Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatuses to remove slag

US7204208B2 · kind B2 · utility

24Cited by
9References
23Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 17, 2003
Grant dateApr 17, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 16, 2024

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF28G15/003
  • WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A robotic apparatus for the cleaning and maintenance of coal fired boilers, which is designed to operate in the high temperature environment of the combustion gasses to effectively clean and remove slag deposits of the boiler heat transfer surfaces by use of a precision directed, low pressure, low flow rate water stream. The robotic cleaning apparatus is comprised of lightweight carbon fiber structural elements, attached to the exterior of the boiler, and cooled by annular pressurized water sheaths impingent on a thin metal skin covering the lightweight structural elements. Multiple articulated joints allow for complete access to the heat transfer surfaces of the boiler. A variety of payloads can be delivered to specific points within the boiler, including imaging systems, cutting, and welding apparatuses. A mathematical state space control matrix allows for optimal positioning and feedback control of motions.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.