CA2115109C - Automated sludge lance - Google Patents
Automated sludge lance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2115109C CA2115109C CA002115109A CA2115109A CA2115109C CA 2115109 C CA2115109 C CA 2115109C CA 002115109 A CA002115109 A CA 002115109A CA 2115109 A CA2115109 A CA 2115109A CA 2115109 C CA2115109 C CA 2115109C
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- Prior art keywords
- lance
- steam generator
- sludge
- guide
- water
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F22—STEAM GENERATION
- F22B—METHODS OF STEAM GENERATION; STEAM BOILERS
- F22B37/00—Component parts or details of steam boilers
- F22B37/02—Component parts or details of steam boilers applicable to more than one kind or type of steam boiler
- F22B37/48—Devices for removing water, salt, or sludge from boilers; Arrangements of cleaning apparatus in boilers; Combinations thereof with boilers
- F22B37/483—Devices for removing water, salt, or sludge from boilers; Arrangements of cleaning apparatus in boilers; Combinations thereof with boilers specially adapted for nuclear steam generators
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
- F28G1/00—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances
- F28G1/16—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris
- F28G1/166—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris from external surfaces of heat exchange conduits
Abstract
An automated sludge lance and method is described for cleaning sludge from tubes in a steam generator. The lance guide and waterlance are moved inside the steam generator to direct a fluid between the tubes to effectively clean sludge from the tubes. The remote control system is mounted outside the steam generator where it is readily serviceable. The automated sludge lance and method can be used in the no-tube-lane, in the annular chamber, or in combination.
Description
.. .2115109 AUTOMATED SLUDGE LANCE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to equipment for cleaning steam generators and, in particular to an automatic sludge lance and method for cleaning sludge from steam generator tubes of a steam generator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates, in general, to equipment for cleaning steam generators and, in particular to an automatic sludge lance and method for cleaning sludge from steam generator tubes of a steam generator.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART
In nuclear power stations, steam generators, such as recirculating steam generators and once-through steam generators, are used for heat exchange purposes in the generation ~f steam to drive the turbines. Primary fluid which is heated by the core of the nuclear reactor passes through a bundle of tubes in the steam generator. Secondary fluid, normally water, which is fed into the space surrounding the tubes, receives heat from the tubes and is converted into steam for driving the turbines. After cooling and condensation has occurred, the secondary fluid is directed back into the space around the tubes to provide a continuous steam generation cycle. Due to the constant high temperature and severe operating conditions, sludge accumulates on the lower portions of the tubes and on the tubesheet which supports same. The sludge which is mainly comprised of an iron oxide, such as magnetite, reduces the heat transfer ~rA
efficiency of the tubes and can cause corrosion. Thus, the tubes must be cleaned periodically to remove the sludge. Various types of apparatus and method are available to accomplish this task.
U.S. Patent No. 4,566,406 entitled "Sludge Removing Apparatus for a Steam Generator" discloses a manifold which is rigidly attached to the tubesheet and remain in place during conventional operation of the steam on the upper surface of the tubesheet. Openings are provided in the walls of the steam generator to remove the slurry.
U.S. Patent No. 4,079,701 entitled "Steam Generator Sludge Removal System" discloses an arrangement of headers at the elevation of the sludge to be removed from around the tubes in order to establish a circumferential fluid stream at the elevation. A fluid lance moved along a line between the headers emits a fluid jet perpendicular to the line of movement of the fluid lance.
The lance may also be rotated as it is removed.
U.S. Patent No. 4,700,662 entitled "Sludge Lance Wand" discloses a lance for cleaning once-through steam generator tubes. The lance has a fixed radius of curvature thus necessitating manual manipulation of same in order to insert the lance between tubes within the tube bundle in the steam generator.
U.S. Patent No. 4,980,120 entitled "Articulated Sludge Lance" assigned to the assignee of the present invention discloses an articulated lance for cleaning sludge located between steam generator tubes. In operation, the lance is A.
inserted through a handhole into a lane or space between tubes in a tube bundle.
U.S. Patent No. 5,194,217 entitled "Articulated Sludge Lance with a Movable Extension Nozzle" is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention and discloses an articulated sludge lance with a retractable movable extension nozzle.
In addition, U.S. Patent No. 4,980,120 in the background art section describes various techniques found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,556,406, 4,079,701 and 4,700,662.
In addition to those references, U.S. Patent No. 4,407,236 to Schukei, et al discloses a thin strip of spring steel which enters a tube lane for sludge lance cleaning for nuclear steam generators. The forward ends of the capillary tubes are directed downward for the jetting fluid under high pressure.
U.S. Patent No. 4,827,953 to Lee is directed to an automated flexible lance for steam generator secondary side sludge removal. This patent discloses a flexible lance having a plurality of hollow flexible tubes extending lengthwise along the flexible member and remotely controlled inside the steam generator.
There are a plurality of nozzles at an end of the flexible members with the flexible member being configured to go into the difficult to access geometry of the steam generator.
U.S. Patent No. 5,065,703 to Lee describes improvements to the aforementioned automated flexible lance for steam generators.
In nuclear power stations, steam generators, such as recirculating steam generators and once-through steam generators, are used for heat exchange purposes in the generation ~f steam to drive the turbines. Primary fluid which is heated by the core of the nuclear reactor passes through a bundle of tubes in the steam generator. Secondary fluid, normally water, which is fed into the space surrounding the tubes, receives heat from the tubes and is converted into steam for driving the turbines. After cooling and condensation has occurred, the secondary fluid is directed back into the space around the tubes to provide a continuous steam generation cycle. Due to the constant high temperature and severe operating conditions, sludge accumulates on the lower portions of the tubes and on the tubesheet which supports same. The sludge which is mainly comprised of an iron oxide, such as magnetite, reduces the heat transfer ~rA
efficiency of the tubes and can cause corrosion. Thus, the tubes must be cleaned periodically to remove the sludge. Various types of apparatus and method are available to accomplish this task.
U.S. Patent No. 4,566,406 entitled "Sludge Removing Apparatus for a Steam Generator" discloses a manifold which is rigidly attached to the tubesheet and remain in place during conventional operation of the steam on the upper surface of the tubesheet. Openings are provided in the walls of the steam generator to remove the slurry.
U.S. Patent No. 4,079,701 entitled "Steam Generator Sludge Removal System" discloses an arrangement of headers at the elevation of the sludge to be removed from around the tubes in order to establish a circumferential fluid stream at the elevation. A fluid lance moved along a line between the headers emits a fluid jet perpendicular to the line of movement of the fluid lance.
The lance may also be rotated as it is removed.
U.S. Patent No. 4,700,662 entitled "Sludge Lance Wand" discloses a lance for cleaning once-through steam generator tubes. The lance has a fixed radius of curvature thus necessitating manual manipulation of same in order to insert the lance between tubes within the tube bundle in the steam generator.
U.S. Patent No. 4,980,120 entitled "Articulated Sludge Lance" assigned to the assignee of the present invention discloses an articulated lance for cleaning sludge located between steam generator tubes. In operation, the lance is A.
inserted through a handhole into a lane or space between tubes in a tube bundle.
U.S. Patent No. 5,194,217 entitled "Articulated Sludge Lance with a Movable Extension Nozzle" is also assigned to the assignee of the present invention and discloses an articulated sludge lance with a retractable movable extension nozzle.
In addition, U.S. Patent No. 4,980,120 in the background art section describes various techniques found in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,556,406, 4,079,701 and 4,700,662.
In addition to those references, U.S. Patent No. 4,407,236 to Schukei, et al discloses a thin strip of spring steel which enters a tube lane for sludge lance cleaning for nuclear steam generators. The forward ends of the capillary tubes are directed downward for the jetting fluid under high pressure.
U.S. Patent No. 4,827,953 to Lee is directed to an automated flexible lance for steam generator secondary side sludge removal. This patent discloses a flexible lance having a plurality of hollow flexible tubes extending lengthwise along the flexible member and remotely controlled inside the steam generator.
There are a plurality of nozzles at an end of the flexible members with the flexible member being configured to go into the difficult to access geometry of the steam generator.
U.S. Patent No. 5,065,703 to Lee describes improvements to the aforementioned automated flexible lance for steam generators.
~1~
.21 15109 U.S. Patent No. 5,411,043 describes an articulated annular sludge lance.
Thus, there is still a need for a remote controlled automated sludge lancing method and apparatus which would position and manipulate the sludge lance in the steam generator and still have the drive assembly located outside the steam generator for easy accessibility. This would make the drive assembly readily serviceable and eliminate concerns of the harsh environment and space restrictions. Also, any loose parts would not damage the steam generator by being left inside. It is desirable for the apparatus and method to work from the no-tube lane and/or the annular chamber of the steam generator to provide the largest cleaning area possible.
.21 15109 U.S. Patent No. 5,411,043 describes an articulated annular sludge lance.
Thus, there is still a need for a remote controlled automated sludge lancing method and apparatus which would position and manipulate the sludge lance in the steam generator and still have the drive assembly located outside the steam generator for easy accessibility. This would make the drive assembly readily serviceable and eliminate concerns of the harsh environment and space restrictions. Also, any loose parts would not damage the steam generator by being left inside. It is desirable for the apparatus and method to work from the no-tube lane and/or the annular chamber of the steam generator to provide the largest cleaning area possible.
_a SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention solves the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art as well as others by providing an automated sludge lance and method for cleaning a steam generator.
The method of the present invention removes sludge located between the plurality of tubes within the steam generator by remotely positioning the lance guide and water lance with a drive assembly located outside the steam generator and attached to the mounting flange of the steam generator. The lance guide is positioned at a preselected location in the steam generator and then the water lance which is movably held therein is advanced between the tubes for cleaning.
The lance of the present invention removes sludge located between tubes of the tube bundle in a steam generator using lance guide which is manipulated from outside the steam generator with a drive assembly. The lance guide holds the water lance which is moved in concert therewith and separately therefrom for cleaning the tubes.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automated sludge lance which cleans the tubes in a steam generator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated method for cleaning a steam generator.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system for a sludge lance.
The present invention solves the aforementioned problems associated with the prior art as well as others by providing an automated sludge lance and method for cleaning a steam generator.
The method of the present invention removes sludge located between the plurality of tubes within the steam generator by remotely positioning the lance guide and water lance with a drive assembly located outside the steam generator and attached to the mounting flange of the steam generator. The lance guide is positioned at a preselected location in the steam generator and then the water lance which is movably held therein is advanced between the tubes for cleaning.
The lance of the present invention removes sludge located between tubes of the tube bundle in a steam generator using lance guide which is manipulated from outside the steam generator with a drive assembly. The lance guide holds the water lance which is moved in concert therewith and separately therefrom for cleaning the tubes.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an automated sludge lance which cleans the tubes in a steam generator.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an automated method for cleaning a steam generator.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a remote control system for a sludge lance.
A
,.z~ ~5~09 Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an automated sludge lance which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and economical to manufacture.
The various features of novelty characterizing the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, the operating advantages attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In The Drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the water lance in position in a steam generator with portions of the steam generator removed;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 of another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 and 2 showing the remote control system of the present invention automatically manipulating an annular articulated sludge lance;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to the preceding views but without the steam generator showing the water lance partially retracted; and .a Fig. 5 is a front sectional view of a portion of the automated sludge lance according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the figures generally, where like numerals designate like or similar features throughout the several drawings, and first to Fig. 1 in particular, there is shown an automated sludge lance generally designated (10) according to the present invention. The automated sludge lance (10) is attached with a mounting bracket (8) to a handhold or inspection port (6) in this embodiment to the no-tube-lane (4) of a steam generator (2). The automated sludge lance (10) includes a lance guide (12) a water lance (14) movably situated therein and drive assembly (22) manipulating both the lance guide (12) and water lance (14). The lance guide (12) and water lance (14) are moved in the no-tube lane (4) of the steam generator to a selected position between tubes (3). A proximity sensor (35) attached to the lance guide head (34) initially identifies the location of the tubes and the intertube lane there between is then determined. At that point the water lance (14) is advanced in the intertube lane between tubes (3) for removing sludge therefrom by injecting fluid such as water at a high pressure between the tubes (3). A similar manner of removing sludge is described in U.S.
Patent Nos. 4,980,120 and 5,194,127. The term "water lance" as used herein is meant to include any fluid delivered under high pressure from the lance (14).
The lance guide (12) is basically a channel that is somewhat U-shaped and constructed to receive the water lance (14). It may be constructed of a ti i metal such as aluminum or a plastic like polypropylene. Water lance (14) preferably includes a stainless steel front and rear manifold, at least one fibre wrapped pressure tube preferably a plurality, and a single piece fibre reinforced cast polymer such as a polyurethane matrix body. Water lance (14) may be constructed similar to the fluid distribution member described in U.S. Patent Nos.
4,980,120 and 5,194,127.
A single row of integral holes (16) are placed preferably down the centerline of the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) for positive engagement with a remote operated tractor drive assembly (22). In the preferred embodiment, the tractor drive assembly (22) includes a pinned belt (18) driven by pulley (20). The pinned belt (18) is preferably a flexible metal belt and pulleys (20) are stainless steel wheels without a groove.
With this arrangement, high traction is achieved by engaging several holes (16) at once, and the flow path in the water lance (14) is not compromised as a maximum number of pressure tubes can still be incorporated in the design.
The water lance flow path starts at the rear manifold (14b) where water is filtered and distributed to several pressure tubes. The pressure tubes transport the water through the water lance body to the front manifold (14a) where the water is recombined in a single reservoir for transfer to the water jetting nozzles.
A fluid distribution member is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,980,120 and 5,194,127 which would be suitable as a water lance in the present invention.
While the jets may be arranged on the front end of the water lance in a variety of s ways, preferably there are two symmetrically opposed jets set at 90° to the water lance so that one points straight up and the other straight down. A remote control drive assembly (22) is mounted to the inspection port (6) and drives the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) along the no-tube-lane of the steam generator. The manipulator or lance guide assembly (22) is coupled to servo motors (24, 26) through the positively engaged tractor drive system. Lane to lane indexing between tubes (3) and position calibration are controlled through computer software using encoder position feedback and proximity detectors (35, 37) positioned at the ends of the lance guide (12) and a lance guide head (34).
Water lance (14) traversing is driven by a servo motor (26) through the tractor drive positively coupled to the engagement holes (16) in the water lance body. The servo controlled motors (24), (26) allow the water lance (14) to jet water on insertion as well as retraction in the intertube lane. Drive power is also controlled to detect obstructions in the tube lanes and prevent over stressing of the water lance.
Next, referring to Fig. 2, a rotational drive assembly (28) with position feedback is coupled to the no-tube-lane lance guide drive assembly (22) to drive the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) for full rotational tube sheet to first support plate coverage or coverage between support plates. Cutting water lances and sludge height measuring tools can also be rotated over excessively high sludge piles. The rotational drive assembly (28) provides full rotation to allow sludge removal from both halves of the steam generator. It also can _ x.,21 15109 provide movement to a predetermined angle. The rotational drive assembly (28) as is best seen in Fig. 5 includes a rotation drive motor (30). Rotation bearing assembly (32) facilitates movement by the rotational drive assembly (28).
The servo controlled motors (24, 26, 30) consist of digital motion control hardware and amplifiers necessary to control the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) position. The controller has been selected to exceed the requirements of the control system to allow the addition of other options at a later date. Instructions from a computer system (not shown) are processed by the servo-controller motor and, based on encoder data, translated into control signals to the mechanical system.
Instruction to the servo-controller are generated preferably by a 80486 microcomputer station located outside of containment and continually manned during lancing operations. The microcomputer preferably uses menu-based user-friendly software able to allow single-action commands or complex multi-command sequences with relative ease. The operator designates the range or lanes to be lanced, the number of passes through a keyboard or mouse and the control system automates the entire lancing process, alerting the operator when problems such as lane blockage, high water levels, indexing trouble or pump problems are experienced. The system can also generate daily progress reports and graphical output as the software is sufficiently flexible to accommodate various access points, steam generator tube patterns, lancing strategies and reporting options to _. .2115~~9 The lance guide is a motorized tool that advance through the steam generator handhold for access along the no-tube-lane in the centre of the steam generator, and along the annulus around the tube bundle of the steam generator when employing the articulated annular sludge lance such as described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,411,043. Various inspection tools can be employed through the body of the lance guide out the guide head (34) for insertion between the tubes in the steam generator tube bundle. Restricted only by tie bars within the bundle, the sludge lancing tools can generally penetrate through the entire tube bundle including the deep sludge pile region.
Of the lancing tools used, the cutting lance is the one most generally used. It incorporates two high pressure jets for cutting sludge or the tubesheet and clearing broach holes overhead in the support plates. The straight ahead water lance houses water jets facing ahead of the lance, and is used to descale tubes and remove softer sludge to allow unrestricted insertion of the cutting lance. Two other tools, the visual inspection strip and the sludge height measurement tool incorporate fibre optics and other special features to inspect conditions in the steam generator both before and after lancing. Water and entrained sludge are removed via another handhold with high capacity suction systems known in the art.
Like the lances described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,980,120 and 5,194,217, the sludge lance of the present invention may be made from a high impact m strength plastic like polycarbonate or acetal, and/or metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, or brass, or a combination thereof.
In some steam generators there is a shroud or inner shell covering the tube bundle except for about an eight inch off-set from the tubesheet. As seen in Fig. 1, there is one entry into the no-tube-lane (4) from a handhold (6) with a diameter of about two and one-half inches. The other handholes in some steam generators have a diameter of about three and one-half inches. The annular chamber (5) is about three and one-half to four inches wide. Of course, other steam generators will differ dimensionally according to their specifications.
CANDU steam generators have tight geometry constraints which limit water lance size to typically about 0.100, about 0.115, or about 0.125 inches thick, about 1.25 or 1.5 inches wide and about 8 to 10 feet long. Due to space constraints, the sludge lance (10) must have the ability to fit into tight places.
Fig. 3 shows an articulated annular sludge lance being remotely controlled with the sludge lance drive assembly (22). The delivery rail (41) preferably provides an axis ranging from 0° to 90° to allow the track members (40) to advance into and around the annular chamber or annulus (5) of the steam generator (2).
Alternate embodiments include the use of a single flexible track to accommodate the water lance (14) or even act as the track itself still utilizing a manipulator head (42) to direct the water lance (14) in between the tubes (3). The track would be positioned inside the annular chamber (5) of the steam generator (2).
L ;' Insertion and retraction of the water lance (14) and lance guide are preferably through pinned metal drive belts (18) engaging in drilled holes (16) in the water lance and lance guide for positive position control as described earlier with the no-tube-lane. As mentioned earlier, the water lance (14) and lance guide (12) drive motors (24, 26) are mounted to a drive assembly (22) which is coupled to the rotational drive assembly (28) through a gear belt assembly (29) seen in Fig. 5.
In fabricating a steam generator, tie rods are used to retain the support plates. Normally, the tie rods are three-quarter inch steel members which after fabrication of the steam generator can block a lance from cleaning between the tubes. Because of the number of the tie rods in a steam generator, a vast area of the steam generator remains uncleaned with prior art techniques. The method and sludge lance of the present invention provide a far more effective cleaning of sludge from between the tubes (3) in steam generator (2).
Fig. 4 shows the flexible water lance (14) in a partially retracted state.
The flexible water lance (14) bends in a loop out of the way. In this embodiment, an optional guide channel (44) provides additional support for the lance guide (12) and water lance (14). The lance guide head (34) directs the water lance (14) between the tubes of the steam generator at any selected location. The flexible water lance (14) is shown forming a loop at one end as it is partially retracted.
.2115109 As shown in Fig. 5, the lance guide and water lance drive assembly (22) preferably includes two servo motors (24, 26) mounted vertically to a bracket (46). The pulleys (20) fit within bracket (46) along with metal pinned belt (18).
Each servo motor has its own bracket positioned on each side of the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) as seen in the several figures. Both brackets (46) are pivotally connected at the end adjacent the steam generator. This allows the opposite end to open up like a clam to facilitate set-up of the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) therein. Guide roller assembly (48) assists in maintaining proper orientation. Preferably the fasteners (50) are hand adjustable to clamp the brackets (46) closed where the belt (18) engages the lance guide (12) on one side and the other belt (18) engages the water lance (14). Similar fasteners (50) attach the drive assembly (22) to the drive mounting assembly (52).
Optionally a guide support bracket (54) stabilizes the entire assembly in the steam generator.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application and principles of the invention, certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is thus understood that such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.
A
,.z~ ~5~09 Still a further object of the present invention is to provide an automated sludge lance which is simple in design, rugged in construction, and economical to manufacture.
The various features of novelty characterizing the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, the operating advantages attained by its uses, reference is made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In The Drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the present invention illustrating the water lance in position in a steam generator with portions of the steam generator removed;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 of another embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective view similar to Fig. 1 and 2 showing the remote control system of the present invention automatically manipulating an annular articulated sludge lance;
Fig. 4 is a view similar to the preceding views but without the steam generator showing the water lance partially retracted; and .a Fig. 5 is a front sectional view of a portion of the automated sludge lance according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to the figures generally, where like numerals designate like or similar features throughout the several drawings, and first to Fig. 1 in particular, there is shown an automated sludge lance generally designated (10) according to the present invention. The automated sludge lance (10) is attached with a mounting bracket (8) to a handhold or inspection port (6) in this embodiment to the no-tube-lane (4) of a steam generator (2). The automated sludge lance (10) includes a lance guide (12) a water lance (14) movably situated therein and drive assembly (22) manipulating both the lance guide (12) and water lance (14). The lance guide (12) and water lance (14) are moved in the no-tube lane (4) of the steam generator to a selected position between tubes (3). A proximity sensor (35) attached to the lance guide head (34) initially identifies the location of the tubes and the intertube lane there between is then determined. At that point the water lance (14) is advanced in the intertube lane between tubes (3) for removing sludge therefrom by injecting fluid such as water at a high pressure between the tubes (3). A similar manner of removing sludge is described in U.S.
Patent Nos. 4,980,120 and 5,194,127. The term "water lance" as used herein is meant to include any fluid delivered under high pressure from the lance (14).
The lance guide (12) is basically a channel that is somewhat U-shaped and constructed to receive the water lance (14). It may be constructed of a ti i metal such as aluminum or a plastic like polypropylene. Water lance (14) preferably includes a stainless steel front and rear manifold, at least one fibre wrapped pressure tube preferably a plurality, and a single piece fibre reinforced cast polymer such as a polyurethane matrix body. Water lance (14) may be constructed similar to the fluid distribution member described in U.S. Patent Nos.
4,980,120 and 5,194,127.
A single row of integral holes (16) are placed preferably down the centerline of the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) for positive engagement with a remote operated tractor drive assembly (22). In the preferred embodiment, the tractor drive assembly (22) includes a pinned belt (18) driven by pulley (20). The pinned belt (18) is preferably a flexible metal belt and pulleys (20) are stainless steel wheels without a groove.
With this arrangement, high traction is achieved by engaging several holes (16) at once, and the flow path in the water lance (14) is not compromised as a maximum number of pressure tubes can still be incorporated in the design.
The water lance flow path starts at the rear manifold (14b) where water is filtered and distributed to several pressure tubes. The pressure tubes transport the water through the water lance body to the front manifold (14a) where the water is recombined in a single reservoir for transfer to the water jetting nozzles.
A fluid distribution member is described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,980,120 and 5,194,127 which would be suitable as a water lance in the present invention.
While the jets may be arranged on the front end of the water lance in a variety of s ways, preferably there are two symmetrically opposed jets set at 90° to the water lance so that one points straight up and the other straight down. A remote control drive assembly (22) is mounted to the inspection port (6) and drives the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) along the no-tube-lane of the steam generator. The manipulator or lance guide assembly (22) is coupled to servo motors (24, 26) through the positively engaged tractor drive system. Lane to lane indexing between tubes (3) and position calibration are controlled through computer software using encoder position feedback and proximity detectors (35, 37) positioned at the ends of the lance guide (12) and a lance guide head (34).
Water lance (14) traversing is driven by a servo motor (26) through the tractor drive positively coupled to the engagement holes (16) in the water lance body. The servo controlled motors (24), (26) allow the water lance (14) to jet water on insertion as well as retraction in the intertube lane. Drive power is also controlled to detect obstructions in the tube lanes and prevent over stressing of the water lance.
Next, referring to Fig. 2, a rotational drive assembly (28) with position feedback is coupled to the no-tube-lane lance guide drive assembly (22) to drive the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) for full rotational tube sheet to first support plate coverage or coverage between support plates. Cutting water lances and sludge height measuring tools can also be rotated over excessively high sludge piles. The rotational drive assembly (28) provides full rotation to allow sludge removal from both halves of the steam generator. It also can _ x.,21 15109 provide movement to a predetermined angle. The rotational drive assembly (28) as is best seen in Fig. 5 includes a rotation drive motor (30). Rotation bearing assembly (32) facilitates movement by the rotational drive assembly (28).
The servo controlled motors (24, 26, 30) consist of digital motion control hardware and amplifiers necessary to control the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) position. The controller has been selected to exceed the requirements of the control system to allow the addition of other options at a later date. Instructions from a computer system (not shown) are processed by the servo-controller motor and, based on encoder data, translated into control signals to the mechanical system.
Instruction to the servo-controller are generated preferably by a 80486 microcomputer station located outside of containment and continually manned during lancing operations. The microcomputer preferably uses menu-based user-friendly software able to allow single-action commands or complex multi-command sequences with relative ease. The operator designates the range or lanes to be lanced, the number of passes through a keyboard or mouse and the control system automates the entire lancing process, alerting the operator when problems such as lane blockage, high water levels, indexing trouble or pump problems are experienced. The system can also generate daily progress reports and graphical output as the software is sufficiently flexible to accommodate various access points, steam generator tube patterns, lancing strategies and reporting options to _. .2115~~9 The lance guide is a motorized tool that advance through the steam generator handhold for access along the no-tube-lane in the centre of the steam generator, and along the annulus around the tube bundle of the steam generator when employing the articulated annular sludge lance such as described in U.S.
Patent No. 5,411,043. Various inspection tools can be employed through the body of the lance guide out the guide head (34) for insertion between the tubes in the steam generator tube bundle. Restricted only by tie bars within the bundle, the sludge lancing tools can generally penetrate through the entire tube bundle including the deep sludge pile region.
Of the lancing tools used, the cutting lance is the one most generally used. It incorporates two high pressure jets for cutting sludge or the tubesheet and clearing broach holes overhead in the support plates. The straight ahead water lance houses water jets facing ahead of the lance, and is used to descale tubes and remove softer sludge to allow unrestricted insertion of the cutting lance. Two other tools, the visual inspection strip and the sludge height measurement tool incorporate fibre optics and other special features to inspect conditions in the steam generator both before and after lancing. Water and entrained sludge are removed via another handhold with high capacity suction systems known in the art.
Like the lances described in U.S. Patent Nos. 4,980,120 and 5,194,217, the sludge lance of the present invention may be made from a high impact m strength plastic like polycarbonate or acetal, and/or metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, or brass, or a combination thereof.
In some steam generators there is a shroud or inner shell covering the tube bundle except for about an eight inch off-set from the tubesheet. As seen in Fig. 1, there is one entry into the no-tube-lane (4) from a handhold (6) with a diameter of about two and one-half inches. The other handholes in some steam generators have a diameter of about three and one-half inches. The annular chamber (5) is about three and one-half to four inches wide. Of course, other steam generators will differ dimensionally according to their specifications.
CANDU steam generators have tight geometry constraints which limit water lance size to typically about 0.100, about 0.115, or about 0.125 inches thick, about 1.25 or 1.5 inches wide and about 8 to 10 feet long. Due to space constraints, the sludge lance (10) must have the ability to fit into tight places.
Fig. 3 shows an articulated annular sludge lance being remotely controlled with the sludge lance drive assembly (22). The delivery rail (41) preferably provides an axis ranging from 0° to 90° to allow the track members (40) to advance into and around the annular chamber or annulus (5) of the steam generator (2).
Alternate embodiments include the use of a single flexible track to accommodate the water lance (14) or even act as the track itself still utilizing a manipulator head (42) to direct the water lance (14) in between the tubes (3). The track would be positioned inside the annular chamber (5) of the steam generator (2).
L ;' Insertion and retraction of the water lance (14) and lance guide are preferably through pinned metal drive belts (18) engaging in drilled holes (16) in the water lance and lance guide for positive position control as described earlier with the no-tube-lane. As mentioned earlier, the water lance (14) and lance guide (12) drive motors (24, 26) are mounted to a drive assembly (22) which is coupled to the rotational drive assembly (28) through a gear belt assembly (29) seen in Fig. 5.
In fabricating a steam generator, tie rods are used to retain the support plates. Normally, the tie rods are three-quarter inch steel members which after fabrication of the steam generator can block a lance from cleaning between the tubes. Because of the number of the tie rods in a steam generator, a vast area of the steam generator remains uncleaned with prior art techniques. The method and sludge lance of the present invention provide a far more effective cleaning of sludge from between the tubes (3) in steam generator (2).
Fig. 4 shows the flexible water lance (14) in a partially retracted state.
The flexible water lance (14) bends in a loop out of the way. In this embodiment, an optional guide channel (44) provides additional support for the lance guide (12) and water lance (14). The lance guide head (34) directs the water lance (14) between the tubes of the steam generator at any selected location. The flexible water lance (14) is shown forming a loop at one end as it is partially retracted.
.2115109 As shown in Fig. 5, the lance guide and water lance drive assembly (22) preferably includes two servo motors (24, 26) mounted vertically to a bracket (46). The pulleys (20) fit within bracket (46) along with metal pinned belt (18).
Each servo motor has its own bracket positioned on each side of the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) as seen in the several figures. Both brackets (46) are pivotally connected at the end adjacent the steam generator. This allows the opposite end to open up like a clam to facilitate set-up of the lance guide (12) and water lance (14) therein. Guide roller assembly (48) assists in maintaining proper orientation. Preferably the fasteners (50) are hand adjustable to clamp the brackets (46) closed where the belt (18) engages the lance guide (12) on one side and the other belt (18) engages the water lance (14). Similar fasteners (50) attach the drive assembly (22) to the drive mounting assembly (52).
Optionally a guide support bracket (54) stabilizes the entire assembly in the steam generator.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application and principles of the invention, certain modifications and improvements will occur to those skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description. It is thus understood that such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims.
A
Claims (19)
1. A method for removing sludge located between a plurality of tubes within a steam generator, comprising the steps of:
positioning a lance guide having a water lance movably contained therein in a handhole of the steam generator;
remotely advancing the lance guide and the water lance with a first drive means to a selected position inside the steam generator;
then remotely inserting the water lance between the tubes of the steam generator with a second drive means;
directing a fluid between the tubes to remove sludge therefrom; and, removing sludge from between the tubes with the lance guide and waterlance situated in a no-tube lane of the steam generator.
positioning a lance guide having a water lance movably contained therein in a handhole of the steam generator;
remotely advancing the lance guide and the water lance with a first drive means to a selected position inside the steam generator;
then remotely inserting the water lance between the tubes of the steam generator with a second drive means;
directing a fluid between the tubes to remove sludge therefrom; and, removing sludge from between the tubes with the lance guide and waterlance situated in a no-tube lane of the steam generator.
2. A method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the advancing step includes the step of simultaneously advancing the lance guide with the water lance.
3. A method as recited in Claim 2, wherein the water lance is first returned to a predetermined location within the lance guide prior to advancing.
4. A method as recited in Claim 1, wherein the positioning step includes the step of mounting the first and second drive means to the steam generator for advancing the lance guide and water lance, and inserting the water lance between tubes.
5. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising the step of providing rotational movement of said lance guide and waterlance for removing sludge at a varying angle.
6. An automated sludge lance for removing sludge located between tubes within a steam generator, comprising:
a U-shaped lance guide channel constructed to remotely move in a no-tube lane of a steam generator to a selected position, said U-shaped lance guide channel having a guide head attached at one end positioned inside the steam generator;
a water lance movably contained within and held by said U-shaped lance guide channel, said water lance being constructed to remotely move with said U-shaped lance guide channel and extend out from said U-shaped lance guide channel at a preset angle by said guide head and to a predetermined length between tubes inside a tube bundle in the steam generator, said water lance further being constructed to receive a fluid and direct the fluid into the steam generator between tubes to remove sludge therefrom;
a first servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive said U-shaped lance guide channel and to move said U-shaped lance guide channel with said waterlance to the selected position in the steam generator, said first servo motor being positioned outside the steam generator and engaging said U-shaped lance guide channel through a plurality of holes therein to position said U-shaped lance guide channel with said waterlance inside the no-tube lane of the steam generator from outside the steam generator; and, a second servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive said U-shaped lance guide channel with said waterlance for moving said water lance in and out from said U-shaped lance guide channel in between the tubes of the steam generator said second servo motor also being positioned outside the steam generator and engaging said waterlance through a plurality of holes therein to manipulate said waterlance in and out from said guide head between tubes inside the steam generator, said second servo motor controlling water lance MOV from outside the steam generator.
a U-shaped lance guide channel constructed to remotely move in a no-tube lane of a steam generator to a selected position, said U-shaped lance guide channel having a guide head attached at one end positioned inside the steam generator;
a water lance movably contained within and held by said U-shaped lance guide channel, said water lance being constructed to remotely move with said U-shaped lance guide channel and extend out from said U-shaped lance guide channel at a preset angle by said guide head and to a predetermined length between tubes inside a tube bundle in the steam generator, said water lance further being constructed to receive a fluid and direct the fluid into the steam generator between tubes to remove sludge therefrom;
a first servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive said U-shaped lance guide channel and to move said U-shaped lance guide channel with said waterlance to the selected position in the steam generator, said first servo motor being positioned outside the steam generator and engaging said U-shaped lance guide channel through a plurality of holes therein to position said U-shaped lance guide channel with said waterlance inside the no-tube lane of the steam generator from outside the steam generator; and, a second servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive said U-shaped lance guide channel with said waterlance for moving said water lance in and out from said U-shaped lance guide channel in between the tubes of the steam generator said second servo motor also being positioned outside the steam generator and engaging said waterlance through a plurality of holes therein to manipulate said waterlance in and out from said guide head between tubes inside the steam generator, said second servo motor controlling water lance MOV from outside the steam generator.
7. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 6, wherein the first and second moving means are constructed to mount on a flange outside the steam generator.
8. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 7, wherein the first and second servo motors comprise each servo motor being remotely controlled, and having a pulley driving a belt, said U-shaped lance guide channel and water lance each being driven separately by said servo motors.
9. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 8, wherein each belt includes pins that engage the engagement holes of said water lance and U-shaped lance guide channel.
10. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 8, wherein said first and second moving means further comprise a bracket for each servo motor and wherein each servo motor is hingedly attached at one end and constructed to clamp together at the other end.
11. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 1, further comprising means for providing rotational movement to said lance guide and water lance for removing sludge at a varying angle.
12. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 1, further comprising means for sensing the position of said U-shaped lance guide channel inside said steam generator.
13. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 1, further comprising a guide channel for receiving and providing support for said U-shaped lance guide channel and said water lance inside the steam generator.
14. An automated sludge lance as recited in Claim 1, wherein said guide head includes means for visual inspection.
15 A remote control system for a sludge lance, comprising:
mounting means for fastening the system to a flange on an outside wall of a steam generator;
engaging means for manipulating the sludge lance inside the steam generator;
a first servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive a lance guide for manipulating said lance guide to a predetermined position therein, said first servo motor having a pulley that drives a second pulley with a belt, said belt including pins constructed to engage a plurality of holes in a waterlance and said lance guide;
a second servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive said lance guide with a water lance movably situated therein for manipulating said water lance to a first predetermined position with said lance guide and then to at least a second predetermined position therefrom at a selected angle for insertion and retraction between tubes of the steam generator; said second servo motor having a pulley that drives a second pulley with a belt, said belt including pins constructed to engage the plurality of holes in said waterlance and said lance guide, and electronic means for controlling said first and second servo motors.
mounting means for fastening the system to a flange on an outside wall of a steam generator;
engaging means for manipulating the sludge lance inside the steam generator;
a first servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive a lance guide for manipulating said lance guide to a predetermined position therein, said first servo motor having a pulley that drives a second pulley with a belt, said belt including pins constructed to engage a plurality of holes in a waterlance and said lance guide;
a second servo motor attached to a bracket and constructed to receive said lance guide with a water lance movably situated therein for manipulating said water lance to a first predetermined position with said lance guide and then to at least a second predetermined position therefrom at a selected angle for insertion and retraction between tubes of the steam generator; said second servo motor having a pulley that drives a second pulley with a belt, said belt including pins constructed to engage the plurality of holes in said waterlance and said lance guide, and electronic means for controlling said first and second servo motors.
16. A remote control system as recited in claim 15, further comprising means for rotating the lance guide and water lance in the steam generator.
17. A remote control system as recited in claim 15 further comprising means for rotating the lance guide and waterlance in the steam generator
18. A remote control system as recited in claim 15, wherein said brackets are hingedly attached at one end near the steam generator and are constructed to close at the other end.
19
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US18961994A | 1994-02-01 | 1994-02-01 | |
| US08/189,619 | 1994-02-01 |
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| CA2115109A1 CA2115109A1 (en) | 1995-04-21 |
| CA2115109C true CA2115109C (en) | 2000-04-25 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002115109A Expired - Lifetime CA2115109C (en) | 1994-02-01 | 1994-02-07 | Automated sludge lance |
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|---|---|
| US (3) | US5570660A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2115109C (en) |
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-
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2115109A1 (en) | 1995-04-21 |
| US5570660A (en) | 1996-11-05 |
| US5572957A (en) | 1996-11-12 |
| US5555851A (en) | 1996-09-17 |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKEX | Expiry |
Effective date: 20140207 |