Abstract: A method and system of effervescent atomization of liquid fuel for a rotating detonation combustor (RDC) for a propulsion system is provided. The method includes flowing liquid fuel through a fuel injection port of a nozzle assembly of the RDC system; flowing a gas through the fuel injection port of the nozzle assembly volumetrically proportional to the liquid fuel; producing a gas-liquid fuel mixture at the fuel injection port by mixing the flow of gas and the flow of liquid fuel; flowing an oxidizer through a nozzle flowpath of the RDC system; producing an oxidizer-gas-liquid fuel mixture by mixing the gas-liquid fuel mixture and the flow of oxidizer within the nozzle flowpath; and igniting the oxidizer-gas-liquid fuel mixture within a combustion chamber of the RDC system.

Abstract: Methods and systems relate to generating steam from water that may be recycled in thermal oil recovery processes and is heated in tubes having non-obtrusive features to limit fouling formation. The tubes may include jets to generate enhanced flow mixing along an inner wall of the tubes in order to increase heat transfer and disrupt bubble nucleation. Employing the tubes with the inner wall having an average surface roughness of less than one micron may further facilitate disruption of the bubble nucleation.

Abstract: A miniature sludge lance for a steam generator in a pressurized water nuclear reactor is provided. The sludge lance is structured to enter the steam generator via an inspection opening and has a body sufficiently thin to fit between adjacent tubes. The sludge lance rail has at least two types of nozzle assemblies that may be attached thereto. One nozzle assembly rotates and another nozzle assembly translates in a vertical direction. A drive assembly, a mounting assembly, an oscillation assembly, and flow straighteners are also provided.

Abstract: Blowdown of a pressurised steam boiler heated by a burner 1 and including a blowdown flow control valve 17 is controlled by opening the control valve in response to receiving a control signal from a control unit 20 to allow water to leave the boiler. The control unit receives one or more signals indicative of the steam production rate of the boiler and adjusts the amount of blowdown in dependence upon the aggregate steam production.

Abstract: A pulse detonation cleaning system is provided and includes a common tube, which is fluidly coupled to a vessel, a first array, including a plurality of elongate detonation tubes arrayed about a common axis, each of the plurality of the detonation tubes being disposed upstream from and fluidly coupled to an interior of the common tube and a second array, including a plurality of detonators arrayed about the common axis, each of the plurality of the detonators being disposed upstream from and operably coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of the detonation tubes such that actuation of each of the plurality of the detonators leads to combustion in the corresponding one of the plurality of the detonation tubes.

Abstract: A method and a corresponding device for controlling the temperature of steam in a boiler of a steam generator are provided. The gradual accumulation of dirt on heat exchanger surfaces inside the boiler is incrementally regulated by soot blowers. The targeted influencing of the heat transfer on the heat exchanger surfaces enables the steam temperatures to be controlled and regulated.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for inspecting a structure including a heating tube, a tube sheet supporting the heating tube, and a flow distribution baffle, which are installed in a steam generator of a nuclear power plant, and more particularly, an apparatus for visually inspecting and removing a foreign object in gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a tube sheet of a secondary side of a steam generator, in which a detector is inserted into gaps of a bundle of heating tubes of an upper portion of a secondary side of a steam generator so as to inspect sludge or foreign objects, and a foreign object remover removes foreign objects when foreign objects are discovered in the gaps of the heating tubes.

Abstract: A detonation device cleaning system includes a vessel having a main body including an outer surface and an inner surface that collectively define an interior chamber. A detonation combustor cleaning device is mounted to the vessel. The detonation combustor cleaning device includes at least one combustion chamber that defines a combustion flow path. The at least one combustion chamber includes a deflection member arranged along the combustion flow path. An ignition device is operatively connected to the at least one combustion chamber. The ignition device is selectively activated to ignite fuel within the at least one combustion chamber to produce a shockwave that moves in a first direction along the combustion flow path, is redirected back along the flow path within the at least one combustion chamber, and passes into the interior chamber to dislodge particles clinging to the inner surface of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus that visually inspects a state of sludge and foreign substances found between steam generator bundles positioned at an upper portion of a tube sheet of a steam generator of a nuclear power plant using a visual inspector mounted in a robot moving on an inner wall surface of the steam generator for removing the foreign substances.

Abstract: A cleaning system and method for cleaning heat transfer surfaces in a boiler using a temperature measuring system for measuring and monitoring wall temperature of an annular wall of the tube of a lance of one or more sootblowers. Controlling a flow of steam or other fluid through the tube during the cooling portions of the strokes based on wall temperature measurements from the temperature measuring system. Infrared or thermocouple temperature measuring systems may be used. The steam or other fluid may be flowed at a default flowrate that may be substantially zero until the temperature measuring system indicates the wall temperature of the annular wall begins to exceed a predetermined temperature limit which may be the softening point of the annular wall. Then the steam or other fluid is flowed at a rate greater than the default flowrate.

Abstract: A system and associated method for removing accumulated debris from a surface of a vessel. The system includes an impulse cleaning device defining a combustion chamber in which combustible fuel and air are mixed and ignited to produce combustion that is directed at the surface to be cleaned within the vessel, and an eductor assembly surrounding a downstream end of the chamber for inducting surrounding atmosphere into the combustion to widen the area being cleaned.

Abstract: Remote submerged scraper conveyor (SSC) consists of a conventional SSC modified to include a slurry processing system, which allows it to be located remotely from associated boilers at or slightly above grade level rather than directly under a boiler like a conventional SSC. The slurry processing system includes a pair of overflow troughs 34 and associated weirs located exterior to and along the top edge of each side of the horizontal section of the SSC and an underflow baffle, which extends from a position above the water line down into the horizontal section of the SSC below the water line. The slurry processing system allows the Remote SSC to receive a high volume wet ash slurry discharge via a slurry discharge pipe conventionally sent to an ash pond or a tall dewatering bin system.

Abstract: Method and apparatus of producing gas pressure pulses in a dust-deposit cleaning apparatus. The apparatus comprises a combustion chamber and an amplifying horn. According to the method a combustible gas and oxygen is fed into the combustion chamber, which has a generally elongated shape, the gas mixture is ignited for generating a pressure pulse, and the pressure pulse is released from the chamber and conducted to the amplifying horn. The gas mixture is ignited to generate an initial explosion which causes a pressure wave, which is reflected from the inner walls of the chamber end to form a collision zone, in which the initial explosion is at least partially transformed into a detonation. The combustion front is reflected from the gas inlet end and compressed at the other end of the chamber and released to the amplifying horn. By means of the invention, sound levels of about 165-170 dB can be produced at low fuel consumption.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning crevices between a plurality of tubes and a plurality of tube support plates supporting the tubes in a steam generator. The steps include filling a secondary side of the steam generator with a solvent to a first level above a first tube support plate to be cleaned, draining the solvent to a second level lower than the first tube support plate, and refilling the secondary side of the steam generator with the solvent to a third level above the first tube support plate. A cleaning system is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A vessel wall separates a vessel exterior from a vessel interior and has a wall aperture. The apparatus comprises an elongate conduit having an upstream first end and a downstream second end. The conduit is positioned to direct a shock wave from the second end into the vessel interior. A source of fuel and oxidizer is coupled to the conduit to deliver the fuel and oxidizer to the conduit. An initiator is positioned to initiate a combustion of the fuel and oxidizer. The conduit comprises a first portion and a second portion downstream of the first portion. The second portion is extensible and contractible relative to the first portion to selectively position the second end at a desired location within the vessel. The conduit downstream end comprises a centerbody positioned to direct the shock wave essentially axisymmetrically.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for cleaning a surface within a vessel. A fuel/oxidizer charge is provided within a combustion conduit. An initial deflagration commenced in a first portion of the charge produces a final detonation at least in another portion of the charge to expel a shockwave from the conduit which impinges upon the surface. The deflagration-to-detonation transition may be encouraged by mechanical enhancements and/or by making the first charge portion more detonable than the second.

Abstract: A combination capable of providing all of the functions of a ground heater and a pressure washer in a more economical, convenient and effective manner by employing and engine, as pump, a generator, a burner, a boiler, a water tank, a float tank, a ground heater hose and reel, and a pressure washer hose and reel all mounted on a skid or trailer.

Abstract: An impulse generator produces controlled pressure waves for removing ash deposits from heat exchangers in a boiler. The impulse generator has a fuel inlet, an air inlet, an ignitor, an outlet, and a control system for selectively and intermittently igniting the fuel and air to produce the pressure waves. In a first exemplary embodiment, the impulse generator includes a toroidal-shaped body with a tangential air inlet for inducing a helical swirling flow of the fuel and the air. In a second exemplary embodiment, the impulse generator includes a turbulizer with a corkscrew-shaped vane for inducing a helical swirling flow of the fuel and the air. In addition, an exemplary ash deposit removal method includes adjusting the fuel flow, airflow, ignition dwell time, and/or ignition interval time to selectively adjust the combustion mode between deflagrative and detonative combustion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for automatically maintaining the concentration of scale forming minerals in boiler water for boiler systems utilizing bimodal feedwater pumps that deliver a substantially constant feedwater flow to the boiler drum when activated. According to the present invention, the feedwater supply pump and blowdown rate control valve are synchronized to remove boiler water at a predetermined rate when the feedwater pump is activated. The present invention thereby provides a simplified and less expensive method for controlling the concentration of dissolved solids in boiler water despite variations in the steam loads and/or other boiler operation parameters.

Abstract: A sootblower assembly for cleaning heated surfaces within a boiler or other combustion system of the long retracting oscillation type. A kinematic drive mechanism is provided for causing the sootblower lance tube to oscillate such that cleaning medium discharge from nozzles on the lance tube emit jets of clean medium against the surfaces to be cleaned. The kinematics of the oscillation drive mechanisms are related to the lance tube nozzle positions and the distance to the surfaces being cleaned in various positions to provide a constant or nearly constant rate of sootblowing medium jet progression along the surfaces to be cleaned.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved methods of reducing NOx emissions in the flue gases produced by a steam boiler fired by a fluid fuel and combustion air burner and including a steam drum provided with make-up water from which produced steam and blowdown steam are withdrawn. In accordance with the invention at least a portion of the blowdown steam is combined with the fluid fuel or combustion air or both.

Abstract: In heat supply equipment provided with a plurality of maintenance object units, secure and prompt servicing and maintenance is implemented and a burden on a person in charge of managing the heat supply equipment is decreased.

Abstract: A flush line for dishwasher mainly includes a steam boiler provided at an upstream position of the flush line and having a water inlet connected to a water-in valve and a water outlet connected to a water stop valve; and a pump and a spray nozzle sequentially located downstream the water stop valve. When the water-in valve is opened, running water enters into the flush line to pass the steam boiler, at where the water is heated to produce a specific volume of steam that passes the pump and is pressurized before being sprayed via the nozzle to flush dishes in the dishwasher. High-temperature steam instantaneously evaporates 1i residual fat on the dishes and disinfects the same. Since steam contains less moisture, dishes washed with steam need not be dried with an electric heater.

Abstract: In heat supply equipment provided with a plurality of maintenance object units, secure and prompt servicing and maintenance is implemented and a burden on a person in charge of managing the heat supply equipment is decreased.

Abstract: Removal of combustion deposits from a fossil fuel boiler surface is optimized by using a sootblower to direct a cleaning medium in accordance with adjustable operating parameters against a surface of the boiler to remove accumulated deposits. Following the sootblowing operation, a parameter indicative of the extent of deposits remaining on the surface is measured to determine the efficiency of the sootblowing operation with the operating parameters used. If deposit removal is inadequate, at least one of the sootblower operating parameters is adjusted to increase its aggressiveness. If deposit removal is acceptable, at least one of the sootblower operating parameters in adjusted to decrease its aggressiveness, thereby reducing operating costs and/or the risk of damage to boiler surfaces. Additional steps of periodically measuring deposit accumulation and initiating a subsequent sootblowing operation when the deposit accumulation reaches a predetermined level can be included.

Abstract: A debris box, for use with a search and retrieval device for searching and retrieving a plurality of foreign objects within a heat exchanger, includes a holder mechanism, such as a container, for containing the foreign objects which are retrieved by the search and retrieval device within the heat exchanger; and an insertion mechanism, such as a snake, for inserting the holder mechanism into the heat exchanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for cleaning and removing the buildup of products of corrosion, oxidation, sedimentation and comparable chemical reactions from various portions of a fire tube boiler. Specific areas to be cleaned are the surfaces of the fire tubes, crevices, and junctions inside the boiler. Also cleaned is the location where the fire tube boiler comes into contact with the tube sheets, boiler shell and fire tubes. One or a plurality of ultrasonic transducers are placed inside the boiler and activated to transmit ultrasonic energy at a sufficient amplitude and frequency to dislodge deposits, sedimentation and sludge from the interior surfaces of the boiler.

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: 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: 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 system and a method for controlling the concentration of dissolved matter in a liquid in a boiler or still, wherein a first sensor measures the electrical conductivity of the incoming liquid and a second sensor measures the electrical conductivity of the liquid in the boiler or still. The measured conductivities are then compared and a signal is generated which represents the relation of the conductivities. This signal is, in turn, compared with a preset value and the difference is used to control the flow of incoming liquid which serves to dilute the liquid in the boiler.

Abstract: A boiler blowdown heat recovery system is described herein which includes conduit means for directing the blowdown water and fresh water through a heat exchanger, and metering and display means are included for showing the volumetric flow of the blowdown water and the fresh water and also the energy in BTU's transferred to the fresh water. The present invention provides a distinct, packaged system which is readily mounted to a steam boiler or the like, and in a particular embodiment also includes a flash tank to provide for the recovery of additional steam from the blowdown water prior to passing the water through the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A steam generator includes a tank with a water inlet valve, a steam outlet, an electric immersion heater in said tank, and a normally closed drain valve. A water level control, connected to the inlet valve and the heater, is arranged to apply power to the heater only when it is immersed, and to admit make up water into the tank as steam is used. A drain valve control is connected to said drain valve and operates to open the drain valve to flush the tank only upon starting the generator after completion of a generator cooling period sufficient to condense residual steam in the tank which follows shut down of the generator. The completion of such a cooling period is sensed by either a pressure sensitive or a temperature sensitive switch which responds to conditions in the generator. The switch is connected to the drain valve control to prevent opening of that valve should the generator not be cooled to ambient temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically blowing down a boiler are disclosed, wherein the discharged sediment-containing water is drawn off to an intermediate receiver or holding tank for a short interval and then sent through a heat exchanger which is isolated for the boiler. The condition of the water in the boiler is continuously monitored by conductivity sensors to begin each blowdown cycle when the conductivity reaches a predetermined level. A three-way valve connected to the bottom blowdown line of the boiler is opened automatically and the blowdown water is forced out of the boiler under the steam pressure to the receiver and sent by means of the same valve to a heat exchanger. This is accomplished by allowing steam from the boiler to enter the receiver to displace the blowdown water, and sweep non-condensibles therefrom.