Abstract: An automatic self-cleaning electric or gas water heater has a sloped conical bottom wall and a manifold such that water flowing through the manifold gently washes sediment to the bottom wall. The sediment slides along the bottom wall to a bottom drain. The sediment and water in the tank bottom periodically flow through the drain by operation of a controller which activates a solenoid valve.

Abstract: A system for periodically flushing accumulated sediment from hot water tanks including a drain valve controlled by an electric actuating means capable of rapid actuation of the valve from its normally closed position to a fully open position. The electric actuating means is electrically connected to a timing means, such as a time clock, for actuating periodic flush cycles. A flush cycle begins when the appropriate signal commands the actuating means to open the valve and ends upon closure of the valve. The invention contemplates that the duration of each flush cycle will depend on the water tank size, and that a series of flush cycles will provide optimized flushing of sediment from the tank.

Abstract: A cleaning device is proposed for hot water tanks which each include near a bottom end thereof a drain pipe for allowing water contained in the tank to be flushed out therefrom. The present cleaning device comprises a first conduit adapted to be permanently secured to the drain pipe of the tank, a second conduit, such as a garden hose, connected to a sewer or a drain, and a valve mounted between the first and second conduits for controlling the flow therethrough and thus the flushing of the water and of the impurities and residues contained in the tank. The valve is preferably of the motorized type and is actuated by a programmable timer in order that the tank can be automatically and periodically flushed without intervention from the user.

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 non-corrosive, non chemical cleaning process for tube bundle heat exchangers develops and physically transmits kinetic energy in the form of a vigorous, high volume "water slap" to dislodge internally accumulated contaminants. A plurality of injectors periodically inject discrete quantities of pressurized inert nitrogen into the heat exchanger downcomer annulus, near the steam generator bottom, and in response to the expanding gas bubble the water column established in the tube bundle is accelerated upwardly. A rapid displacement of a body of water causes the surface of the water to slap debris from components in its path. The water column level is established slightly below the bottom of a tube support structure, and the rapid rise of the water surface impacts the bottom of the structure and is forced through the water flow passageways where the fluid flow acceleration pressures dislodge the accumulated debris.

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: A nuclear steam generator has a blowdown pump arranged to pump water from the blowdown lines through a filter for return to the steam generator. The piping is arranged so that the same pump may operate to reverse the direction of pumping through the blowdown line, whereby reverse circulation may be established during wet lay up of the steam generator. A blower is arranged to withdraw nitrogen from an upper elevation in the steam generator and injected into the blowdown line in combination with the pumped reverse circulation during wet lay up.