Abstract: A deposit removal high pressure spray apparatus for removing heat conduction inhibiting deposits on U-tubes at the top of a shell and tube type of nuclear steam generator (10) tube bundle (16) by crawling along flanged outboard support beams (18) above the U-tubes bundle. The apparatus includes: a crawler (66) with motive means 68 for "inch worm" movement; a rotationally driven base 62 provides movement of the sprayhead to either side of the outboard support beam; a rotationally driven extension arm 60 on rotating base 62 has an elongated reciprocally driven elevator 58 thereon; and, a wrist 52 reversibly and rotatably driven by motor 54a sweeps sprayhead 52 with nozzles 56 to clean the top of the bundle 16 tube lanes of 90.degree., 45.degree. and 135.degree. efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a synthesis gas heat exchanger unit with one synthesis gas radiant cooler (1), two synthesis gas convection coolers (23), one crude gas-clean gas heat exchanger (4), one crude gas-inert gas heat exchanger (5), and one dust separator (11). These devices are preferably arranged vertically or slopingly. The crude gas heat exchangers (4, 5, 23) are designed as single-flue, double-flue or multiple-flue heat exchangers. They are elastically supported via claws (10) and are equipped with an electric heater (9). A soot blower system (13) is associated with each flue (4.1, 4.2) as well as (5.1, 5.2) and right hand flue and left hand flue (23.1, 23.2) at the crude gas inlet. Soot blowers (31) are likewise provided on the connection lines (2, 6), and mass flow controllers (7) are provided in the lower connection lines (6).

Abstract: A water lance blower for cleaning heating installations, wherein a water lance (6) is movably (5) arranged with its mouth on or in a hatch (2) and can blow a water jet through the heating installation, which is in operation and is flowed through with flames and/or smoke, onto wall areas (A-E) which can be reached from the hatch (2), wherein the water lance (6) is movable by at least one movement element (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) which is stationarily fixed at one end outside a vertical plane through the point of movement (5) of the water lance (6) to the heating installation and by the other end (7.1, 7.2, 7.3) to the water lance (6), wherein path sensors are provided for precise determination of the position of the water lance (6). Preferably three movement elements (8.1, 8.2, 8.3) are provided, the fixing points (9.1, 9.2, 9.3) of which each form in particular an angle of approximately 80.degree. to 140.degree. to the point of movement (5) of the water lance (6).

Abstract: An opening arrangement in which a sliding plate accommodates a soot blower lance to be inserted into a medium-pressure gas-accommodating space through a tube cage in a boiler heated by waste heat. A soot blower box is provided with an elongated slotted hole. A frame is located between the sliding plate and the slotted opening, and a sheet of ceramic fiber is secured in the frame.

Abstract: An inlet is provided for delivering water into a water heater through a port in its side. The inlet includes a conduit having a distal portion that extends toward a bottom of the water heater. That portion includes means for deflecting the water flow in order to reduce the generation of temperature gradients that otherwise tend to develop within water heater tanks. A water heater assembly including such an inlet is also described.

Abstract: An improved remotely-operated high-pressure water-jet sludge lancing system for removing sludge from the secondary side of steam generators, the system including an end effector and a deployment system. The end effector includes two diametrically opposed articulated nozzle heads having water jet nozzles attached thereto. The nozzle heads are pivotally mounted to respective pneumatic extension arm actuators that are accommodated in respective arms. The arms are attached in a collinear relation to opposing sides of a centrally located drive means, which allows for the rotational positioning of the nozzle heads. The deployment system for delivering and supporting the end effector includes a self-erecting load-bearing chain and a segmented support rail having a straight section and a curved section. The chain is suspended from the support rail by hangers and cylinder rollers.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower, having a movable carriage and lance tube assembly for cleaning inside surfaces of a boiler, includes a stationary starter switch for initiating operation of the sootblower and a cable disposed between the movable assembly and the starter switch for transmitting electrical current from the starter switch to the moveable assembly. A limit switch is mounted to and moveable with the moveable assembly. A stationary switch control device is disposed proximate the boiler and configured to cooperate with the limit switch so as to reverse the direction of movement of the moveable assembly during sootblower operation by reversing the direction of the current to the movable assembly.

Abstract: A steam generator lancing system for cleaning tubes and tubesheets of a steam generator. The lancing system includes a nozzle block including at least one nozzle adapted for fluid communication with a high pressure hose. The lancing system also includes a support assembly including a carrier for transporting the nozzle block through the steam generator and a control system operative to selectively position the nozzle with respect to the tubes and tubesheets in the steam generator. Finally, in the preferred embodiment, the lancing system includes a rocker assembly operable to rotate the nozzle about a rocker axis to improve cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: At least two pivoting jets (55a, 55b, 55c) of cleaning liquid, each directed between two successive lines of tubes substantially perpendicular to the rows of tubes, are sent, in succession, from locations situated inside the bundle of the steam generator, into a space between two successive rows of tubes so as to sweep the tube plate between a central part vertically in line with the space between the two rows of tubes and two outer parts situated at the periphery of the bundle and along the length of the space between the rows of tubes. The flow rate of cleaning liquid is at least equal to 20 l/min, per jet. The invention applies in particular to the cleaning of the tube plate of a steam generator of a pressurized-water nuclear reactor.

Abstract: A nozzle for a sootblower is used to project a cleaning agent against the internal surfaces of a boiler for removing fireside deposit. The nozzle of the present invention incorporates a passageway having a convergent segment between its entrance end most narrow point, the throat. Extending from the throat to the nozzle's exit is an expansion chamber in which the cleaning fluid passing therein expands and drops in pressure to substantially ambient pressure. The flow streams of the jet of the cleaning agent discharged from the nozzle is essentially parallel to the center axis of the nozzle. Additionally, the nozzles can be mounted diametrically opposed or spaced along the longitudinal axis of the lance tube. Moreover, the nozzles mounted in a lance tube can be mounted flush with the outside surface of the lance tube, contoured to its shape.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower for avoiding and dislodging accumulated soot and ash. The sootblower includes an elongate housing and a blowing tube or blowing tube assembly reciprocable in the housing. The blowing tube is extended and retracted by pressurized gas. Pressurized gas is also applied to the sootblower. An internal gas channeling arrangement couples the pressurized gas to the blowing tube when the blowing tube is extended. The pressurized gas is thus discharged from the blowing tube when the blowing tube is extended. Additional structure is provided for rotating the blowing tube as it moves from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A nozzle configuration capable of handling several cleaning mediums including two sets of discharge nozzles, each of which is associated with a respective cleaning medium. The first nozzle set discharges cleaning medium fluid of relatively higher pressure, while the second nozzle set has nozzles of relatively larger throat diameter for the discharge of relatively lower pressure medium. The nozzles of the second set are arranged coaxially with and downstream from the nozzles of the first set, whereby cleaning medium fluid discharged from the first nozzle set passes through the throats of the nozzles of the second set without substantial obstruction therein.

Abstract: Particulate-containing hot flue gas flows are flowed into a boiler having a first and a second chamber. The first chamber has a gas side and a water side. The hot flue gas flows into the gas side of the first chamber which is in heat exchange relation with the water side. Steam is generated on the water side and transported to a power generator. Steam or another inert gas is periodically injected into the gas side of the first chamber for removing particulate fouling when the heat exchange relation for the gas side falls below a predetermined minimum level. Cooled flue gas leaving the gas side of the boiler is conducted to a purification chamber having spray nozzles thereby allowing large particulate to settle out of the flue gas and removing fine particulate entrained in the flue gas enabling purified flue gas to be released from an upper portion of the second chamber.

Abstract: A sootblower for cleaning heat exchanger surfaces in a boiler. The sootblower includes a carriage assembly supported by a frame and adapted to cause translational and rotational movement of a lance tube to insert and retract the lance tube into and out of the boiler. The lance tube includes nozzles which project a blowing medium against the heat exchanger surfaces in the boiler. A mechanism is provided to articulate the sootblower so that the angular orientation of the lance tube can be altered with respect to the heat exchanger surfaces in the boiler. The articulating mechanism permits the carriage assembly to advance and withdraw the lance tube in and out of the boiler along a different axes thereby enabling greater cleaning coverage of the heat exchanger surfaces.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a combustion device such as a boiler coincidentally with operation of the boiler. The apparatus comprises a means for rotation of a lance and rotatable cleaning head attached to the lance. The lance also moves in a linear direction and out of a combustion chamber. The invention requires the presence of the linear and rotational driving mechanism exterior to the boiler to allow operation of the device while the combustion chamber is at high temperature. During operation, a high pressure water jet is expelled from the nozzles of the rotatable cleaning apparatus at greater than 10,000 psi. A microprocessor controls the system to allow a repeatable, consistent, and tailored cleaning of the internal components of a combustion device.

Abstract: An automated sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable. The automated sludge lance and method can be used in the no-tube-lane, in the annular chamber, or in combination.

Abstract: An automated sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable. The automated sludge lance and method can be used in the no-tube-lane, in the annular chamber, or in combination.

Abstract: An improved composite waterlance and cavity connection is described where fiber reinforcements longitudinally extend through the body (24) of waterlance (10) and are inserted into a wedge shaped cavity at the top (18a) and bottom (18b) of a front manifold (18). An adhesive in the cavity and on the end of the rope (36) fixes the rope to the front manifold (18) and to the body (24) of the waterlance (10) to provide improved strength in the connection.

Abstract: An upper bundle steam generator cleaning system including a cleaning head deployment and support device receivable through a hand hole of the steam generator and including retractable cylinders which raise the cleaning head up through the flow slots to position a cleaning head about a flow slot of the upper tube bundles; and a cleaning head mounted with the support device for directing fluid about the tubes of the upper bundles of the steam generator for directing fluid about the tubes of the upper bundles of the steam generator thereby cleaning the generator from the top down flushing deposits downward during the cleaning process.

Abstract: A boiler cleaning device includes a frame mounting a carriage for moving a lance in and out of a boiler along said frame. The carriage is moved by a drive-chain which passes through a differentially geared set of sprockets, one of which carries a pinion rotating a ring gear mounted on a spindle portion of the lance. The spindle has a plurality of recesses each including an abutment and a ramp while the gear carries a spring loaded plunger which engages the abutment to rotate the spindle and the lance in one direction. When the drive is reversed to move the carriage backward, the gear rotates the other direction and the plunger merely rides up the ramps and down the abutments and the spindle does not rotate.

Abstract: An automated sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable. The automated sludge lance and method can be used in the no-tube-lane, in the annular chamber, or in combination.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower having an open frame. The frame includes an inboard end wall, an outboard end wall and a pair of opposingly positioned side panels. The side panels are seamless and mounted to interconnect the inboard and outboard end walls together. The side panels cooperating with the end walls to generally define a rectangularly shaped structure which encloses the carriage and lance tube of the sootblower. The generally open top and bottom of the frame allows for substantially unobstructed access from above and below to the carriage and lance tube. The sootblower also includes a dry lance hub which eliminates various problems associated with lubricant deterioration.

Abstract: A cleaning system to remove soluble hydrocarbon residue and other contaminants from essentially nonporous objects or surfaces including a vapor generating chamber having a vapor generating system and a gas flow control disposed therein to generate a solvent vapor to clean the nonporous surfaces and control the flow of gas through the vapor generating chamber respectively, and a system control to control the vapor concentration or humidity of the solvent vapor.

Abstract: The Applicant's present invention is drawn to an improved nozzle for a miniaturized sludge lance intended to be used with an articulated sludge lancing systems to clean narrow tube lanes. The improved nozzle has an internal flow straightener which minimizes turbulence within the nozzle and allows a pair of oppositely located nozzles to be fitted within the miniature lance while producing the output cleaning power of nozzles requiring dimensioning that would not fit within the confines of the miniature lance assembly.

Abstract: A nozzle for a sootblower is used to project a cleaning agent against the internal surfaces of a boiler for removing fireside deposit. The nozzle of the present invention incorporates a passageway having a convergent segment between its entrance end most narrow point, the throat. Extending from the throat to the nozzle's exit is an expansion chamber in which the cleaning fluid passing therein expands and drops in pressure to substantially ambient pressure. The flow streams of the jet of the cleaning agent discharged from the nozzle is essentially parallel to the center axis of the nozzle. Additionally, the nozzles can be mounted diametrically opposed or spaced along the longitudinal axis of the lance tube. Moreover, the nozzles mounted in a lance tube can be mounted flush with the outside surface of the lance tube, contoured to its shape.

Abstract: A pipe and tube cleaning system, particularly useful for cleaning scale from pipes and tubes used in oil and gas production operations and containing naturally occurring radioactive materials in the scale, includes an elongated closable tub for supporting a section of pipe or tube for combined hydraulic jet blast and mechanical cutting and cleaning action by a lance insertable within the pipe to remove scale from the interior of the pipe. A slurry of particulate material removed from the pipe and the cleaning liquid (water) is collected in the tub and discharged to a particle size reduction and filtering system which reduces the particle size of the material to form a slurry of very fine particles which may be disposed of through an injection well. Some of the slurry may be returned to the system for use as cleaning liquid. Pipe is loaded into and removed from the tub by a pipe handling mechanism including retractable supports with ramp surfaces which position the pipe for movement into and out of the tub.

Abstract: A sootblower nozzle head of lance tube has nozzle members, each comprising a plurality of full expansion nozzles positioned closely adjacent and parallel to each other so that the jets from the individual nozzles commingle as they exit the nozzle member to form a common jet, thereby providing the cleaning efficiency of a full expansion nozzle in the limited space available in the head of the sootblower.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower for use in cleaning heat exchanger surfaces during a single stroke of its operating cycle. A control system is utilized to vary the rate at which the blowing medium is discharged from the lance tube into the heat exchanger. The rate of discharge is greater during the cleaning stroke of the lance tube than during the non-cleaning stroke.

Abstract: An articulated annular sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator from the annular chamber surrounding the tube bundle. The articulated annular sludge lance is moved around the annular chamber and directs a fluid distribution member between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The articulated annular sludge lance and method can also be used in the no tube lane or in combination with a no-tube lane method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lance device comprising a frame, a drum mounted rotatably on the frame, at least one hose arranged on the drum, containing means provided with a passage for containing the hose while lying on the drum, connecting means for connecting a source of liquid under high pressure to an end of the hose joined to the drum and drive means for driving the drum in rotation. The containing means comprise an endless flexible member and guide means therefor which guide the flexible member in a path from one side of the passage round the drum and lying thereagainst to the other side of the passage and therefrom at a distance from the drum in opposite direction back to the one side of the passage.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sootblower used to project a fluid cleaning medium against internal surfaces of a combustion device. The nozzle block assembly of this invention incorporates a converging/diverging throat configuration having a truncated center plug in the flow nozzle which provides improved jet flow characteristics within the limited nozzle length available in the sootblower environment. Various techniques for supporting the truncated plug of this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A sliding lance guide flexible lance system (10) is attached to a hand hole (12) of a nuclear power plant steam generator by means of flange (14) of tilt module (16). A rail (18) extends from the tilt module (16) to a support stand (20) and is attached to the stand (20) by a pivot (22) so that the rail (18) is free to rotate with the tilt module (16). A tilt drive motor (24) is attached to the tilt module (16). A flexible lance (26) extends into the rail (18) for extension through a lance guide shoe (27). The lance guide shoe (27) deflects the lance from the rail (18) into the tube gap of the steam generator. The lance guide shoe (27) is slideably mounted in the rail (18), and is attached to a lance guide belt (30), which extends within and along the rail (18). Similarly, the flexible lance (26) extends within and along the rail (18). A lance guide belt sprocket drive (40) is mounted on support (33) to engage the lance guide belt (30).

Abstract: The present invention relates to an extraction/insertion type soot blowing apparatus in which a lance tube is inserted into a combustion chamber, and a high-pressure gas is blown from a nozzle provided at the tip end of the lance tube against a deposit adhered onto the inner surface of the combustion chamber to remove the deposit. A rack adapted to be advanced and withdrawn along with the lance tube, and a long shaft for rotating the lance tube, are driven due to connection thereof with two output shafts of a differential gear device, and rotation and linear motion of the lance tube are respectively restrained within predetermined ranges. Thereby, at first the lance tube is inserted into the combustion chamber at a high speed without being rotated, and thereafter the advance is stopped and a gas is discharged while the lance tube is being rotated.

Abstract: A retractable sootblower is provided with means for preheating the sootblower lance prior to introduction of blowing medium into the lance to prevent condensation of the blowing medium which would be subsequently discharged from the lance against internal boiler surfaces accelerating surface erosion. The sootblower of the present invention preheats the lance by only providing blowing medium to the lance after at least a portion of the lance has been extended into the boiler and heated by hot boiler gases to thereby prevent condensation of the blowing medium within a cooled lance.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing sludge from the tubes and tubesheet of a steam generator. A support structure is adapted to be mounted at an access port of a steam generator. A lance tube extends from the support structure into the steam generator. A spool attached to a high pressure hose is received in the lance tube. A pinch roller assembly mounted on the support structure is used to move the cylinder through the lance tube. High pressure water flows through slots drilled in the spool and out holes in the lance tube against the tubes and tubesheet. A rocker motor causes back and forth rotation or rocking of the lance tube to create a sweeping action. The lance tube may also be adjusted axially to insure that the water streams are directed to the tube lanes.

Abstract: An improved rotary cleaning device for removing slag deposits from the surfaces of pendant tubes in a steam generator boiler is characterized by a controlled rotary actuator mechanism which alternately rotates a cleaning lance in opposite directions through an angle less than 90.degree.. By limiting rotation of the lance, the cleaning fluid from the lance is directed only upon a limited tube surface area, thereby reducing the time required to clean the tube surfaces.

Abstract: A soot blower assembly having a horizontally elongate steam supply tube disposed in cantilevered relationship and having a steam discharge opening at the free end, and a horizontally elongate steam discharge lance telescoped axially over the supply tube. The lance has a rear support hub which exteriorly surrounds the steam supply tube, and a seal-bearing arrangement is mounted within the hub for cooperation with the steam supply tube to permit the lance to move both axially and rotatably relative to the steam supply tube. The seal-bearing arrangement includes an axially elongate bearing sleeve which is mounted on the hub and has an inner bearing surface for rotative bearing engagement with the steam tube. This bearing sleeve is preferably constructed of bronze of similar bearing material, and is axially split to compensate for temperature-induced variations.

Abstract: A nozzle assembly for a sootblower used to project a fluid cleaning medium against internal surfaces of a combustion device. The nozzle block assembly of this invention incorporates a converging/diverging throat configuration having a truncated center plug in the flow nozzle which provides improved jet flow characteristics within the limited nozzle length available in the sootblower environment. Various techniques for supporting the truncated plug of this invention are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-adjusting joint packing for a sootblower of the type having a stationary feed tube gland with an overfitting lance tube which is moved within the combustion device to emit a blowing medium for cleaning purposes. The joint packing gland mechanism causes the axial loading on the joint packing which forms a seal between the lance tube and the feed tube to be automatically adjusted upon each sootblower actuation cycle. The joint packing gland includes an actuator which engages the sootblower frame upon actuation of the sootblower causing relative rotation between the actuator and lance tube. A friction clutch is interposed between the actuator and a threaded gland to transmit rotation only when a packing preload force is below a predetermined level, thus adjusting packing force when needed.

Abstract: A tube bundle cleaner capable of cleaning vertical tube bundles by remote actuation by an operator is provided. To prevent binding of the flexible fluid supply conduit which supplies hydroblasting fluid to the manifold upon which the cleaning lances are mounted, a bight portion of the conduit extends toward the open end of the housing which slidably carries the manifold.

Abstract: A ceramic element for a sootblower element is disclosed in which the element is manufactured by winding a ceramic fiber around a mandrel and subsequently densifying the composite using a sol-gel process. Separate elements are coupled together using a ceramic coupling member. Ceramic nozzle bodies are inserted into the elements. The sootblower tubes disclosed herein can withstand greater temperatures and more corrosive environments than currently used metallic lance tubes, thus enabling the sootblower element to be permanently installed within a boiler and eliminating the need for a retracting element type sootblower.

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: An angularly adjustable rotary cleaning device for an array of boiler tubes includes a base which is laterally displaced along a row of the tubes and a rotary cleaning mechanism connected with the base for angular adjustment with respect thereto. The rotary cleaning mechanism includes a rotating nozzle for delivering a high pressure fluid stream against and between the exterior surfaces of the spaced tubes of the array. The cleaning mechanism can be adjusted to direct the fluid stream for deepest penetration into the tube array to remove slag deposits from previously inaccessible locations within the array.

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: 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 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: 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 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: An articulated lance for cleaning sludge located between steam generator tubes is disclosed. A plurality of radius blocks are attached to the end of manipulator member and are actuatable by a cam assembly to form an arc permitting the lance to be received between adjacent tubes within a tube bundle. A plurality of fluid passageways interconnect a fluid inlet on the manipulator member with one or more outlet orifices adjacent the end of the lance. The outlet orifices are positioned outwardly with respect to the end of the manipulator member so that fluid passing therethrough can be directed to impinge upon sludge surrounding the tubes. A spring backing place biases the radius blocks and the manipulator member back into the same plane upon deactuation of the cam assembly.

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.