials therefrom.

Abstract: An improved system for preventing low-water or "dry-boiler" failures which includes automatically flushing the low-water cut-off control valve and monitoring the external temperature of the boiler jacket so as to shut off the burners of the boiler, when such external temperature exceeds a pre-determined maximum, is disclosed.

Abstract: A steam boiler having a water blow down in which the blowdown rate is automatically controlled in response to the flow rate and impurity level of the make up water so as to maintain the boiler water impurity level below a specified concentrations.

Abstract: A method for loosening and removing sludge and debris from the vessel of a heat exchanger, such as the secondary side of a nuclear steam generator, is disclosed herein. The method generally comprises the steps of providing a sufficient volume of a liquid, such as water, into the steam generator so that the lower portion which includes the tubesheet is submerged, and then generating a succession of pressure pulses within the water from one or more pressure pulse generators wherein each pressure pulse creates shock waves that exert momentary forces throughout the submerged portion of the generator of a magnitude sufficient to loosen the sludge and debris, but safely below the yield and fatigue limits of the heat exchanger tubes and other components within the generator. The pressure pulses commence as soon as a sufficient amount of water is introduced into the steam generator to submerge the tubesheet, and continue all the way through the draining of the steam generator.

Abstract: A water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the blowdown rate and chemical feed rate to a high pressure boiler involving the measurement of certain parameters including operating temperature, conductivity at operating temperature, temperature and pH of cooled boiler water, and then carrying out calculations to determine the estimated treatment chemical concentration and estimated boiler water conductivity, noting the critical conductivity ratio (CCR), noting the observed maximum tolerable high temperature conductivity value and comparing the relative conductivity ratio (RCR) with the critical conductivity ratio (CCR) and the value of the electrolytic conductivity of the boiler water at operating temperature (K) with the maximum tolerable high temperature conductivity value (M), followed by making any necessary adjustments to the chemical feedrate and diagonal or blowdown rate depending upon aforesaid comparison.

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 scale agitator for tank type liquid heaters employs a flexible non-cathodic tube through which liquid can flow. The liquid can be obtained from the tank or the supply of makeup liquid to be heated can be used. The tube may be fastened to a clean-out cover mounted to the exterior of the tank so that the tube can be inserted into and removed from the tank through the opening behind the clean-out cover.

Abstract: The arrangement for cleaning a steam generator fitted with a bundle of pipes (9) comprises a plurality, for example three spray-lances (1-3) with spray-heads (6), which lie in a vertical plane in working position and are bent over 90.degree. adjacent the outflow openings from the spray-heads (6). There is further provided a carriage fitted with a spray-head rotatable about the lengthwise axis thereof, which is connected to a hose for feeding pressurized water.

Abstract: A steam generator includes a vertically elongated housing. A horizontal tube plate and a U-shaped tube bundle are disposed in the housing. The tube bundle has mutually spaced apart legs defining an intermediate space therebetween and tube ends disposed in the tube plate. The tube plate has a horizontal blow-down line formed therein over the width of the tube bundle. The tube plate has vertical bores formed therein leading from the blow-down line into the intermediate space.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a residential water heater 10 or the like. The water heater is generally vertically disposed and has a cylindrical side wall 12, a top 14, and a bottom 16. A water supply tube 20 terminates in a nozzle 22 which permits entry of a stream of water 24 in a generally horizontal spray pattern along the bottom to flush and agitate any foreign matter 38 along the bottom. A drain cock 28 is provided within the heater side wall and opposite the nozzle, the drain cock being opened upon flushing of the bottom of the water heater so that any foreign matter is removed through the drain cock. In lieu of a simple, single-orificed nozzle, a multiple-orificed nozzle 22b or a plurality of nozzles may be provided.

Abstract: A cleaning device for heat exchangers having tube bundles includes a lance with nozzles to be introduced through an opening in a heat exchanger into a tube bundle in the heat exchanger. A hollow cylinder guides the lance. A flange connected to the hollow cylinder fastens the hollow cylinder at the opening of the heat exchanger. The lance is incrementally advanced. A pivot device for moving the lance includes a motor disposed on the hollow cylinder, a pendulum gear connected to the motor, and a carrier engaging the pendulum gear. The carrier has wheels guided in longitudinal grooves formed in the lance.

Abstract: A water heater including a tank having a hot water outlet in the top portion thereof and a cold water inlet in the lower portion thereof. An agitator assembly connected to the cold water inlet and mounted in the bottom portion of the tank. The agitator assembly includes a circular tubular member having a first row of orifice members mounted along the inner side thereof, a second row of orifice members mounted along the outer side thereof and a third row of orifice members mounted along the top side thereof.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and controlling the blowdown rate and chemical feed rate to a high pressure boiler involving the measurement of certain parameters including operating temperature, conductivity at operating temperature, temperature and pH of cooled boiler water, and then carrying out calculations to determine the estimated treatment chemical concentration and estimated boiler water conductivity, noting the critical conductivity ratio (CCR), noting the observed maximum tolerable high temperature conductivity value and comparing the relative conductivity ratio (RCR) with the critical conductivity ratio (CCR) and the value of the electrolytic conductivity of the boiler water at operating temperature (K) with the maximum tolerable high temperature conductivity value (M), followed by making any necessary adjustments to the chemical feedrate and diagonal or blowdown rate depending upon aforesaid comparison.

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 water cannon, having an air gun disposed within its breach, for explosively discharging a quantity of water from the muzzle, which may include a constricted directional nozzle, to dislodge sludge from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger, and a method of cleaning the tube sheet of a heat exchanger are disclosed.

Abstract: Through two accesses lying substantially opposite one another, above the bottom of the steam generator, a high-pressure lance carrying at its end a spray head, is brought between bundle portions of a U-shaped pipe bundle. The two lances are simultaneously intermittently shifted and between the shiftings, when the spray heads may spray between the rows of the pipe bundle, the heads are swung to-and-fro over 180.degree.. At least during said swinging, liquid is sprayed through said heads under a pressure higher than 170 bars and with a total flow rate for the two spray heads of more than 150 liters per minute. The used liquid is sucked away from the bottom with a total sucking capacity which is markedly higher than said flow rate.

Abstract: A lance assembly designed to clean sludge from the portion of the OTSG tube bundle which is inaccessible from the open tube lane. A track assembled between the OTSG outer shell and circular shroud around the tube bundle substantially opposite the open tube lane has a motorized carriage driven on the track which directs high pressure fluid through a plurality of nozzles toward the tube bundle through windows in the circular shroud. The nozzles are attached to a nozzle block which is capable of being moved vertically on the carriage to vary the flow impact area on the tube bundle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing from the tube sheet and transfer tubes of a nuclear steam generator sludge deposits which occur from the use of all volatile treatment water chemistry. A continuously activated suction apparatus maintains at a low level the water/sludge inventory on the tube sheet. A high pressure first water lance is oscillated and stepped inwardly along the central tube lane of the generator to dislodge the sludge from the tube plate and heat exchange tubes. After this lance has been stepped inwardly to a predetermined position, a low pressure second water lance is activated and periodically advanced to a position just short of the first lance and functions both to dislodge sludge and to form a water barrier which prevents redeposition of sludge in the clean area.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a residential water heater 10 or the like without the need for draining and re-filling the tank. The water heater is generally vertically disposed and has a cylindrical side wall 12, a top 14, and a bottom 16. A water supply tube 20 terminates in a nozzle 22 which permits entry of a stream of water 24 in a generally horizontal spray pattern along the bottom to flush and agitate any foreign matter 38 along the bottom. A drain cock 28 is provided within the heater side wall and opposite the nozzle, the drain cock being opened upon flushing of the bottom of the water heater so that any foreign matter is removed through the drain cock. In lieu of a simple, single-orificed nozzle, a multiple-orifices nozzle 22b or a plurality of nozzles may be provided.

Abstract: A sludge lance wand for cleaning once through steam generator tubes. A curved high pressure fluid feed tube has a plurality of feed tube extensions attached at one end and a first nozzle brace attached at the other end and in fluid communication with the feed tube. A second nozzle brace bolted to the first nozzle brace retains nozzle blocks in position between the two braces. The nozzle blocks are in fluid communication with the first nozzle brace and are provided with nozzle openings angled for cleaning the triangular-pitch positioned tubes in a once through steam generator. O-ring seals on each end of the nozzle blocks press fit against the braces to prevent leakage and insure that full fluid flow is directed through the nozzle openings.

Abstract: A sludge lancing method comprises providing a lancing nozzle and a barrier nozzle for respectively emitting cleaning and barrier streams of fluid along two channels between columns of heat exchange tubes in a nuclear steam generator vessel, the two channels being spaced apart by at least two columns of tubes. The barrier stream prevents dislodged sludge from being moved laterally past it into previously cleaned areas. The streams may be rotated between the center and the periphery of the tube sheet. The barrier nozzle comprises three jets angularly disposed with respect to one another for increased coverage of the barrier channel.

Abstract: A shell and tube heat exchanger (2) having a vertical dam (50) surrounding one of the steam-water separators (26a), so as to create a low flow velocity or quiescent area where solids will settle out. The dam encircles an area seven times greater than the average area per-separator throughout the rest of separating deck, so that there is a low flow velocity. Also, an orifice (52) is positioned in the inlet to the dammed in separator, to further reduce the flow velocity. The settled out solids are removed from the steam generator through a blowdown pipe (60).

Abstract: A one-piece removable tube lane block includes an L-shaped angle bar, having one end thereof fixed to the closed end of a cylindrical sleeve and extending axially outwardly therefrom. The outer end of the sleeve has a radially outwardly extending annular retaining flange for engagement with the vessel wall at the outer end of the handhole. The blocking portion is dimensioned to be insertable through the handhole and into the tube lane to a use position with the distal leg of the L-shaped bar disposed perpendicular to the tube sheet and with the mounting sleeve disposed in the handhole and held in place therein by set screws extending radially outwardly through the sleeve.

Abstract: The device comprises at least one assembly insertable in the enclosure through a hole situated in the vicinity of the tubular plate. Said assembly comprises a suction pipe having a curved part insertable in the casing through the hole and of a shape such that it terminates in the immediate vicinity of the plate, between the enclosure and the stack of tubes and a conduit placed inside the pipe, for connection to a cleaning liquid supply, ending in a nozzle for projecting water in a transverse direction to the pipe, along a grazing path with respect to the tubular plate and in the circumferential direction of the enclosure.

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 tube lane manipulator for the high-pressure blow-down of heat exchangers with tubes spaced apart by a given tube pitch includes a guide rail extended along the tube lane having a vertical leg with holes formed therein at mutual spacings substantially matched to the tube pitch; a stepping mechanism extended along and locked to the guide rail, the stepping mechanism including two stepping mechanism members, a device for executing steps of a length substantially matched to the tube pitch, clamping feet in the form of posts, and a device for extending the posts into the holes formed in the vertical leg for fixing the stepping mechanism members in a position provided by the steps; a spraying head carrier coupled to one of the stepping mechanism members, a spraying head holder, a device for telescopically extending and guiding the spraying head holder along the spraying head carrier in a direction perpendicular to the guide rail, and a spraying head with at least one spraying nozzle disposed on the spraying head

Abstract: Through two accesses lying substantially opposite one another, above the bottom of the steam generator, a high-pressure lance carrying at its end a spray head, is brought between the pipes of the pipe bundle. The two lances are simultaneously intermittently shifted inwards or outwards and between the shiftings, when the spray heads may spray between the rows of the pipe bundle, the lances are swung to-and-fro over 180.degree.. At least during said swinging, liquid is sprayed through said heads under a pressure higher than 200 bars and with a total flow rate for the two spray heads of more than 200 liters per minute. The used liquid is sucked away from the bottom with a total sucking capacity which is markedly higher than said flow rate.

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: A sludge lance nozzle for removing sludge from between the tubes of a nuclear steam generator includes positioning apparatus mounted on top of the nozzle. The tubes are arranged in rows and columns with the axes of the tubes in each column lying in a common column plane. The nozzle is moved perpendicular to the column planes close to one of the rows of tubes. In one embodiment, the positioning apparatus comprises two transmitter/receivers for transmitting signals and receiving reflected signals along axes parallel to the column planes, the axes being spaced apart by odd multiples of one-half tube pitch. The received signals are subtracted to produce a position indicating signal. In another embodiment the positioning apparatus includes a transmitter and a receiver spaced apart in the direction of movement of the nozzle, the transmitter transmitting a signal in a first predetermined direction, and the receiver being responsive only to reflected signals received from a second predetermined direction.

Abstract: A control system for controlling a cleaning apparatus used for cleaning a steam generator includes a valve manifold which is controlled by a control console to direct a pressurized fluid to either a jetting outlet or a flushing outlet of the cleaning apparatus associated with the steam generator. The control console also controls a motor controller which defines the incremental distance that the jetting outlet is moved within the steam generator to clean different portions of the steam generator. The motor controller is remotely controllable from a platform control device so that the position of the jetting outlet can be changed by a person located on or near the steam generator during initial alignment and limit switch positioning. The control console also controls an evacuation circuit which extracts the fluid pumped into the steam generator and the sludge or other substances loosened therefrom.

Abstract: A sludge lance nozzle for removing sludge from between the tubes of a nuclear steam generator includes positioning apparatus mounted on top of the nozzle. The positioning apparatus includes a cylindrical eddy-current sensor mounted inside a cup-shaped non-magnetic electrically insulating spacer, which is in turn mounted in a cup-shaped support member fixedly secured to the nozzle. The tubes are arranged in rows and columns with the axes of the tubes in each column lying in a common column plane. The nozzle is moved perpendicular to the column planes close to one of the rows of tubes. The sensor produces a maximum-amplitude output signal when the sensing axis is coplanar with the column plane of a tube in the closest row of tubes and a minimum-amplitude output signal when the sensing axis is midway between adjacent tubes in the closest row of tubes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for deslagging boilers and the like while steaming, wherein a quenching-type stream of water is first applied to the outer surface of the hot slag to induce the formation of fissures by embrittlement and contraction of the slag and thereafter while the fissures are still present the fissured surface of the slag is impacted by a high velocity pulsed jet which drives water into the fissures, whereby dislodging of the slag is aided by the expansive force of water which vaporizes in the fissures. A generally conventional blower is illustrated, equipped with dual liquid supply and projecting means, and pulsing mechanism for interrupting the flow of blowing medium to one of the projecting means, to create the pulsed jet.

Abstract: A method of removing sludge deposits from the tube plate of a steam generator of the type typically found in a nuclear electric generating plant involves inserting a jet lance into a handhole in the shell of the steam generator just above the tube sheet and along the tube lane, and inserting a flexible suction hose in that or another handhole. A jet nozzle on the lance is directed along one passageway defined by adjacent rows of tubes. The suction hose is adjusted until a suction opening at its end is aligned at the peripheral end of the one tube passageway. Then the sludge is jet blasted with a jet of cleaning fluid from the nozzle, and sufficient suction is applied to the hose so that all of the fluid and entrained sludge is sucked up as it issues from the peripheral end of the tube passageway.

Abstract: A blowdown system for controlling blowdown of a boiler such that the level of dissolved solids in the boiler is carefully controlled. The system includes a blowdown tank connected to the bottom of a boiler. Controls are provided for causing blowdown when the content of dissolved solids in the boiler water reaches a first level. Surface blowdown is caused when the dissolved solids reach a second level and a controlled or modulated increase in surface blowdown can then be provided so as to cause surface blowdown proportional to the level of dissolved solids in the boiler water. Blowdown can also be provided through alternate water columns.

Abstract: A sludge cleaning lance advancing apparatus includes a frame having a lead screw rotatably disposed in the frame. An electric stepping motor is connected to the frame and a belt and pulley drive is connected between the stepping motor and the lead screw for rotating the lead screw upon rotation of a shaft of the stepping motor. A lance carrier has an internal screw thread engaging the lead screw, and the lance carrier and lead screw are so arranged and constructed that the lance carrier is moved longitudinally relative to the lead screw as the lead screw is rotated relative to the lance carrier. A lance is carried by the lance carrier. A handwheel is attached to the lead screw for manually rotating the lead screw to initially position the lance. An alignment rod is provided to aid in this initial positioning.

Abstract: A long, thin strip of spring steel functions as the support base for one or more capillary tubes. The strip and its attached capillary tubes are thrust through a handhole in the side of a vessel containing a tube bundle and diverted by a guide into predetermined open lanes formed by the tubes of the bundle. The forward ends of the capillary tubes are directed downward for the jetting of fluid under high pressure into a body of sludge collected between the tubes and on the upper side of the tubes and their tube sheet. The source of the fluid is connected to the rear ends of the capillary tubes as the supply of fluid under high pressure.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic boiler water conditioning apparatus and method for energy saving, comprising an electromagnetic water treatment unit combined with an external sludge collector attached to the boiler for boiler bottom blowdown by means of a solenoid valve controlled by a conductivity probe within the boiler. The probe is electrically connected to the solenoid blowdown valve. The blowdown is initiated by the conductivity probe whenever the dissolved solids within the boiler as a result of evaporation become too high. The external sludge collector permits unimpeded removal of sludge formed in the boiler passing into the collector and is a straight pipe having a diameter of about 21/2 to 4 times, preferably 3 times, the diameter of the standard openings at the bottom of the boiler. The level of the water to the boiler is maintained by an automatic level control which can also be cleaned through the sludge collector.

Abstract: In a humidifier, an evaporator has a vessel containing two or more spaced vertical electrodes across which a voltage can be applied. The current which flows depends on the cross-section of the immersed portion of the electrodes, the size, shape and spacing of the electrodes, the applied voltage and conductivity and volume of the water. The invention provides a probe for measuring the conductivity of the water in the vessel and replacing some of the water in the vessel with fresh water when necessary to reduce the conductivity to the value for which the evaporator is designed. The probe may be connected directly into the evaporator or it may be connected to a voltage source so that a current dependent on the water conductivity will flow between these electrodes.

Abstract: A water vapor generator having electrodes in a vaporization vessel is disclosed. Current passed through the water between electrodes causes water in the vessel to heat and boil off as steam, make-up water being added when the current drops below a preset minimum value. The make-up water is cut off when a preset maximum value is reached. Thus, the generator operates through successive cycles each containing a descending "boil" leg and an ascending "fill" leg. As water is boiled, its mineral content becomes more and more concentrated, causing increasing its conductivity. To return the water conductivity to its design value the frequency of the boil/fill cycles is measured over several cycles and compared with a predetermined value. If the measured frequency is higher, this indicates a higher than desired water conductivity and a drain cycle is initiated by operating a drain valve. The amount of water drained out of the vessel is proportional to the deviation of frequency from the predetermined value.