Abstract: A method of removing undesired coatings from the interior surface of tubes includes inserting a fluid-dynamically unstable impact head into the tube, providing or maintaining fluid flow through the tube and altering the length of a tether attached to the impact head to move the impact head along the tube. As a result of the fluid flow, the impact head moves chaotically within the tube, impacting the interior surface of the tube and removing undesired coatings therefrom. An apparatus for accomplishing the method preferably includes an impact head, a flexible retaining line and a carriage moveable within the tube, the carriage aiding in the centering of the retaining line.

Abstract: A medical tubular shaft instrument with a channel-like cavity is cleaned by drawing a cleaning liquid through the cavity by vacuum suction. The instrument is placed into a holder in a container where one end of the instrument is dipped into a cleaning liquid held in the container. The other end of the instrument is connected to a suction line. A flushing action in the interior of the cavity is created which removes impurities residing there. A device is also proposed which can clean one or several instruments at the same time, and can be folded to a more compact position when not in use.

Abstract: A process for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed forward away from the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct by moving a rigid supply conduit.

Abstract: A method for cleaning the interior of storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of crude oil wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time. The method includes circulating the crude oil from the tank to a pump and then through the nozzle of a circulator having a gear member mounted to the periphery of a hollow rotor supporting the nozzle. A shaft driven worm gear in operative engagement with the gear member is positioned within a tube extending from the circulator, through an opening in a side of the tank that is closeable with a valve, to a position outside the storage tank. The worm gear, the gear member, the hollow rotor and the nozzle are rotated simultaneously with circulation of the crude oil through the nozzle of the circulator until the worm gear falls. The worm gear is then pulled through the tube to a position just past the valve, and the valve closed.

Abstract: A process for cleaning tabletting, pan-coating and granulating machines, especially rotary tabletting presses, with a treatment chamber including at least the rotor. To ensure the complete removal of the liquid residues from the treatment chamber and from the components left in the treatment chamber, especially of the rotor of a rotary tabletting press using small amounts of cleaning and rinsing liquids, a cleaning agent and a rinsing agent are sprayed within the treatment chamber and then drained off. All openings of the treatment chamber are then closed, and a vacuum of about 0.1 to 0.2 bar (absolute pressure) is generated within the sealed treatment chamber. The vacuum drains the residual liquid from all holes and joints of the rotor and from the treatment chamber.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning and stripping residue, contaminants, and debris from all of the interior surfaces in a storage tank and the like. The present invention may be conveniently inserted into a tank through its manway and, after quick assembly thereof, hydraulically positioned vertically and then maneuvered and articulated to clean and strip interior storage tank surfaces. A means is provided which inherently coordinates and synchronizes hydraulically driven rotation of the vertical pole on the tank floor with the hydraulically driven rotation of a spray bar disposed at the remote end of a boom assembly. Close proximity of the spray to the surfaces is controlled by hydraulically operated cylinders contained on a rotor assembly.

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 robe bundle. The articulated annular sludge lance is moved around the annular chamber and directs a fluid distribution member between the robes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The articulated annular sludge lance and method can also be used in the no robe lane or in combination with a no-robe lane method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning the tubes of a heat exchanger of a type having at least one header that defines a manifold chamber having a plurality of tubes extending therefrom, the tubes and the header defining tube openings to provide open communication between the tubes and the manifold chamber, the tube openings defining a peripheral seating surface, there being bores in the header, respective ones of which are in register with respective ones of the tube openings, the apparatus comprising a tubular member having a first end and a second end, the tubular member being dimensioned such that the first end can be received through at least one of the bores, a force transmitting lever assembly connected to the tubular member and operatively connected to the header whereby the tubular member can be urged toward the seating surface of a tube opening in register with a bore through which the tubular member is received, there being a seal formed between the tubular member and the seating surface.

Abstract: Engine cleaning is affected at different times while the engine is running. Apparatus for cleaning internal combustion engines cyclically draws cleaning fluid from a reservoir by a pump, flushes the fluid through the block of the internal combustion engine, and returns the fluid to the reservoir. Tank selection valves alternately couple one of a pair of reservoir tanks to the pump, to the exclusion of another tank. One tank can be dedicated for use to clean gasoline powered internal combustion engines to preserve the characteristic color of the cleaning fluid, while the other tank can be utilized to clean diesel powered internal combustion engines. The system is operated through first flushing and soaking periods and through second flushing and soaking periods. A first tank in a pair is used to initially pump and recover cleaning fluid during the first flushing and soaking periods.

Abstract: A method for cleaning one or more orifice slots (2, 3) of a blow box (1) or similar object particularly in the press or dryer section of a paper machine or similar equipment. The orifice slot (2, 3) is subjected to treatment from inside the blow box by means of one or more mechanical cleaning elements (4) and/or a cleaning jet (8, 9, 23). The invention also concerns an apparatus suited for implementing said method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning containers, such as sample containers for environmental testing, involves providing modular cleaning bays into which an array of inverted containers can be transported, such as by means of a drive chain. Independently operable nozzle banks disposed in the cleaning bay generally below the resident container tray are driven in an x-axis motion, such as by a stepper motor, to register a selected nozzle bank with successive rows of containers within the tray. At each row of containers the nozzle bank, which is selected in accordance with the size and spacing of the containers being processed, is caused to travel in a z-axis motion through a process cycle in which the nozzle elements of the nozzle bank traverse through the open mouth ends of the containers registered therewith and in which a fluid stream is projected directly onto the interior surfaces of the containers, preferably sweeping the entirety of those surfaces.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for cleaning pipelines and especially ventilation pipes and ducts in buildings, and includes a nozzle connected to a supply conduit through which a pressurized medium can flow. The arrangement includes a nozzle opening directed back toward the supply conduit. The nozzle opening is in the form of a large continuous annular gap which extends along the periphery of the nozzle and is connected to the supply conduit and the source of a pressurized medium. The gap directs the medium toward the inner walls of the pipe or duct and effects a cleaning of the inner walls. The nozzle is moved into the pipe or duct as a result of reaction forces generated from discharge of the pressurized medium through the nozzle opening.

Abstract: A cleaning process and apparatus for cleaning small diameter clogged holes or passages fashioned as deep through-holes or small diameter through-holes of varying sizes. The holes may be provided in dies for enabling a pressing of materials for manufacturing of pellets such as feed stuff pellets. The cleaning is effected by directing at least one water jet having a diameter less than one-half of a smallest diameter of the hole or passage to be cleaned. The cleaning medium is supplied possibly at supersonic speed. It is also possible to clean radially oriented holes or passages in the die by ejecting the cleaning medium from nozzles of the apparatus.

Abstract: A parts washer (5) for cleaning mechanical parts with a liquid cleaning solvent includes a sink (7) mounted upon a reservoir (8). The sink has a bottom wall (10) in which a filter cartridge opening (20) is defined for removably receiving a filter cartridge (80) depending downwardly toward said reservoir and mounted upon said bottom wall. Pump (41) draws liquid cleaning solvent from reservoir (8) and circulates the liquid cleaning solvent into sink (7) and back into reservoir (8). Hose (50) mounted in sink (7) may be connected directly to filter cartridge (80), and pump assembly (41 ) is operated so that liquid cleaning solvent is circulated directly, under pressure, into filter cartridge (80) for clarifying and reclaiming the liquid cleaning solvent in order to maintain its cleaning efficiency and prolong its service life.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for cleaning and stripping residue, contaminants, debris. etc. from all of the interior spaces in a railway tank car and the like. The present invention may be conveniently lowered into a tank car through its manway and, after quick assembly thereof, pneumatically configured to accommodate the physical dimensions of the tank car, and then be preset for automatic cleaning and/or stripping operation. A means is provided which inherently coordinates and synchronizes the cleaning and stripping of virtually every internal surface contained in a tank car. The preferred embodiment comprises a X-frame assembly having a pair of corresponding X-members which are attached by an axle disposed therebetween. Pivotally attached to this X-fame assembly is a swivel support assembly which receives a K-frame assembly comprising a plurality of arm means, linkage means and spray means spraying all of the interior surfaces of a tank car.

Abstract: A method of for developing a panel in manufacture of a cathode ray tube which prevents possible dispersion of developing liquid to achieve a good developing operation free from irregular development. The method comprises fixing a panel, jetting developing liquid by way of a nozzle toward an inner face of the panel while moving the nozzle in a direction along stripes of a fluorescent face to be formed on the inner face of the panel to perform development of the panel.

Abstract: A method for cleaning waste collection systems of solid materials using normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from a collection point in the waste collection system up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. When the container is filled with solid material it may be removed for emptying at a waste dump.

Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is moved in lateral increments across the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for moving laterally to a new position before again being extended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids (such as chemical and/or abrasive fluids) through the condenser. A similar wand system may be provided on the remote face of the condenser to receive the fluids and return them to a recovery tank for recycling. The pump may also circulate dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.

Abstract: A method for collecting and treating small particulate pollutants typically found on the surface of streets in areas where the storm sewer and sanitary sewer are maintained separately. The method includes temporarily isolating a portion of the storm sewer in the immediate vicinity of the street to prevent any collected runoff from passing into the storm sewer, and then flushing the street with a stream of water to remove and collect the solid pollutants from the street surface. The flushing water containing the removed solid pollutants is collected and contained in the isolated storm sewer portion, and is then pumped into the sanitary sewer system for treatment in existing sewage treatment facilities.

Abstract: A nozzle (10) with lateral slots (16, 17 and 18) for discharging a high pressure liquid for treating a work material (30) is described. The nozzle has a constriction orifice (15) between an enlarged or main orifice (13) and restriction orifice (14) leading to the slots which increases the velocity of the liquid issuing from the slots. The nozzle is particularly adapted for deburring transmission fluid channels in transmission main control valve bodies.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleaning a toilet bowl and dissolving mineral deposits in the holes under the rim of the toilet which includes the steps of (a) flushing the toilet to empty the tank and to initiate the flow of refill water into the tank; (b) holding down the flush handle to cause the refill water to continuously flow out of the tank and into the toilet bowl; (c) plugging the drain to cause the water level in the bowl to rise towards the rim; (d) releasing the flush handle when the water in the bowl rises to a height proximate to the top of the bowl to prevent the flow of additional refill water into the bowl; (e) adding to the water in the bowl a cleaning agent to cleanse the bowl, including the area of the bowl under the rim; and (f) unplugging the drain and flushing the toilet to rinse the cleaning agent and water mixture from the bowl. The drain can be plugged with a drain stopper which includes a flexible disc swivably attached to a handle by a hinge.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a nitric acid absorption column is provided comprising: (a) cleaning its absorption column coil having an access port and an exit port by inserting a pig in the access port; maintaining pressure against the pig sufficient to force the pig through the coil; and capturing the pig after it passes through the exit port, and (b) cleaning the cooling fluid supply manifold headers and header hoses and the cooling fluid return manifold headers and header hoses by operatively connecting a valve means to a high pressure water or similar fluid supply to control the amount of high pressure water or similar fluid flowing through the valve means and into a flexible hose which has been operatively connected to the valve means to receive the high pressure water, operatively attaching a hollow tube having a nozzle provided with reverse direction orifices to the opposite end of the flexible hose to receive the high pressure water from the flexible hose and to allow the high pressure water to exit from the

Abstract: A robotic tank cleaning system is provided, comprising a light-weight, collapsible, and robotically controllable frame having an articulatable washing nozzle for spraying a petroleum-based solvent on a surface to be cleaned. Hydraulic power and control units are also provided which allow an operator to control the motion of the frame and washing nozzle from outside the tank, as well as a solvent supply system for delivering solvent to the washing nozzle. A hoisting mechanism is included to allow placement and retrieval of a waste removal pump, and a clearing blade is attached to the frame to assist movement of waste material to the waste removal pump. Waste material comprising dislodged oil sludge and expended solvent is collected in waste fractioning tanks where the collected oil sludge is allowed to settle below the expended solvent. The separated solvent in the waste fractioning tanks is redirected through the solvent supply system and is reused for further spraying of the tank interior.

Abstract: Several intermediate bulk containers (11) are mounted on a trailer (10) by placing the IBCs on adjustable platforms (19). Flexible drain conduits (65) are connected to the bottom drain outlets of each IBC, and a high velocity spinner assembly (45) which is connected to a lid (41) is mounted to the upper manhole opening of each IBC, with the rotary nozzle (46) suspended inside the chamber (38) of the IBC. The loaded trailer vehicle is moved into the bay of a trailer tank cleaning facility, and the high pressure detergent supply of the facility is connected to the central supply conduit (66) of the trailer and its drain conduit is connected to the discharge conduit (68) of the trailer, so that the supply and drain system of the cleaning facility is utilized to clean the IBCs mounted on the trailer vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus useful for providing a plurality of chemical compositions useful to clean an item, e. g., a tank, comprises a plurality of reservoirs each containing a concentrated form of a different chemical composition and each having an outlet through which the concentrate exits the reservoir; a subsystem for providing diluent to the concentrates which exit the reservoir to form the chemical compositions; and a control subsystem to automatically control the time during which each concentrate exits from each reservoir. A method for providing chemical compositions useful to clean an item is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for treating a garbage disposal unit by spraying material into its inlet is disclosed. The process utilizes a specified device, which contains an aerosol propellant container and a substantially cylindrical adaptor The adaptor is integrally formed, with both an upwardly-extending lip section and a downwardly-extending bottom section. The upwardly-extending lip section contains at least three flange portions separated by slots in which movable tabs are disposed. The downwardly-extending bottom section contains an orifice.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for cleaning a storage or transport tank by spraying a cleaning agent against the interior wall using at least one spray nozzle, said nozzle making a rotating movement in a plane, while said plane is simultaneously revolved around an axis which makes an angle with the axis of rotation of the nozzle, the point of impingement of a jet cleaning agent delivered by the nozzle describing a track over the interior wall of the container, said track passing a plurality of times a closed circumferential line on the wall of the tank, which line is chosen as a reference, wherein the nozzle or each nozzle is so controlled that passages of the impingement track that is being described substantially occur in the greatest as yet unintersected portion of said circumferential line, which portion is located between earlier points of intersection of the impingement track and said circumferential line namely, at distances from said earlier points of intersection which substantially bear a ratio of 1:(1/2.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing pellets of magnetic particles magnetically bound to the bottom of a test tube employs a liquid handling probe having an aspiration channel with a forked inlet for positioning the probe onto the periapical region of the test tube for optimizing both the aspiration and expression of liquids. While contacting the periapical region of the test tube, the forked inlet may aspirate liquid adjacent to the pellet without contacting the magnetic particles. Furthermore, the contact between the forked inlet and the periapical region of the test tube, serves to position the outlet of the liquid channel directly over the pellet for dislodging and resuspending the magnetically bound pellet with a forceful stream of wash liquid.

Abstract: A liquid applying system according to the present invention comprises a liquid supply source and a nozzle communicating with the liquid supply source. The nozzle comprises a liquid storing portion for storing a liquid supplied from the liquid supply source, a number of small passages communicating with the liquid storing portion, each of the small passages having a transverse section which is smaller than that of the liquid storing portion, and a slit-like passage communicating with the small passages, in which liquids from the small passages flow together and from which the liquids are continuously discharged like a curtain toward a semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A degreasing-cleaning method which employs as a liquid cleaning agent pure water having a resistivity of at least 10 megohm-cm and a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. The pure water is sprayed onto the article to be cleaned at a pressure of at least 8 kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: An apparatus is shown for cleaning a pipe. The apparatus includes a rigid stem and a motor stationarily mounted on the stem. An outer body surrounds the motor and is rotatably mounted on the rigid stem. A fluid conduit is connected to the stem and to a source of fluid under pressure for supplying fluid to the motor for driving the motor. The fluid conduit also connected to a pulling unit for pulling the apparatus through the pipe to be cleaned. Fluid supplied through the fluid conduit to the stem and through the stem to the fluid powered motor provides rotational propulsion to turn the outer body as the apparatus is moved through the pipe to be cleaned.

Abstract: A continuous condenser backflush system includes a hollow wand attached perpendicularly to a hollow shaft. The wand is rotated in angular increments around the condenser face. The wand is retracted from the condenser face for rotation to a new angular orientation before being reextended to the condenser face to collect and dispose of the trash caught under the wand. Trash caught on the condenser face is flushed by a stream of water back through the shaft to a mesh basket where it is separated from the water. A pump may be provided on the shaft for injecting and circulating cleaning fluids through the condenser. The pump may also pump dehumidified air through the system to keep the condenser dry when the cooling water circulating pump is shut down. A method of using the system is described.

Abstract: So as to unclog a pipe (16) carrying dangerous and accessible substrances after the removal of a movable member (24, 26), this member is replaced by a guiding member (42), a hydraulic shuttle (66) then being introduced into this guiding member, this shuttle being connected to a high pressure hydraulic source (70) through a box (56) equipped with means for washing the shuttle at the time the latter is withdrawn and means for recovering effluent. The shuttle is then conditioned in a winder connected directly on the box (56).

Abstract: A unique cleaning method and structure is disclosed which pulses pressurized fluid into a vessel. The pulses clean internal surfaces within the vessel. The internal surfaces may include the internal surfaces of the vessel, or may include items to be cleaned which are placed within the vessel. The pulsed fluid preferably cavitates within the vessel, and impacts upon the surfaces to be cleaned, removing impurities such as scale or other buildup. The fluid may then be directed downstream and recirculated back through the system. Pulses of fluid are cyclically controlled by a control valve to optimize the amount of cavitation within the vessel.

Abstract: Sediment can be removed from hot water heaters via the method and apparatus of the invention. The tank is drained and the drain tube is used for access to the bottom of the tank. Water jet probes connected via a hose to a water supply are inserted through the drain valve opening, and are directed in such a way that the sediment is forced into suspension and runs out of the tank through the drain tube, around the probe. Preferably, the water and sediment drain into a pan, and preferably a pump is provided to pump water from the pan to a drain or other remote discharge location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of cleaning the outer circumferential surface of a drum by spraying a cleaning fluid thereon and a device for cleaning drums. The cleaning fluid is circulated and is cleaned with a filter during circulation. The drum is cleaned with a cleaning fluid passed through a primary filter having a porous structure at high pressure, after which the drum is cleaned with a cleaning fluid passed through a finishing filter having a fine porous structure. A device for cleaning drums switches a circulating passage for cleaning fluid so that the cleaning fluid can pass through the primary filter at high pressure to spray on the outer circumferential surface of the drum. Also, the device allows the cleaning fluid to pass through the finishing filter at low pressure to spray on the outer circumferential surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing sediment such as leaves and debris from a pool by inducing turbulence in the pool water to stir up the sediment within local regions of the pool, and directing a steady jet of water from a stationary jet to provide a fixed direction gathering stream or pathway to capture and carry the sediment to the inlet of a leaf receiver which is fixed in position at the end of the pathway. Local area turbulence can be achieved in various ways, including the use of manual sweep brooms, water jet propelled devices carrying flexible sweep hoses, or an arrangement of rotary nozzles operative to sweep across and induce turbulence over camparatively large local regions of the pool. The leaf receiver in connected by a conduit to an externally located foraminous leaf collector mounted in a collector tank from which water is pumped, leaving the collected leaves in the leaf collector. An access cover in the pool deck can be opened to reach and withdraw the leaf collector for emptying.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing cylindrical filters has a tiltedly-mounted main housing in which is provided a plurality of rotatable shafts each mounting thereabout one cylindrical filter for rotation therewith. The tilted mounting causes the wash water, after cleaning the filters, to fall by gravity therebelow, and exit from the apparatus at a lower exit corner thereof. From the exit corner of the apparatus, the effluent wash water passes through a cloth filter provided on a portable container before the effluent wash water is carried away by a drain grate formed in the floor. The cloth filter removes the sold waste from the effluent wash water, so that the potentially hazardous waste material may be disposed of in a suitable dump site. A plurality of high-pressure, water-spray nozzle heads are mounted for reciprocal translation above the shafts for directing the high-intensity water spray to the cylindrical filter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cleaning sewers of solid materials using normal and injected water flow to suspend the solids in a slurry. A submersible pump moves the slurry from the bottom of the sewer up to a pressurized container where the water content of the slurry is decanted and reused as injection water while the particulate material settles to the bottom of the pressurized container. When the container is filled with solid material it may be removed for emptying at a waste dump.

Abstract: A cleaning process and its relative apparatus for cleaning a substance placed in a cleaning space to which superheated steam is supplied and filled thereby making the space under a state of non-oxygen. Greater cleaning effect can be obtained without using any toxic substance.

Abstract: The invention is a cleaning method and associated apparatus that are particularly useful for cleaning surfaces formed of relatively hard materials such as grout or industrial rolls which are contaminated with relatively hard embedded deposits of undesirable materials that are difficult to remove by conventional washing or abrading cleaning methods, and while substantially reducing the effluent resulting from the cleaning step so that the cleaning method may be conveniently used in areas where effluent disposal may be a problem such as smaller indoor rooms, areas, or equipment. The invention comprises pressurizing a cleaning liquid with a gas driven hydraulic pump and directing a flow of the cleaning liquid from a nozzle at surfaces to be cleaned at a pressure of at least about 5,000 pounds per square inch (psi) and at a volumetric flow rate of no more than about 1.

Abstract: A dryer system for a liquid cleaning apparatus has a dehumidifier to remove vapors, droplets of liquid cleaning agent and recirculate dry gas onto workpieces moving on a conveyor. The dryer is particularly useful for removing solvents and restricts solvents escaping from the cleaning apparatus. The dryer has an enclosed tunnel from an enclosed liquid containing tank, a conveyor passes from the tank through the tunnel towards an exit. A dehumidifier is associated with the tunnel to remove vapor and liquid particles from atmosphere above the tank and in the tunnel, and supplies dry gas to assist in drying workpieces leaving the tank and passing through the tunnel.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorite crystal and other crystalline particulate material in slurry form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorite so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorite crystals, which break off in lumps into the cavity and then to impact the walls and roof of the tank car to flush off residual sodium chlorite crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is discharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorite and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the interior of storage tanks of the type used for storing large volumes of liquids, such as crude oil, wherein hydrocarbon sludge accumulates with the passage of time, such apparatus comprising a hollow housing, liquid agitation means including a plurality of nozzled outlet jets laterally rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the hollow interior thereof, connecting means comprising an independently rotatable tubular casing rotatably mounted on the housing in fluid communication with the interior thereof, the tubular casing having a kelley mounted therein and being operatively connected with the nozzled outlet jets, and multi-joint support pipe means rotatably jointed to the connecting means in fluid communication with the interior of the tubular casing.

Abstract: A method and canister for cleaning engine fuel injectors which includes connecting the injectors to a canister containing an aerosol formulation comprising a liquid cleaner and a compressed air propellant, and thereafter forcing the cleaner through the injectors to remove contaminating deposits therefrom. The canister also uses a conduit for transferring the formulation from the canister to the internal combustion engine. The compressed air serves both as a combustion oxidant, as well as the propellant for the cleaner. In addition to including a material capable of dissolving injector contaminants, the cleaner may include as components thereof detergents, dispersants, detergent and dispersant solvents, lubricants, and other substances useful in cleaning processes.

Abstract: According to one significant characteristic of this invention, the device includes a nozzle (38) for projecting cleaning fluid and connected to a deflector (44) which directs the fluid jet in the direction of the wall of the drain and in particular towards the lower wall of said drain where solid sediments or deposits accumulate. In one embodiment the fluid jet projected by the nozzle (38) and loaded with particles removed from the drain is sucked in via a Venturi effect and the fluid and particles are brought back to the surface.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for cleaning a storage tank for petroleum products of the type having a closed sidewall and a floating roof which floats upon the top of the petroleum products. Additionally, a plurality of downwardly depending legs are removably secured to the floating roof which engage the bottom of the storage tank when it is nearly empty thereby preventing the floating roof from contacting the bottom of the storage tank. The device includes an elongated nozzle having an upper end and a lower end with at least two spray jets adjacent its lower end. One of the legs is removed from the floating roof of the storage tank thereby forming an opening into which the nozzle is inserted so that its lower end is positioned adjacent the bottom of the storage tank. Thereafter, petroleum products under high pressure are pumped through the nozzle and thus through the spray jets. In doing so, the spray jets emulsify dirt, waxes, and other petroleum distillates which accumulate at the bottom of the tank.

Abstract: To render residues such as thickened sludge and sedimented crude oil or refinery products which collect at the bottom of a tank into pumpable flowable condition, crude oil is taken from an upward region of the tank, pumped upwardly to a suction pump (609)-pressure pump (605) unit (610) located, for example, on top of a floating roof of the tank, the pressurized crude oil taken from the top portion of the tank being reintroduced through a preferably rotating liquefaction lance (13) to a region in the vicinity of the sedimented sludge. The pressure is converted into hydrodynamic energy. Preferably, a plurality of such lances are used, arranged with respect to each other to form eddies or vorteces, to establish flow patterns within the tank, thereby liquefying the sludge or residues and rendering them into pumpable flowable condition for removal from the tank.

Abstract: A hoarding assembly having a non-combustible innermost portion is sealed against the cladding of a hot surface, such as that of a large boiler, to create an envelope. Outside air may enter the otherwise airtight envelope through controlled inlets in the hoarding assembly. The boiler is insulated with a layer of asbestos that is to be replaced. A vertically extending first array of supply air inlets is provided in one end wall of the hoarding assembly and a vertically extending second array of suction outlets is provided in the other end wall. A fan assembly injects cool air through the first array and a negative air machine assembly withdraws air through the second array. The placement of the inlets and outlets results in a wall of air moving parallel to the boiler wall and having its centerline spaced from the cladding, typically about 1 to 3 feet from it. With the foregoing operating, the sheet metal cladding is removed from the boiler. A narrow vertical strip of the asbestos is then removed.

Abstract: Contaminated surface layers are decontaminated by treatment with an aqueous fluorine base-containing decontamination solution. The aqueous decontamination solution contains 0.05 to 50 Mol of decontamination agent per liter, and the decontamination agent preferably comprises at least one substance from the group.Iadd.: .Iaddend..[.colon.]. hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both of these. The decontamination solution produces the required high decontamination factors on metallic substances and brickworks as well. The used decontamination solution can, after regeneration, be recycled into the decontamination process.Release of decontaminated material by dissolution of the surface layer of the decontaminated objects provides decontamination of objects having complicated and hard-to-measure geometries.The decontamination agent (HBF.sub.4 -acid) is advantageously produced from contaminated boric acid from pressurized water reactor wastes by reaction with fluoride or hydrofluoric acid.