Auto-indexing lance positioner apparatus and system
US12214389B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 28, 2023 |
| Grant date | Feb 4, 2025 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 28, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF28G15/08
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system and an apparatus for positioning a plurality of flexible cleaning lances through tubes penetrating a tube sheet of a heat exchanger tube sheet, includes a smart lance tractor drive, a controller, and a tumble box connected to the controller operable to generate and/or distribute electrical power to the AC induction sensor from an air pressure source, supply electrical power to the controller and distribute pneumatic power to pneumatic motors for positioning the tractor drive on the positioner frame. The smart tractor drive includes sensors for detection of mismatch between expected and actual lance positions, sense lance insertion distance and lance removal and provide automated drive reversal operation to remove blockages within tubes being cleaned.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.