US3269659A

US3269659A - Apparatus for cleaning the inside of bundled tubes

Info

Publication number: US3269659A
Application number: US419380A
Authority: US
Inventors: Robert Q Shelton; Forrest C Pittman
Original assignee: Halliburton Co
Current assignee: Halliburton Co
Priority date: 1964-12-18
Filing date: 1964-12-18
Publication date: 1966-08-30
Anticipated expiration: 1983-08-30

Description

Aug. 30, 1966 R. Q. SHELTON ETAL.

APPARATUS FOR CLEANING THE INSIDE OF BUNDLED TUBES 5 Sheets-Sheet l Filed Dec.

INVENTORS. ROBERT Q. SHELTON FORREST c. PITTMAN BY ATTORNEYS.

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS.

NVENTORS ROBERT Q SHELTON FORREST C. PITTMAN Aug. 30,1956 R. Q. sHELToN ETAL APPARATUS FOR CLEANING THE INSIDE OF BUNDLED TUBES Filed Dec. 18, 1964 Aug. 30, 1966 R. Q. sHELToN ETAL 3,269,659

APPARATUS FORKCLEANING THE INSIDE OF BUNDLED TUBES Filed Deo. 18, 1964 :5 sheets-sheet s FIG. 3

INVENTORS.

l ROBERT Q, SHELTON (im FORREST C. PITTMAN 5W, M, mf, @fw

ATTORNEYS.

United States Patent O 3,269,659 APPARATUS FOR CLEANING THE INSIDE F BUNDLED TUBES Robert Q. Shelton and Forrest C. Pittman, Duncan, Okla.,

assignors to Halliburton Company, Duncan, Okla., a

corporation of Delaware Filed Dec. 18, 1964, Ser. No. 419,380 11 Claims. (Cl. 239-187) This invention relates to an apparatus for applying fluid under pressure to the internal surfaces of tubes of tube bundles. In particular, it relates to a portable apparatus which may be employed under ield `conditions to clean .the internal surfaces of tubes by the application of a fluid under Ihigh pressure.

It is particularly adapted ttor use with tube bundles of the type employed in heat exchanger components of renery systems, boiler installations, or steam generating plants.

In maintaining installations of .the above type, it is frequently necessary to periodically clean the tube .bundles. It is desirable, in suoh cases, to be able to clean the tube bundles in close proximity to the installation fro-m which they have been drawn. Thus, it is desirable that the cleaning apparatus should be readily transportable from one location to another.

In the cleaning of tube bundles by spraying, it is necessary that relatively high uid pressures be supplied to the spraying head. It is therefore desirable that the apparatus, in addition to be readily transportable from location to location, also be so constructed that it can safely supply such high pressure fluid to the tluid applying means.

Since high fluid pressures are used, it is necessary that the cleaning iiuid supplying means be mounted on a structure which is so constructed that the fluid supplying or spraying head be capable of movement in three dimensions Without subjecting operators to hazardous or unsafe conditions.

In the past, it has been common practice to utilize elongated lance means manually inserted into a single tube of the heat exchanger Iby a workman to clean the internal surfaces of the tubes. The lance was connected to the source of fluid pressure through some type of resilient connection such as a rubber hose. Several disadvantages are present in such method of cleaning including the fact that high uid pressure could not be used because of pressure limitation in resilient connections. Moreover, the workman was required to manually insert and withdraw ythe lance from each individual tube which was a time-consuming task.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved apparatus adapted for the cleaning of the internal surfaces of tubes of a tube bundle under eld conditions.

It is a particular object of this invention to provide such an improved apparatus which is stable while the cleaning operation is being performed, and which is capable of collapsing into a compact structure for transportation.

It is an additional object of the invention to provide such an apparatus which can safely handle high fluid pressures during the cleaning operation so as to enable the thorough cleaning of the internal surface of the tube bundles.

In order to accomplish the foregoing objects there is presented through this invention an apparatus for applying uid to articles such as the internal surfaces of tubes of tube bundles. The apparatus includes frame means, track means, and a uid spraying assembly mounted on the track means. Means are included :for mounting said track means on the frame means for vertical and horiz ontal reciprocation thereon. Means are also provided "ice for reciprocally moving the uid spraying assembly along said track means. Fluid pressure is supplied .to the fluid spraying assembly through a plurality of rigid conduit sections interconnected by swivel joint means. The end of the rigid conduit means is mounted on an Outrigger assembly which is collapsible onto the lframe means.

Particular significance is attached to 4the specific structural arrangements of the apparatus which afford unique .advantages in t-he cleaning operation. Such structural detail includes the particular Outrigger assembly which can be pivoted about and mounted within the iframe means of the apparatus proper for easy transportation therewith. Another structural detail is the rigid conduit sections which permit three dimensional movement of ythe uid spraying assembly. Additional structural details to which special significance is attached includes the provision of the unique means for mounting the track means on the frame means for horizontal and transverse reciprocation on the frame means, the provision of a unique lance guide arrangement, and the particular coniiguration of the track means.

In describing the invention, reference will be made to a preferred apparatus for cleaning the internal surfaces of tube bundles under eld conditions, which apparatus is illustrated in the application drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a top plan View of lan `apparatus installed for a cleaning operation showing, in phantom lines, the movement of the rigid conduit sections and spraying head assembly during a cleaning operation;

FIGURE 2 is a side, elevational view of FIGURE 1 apparatus;

FIGURE 3 is an end elevational view of the FIGURE l apparatus partially broken away to reveal internal structural details;

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the end portion of the FIGURE l apparatus viewed along the lines 4 4;

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view of the front end portions of the apparatus as viewed along the lines 5-5 of FIGURE 1 apparatus;

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary elevational cross-sectional View taken along the line 6--6 of FIGURE 4;

FIGURE 7 is a partial side elevational View showing the Outrigger assembly and rigid conduit means in a co1- lapsed position ready for transportation; and

FIGURE 8 is a partial isometric view showing the front end of the track means and the lances extending :therefrom showing in greater detail the guide block asserrrbly.

As shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 3, the preferred modification of the tube bundle cleaning apparatus comprises a frame assembly 2 including a base 4 defined by skids 6 and 8, each of which extends generally longitudinally of the apparatus and which are mutually spaced. Skid 6, which is congured :like skid 8, includes a beveled end portion 10 at one end of the apparatus ,and a similar beveled end portion 12 at the other end of the apparatus. Skids 6 and 8 also include extensions 14 stemming outwardly from their respective end portions 12. The beveled end portions 10 and 12, as well as the extensions 14, may be interconnected by transverse tubular members 16. The frame assembly 2 also includes four rigid upstanding column members 18, one being positioned adjacent each end of the skids 6 and 8.

A track assembly 20 is mounted on the frame assembly 2. It will be noted that the track assembly 20 may be conveniently formed by two spaced apart

channel members

22 and 24 positioned such that their flanges extend away from each other. The

channel members

22 and 24 are held in their spaced position by a T-member 26 which is mounted in an inverted position. Each edge of the head or cross member 28 of the T-member 26 is connected to the web of one of the

channel members

22 or 24 approximately midway of its height as shown in FIGURE 6. The upright or leg portion of the T- member 26 does not extend upwardly beyond the plane dened by the top flanges of the

channel members

22 and 24.

The track assembly is attached to the frame assembly by connections which permit transverse and horizontal reciprocation. As shown in FIGURES 2 and 3, a sleeve member 32 is telescopingly received over each of the upstanding column members 18. The sleeve member may include a lower cylindrical portion 34, and an integral upper semi-cylindrical portion 36. As shown particularly in FIGURE 2, the semi-cylindrical portion 34 is positioned on the side of the column member closest to the end of the apparatus. This arrangement permits a strengthening member to extend between the column members on each side of the apparatus if desired without limiting the upward movement of the sleeve member.

Cross members 38 extend between the two sleeve members 32 at each end of the apparatus. The cross member at the rear end of the apparatus comprises an I-beam 40 as shown in FIGURE 4. The front cross member 38 comprises a tubular member 42, as shown in FIGURE 5.

The track means is supported on the cross members 32 for reciprocation transversely of the frame means by bearing means indicated generally -by 44 and 46. The front bearing 44 includes a sleeve-like bearing member 48 slidably mounted on the tubular member 42 and connected to the track means by brackets 50 which extend around the bearing 48 and upwardly through the bottom anges of the

channel members

22 and 24 of the track assembly.

The rear bearing means 46 may include an upper bearing plate 52 attached to the members of the track means by rivets, welding or the like, and a bottom bearing plate S4 spaced from the upper bearing plate by channel members 56 and 58. As can be seen in FIGURE 4, the upper bearing plate 52 rides on the top surface of the I-beam 40 while the lower bearing plate 54 has i-ts top engaging the bottom web of the I-beam 40.

The particular conguration of the front and rear bearing means provides a positive guide for the forward portion of the track assembly while the rear portion has a slight freedom of movement to compensate for any misalignment of the frame assembly.

Hydraulic pist-on and cylinder arrangements 60 are associated with each one of the sleeve members 32, to affect the vertical reciprocation of the track assembly. As shown in FIGURE 2, the cylinder members 62 of the piston and cylinder arrangement 60 is attached to the skids by a pin-joint connection 64. The piston member 66 of the piston and cylinder arrangement is attached to the uppermost portion of the sleeve member 32 by a pin-joint 68 and a -horizontal plate member 70. It is t-o be understood that the piston and cylinder arrangements will be operated lby fluid pressure. For the sake of clarity and so as not to obscure the present invention, the uid connections for supplying pressurized fluid to the cylinder members have not been shown.

To effect the transverse reciprocation of the track means, two additional hydraulic piston and cylinder arrangements 72 and 74 are provided, one cooperating with the front portion of the track means, and the other cooperating with the rear portion of the track means. In each arrangement, 4the end of the cylinder member 76 is attached to a sleeve member 32 by a pin connection 78 and bracket member 80. As can be seen in FIGURE l, the bracket member extends at right angles to the cylinder member 76.

The piston portion 82 of the hydraulic piston cylinder arrangements 72 and 74 are attached by a pin connection 84 to a bracket member 86. This bracket member is in turn attached to one end of an arm member 88 which may be a tubular member at shown in FIGURE 4. The arm member 88 is in turn connected at its opposite 4 end to the track assembly 20 in any convenient manner.

Again it should be noted that the piston and cylinder arrangements 72 and 74 are to be operated by fluid pressure supplied by an appropriate conventional source, although the uid connections have not been shown so as not to improperly obscure the present invention.

A uid spraying assembly indicated generally by 90 includes a carriage member 92 adapted to be reciprocated along the track assembly 20. As shown in FIGURE 5, the carriage member, includes a channel shaped member 94 having pairs of spaced

rollers

96 and 98 on the inside of each of the l'lange members 100 and 102. One of each pair of rollers engages the top side of the upper anges of the channel members while a second roller of each pair engages the bottom surface of the same flanges.

A chain 104 is connec-ted to the ends of the carriage member as shown in FIGURE 4. The chain 104 extends between a sprocket member 106 mounted at one end of the track assembly 20 and a second sprocket member operated by a hydraulic motor (both indicated generally by 106) mounted at the front end of the track assembly. Conventional uid connections (not shown) are connected to the hydraulic motor to operate the same and thus eect reciprocation of the carriage member 92 in the desired direction along the track assembly 20.

To supply iluid to the uid spraying assembly, there is provided a series of rigid conduit sections 108 which extend from the lluid spraying assembly 90 to an outrigger assembly 110. The Outrigger assembly 110 may comprise a pedestal member 112 having a base portion 114 and an upright post member 116 connected thereto. In addition, a telescoping cylindrical member 118 may be mounted over the post member 116. A pin member 120 extends through suitable holes in both the post member 116 and the pedestal member 108 to provide a means for adjusting the pedestal 112 relative to `the telescoping member 118.

The Outrigger assembly 110 is spaced from the frame assem-bly of the apparatus by two

arm members

120 and 122. Both arm members are attached at one end to the telescoping member 118 of the Outrigger assembly 110, at their other end to an elongated tubular member 124. The tubular member telescopes over an upright post member 126 rigidly connected to the skid 6. The tubular member 124 is capable of rela-tive rotation about the post member 126. The two

arms

122 and 120 converge slightly as they extend outward to provide additional stabilizing effect for the Outrigger assembly 110.

The rigid conduit sections 108 include a first relatively short conduit section 128 which is rigidly secured to the upper end of the telescoping member 118 of the outrigger assembly 110 by conventional fastening means such as welding. A second conduit section 130 is also provided which is connected to the rst conduit section 128 by a conventional olset swivel joint 132. The swivel aXis 132a extends generally vertically.

A third conduit section 134 is provided which extends from the second conduit section 130 to the fluid spraying assembly 90. The third conduit section is connected to the second by two conventional swivel joints 136 and 138. As shown in FIGURE 3, swivel joint 136 has a swivel axis 136a that extends generally vertically while swivel joint 138 has a swivel axis 138a that extends generally horizontally.

The third conduit section 134 is connected to the lluid spraying assembly 90 -by two

swivel joints

140 and 142. Swivel joint 140 has a swivel axis 140g extending generally vertically while swivel joint 142 has its swivel axis 142a extending generally horizontally.

Through the above-noted arrangement of conduits and swivel joints, three-dimensional movement of the fluid spraying assembly is permitted. During reciprocation of the fluid assembly 90 along the track assembly 20, as well as during transverse movement of the track assembly 20 relative to the apparatus,

rigid conduit sections

130 and 134 will swivel about swivel axes 13201, 136er and 140:1. During vertical movement of the track means on the apparatus frame assembly, rigid conduit section 134 will rotate about swivel axes 142e and 138a.

Rigid conduit section 130 may be supported by an inclined support member 144 which is rigidly affixed at its upper end 146 to conduit section 138l adjacent swivel joint 136. Support member 144, at its lower end may carry a generally C-shaped bracket 148 supporting a pivot pin 150. Pin 150 may be journaled on a mounting bracket 152 carried by thetelescoping member 118 of the outrigger assembly 110, and will have a vertical pivot axis 150a aligned with pivot axis 132a.

A manifold 154, to which swivel joint 140 is connected, is mounted on the carriage by conventional fastening means for distributing the pressurized fluid to the

elongated lance members

156 and 158. As shown in FIG- URE 6, branch conduit portions 156e and 1585: may extend from manifold 154 to these conduit-like lance members. The lance members, which are somewhat resilient, are positioned on either side of the upright portion 30 of the track assembly 20 immediately above the cross member 28 of the T-member 26. This arrangement permits the

elongated lance members

156 and 158 to be supported at least in part, by the cross member 28 during reciprocation of the Huid spraying assembly 90. As shown in FIG- URE 8, the lances are provided with apertures 160 at their end opposite the connection to the uid spraying assembly 90 for the radial and axial discharge of uid supplied thereto.

Fluid may be supplied to the rigid conduit sections 108 through the provision of another rigid conduit section 162 extending from the rigid conduit section 128 which is mounted on the Outrigger assembly 110 to a piston and cylinder operated valve member (shown schematically at 164) mounted on the frame assembly 2. The inlet side of the valve may be connected to any suitable source of uid pressure as indicated at 166.

Detachable union-

type couplings

168, 170 and 172 are provided throughout the rigid conduit sections to permit the Outrigger assembly to be stored on the skid of the apparatus as shown in FIGURE 8. To store the outrigger assembly, the track assembly is lowered to its lowermost position. The

detachable couplings

168, 170 and 172 are then detached, and the Outrigger assembly 110 rotated about the post member 126 toward the rear of the machine. Pin 120 is removed from the telescoping member 118 and the upright post member 116 of the outrigger assembly and the pedestal member 112 moved upwardly telescoping into the cylindrical member 118 to permit the base 114 to rest upon skid 6. In the collapsed position of the Outrigger assembly 110, as shown in FIGURE 7, rigid conduit section 130 is supported by a cradle member 168 supported by an upright post 170 attached to the upper arm member 120` at a position near the swivel joint 136. Rigid conduit section 134 is supported by a cradle-like bracket member 180 which is attached to the sleeve member 32 at the rear end of the apparatus. Rigid conduit 162 may be supported by suitable cradle-like brackets (not shown) attached to the cylindrical member 118 of the Outrigger assembly 1-10 and the tubular member 124.

With the Outrigger assembly 110 in its collapsed position, it is possible to safely and conveniently transport the apparatus from one location to another. Upon reaching a location at which it is desired to clean the internal surface of the tubes of the tube bundle T, the tube bundle may be conveniently mounted on rollers indicated generally by 182. The tube bundle is then rotated such that the rows of tubes extend generally horizontally. To provide for differences in the distance between axes of the tubes in a given horizontal row, from one installation to another, the apparatus may be provided with a lance guide arrangement 184 indicated in FIGURE 8. The lance guide arrangement 184 includes a generally U-shaped member 186 having a channel shaped cross-section mounted at the forward end of the track assembly 20. A block member 188 is removably positioned Within the channel shaped, open topped recess of the member 186. The block member is provided with two

cutouts

190 and 192. As can be seen, the

lance members

156 and 158 extend through the

cutout portions

190 and 192 respectively. The cutout portions are spaced apart such that the axis of the lance members coincide with the axis of two adjacent tubes of the tube bundle T. The resilience of the

lance members

156 and 158 will readily accommodate any small difference between the spacing of such tubes and the spacing of the lance members in the track means.

In decribing the structure of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of this invention, several advantages of the invention have been demonstrated. Through the utilization of a frame assembly including skid means, in Combination with a collapsible Outrigger assembly, the apparatus is characterized by -overall portability which lends itself particularly to field cleaning operations. The particular mounting means for the track assembly upon the frame means of the apparatus, provides a safe and efficient method of moving lance members in three dimensions while they are dispersing uid under high pressure conditions.

The utilization of swivel, interconnected rigid conduit sections throughout the apparatus enables highly pressurized cleaning iiiud to be safely and conveniently handled. The unique disposition of swivel joints in conduit sections permits the spraying assembly to be moved in three dimensions without interfering with the cleaning operation or with personnel conducting the cleaning operation.

The particular configuration of the track assembly including the T-shaped member permits support for the elongated lance members during reciprocation of the members into and out of the tubes of a tube bundle.

The provision of the lance guide arrangement permits varying the horizontal spacing between the lance mem- |bers to compensate for differences in the spacing of the individual tubes of a tube bundle from one location to another.

Finally, the overall apparatus is characterized by unique structural simplicity, functional reliability, and maneuverability, which contribute to the success of eld cleaning operations.

While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, those skilled in the art and familiar with this disclosure of the invention may well envision additions, deletions, substitutions or other modifications with respect to disclosed structural details or modes of operation of components -of the apparatus, which modifications would fall within the purview of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for cleaning the internal surfaces of tubes of a tube bundle comprising:

frame means; track means; mounting means supporting said track means on said frame means for vertical and horizontal reciprocation thereon; means for vertically reciprocating said track means; means for transversely reciprocating said track means; a fluid spraying assembly including lance means and nozzle means; mounting means supporting said spraying assembly on said track means for longitudinal reciprocation therealong; means for reciprocally moving said spraying assembly along said track means; an Outrigger assembly connected with and adapted to extend outwardly from said frame means; and conduit means comprising a plurality of rigid conduit sections interconnected by swivel joint means, with one end of said conduit means being connected to said fluid spraying assembly and another end of said conduit means being mounted on said Outrigger assembly and adapted to be connected to a source of fluid pressure.

2. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein the conduit means comprises at least three rigid conduit sections, the rst section being attached to said Outrigger assembly with one end thereof adapted to be detachably connected to a source of uid pressure and the other end thereof being connected to a second conduit section by swivel joint means having its swivel joint means having its swivel axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of said fluid spraying assembly on said track means, said second conduit section being connected to a third conduit section by swivel joint means having a swivel axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of said iiuid spraying assembly on said track means and a swivel axis parallel to the plane of movement of said fluid spraying assembly on said track means, said third conduit means being connected to said iluid spraying assembly by swivel joint means having a swivel axis in a plane parallel to the plane of movement of said fluid spraying assembly and a swivel axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of said uid spraying assembly on said track means, said third conduit means being detachable from said cleaning assembly.

3. An apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said frame means includes post means, and further comprises sleeve means disposed about said post means for rotation thereabout, and connecting means attached at one end to said sleeve means and at another end to said Outrigger assembly.

4. An apparatus as described in claim 3 wherein said Outrigger assembly comprises a base member, a supporting member telescoping over said base member, means for adjusting the base member relative to said support member, and an inclined supporting arm pivotally attached to said support member at its lower end and connected at its upper end to said conduit means, and wherein said connecting means comprises at least two elongated members inclined with respect to each other, and each being connected at one end to said sleeve means and at the other end to said support member.

5. An apparatus for cleaning the internal surfaces of tubes of a tube bundle comprising:

frame means;

track means;

mounting means supporting said track means on said frame means for vertical and horizontal reciprocation thereon;

means for vertically reciprocating said track means;

means for transversely reciprocating said track means;

a uid spraying assembly;

mounting means supporting said uid spraying assembly on said track means for longitudinal reciprocation therealong;

means for reciprocally moving said fluid spraying assembly along said track means;

an Outrigger assembly spaced from said frame means and comprising a base member, a support member telescopingly received over said base member, and means for adjusting the base member relative to said support member;

post means on said frame means;

sleeve means disposed about said post means for rotation thereabout;

at least two elongated members inclined to each other,

each being attached at one end to said sleeve member and at another end to said support member; conduit means comprising a plurality of rigid conduit sections interconnected by swivel joint means with one section of said conduit means being attached to said support member with one end thereof adapted to be detachably connected to a source of uid pressure and the other end thereof being connected to a second conduit section by swivel joint means having its swivel axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of said uid spraying assembly on said track means, said second conduit section being connected to a third conduit section by swivel joint means having a swivel axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of said fluid spraying assembly on said track means and a swivel axis parallel to the plane of movement of said fluid spraying assembly on said track means, said third conduit means being connected to said fluid spraying assembly by swivel joint means having a swivel axis in a -plane parallel to the plane of movement of said fluid spraying assembly and a swivel axis perpendicular to the direction of movement of said fluid spraying assembly on said track means;

`means for detaching said third conduit means from said uid spraying assembly; and

an inclined supporting arm pivotally attached to said support member at its lower end and connected at its upper end to said rst conduit section, the pivotable attachment of said supporting arm to said support member having the same axis as the swivel axis of the swivel joint means between said first and second conduit sections.

6. An apparatus as described in claim S wherein said uid spraying assembly includes a carriage member reciprocally mounted on said track means, elongated lance members attached to said carriage means at one end thereof and having nozzle means on the other end thereof; wherein said means for vertically reciprocating said track means and said means for transversely reciprocating said track means include piston and cylinder mechanisms; and lwherein said means for moving said fluid spraying assembly includes sprocket means rotatably attache-d at each end of said track means, chain means engaging said sprocket means and connected to said carriage means, and an hydraulic motor operably connected to said sprocket means for driving said chain means.

7. An apparatus for cleaning the internal surfaces of tubes of a tube bundle comprising:

frame means including skid means and a plurality of pairs of upwardly extending, horizontally spaced post means;

track means;

mounting means supporting said track ymeans lon said frame means for vertical reciprocation thereon;

means mounting said track means for horizontal reciprocation on said frame means including horizontally spaced cross members, with each of said cross members extending between a pair 'of spaced post means, and bearing means interposed between said track means and said cross members;

means for vertically reciprocating said track means;

means for transversely reciprocating said track means including horizontally aligned, hydraulic piston means and cylinder means, with said cylinder means being attached to said post means and said piston means being attached to said track means;

fluid spraying assembly including lance means and nozzle means mounted on said track means for longitudinal lreciprocation therealong;

means for reciprocally moving said uid spraying means along said track means;

an Outrigger assembly connected with and adapted to extend outwardly from said frame means; and

conduit means comprising a plurality of rigid conduit sections interconnected by swivel joint means with one end of said conduit means connected to said fluid spraying assembly and another end of said conduit means mounted on said Outrigger assembly and adapted to be connected to a source of fluid pressure.

8. An apparatus as described in claim 7 wherein each of said post means comprises an upwardly extending column member and telescoping sleeve means mounted for reciprocation on said column member, wherein each cross member is connected at each end thereof to one of said sleeve means, wherein said horizontally aligned cylinder means is attached to at least one of said sleeve means, and wherein said means for vertically reciprocating said track means includes vertically aligned piston means and cylinder means with the cylinder means thereof being attached to said skid means and the piston means thereof being yattached to at least one of said sleeve means.

9. An apparatus for cleaning the internal surfaces of tubes of a tube bundle comprising:

frame means including skid means; track means; mounting means supporting said track means on said frame means for Vertical and horizontal reciprocation thereon; means for vertically reciprocating said track means; means for transversely reciprocating said track means; a uid spraying assembly including a plurality of lance means; mounting means supporting said uid spraying assembly on said track means for longitudinal reciprocation thereon; a channel shaped member having inwardly extending anges attached to one end of said track means; lance guide means removably mounted in said channel member and having spaced apertures through each of Which one of said lance means extends;

an Outrigger assembly spaced from said frame means;

and

conduit means comprising a plurality of rigid means being connected to said uid spraying assembly and another end of said conduit means being mounted on said lOutrigger assembly and adapted to be connected to a source of said fluid pressure.

10. An apparatus as described in claim 9 wherein said track means includes two, spaced, elongated channel members with the flanges thereof extending away from each other, and wherein an inverted T-beam interconnects said channel members with the head portion thereof being connected to the webs of said channel members midway between their respective flanges andthe leg portion of said T-beam projecting upwardly, said head portion of said T-beam thereby providing spaced track portions between said leg portion of said T-beam and the lange portions of said channel' members to slidably receive and support said lance means.

11. An apparatus as described in claim 10 wherein said uid spraying assembly `comprises a carriage member including a channel-shaped member disposed over said track member and roller means attached to said channel member positioned to engage the top flanges of said track means channel members.

No references cited.

CHARLES A. WILLMUTH, Primary Examiner.

Claims

1. AN APPARATUS FOR CLEANING THE INTERNAL SURFACES OF TUBES OF A TUBE BUNDLE COMPRISING: FRAME MEANS; TRACK MEANS; MOUNTING MEANS SUPPORTING SAID TRACK MEANS ON SAID FRAME MEANS FOR VERTICAL HORIZONTAL RECIPROCATION THEREON; MEANS FOR VERTICALLY RECIPROCATING SAID TRACK MEANS; MEANS FOR TRANSVERSELY RECIPROCATING SAID TRACK MEANS; A FLUID SPRAYING ASSEMBLY INCLUDING LANCE MEANS AND NOZZLE MEANS; MOUNTING MEANS SUPPORTING SAID SPRAYING ASSEMBLY ON SAID TRACK MEANS FOR LONGITUDINAL RECIPROCATION THEREALONG; MEANS FOR RECIPROCALLY MOVING SAID SPRAYING ASSEMBLY ALONG SAID TRACK MEANS; AN OUTRIGGER ASSEMBLY CONNECTED WITH AND ADAPTED TO EXTEND OUTWARDLY FROM SAID FRAME MEANS; AND CONDUIT MEANS COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF RIGID CONDUIT SECTIONS INTERCONNECTED BY SWIVEL JOINT MEANS, WITH ONE END OF SAID CONDUIT MEANS BEING CONNECTED TO SAID FLUID SPRAYING ASSEMBLY AND ANOTHER END OF SAID CONDUIT MEANS BEING MOUNTED ON SAID OUTRIGGER ASSEMBLY AND ADAPTED TO BE CONNECTED TO A SOURCE OF FLUID PRESSURE.