Abstract: A self-propelled, sludge cleaning machine including a sludge auger, a sludge pump, crawler tracks and hydraulic motors for propulsion, steering and pumping is assembled at a job-site and inserted into the storage tank through a top access opening. A tether line is connected between the cleaning machine and a control assembly temporarily installed near the access opening to sense tether line length and angle. A sludge discharge hose, hydraulic lines, and an electric wire for an ultrasonic sludge-depth sensor on the machine extend outwardly through the access opening. The hose discharges sludge through a filter and into a sludge-collection tank on a first truck. The hydraulic lines are connected to a control valve assembly located on a second truck and controlled by a preprogrammed job-site computer located in the second truck. Length, angle and sludge-depth data from the sensors are fed to the job-site computer which provides a visual display showing cleaning machine position and sludge-depth.

Abstract: A rinser for a gravity feed can conveyor system includes a plurality of nozzles for directing high pressure water into the cans as they pass by the rinser. At least some of the nozzles are angular oriented with respect to the cans in the conveyor system so that some water impinges on side surfaces of the cans in such a manner as to urge the cans through the conveyor. A rotator following the rinser rotates the cans from a downward angle to a vertical position for filling in at least three succeeding sections of conveyor.

Abstract: A sparger system for removing sodium chlorate crystal and other particulate material in slurry or solution form from a tank car comprises a plurality of spray nozzles from which water is expelled as a flat spray initially to dissolve sodium chlorate so as to cavitate the mass of sodium chlorate chlorate 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 chlorate crystal. The slurry is collected in a sump and is dicharged therefrom, with additional sprays agitating the sump to break up clumps of sodium chlorate and to maintain the particulates in suspension.

Abstract: A method of cleaning the bottom of a feeding channel supplied fresh water to be fed to fish such as fry of salmon and trout is disclosed in which a baffle means for preventing the flow of water in the feeding channel is maintained to the orientation such as to extend upwardly from the height position spaced apart upwardly from the bottom to block the flow of water in the channel while the baffle means is moved in the channel from the upstream side to the downstream side, thereby collecting the deposit in the channel toward the downstream side of the channel due to the flow of water passing through the gap between the bottom and a lower edge of the baffle means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleansing the upper interior surfaces of a concrete sewer conduit, the apparatus including the concrete sewer pipe and a plurality of spray nozzles spaced apart and adapted to be introduced into and disposed in and along a length of concrete sewer to enable continuous or intermittent spraying of the upper interior surface or, alternatively, to be permanently mounted along the length of the concrete sewer conduit when newly constructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for chemically treating articles, often with a liquid treatment fluid that is corrosive, while the articles are being delivered along a path through a substantially closed chamber. During treatment, the articles pass through a nip formed between opposed rollers, at least one of which is rotatably driven. Because of the thickness of the articles, at least one roller of the nip must be moved away from the other roller in order for articles to pass through the nip. The roller being moved remains positively driven as it moves away from the nip and remains driven until the nip is again closed, all without interferring with the drive.

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 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. The HBF.sub.

Abstract: Accumulated debris is removed from building ducts by agitating the debris, with a nozzle-headed air hose, as air flows through the ducts. The nozzle has ports arranged so that air jets cause the hose to whip around inside the ducts. A borescope is used to simultaneously monitor progress of the cleaning. Filters are provided over all duct openings to collect debris and prevent it from escaping during cleaning.

Abstract: In a floodwater and a process for floodwashing workpieces wherein the workpiece is immersed in a bath of washing liquid and a workpiece surface is acted upon by at least one jet of washing liquid issuing from a nozzle, in order to achieve optimum cleaning efficiency of the jets with as low pumping capacity as possible, it is proposed that a free jet be used as jet and that the nozzle be guided at a distance from the workpiece surface which at most is approximately twice the length of the jet core of the free jet.

Abstract: A system and process for removing hazardous or toxic particulate materials from surfaces includes all components necessary for safe removal of the material in a van body that can be moved easily from one site to another. The system includes mechanism for sealing of selected areas, with tubing connecting the selected sealed areas to a separator chamber in the van body. Air pressure is lowered within the sealed enclosed area and airflow is maintained through the tube to the separator chamber. Fluidic carrier jets may also be directed within the tube toward the separator chamber. Particulate material can be removed from the surface within the enclosure and deposited into the tube where it flows in an air and fluid carrier stream to the separator chamber. There, larger particulates are allowed to drop into a collection tank. Remaining particulate materials are filtered by a high efficiency particulate absolute filter until the air is safe to be discharged into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Method for cleaning the floor and sub-floor region of a paint spray booth by flooding with a cleaning solution and allowing the cleaning solution to soak on the various structures for a preselected period of time. The drains, scrubber section, and conveyor openings of the floor and sub-floor region must be blocked off to prevent the cleaning solution from exiting the booth. This method does not require the manual cleaning of the floor and sub-floor region thereby saving labor costs.

Abstract: Coating with clinging foam the upper interior walls of a generally horizontal pipe. A high-pressure pump, connected to a source of water, delivers jetting water to a nozzle through a normally reeled hose. The nozzle has a body divided by a pressure-actuated valve into two chambers, the first one having a series of high-pressure jet exits. The valve is normally open and, when the high pressure is off, leads into a second chamber having a foam outlet. Two pump and metering devices and a compressor then deliver water, chemical and air mixed into a damp sloppy foam to the hose and then, after working at foam to the desired expansion ratio, to the nozzle. A skid supports the nozzle and has a series of skid rods regularly spaced around it so that at any time two of the skid rods engage the bottom part of the wall of the pipe to be coated and hold the nozzle well above the liquid flow in the pipe's bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for washing apparatuses in use of remedial tubing. A cylindrical housing has a fluid expansion chamber with fluid passageways communicating between the housing and the chamber. A turbulating sleeve freely rotates relative to the housing. Compression ports permit fluid to be transmitted through the housing, the passageways and into the chamber for injection through the ports to activate rotary motion of the sleeve for turbulizing washing action. A second housing is provided on the apparatus having normally closed wash ports which are angularly directed toward the remedial tubing and rearwardly relative to the apparatus. The wash ports are normally closed and may be opened, selectively, and when open, fluid flow through the apparatus is directed only through the rearwardly directed wash ports to drive particulate matter impacted exterior of the tubing and rearwardly of the apparatus from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to decoking of a residual oil delayed coke reactor. When decoking, the roller of the flexible pipe winch is rotated to cause the flexible pipe to vertically ascend or descend in the coker wherein the high pressure water rotates the turbine blades of the turbine-reductor which brings the drilling and cutting combination unit into rotation so as to drill a through hole in the coke accumulation and then conduct the decoking operation. The drilling and cutting combination unit is equipped with a pressure control unit so that switchover of the drilling and cutting operations can be automatically performed. The present invention eliminates the use of a derrick, resulting in significant savings in time, quantity of steel, capital investment, and equipment required to facilitate the decoking process and enhance decoking efficiency.

Abstract: Coating with clinging foam the upper interior walls of a generally horizontal pipe. A high-pressure pump delivers jetting water to a nozzle through a normally reeled hose. The nozzle has a body divided by a pressure-actuated valve into two chambers, the first one having a series of high-pressure jet exits. The valve is normally open and, when the high pressure is off, leads into a second chamber having a foam outlet. Two pump and metering devices and a compressor then deliver water, chemical and air mixed into a damp sloppy foam to the hose and thence to the nozzle. A skid supports the nozzle and has a series of skid rods regularly spaced around it. A gravity-operated device at the outlet is connected to the foam outlet from the nozzle's second chamber and causes expulsion of the foam toward the walls of said pipe lying along a predetermined upper sector only.

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 at least one substance from the group: hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both of these. The decontamination solution produces the required high decontamination factors on pressurized water reactors, boiling water reactors, metallic substances, high temperature alloys and brickworks as well. The used decontamination solution can, after regeneration, by 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 (NBF.sub.

Abstract: A combination bit for both drilling a pilot hole and cutting coke from a coking drum. A manually operable flow divider/diverter valve permits a single workman to quickly and easily change from pilot hold drilling mode to cutting mode without having to change bits.

Abstract: A method 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 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: The invention provides a method and apparatus for securement onto one end of a continuous length of remedial tubing which is introduced into a subterranean well concentrically through production tubing previously positioned within the well, with the well having a deviated configuration which includes an entry portion communicating with a curved portion extending downwardly in the well from the entry portion and a generally linear end portion traversable with a production formation. The apparatus includes a cylindrical housing and an element for securement of the housing to the tubing. A fluid passageway chamber is defined exterior of the housing with fluid passageways communicating between the interior of the housing and the expansion chamber. Turbulating elements are carried exteriorly around the housing and immediate the expansion chamber and are freely rotatable relative to the housing.

Abstract: Cleaning process for removing material coated on the inner surface of an enclosed vessel. e.g., photographic emulsion, photopolymer, subbing layer, chemicals, etc., comprisingA. forming a substantially continuous high pressure stream of cleaning liquid, e.g., water, solvent,B. supplying the stream of liquid at a pressure, 4000 to 8000 psi to at least one fixed point in the vessel,C. dividing the stream into at least two opposed paths, andD. directing the liquid onto said surfaces in a 360.degree. solid angle using the fixed point as the angle vertex.The process is particularly useful in cleaning photographic emulsions but is also useful in removing other chemical materials and chemicals from an enclosed vessel.

Abstract: This is a new apparatus and method for cleaning debris from the inside of a foundation drain tile, the drain tile being in the immediate proximity of the perimeter of a building structure. A rocket nozzle which is in fluid communication with flexible tubing and a high pressure water supply, and a foot pedal control valve is used for starting and stopping the fluid flow. An opening in the tip of the nozzle enables pressurized water to be discharged through the tip in a forward direction. At least two apertures are disposed along a nozzle recess. The tubing is secured to the nozzle and is in fluid communication with the nozzle. An on-off foot pedal control valve is used to start and stop the water flow into the tubing and into the nozzle. As pressurized water is supplied to the nozzle and projected through the apertures, the nozzle is propelled in a forward direction through the drain tile.

Abstract: A treating tank which contains a bath of the liquid and a movable support for the tubular members in the bath. An infeeding device having a three-dimensionally sloping chute is disposed on one side of the treating tank above the bath and causes one end of the tubular members to lead as the tubular members enter the bath. A gratelike support is disposed in the treating tank and has a top surface, which slopes down from that side of the treating tank which is provided with the infeeding device to the other side. The gratelike support is provided at either end with a separate, controllable lifting and lowering device. An outfeeding device having a three-dimensionally sloping chute is provided above the bath on the other side of the treating tank.

Abstract: A pipline bulk residue remover and method for efficiently removing such residue. The apparatus includes a cable passing through the length of a pipeline potentially thousands of feet in length and connected to a device at each end to enable the cable to be moved in opposite linear directions together with a unique pipe cleaning device consisting of a central tubular structure provided with a plurality of radially extending pivotal plates in staggered sets with the plates being freely swingable in one direction and prevented from free swinging in the other direction so that the periphery of the plates can be located adjacent the internal periphery of the pipline for removing residue therefrom in one direction of movement and passing freely through the pipeline in the other direction of movement.

Abstract: Process for the removal of coke from a coking reactor of a series of coking reactors, comprising the projection of water under pressure at the coke via a water-ejection device hanging from a flexible tube guided by a guide pulley movably mounted above the reactors for translation between each reactor of the series of reactors.

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, hexafluorosilicate acid, fluoroboric acid, and the salts of both 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. The HBF.sub.

Abstract: A method of removing deposits from the inside surface of a pipeline and applying a protective coating thereto includes cleaning the pipeline inside surface and treating this surface with a solution of corrosion inhibitor to form a coating on the pipeline inside surface followed by a subsequent treatment with a solution of corrosion inhibitor to maintain the strength of the coating thus applied. The method provides for cleaning of the inside surface by jets of liquid which produce a pressure differential between the core of deposits and their surface to separate the deposits from the pipeline walls, while simultaneously impregnating the remaining layer of deposits with a solution of corrosion-promoting agent and subsequently impregnating the layer with a solution of corrosion inhibitor to form a coating.

Abstract: Rotary apparatus and a related method for removing foreign and undesirable material from composite cans during the manufacturing operation includes a pair of rotatable plates having an axis of rotation and outwardly-extending fingers faced about the periphery thereof, and a plurality of reciprocating plungers arranged alongside the periphery of the plates and generally parallel with the axis of rotation, the plungers being rotated with the plates about a common drive shaft. The rearward end of each plunger engages a cam race for extending the plungers into and out of composite cans positioned about the periphery of the plate only during a portion of each revolution of rotation of the plate, in order to remove trim ring scrap and other foreign objects from the cans.

Abstract: Applicants' invention relates to a method for dissolving a solute material in a container by contacting the solute with a solvent in another container. Applicants' method relies upon the difference in the specific gravities of the solvent and the solute to create a convection current between their respective containers. The material, either the solute or the solvent, having the larger specific gravity is placed above the material having the smaller specific gravity, and the two materials are brought into contact. The solute dissolves in the solvent, and the resulting solution, which has a lower or higher specific gravity than the solvent, causes a convection current which draws the heavier material down and the lighter material up. As the convection current proceeds, the undissolved solute continues to come into contact with fresh solvent accelerating the dissolution process.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for removing solid propellant from a rocket motor case. Water is heated to a temperature of at least about 150.degree. Fahrenheit, pressurized to a pressure within the range of about 600 to 1200 psi, focused into a jet, and directed while moving relative to the propellant surface at an angle relative to the propellant surface which is in the range of about 15 to 45 degrees from a stand-off distance of up to about 20 inches.

Abstract: A flushing and recharging system for an automotive engine includes a tee branch inserted in the coolant return hose from the cylinder block of an engine to the radiator, and which is employed to flush and recharge the cooling system with coolant fluid, provision being made for reversing the fluid flow through the return hose, the supply of scavening water optionally being a flow pulsating in pressure and velocity. The waste coolant scavenged from the cooling system is separated out to remove particulate matter and to separate petroleum products from the water base of the coolant fluid.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning the bottom of a pool with the aid of a pool cleaner. The pool cleaner travels along the bottom of the pool and collects material lying at the bottom of the pool. The pool cleaner is arranged to travel to and fro in straight, parallel paths between two opposite walls of the pool. At the walls the pool cleaner is turned by rotating a half turn so that, after turning, it will have been displaced laterally perpendicular to the initial direction of travel.

Abstract: In packing machines which produce aseptic packing containers for e.g. foodstuffs, it is of greatest importance that the machines can be cleaned and sterilized in a satisfactory manner prior to the production of packing containers. In accordance with the invention a method and an arrangement are provided on a packing machine for the sterilization of the lower end of a filling pipe 10 as well as of surrounding parts of a packing material tube 8. Use is made for this prupose of a connecting element 20 which connects two feed ducts 11,12 present in the filling pipe 10 to each other so that cleaning and sterilizing agent can circulate in the filling pipe. In a subsequent stage the connecting element 20 is removed so that sterilizing agent can be made to circulate also along the outside of the filling pipe 10 and in the packing material tube surrounding the filling pipe, whereupon the production of the packing containers commences.

Abstract: In the invention, reaction raw-materials composed of a plurality of liquids are sequentially scraped with spiral grooves of one line or more provided in the peripheral face of the rotation shaft rotating within the cylinder wall with the discharge openings being formed therein. The reaction raw-materials are uniformly mixed within the grooves by shearing force or twist force through the rotation of the shaft. The reaction raw-material, if small amount, may be precisely mixed uniformly and is sequentially discharged after the mixing operation. This is suitable for reaction raw-materials which are short in the gelatin condition time from the mixing from the hardening. Some mixtures which are discarded without being used after the mixing may be reduced.

Abstract: A system and process for removing hazardous or toxic particulate materials from surfaces includes all components necessary for safe removal of the material in a van body that can be moved easily from one site to another. The system includes mechanism for sealing of selected areas, with tubing connecting the selected sealed areas to a separator chamber in the van body. Air pressure is lowered within the sealed enclosed area and airflow is maintained through the tube to the separator chamber. Fluidic carrier jets may also be directed within the tube toward the separator chamber. Particulate materials can be removed from the surface within the enclosure and deposited into the tube where it flows in an air and fluid carrier stream to the separator chamber. There, larger particulates are allowed to drop into a collection tank. Remaining particulate materials are filtered by a high efficiency particulate absolute filter until the air is safe to be discharged into the atmosphere.

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

Abstract: The spaces into which the vessel is divided by means of horizontal perforated partions are successively cleaned from top to bottom. Firstly the uppermost space is cleaned: the cover of the access to the space is removed, through the access a high-pressure lance is equipped with a spray head comprising a body rotatable about the lance axis and spray arms rotatably mounted on said body and liquid is sprayed with a pressure lying between 35 and 50 MPa. Then the middle space is cleaned: the cover of the access to the space is removed, through the access a high-pressure lance is equipped with a fixed spray head provided with spray openings directed in various directions and liquid is sprayed with a pressure lying between 50 to 70 MPa. Finally the lowermost space is cleaned in the same way as the uppermost space. The cleaning liquid is discharged through the outlet in the vessel bottom.

Abstract: A process for separating ceramic nuclear fuels out of metallic support mers or support member parts in which there adhere the nuclear fuels, especially subsequent to the burning down of the nuclear fuels in nuclear reactors. The ceramic nuclear fuels are washed off from the support member or carrier member part by means of a liquid jet which stands under a high pressure. The liquid jet is directed against the nuclear fuel, and the pressure of the liquid is set so high, that the nuclear fuel which adheres to the support member is completely removed. The liquid jet finds the transition from the ceramic nuclear fuel to the metallic support member material such that, even at a swelling of the fuel rod, and deformation of the support member part, there is achieved an efficient detaching of the nuclear fuel. The metallic support members or support member parts hereby remain intact and are segregated after the washing off of the nuclear fuel. Only the nuclear fuel fragments are introduced into the chemical solvent.

Abstract: A method suitable for removing settled sludge from the bottom of a storage tank uses a machine (1) including a central body (15) rotatable about which is a casing (2, 3) provided with two substantially diametric nozzles (4, 5) arranged so that liquid emerging therefrom sweeps substantially only in one plane, a turbine (12) rotating the casing about the central body (15) and half cylinder (18) ensuring that when the casing (2, 3) is continuously rotated, alternately one nozzle is closed for substantially 180.degree. rotation while the other nozzle is open. Such machines may be suspended above the floor of the tank adjacent to a wall thereof. Liquid is emitted from the nozzles in a sweep substantially parallel to the bottom plane of the storage tank, thereby resuspending the sludge which thereafter is withdrawn as a suspension.

Abstract: A specially constructed decoking apparatus is provided to effectively and efficiently bore a pilot hole and ream the remainder of a bed of coke with a high pressure stream of water or other cutting fluid without first changing nozzle heads or using different cutting instruments. The novel decoking apparatus has a vertical pilot nozzle and pilot pipe and a separate reamer and reaming pipe which are secured adjacent to each other and work in tandem.

Abstract: The mixing pistol for reactive multiple component materials includes a self rotating mixing rotor in a mixing chamber, and several valves controling the injection of a component into the mixing chamber. Additionally there are valves for the injection of cleansing solution and compressed air. While cleansing the mixing chamber, in order not to have to remove the used cleansing solution by way of the outlet of the mixing pistol, which would be connected with the removal of dangerous and harmful fumes and gases, there is an additional outlet valve arranged at the mixing chamber by means of which the removal of the used cleansing solution is accomplished. The cleansing solution is driven in the mixing chamber in a closed circulation and never comes into contact with the outer region of the mixing pistol.

Abstract: A rotary spray nozzle directional tank cleaning machine has a first, stationary housing, a second housing mounted to the first housing for rotation about a first, typically vertical axis, and a third housing mounted to the second housing for rotation about a second axis. The second axis is at a first, acute angle to the first axis. The second housing is driven about the first housing through an impeller driven gear train by the pressurized cleaning liquid passing therethrough. The third housing is driven by a pair of bevel gears mounted to the first and third housings. One or more nozzles, mounted to the third housing, direct cleaning liquid along a third axis oriented at a second, acute angle to the second axis. The first and second, acute angles are preferably 45.degree. to create a hemispherical spray pattern.

Abstract: In a method of preventing deposition of sludge and of removing deposited sludge, liquid spray devices installed at predetermined positions in a tank are driven by a pressure of a liquid sprayed therefrom, the liquid sprayed from the spray devices is sprayed at a predetermined speed in the tank, and the flow of the liquid removes sludge deposited in the tank.

Abstract: An economical stovepipe cleaning apparatus arrangement comprising a T-shaped stovepipe joint which is connected to two transversely oriented stovepipes of a combustion stove. The joint has an opening with a readily removable cover to be removed for permitting attachment of a bag and brush assembly to the opening of the joint for cleaning. The arrangement provides a fast, convenient and dust-free method of brush-cleaning the stovepipes without a need for any disassembly of the conduiting of the stovepipes.

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

Abstract: An ultrasonic decontamination robot removes radioactive contamination from the internal surface of the inlet and outlet headers, divider plate, tube sheet, and lower portions of tubes of a nuclear power plant steam generator. A programmable microprocessor controller guides the movement of a robotic arm mounted in the header manway. An ultrasonic transducer having a solvent delivery subsystem through which ultrasonic action is achieved is moved by the arm over the surfaces. A solvent recovery suction tube is positioned within the header to remove solvent therefrom while avoiding interference with the main robotic arm. The solvent composition, temperature, pressure, viscosity, and purity are controlled to optimize the ultrasonic scrubbing action. The ultrasonic transducer is controlled at a power density, frequency, and on-off mode cycle such as to optimize scrubbing action within the range of transducer-to-surface distance and solvent layer thickness selected for the particular conditions encountered.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, the open ends of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder, a suction valve cylinder, and a gas supply valve cylinder which are arranged in a control section of the endoscope are closed by stops. An air supply channel, a liquid supply channel, a suction channel, and a gas supply channel of the endoscope open at one end to a connector mounted on the distal end of the light guide cable of the endoscope. The connector is submerged in the liquid held in a tank. A cap is mounted on the distal end of the insertion section so that a nozzle communicating with the channels and a suction opening communicating with the suction channel open to the interior of the cap. The cap is connected to a suction pump by a suction tube. The pump is operated, thus sucking the liquid from the nozzle and suction opening through the four channels and the three cylinders, thereby cleaning the interiors of these channels and cylinders.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, the open ends of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder and a suction valve cylinder, both provided within a control section of the endoscope, are closed by stops. The ends of an air supply channel, a liquid supply channel and a suction channel, which open to a connector mounted on the distal end of a light guide cable, are connected to a connecting tube so that liquid may flow between these ends. The other end of the suction channel opening to the distal end of an insertion section is connected to a liquid tank filled with liquid through a liquid supply tube. The tank is connected to an air pump through an air supply tube. When the pump is operated, the liquid is supplied from the other end of the suction channel and discharged from a nozzle through the three channels, valve cylinders and the connecting tube, thereby cleaning the interiors of these channels and valve cylinders with the liquid.

Abstract: In a method of cleaning an endoscope, a stop is mounted on the open end of an air/liquid supply valve cylinder thereby closing the open end. A liquid tank is connected through a liquid supply tube to a first air supply port which opens to a connector of the endoscope and communicates with one end of an air supply channel. A connecting cap is attached to the connector so that a second air supply port communicating the air supply channel and a liquid supply port communicating with a liquid supply channel communicate with each other. An air supply pump is connected to the liquid tank. The pump is operated under this condition and supplies the liquid in the liquid tank to the first air supply port. The liquid supplied to the first air supply port is discharged from a nozzle communicating with the other ends of the air and liquid supply channels through these channels and the air/liquid supply valve cylinder, thereby cleaning the interior of these channels and the cylinder.

Abstract: A method of disinfecting the circulating system of a whirlpool bath tub installation comprising blanking off or capping a nozzle or nozzles of the bath tub in such manner that a circulating pump and the nozzle(s) together with associated pipework form a closed path. A small supply of disinfecting solution is connected through a valve to the closed path around which the disinfectant solution is circulated by the pump during a disinfection period in order to disinfect the pump, nozzle(s) and associated pipework. A whirlpool bath tub which incorporates a nozzle or nozzles which can be blanked off or capped, thereby providing a closed path and allowing disinfection thereof, by the foregoing method. A whirlpool bath tub installation comprises a tub, nozzles which can be capped, and a disinfectant supply tank.

Abstract: Method for unplugging a pipeline filled with fluid and solid material by blocking the pipeline below the plugged portion, injecting pressure pulses into the pipeline on both sides of the plugged portion until the plugged portion becomes fluidized and then forcing water into and through the plugged portion to remove the plug. The method further contemplates controlling the frequency and the phase of the injected pressure pulses to best match the length of the pipeline between the injected pulses so that the pulse applied to each side of the plug is out of phase.