JP5985395B2 - Small sludge lance device - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

  This application is provisional application 61 / 257,584 dated March 11, 2009 “Small sludge lance; provisional application 61 / 258,794 dated June 11, 2009“ hammerhead ”; and March 2009. 11th provisional application 61 / 257,597 “small nozzle rectifier for curving the flow 90 °” and claims priority based on these provisional applications.

  The present invention relates to a steam generator cleaning device, and more particularly, to a small sludge lance configured to pass between adjacent narrow tubes in a steam generator.

  A pressurized water reactor uses a steam generator to maintain water that passes over nuclear fuel ("primary water") and water that passes through the power generation turbine ("secondary water") in a separated state. The steam generator includes an outer shell defining an enclosed space, at least one primary fluid inlet, at least one primary fluid outlet, at least one secondary fluid inlet, at least one secondary fluid outlet, and at least A plurality of substantially uniformly sized capillaries extending between one primary fluid and at least one primary fluid outlet and in fluid communication with the primary fluid inlet and the primary fluid outlet. including. That is, the primary water passes through a manifold that divides into a plurality of flows that pass through a plurality of thin tubes. The manifold may be disposed inside or outside the steam generator shell, but is preferably disposed inside the steam generator shell. Secondary water may also be configured to pass through the manifold or simply through multiple inlets / outlets, but typically through a single inlet and a single outlet. A typical steam generator is cylindrical with a height of about 60 feet and a diameter of about 12 feet.

  The tubules are arranged in a substantially regular pattern, extend in a substantially vertical direction, and have a substantially uniform narrow gap between adjacent tubules. The thin tube has an inverted “U” shape as a whole, and is connected to a flat plate having a plurality of through holes. This flat plate, or tube plate, together with another plate separating at least one primary fluid inlet and at least one primary fluid outlet substantially forms the manifold. Therefore, in the steam generator shell, the narrow tube has an ascending side (high temperature) and a descending side (cold). Between these two sides there is a gap called “capillary lane”. The steam generator shells have openings at different heights and on both sides of the capillary lane. Typically, these openings are provided so as to form a pair facing each other. A 6 inch diameter opening that reaches the axis of the capillary lane is typical. Since the capillary lane is formed by an inverted U-shaped capillary dome, access to the center of the steam generator is possible along the capillary lane.

During operation, primary water flows in the narrow tube, and secondary water flows along the outside of the thin tube. In this process, the secondary water is heated and the primary water is cooled. In the process of operating the steam generator of the pressurized water reactor, precipitates are introduced to the secondary side as the secondary water changes into steam. This particulate sediment or sludge is deposited on most exposed surfaces including the outer surface of the tubule, in particular on the top surface of the tubesheet. In order to keep the heat conduction and water flow in the steam generator in good condition, it is desirable to periodically remove the precipitate. A typical cleaning is performed by delivering a high pressure, large volume water jet along the capillary lane axis of the steam generator where there is sufficient clearance. That is, a “lance” configured to spray high pressure water is guided and moved in the capillary lane, and water is sprayed substantially laterally (ie, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of the capillary lane). While moving down the narrow tube. This spray raises most of the sludge from the tube sheet and removes the sludge from the exposed side of the tube. Washing can be performed by performing chemical treatment in advance. However, in this cleaning method, sludge remains between narrow tubes arranged at a narrow interval, and the effect is small at a position far from the narrow tube lane.

  Furthermore, in order to control the secondary side water flow pattern in the steam generator, there is an example in which a device called a thin tube lane block is installed in the steam generator. The capillary lane block can prevent access to the cleaning device from the 6 inch opening. A support plate (rescue rod) located within the steam generator tube bundle is also another obstacle that prevents effective cleaning. Constrained by various physical constraints within the capillary lane (area along the tube plate centerline defined by the minimum bend radius of the first row of capillaries), the tube plate legs (high or low depending on the location of the injection tube) ) Cannot be cleaned sufficiently with a conventional scraping device attached to a hand hole. Access to the tube bundle is further restricted by the presence of a capillary lane blocking device (TLBD) and a blowdown pipe located directly along the center line of the hand hole in the capillary lane.

  In addition to access to the capillary lane, some steam generators have several different heights around the steam generator with relatively small inspection openings of about 2 inches in diameter and of different orientations. There is. Even when entering from the inspection opening, the access is restricted by the gap between adjacent capillaries. There are many challenges in accurately positioning and spraying high-pressure cleaning jets, and precisely positioning and spraying high-pressure cleaning jets within the boundary between the gap between adjacent capillaries and the inspection opening. If not used for cleaning. These openings can also be formed at angular positions offset from the center of the capillary lane. Due to the physical size and location, it is usually not possible to perform sludge scraping through these openings. Therefore, the capillary lanes in these steam generators are basically inaccessible and sludge and debris are likely to accumulate under the blowdown pipe and between the TLBDs. Furthermore, some facilities prohibit manual scraping with a stationary jet that acts directly on the tube plate and the steam generator tube adjacent to it, and as a result-to clean this area. Any type of manual scraping performed through the inspection opening is limited. In devices that do not have automatic mechanical means to oscillate and rotate the high speed jet along the capillary gap, the sludge scraping worker is at risk of exposure to high radiation doses.

  In addition, when cleaning the steam generator (when accessing the capillary lane or inspection opening), a large amount of high-pressure water is injected into the steam generator and sprayed to the side that is in the direction intersecting the longitudinal axis of the lance. Is done. That is, the direction of water must be changed by 90 ° in order to clean between the narrow tubes. Bending 90 ° significantly increases the divergence of the water jet during jetting.

  Cleaning the outer surface of tube sheets and capillaries, the so-called “sludge lance”, is a cleaning tool, so-called “lance”, for inspections narrower than the capillaries gap (space between adjacent capillaries, depending on the diameter or arrangement pitch of the capillaries) It can be done almost automatically and efficiently by inserting from the opening. Of course, it is a prerequisite that the lance can be positioned to align the lance with the rows of tubes and spray the high speed jet substantially parallel to the tubesheet. The cleaning system from the inspection opening disclosed below is automatically indexed with respect to the gap between the tube bundles, and in one embodiment from a high speed lance head rotary motion suspended at the height of the tube plate to a linear motion. It has a simulated jet oscillation mechanism to convert. This system reduces radiation dose by reducing the time required to perform a sludge run swing.

The invention disclosed and claimed herein provides a sludge lance configured to be able to pass through a narrow capillary gap. The sludge lance includes a nozzle assembly having side nozzles. Thus, when the nozzle assembly is indexed, i.e. advanced by a distance corresponding to a multiple of the capillary gap, fluid can be sprayed into the capillary gap to clean the adjacent capillary.

  Preferably, the nozzle assembly includes a plurality of side nozzles spaced approximately by the width of the capillary gap. The “side nozzle” is configured to spray in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sludge lance. That is, as the sludge lance advances between the two rows of capillaries, the nozzles spray to the side to wash the two rows and even several rows farther than these two rows. In this configuration, the nozzle assembly can be indexed many times between cleaning sprays. For example, if there are three nozzles, the nozzle assembly will spray between the first three capillary gaps, then advance / index to the fourth to sixth capillary gaps and spray again. Regardless of the number of nozzles, the sludge lance can be indexed by the length of one capillary gap at a time and each capillary gap (except for the final capillary gap) can be configured to be washed multiple times.

  The invention disclosed and claimed herein also includes a segmented rail. The rail defines a passage through which water or other detergent passes until it reaches the nozzle assembly. The oval shape of the water channel and the end seals associated with it allow high flow rates. The low position of the water passage balances with the connecting load, eliminating the need for an internal support structure. The rail also includes a drive shaft configured to move the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is connected to a first end of a rail that is inserted into the steam generator. A water manifold is connected to the second end of the rail that remains outside the steam generator. In addition, an oscillation assembly is provided at the second end of the rail to provide motion to the drive shaft.

  On the other hand, since there is a possibility that parts may accidentally fall into the steam generator, it is desirable that the number of parts inserted into the steam generator is small. Thus, if there is only one pair of inspection openings facing each other and at a certain height of the steam generator, only one rail will be the same length as the diameter of the steam generator. Must. On the other hand, since the steam generator is installed in a narrow space, it is often impossible to insert a seamless rail. Therefore, it is preferable to divide the rail. That is, a plurality of similar rail assemblies are connected to form a rail. The rail assembly may be of a uniform length to reduce manufacturing costs, or may be split into different lengths to reduce the number of parts and be used in constrained spaces. For example, a rail segment having a length of 5 feet, 3 feet, and 2 feet can be used to form a 10 foot rail, and there is a 6 foot space around the steam generator. Can be operated within.

  The rail is moved longitudinally by the drive assembly. The drive assembly supports and accurately indexes the rail. The drive assembly is provided on a mounting assembly connected to the inspection opening. The mounting assembly has an alignment device that aligns the rail with the capillary gap between the two rows. If there is a small misalignment in the vicinity of the inspection opening, the first end of the rail will come into contact with the capillary as the rail is advanced. This is undesirable because it restricts the movement of the lance.

  Two embodiments of the nozzle assembly will now be described. Both nozzle assemblies can use the same rail and drive assembly, but each utilizes a different type of oscillator operation. Thus, the oscillator assembly is slightly different in each embodiment. In one embodiment, vibration is simulated by mechanically raising and lowering the nozzle assembly (including the high speed water jet) against the hydrostatic pressure generated by the jet shape.

In the other embodiment, the nozzle assembly is configured to rotate in a 180 ° arc. That is, a spray covering 360 ° is obtained by the nozzles facing each other. An anti-backlash mechanism allows the nozzle to rotate accurately. That is, if the drive shaft is split, the segments may not be able to maintain mutual alignment due to coupling tolerances. Such misalignment is exacerbated by the high pressure water spray. This phenomenon is disadvantageous because the nozzle assembly must be properly oriented and pass through the capillary gap.

  In this configuration, a small sludge lance allows a quick, accurate and reproducible setting.

  Details of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiment taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steam generator partially cut away. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the steam generator shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a detailed cross-sectional view from above of a steam generator showing one embodiment of a small sludge lance. FIG. 4 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of a steam generator showing one embodiment of a small sludge lance. FIG. 5 is a side sectional view of a part of the rail. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of one embodiment of the head assembly and nozzle assembly. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the rail assembly. FIG. 8 is a side sectional view showing a part of the oscillator assembly and the water manifold. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the second end of the rail assembly. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the first end of the rail assembly. FIG. 11 is a top view of the drive assembly. FIG. 12 is a side view of the drive assembly. FIG. 13 is a rear end view of the drive assembly. FIG. 14 is a schematic side view of the drive assembly. FIG. 15 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the steam generator showing the positioning assembly. FIG. 16 is an end view of the nozzle attitude reset device. FIG. 17 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of a steam generator showing another embodiment of a small sludge lance. 18 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the retraction assembly, and FIG. 18A is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the sliding head assembly of FIG. FIG. 19 is a detailed side sectional view showing another embodiment of the small sludge lance. FIG. 20 is a detailed side cross-sectional view illustrating another embodiment of the oscillator assembly. FIG. 21 is a detailed side cross-sectional view of the nozzle assembly. FIG. 22 is an end view of a water flow rectifier (flow straightener). FIG. 23 is a side view of the mounting assembly. FIG. 24 is an end view of the mounting assembly. FIG. 25 is a top view of the mounting assembly.

  As used in the specification, “linked” means a link between two or more elements, whether directly or indirectly, as long as the link is established.

  As used herein, “directly connected” means that two elements are in direct contact with each other.

  As used herein, “fixedly connected” means that the two components are connected so that they move together while maintaining a constant mutual orientation. Both fixed components may or may not be directly connected.

  As used herein, “temporarily connected” means that both components are connected so that they can be easily separated without damaging them. Components that are “temporarily linked” can be easily accessed or easily manipulated. For example, an exposed nut and bolt connection is an example of “temporarily connected” and a nut and bolt connection in a typical transmission case sealed by multiple fasteners is “temporarily connected”. It cannot be said that it is connected to.

  As used herein, “match” means that the two components are dimensioned to engage each other with a minimum amount of friction. That is, the opening is dimensioned slightly larger than the member so that the member can pass through the opening with minimal friction.

  As used in the specification, “connect with key”, “socket with key”, “opening with key” and “end with key” make the two components temporarily fixed to each other. Means that it is configured. This can be achieved by connecting with fixed threads or by providing protrusions or lugs in the holes or passages. The protrusion and the socket have a cross-sectional shape that matches each other but is not circular. Therefore, the protrusion cannot rotate in the socket. The element with the key is not necessarily hexagonal (like a normal nut), but may be “D” shaped or rectangular. For example, when a connection that makes access difficult, such as welding or bonding, is difficult, the connection under the key action enables a temporary connection.

  As used herein, “single” means a component formed as a single piece or unit. That is, a component that includes separately formed elements that are joined together as a single body is not a “single” component or object.

  As used herein, an object that moves in the “longitudinal direction” means that the object moves in a direction that is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the object.

  With respect to other components having gears or teeth, “working engagement” as used in the specification means that the teeth of both gears engage each other so that the rotation of one gear causes the other gear to engage. Also means rotating.

1 and 2 show a steam generator 10 in a pressurized water reactor (not shown). The steam generator 10 is described in great detail in US Patent Publication No. 2008/0121194, which is incorporated herein by reference, but generally speaking, the steam generator 10 defines a sealed space 14. An elongated generally cylindrical shell 12, at least one primary fluid inlet 16, at least one primary fluid outlet 18, at least one secondary fluid inlet 20, and at least one secondary fluid outlet. 22, between at least one primary fluid inlet 16 and at least one primary fluid outlet 18, and in communication with at least one primary fluid inlet 16 and at least one primary fluid outlet 18. It includes a tubule 24 of approximately uniform size. The cylindrical shell 12 is usually installed so that its longitudinal axis substantially coincides with the vertical direction. The narrow tube 24 is hermetically connected to a tube plate forming a part of a manifold in the sealed space and separating the fluid inlet 16 and the fluid outlet 18. As shown in FIG. 1, the tubule 24 follows a substantially inverted “U” shaped path. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the tubes 24 are arranged in a generally regular pattern with a substantially uniform narrow gap 25 between adjacent tubes 24. The capillary gap 25 is typically about 0.29 to 0.41 inches, more typically about 0.33 inches. As shown, the “U” shape of capillary tube 24 defines a capillary lane 26 through the center of shell 12. On both sides of the capillary lane 26 there are access openings 30 to the capillary lane. The capillary lane access opening 30 is typically circular and has a diameter of about 5 to 8 inches, more typically about 6 inches. Further, the shell 12 has at least one inspection opening 32 that is not aligned with the capillary lane 26 at a position close to the plurality of capillaries 24. The test opening 32, which is typically circular, typically has a diameter of about 1.5 to 4 inches, more typically about 2 inches. The narrow tube lane access opening 30 and the inspection opening 32 can be arranged at a plurality of heights of the shell 12.

  During operation of the pressurized water reactor, heated primary water from the reactor passes from at least one primary fluid inlet 16 through capillary tube 24 and is discharged from steam generator 10 via at least one primary fluid outlet. Is done. Secondary water enters the steam generator 10 from at least one secondary fluid inlet and is discharged from the steam generator 10 via at least one secondary fluid outlet 22. The secondary water is converted into steam while flowing along the outer surface of the capillary tube 24, leaving sludge between the tubes 24 and 24, on the surface of the tube plate 23 and other structures in the steam generator 10. In many cases, a large sludge lance (not shown) is accessed from the capillary lane access opening 30.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the small sludge lance 50 includes a mounting assembly 52, a drive assembly 54, a long rail 56, a nozzle assembly 58, and preferably an oscillator assembly 60. Unlike the large sludge lance, the small sludge lance 50 is configured to be inserted into the steam generator 10 through the inspection opening 32. Also, the portion of the small sludge lance 50 that is inserted into the generator 10, i.e., the rail 56 and the nozzle assembly 58, is configured to pass between adjacent capillaries 24, i.e., through the capillaries gap 25. Yes.

  Mounting assembly 52 is configured to support drive assembly 54 and rail 56. The drive assembly 54 is configured to advance and retract the rail 56 through the inspection opening 32. The drive assembly 54 is also coupled to the mounting assembly 52. The rail 56 has a body 70 and a drive shaft 72 (FIG. 5). The rail body 70 has a first end 74 and a second end 76. The rail body first end portion 74 here is an end portion on the side that enters the steam generator 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the rail body 70 is dimensioned so that it can pass between adjacent capillaries 24. The rail body 70 defines a water flow path 78 and a drive shaft passage 80. The drive shaft 72 is rotatably disposed in the drive shaft passage 80. Rail body 70 is movably coupled to drive assembly 54. A water passage 78 defined by the rail is connected to and communicates with a water supply source (not shown), preferably a high pressure water supply source. The water can contain a detergent, and the fluid may be only the detergent.

As shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle assembly 58 has body assemblies 400, 500 (FIG. 19) dimensioned to pass through the gap between adjacent capillaries as described above. The nozzle assembly body assembly 400, 500 also defines a water passage 401. The body assemblies 400 and 500 in the nozzle assembly are connected to the rail body 70 so that the water passage 401 defined by the body assemblies 400 and 500 communicates with the rail body water passage 78. With this configuration, the nozzle assembly 58 passes between adjacent capillaries 24 as the rail body 70 enters through the inspection opening. In order to clean the multiple tubes 24, which is one purpose of the small sludge lance 50, while passing the nozzle assembly 58 between adjacent tubes 24, it is preferred to be substantially laterally, that is, the longitudinal axis of the rail 56. Spray water in a direction almost perpendicular to More preferably, the spray is made to collide with the sludge existing on the top surface of the tube plate 23 by spraying water slightly downward. Accordingly, the nozzle assembly body assembly 400, 500 is preferably elongated and includes at least two side nozzles 600. Preferably, at least two side nozzles 600 are provided at positions spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction of the nozzle body assembly 400, 500, more preferably the distance between the center lines of two adjacent capillaries 24. Are maintained at the same distance, that is, the same distance as the distance between the center lines of the adjacent narrow tube gaps 25 is maintained. Furthermore, the nozzle assembly 58 may include four nozzles 600 that form a pair facing each other. If comprised in this way, a pair of nozzle 600 will face the substantially opposite direction, respectively. Thus, water is sprayed in two directions. The nozzle assembly 58 can be placed and actuated in different capillary gaps 25. That is, the nozzle assembly 58 not only sprays high-pressure water toward the narrow tube gap 25 to clean the narrow tubes 24 adjacent to the nozzle assembly 58, but can also clean the thin tubes 24 separated by several rows.

  The small sludge lance 50 can utilize at least two different types of nozzle assemblies 58. Details of each of these two types of nozzle assemblies 58, namely the rotating nozzle assembly 58A and the nozzle assembly 58B (FIG. 19) reciprocating up and down, are described below. Each type of nozzle assembly 58A, 58B has an associated oscillator assembly 60A, 60B. The other components of the small sludge lance 50 are used with either type of nozzle assembly 58. Accordingly, the two types of nozzle assemblies 58A, 58B will be described first after first describing the common components.

  As described above, the rail 56 has the body 70 and the drive shaft 72. Rail body 70 has a first end and a second end. The rail body 70 is substantially rigid. The rail body 70 is dimensioned so that it can pass between adjacent tubules 24. The corners of the rail body 70 are chamfered to reduce the chance of sharp edges coming into contact with the capillaries 24. Preferably, the rail body 70 has a rectangular cross section whose height is greater than its width. Such a cross-sectional shape has a wider water passage 78 defined by the rail body than other shapes, for example, a circular cross-section, and allows a sufficient amount of water to flow. Further, the water passage 78 defined by the rail body preferably has an elliptical cross-sectional shape. This shape can reduce the generation of turbulence when water flows into the nozzle assembly 58. The rail body drive shaft passage 80 is preferably substantially circular. The drive shaft 72 has a first end 82 (FIG. 6) and a second end 84 (FIG. 8). The first and second ends 82, 84 of the drive shaft are preferably key coupled (keys and sockets 134, 136 described below) or coupled to a key for key coupling as described below.

  The rail body 70 is long enough to reach all the capillaries 24 in the steam generator. That is, if the diameter of the steam generator shell 12 is 10 feet and each of the inspection openings 32 has an inspection opening 32 opposite thereto, the length of the rail body 70 is about 5 feet. If the steam generator shell 12 is 10 feet in diameter and the inspection opening 32 does not have an opposing inspection opening, the rail body 70 should be about 10 feet long.

However, depending on the facility, the steam generator 10 is not necessarily installed so that a marginal space of 10 feet or more is obtained around the steam generator 10. In that case, the rail 56 may be divided. That is, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rail 56 is a modular rail.
An assembly 90 and a water manifold 92 will be included. Rail assembly 90 may be formed by connecting and integrating the rail assembly 90 and connecting it to a water manifold. Certain components that make up the rail 56, such as the second end 84 of the drive shaft, are illustrated as part of a particular assembly. Each rail assembly 90 has a drive shaft segment 94 and an elongated body 96. As already mentioned, each rail assembly 96 is elongated and has a first end 98 and a second end 100. Each rail assembly 96 also preferably has a rectangular cross section, which preferably defines an elliptical water passage 99 and a drive shaft passage 101 having a generally circular cross section. Each rail assembly 96 is sized to pass between adjacent capillaries 24.

  Furthermore, each rail assembly 96 includes a waterway seal 102. The rail assembly waterway seal 102 may be provided at one or both of the first and second ends 98, 100 of the rail assembly body, but is provided at the first end 98 of the rail assembly body. It is preferable. That is, there will be an associated seal 102 at the first end 98 of each rail assembly 96. When the rail assemblies 96 are joined together as will be described later, the respective water passage seals 102 are configured so that the adjacent rail assemblies 96 are hermetically engaged. Each water passage seal 102 is preferably disposed in a recess 104 formed in the inner wall of the rail body first end 74. The seal mounting recess 104 extends so as to surround the rail / body water passage 78 and functions as a support means for the water passage seal 102. Further, by providing a seal support frame 106 in the seal mounting recess 104, it functions as a further support means of the seal 102. In addition, a longitudinal window 108 may be formed in each rail assembly 96. The longitudinal window 108 is aligned with and in communication with the drive shaft passage 101. The longitudinal window 108 allows the drive shaft passage 101 to be manufactured relatively easily (reduces the length that the drive shaft passage 101 should be cut from each end of the rail assembly 96), and a threaded drive shaft. Allows the drive shaft segment 94 to be retained when connecting the segments 94 and allows the user to observe the drive shaft segment 94 during use.

Each rail assembly 96 preferably has a uniform length substantially between about 6.0 and 24.0 inches, more preferably about 10.0 inches. Each rail assembly 96 preferably has a length corresponding to a multiple of the capillary pitch. If the dimensions are set in this way , the rail assembly can be exchanged. If the length of the rail assembly 96 in the steam generator 10 of the type (where the interval between the narrow tubes 24 is substantially constant) is made to correspond to a multiple of the narrow tube pitch, as will be described later, the feed hole 200 and the positioning are provided. The spacing of the indicators 308 can be common to all rail assemblies 96. Alternatively, each rail assembly 96 may be significantly reduced so that the number of rail assemblies 96 required to fit within the facility where the steam generator 10 is installed and to traverse the steam generator 10 is minimized. It can also be dimensioned to different lengths. For example, for a steam generator 10 having a diameter of 10 feet, the length of the rail assembly 96 may be 5 feet, 3 feet, and 2 feet, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 8, the water manifold 92 is connected to and in fluid communication with a water supply (not shown) and preferably a high pressure water supply (not shown). The water manifold 92 has a drive shaft segment 110 and a body 112. The water manifold body 112 has a first end 114 and a second end 116. The water manifold body 112 defines a water passage 118 and a drive shaft passage 120. The water manifold body first end portion 114 is connected to the second end portion 100 of the rail assembly 96 provided at the rail body second end portion 76. That is, as described above, the rail body second end portion 76 is an end portion of the rail body 70 located outside the steam generator 10. Thus, regardless of the number of rail assemblies 90 used to form the rail 56, the water manifold 92 connects to the rail assembly 96 at the rail body second end 76.

As described above, the drive shaft 72 is a long, substantially cylindrical object and is configured to rotate within the drive shaft passage 80. When the drive shaft 72 is divided into drive shaft segments 94 as shown in FIG. 7, the drive shaft segments 94 are configured to be temporarily secured to each other via a coupling. That is, each drive shaft segment 94 has a first end 130 and a second end 132. Drive shaft segment ends 130, 132 are protrusions 134 or sockets 136; depending on whether the nozzle assembly used is 58A or 58B, the first end 130 of each drive shaft segment is a key. And a second end 132 of each drive shaft segment is a keyed socket 136A or a threaded socket 136B . Also, as shown in FIG. 8, the water manifold drive shaft segment 110 has a first end 140 and a second end 142, depending on the type of drive shaft 72 used, the first end, Both of the two ends are a protrusion 134A having a key or a threaded protrusion 134B . That is, the water manifold drive shaft segment first end 140 mates with the drive shaft segment socket 136 used. Accordingly, the drive shaft 72 can be formed by temporarily securing all the drive shaft segments 94 and the water manifold drive shaft segments 110 together.

As will be described in detail later, the drive shaft 72 is preferably configured to move in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, this longitudinal movement is facilitated by at least one bearing 150 provided between the drive shaft 72 and the rail body drive shaft passage 80. When the rail body 70 is divided, at least one bearing 150 is disposed between each drive shaft segment 94 and each rail assembly drive shaft passage 101. More preferably, two bearings 150 are provided, one at each end 130, 132 of each adjacent drive shaft segment of each rail assembly 96. At least one bearing 150 is maintained in place adjacent each drive shaft segment end 130, 132 by being secured to the rail assembly 96 via a spring pin 153. Each drive shaft segment 94 also has at least one reduced diameter portion 152, preferably one reduced diameter portion 152 per bearing 150. Each reduced diameter portion 152 forms a channel in which the bearing 150 is disposed. Both ends of each reduced diameter portion 152 prevent the bearing 150 from moving beyond the reduced diameter portion 152. From at least one bearing 150 is fixed to the rail assembly 96 has the effect of holding the drive shaft segments 94 to the rail assembly 96. More preferably, the reduced diameter portion 152 is set to be longer than the associated bearing 150 so that the drive shaft segment 94 can be moved a shorter distance in the longitudinal direction than the rail assembly 96. At least one bearing 150 of each drive shaft segment has a length, and the reduced diameter portion 152 of each drive shaft segment has an axial length that is longer than the length of the at least one reduced diameter portion 150. As in the first embodiment described below, the relative length of the bearing 150 and reduced diameter portion 152 causes the drive shaft segment 94 to move from 0.125 inches to 0.375 inches, more preferably about 0.25 inches. It is preferable to make this possible. In the second embodiment described below, the drive shaft segment 94 is configured to shift approximately 1.0 to 2.0 inches, more preferably approximately 1.25 inches.

Each rail assembly 96 has a coupling assembly 160 provided at each end 98, 100. The coupling assembly 160 of each rail assembly is substantially the same, and any two rail assembly bodies 70 can be coupled together. That is, each rail assembly coupling assembly 160 has a first component 162 and a second component 163. Each rail assembly first end 98 has a coupling assembly first component 162, and each rail assembly second end 100 has a coupling assembly second component 163. Thus, the rail assemblies 96 can be connected in series. Preferably, each coupling assembly first component 162 is at least one threaded fastener and each coupling assembly second component 163 is at least one threaded hole 166. At least one threaded fastener 164 is inserted into an elongated pocket 165 extending in the longitudinal direction of the rail assembly first end 98. A holding body 167 can be provided in the pocket 165 and can be held via a spring pin 153. The retainer 167 reduces the risk of components falling into the steam generator 10 by preventing the at least one threaded fastener 164 from coming out of the pocket 165.

As shown in FIG. 6, one nozzle assembly 58A utilizes a head assembly 170 provided at the first end 74 of the rail body. If the alternative nozzle assemblies 58A, 58B are not used, the elements of the head assembly 170 may be incorporated into the rail body 70. That is, the components described in connection with the head assembly 70 can be considered part of the rail body 70. Details head assembly 170 as will be described later, it is configured to nozzle assembly 58A to movably supported. The head assembly 170 is a mechanism 172 having a first end 174 and a second end 176. The head assembly 172 preferably defines an elliptical water passage 178 and a generally circular drive shaft passage 180. The head assembly 172 is dimensioned to pass between adjacent tubules 24. The head assembly second end 176 is connected to the first end 98 of the rail assembly 96 located at the rail first end 74 in the assembled state. That is, when the water manifold 92 is disposed at the rear end portion of the rail 56, that is, the second end portion 76, the head assembly 170 is disposed at the front end portion of the rail 56, that is, the first end portion 74. Further, the head assembly water passage 178 and the drive shaft passage 180 are connected to the rail body water passage 78 and the rail body drive shaft passage 80, or the adjacent rail assembly water passage 99 and the rail assembly drive shaft passage 101. The size, shape and position are set so as to match. Furthermore, the rail assembly waterway seal 102 is configured to seal against the head assembly 172. Thus configured, the head assembly 172, at least one rail assembly 96 and the water manifold body 112 define a rail water passage 78 and a drive shaft passage 80.

  As described above, the rail body 70, or rail assembly 96, is elongated and preferably has a rectangular cross section. Thus, rail body 70 or rail assembly 96 has two wide sides and two narrow side edges 194, 196 (FIG. 4), hereinafter referred to as outer surface 190 (FIG. 3) and inner surface 192 (FIG. 3). Have. One rail body side edge 194 has a plurality of feed holes 200 (FIG. 5). When forming the rail 56 from the rail assembly 96, the feed holes 200 maintain a constant spacing along the interface of the rail assemblies 96 adjacent to each other. The other rail body side edge 196 is preferably substantially flat. Feed hole 200 is configured to engage drive assembly 54.

As shown in FIGS. 11-13, the drive assembly 54 includes a motor 210, a housing assembly 212, anti-slip drive means 213 and at least one guide surface 216. The anti-slip driving means 213 may be a gear system or a rack and pinion (not shown), but is not limited thereto, and is preferably a driving sprocket 214. The motor 210 has an output shaft 218 and is configured to rotate the motor 210 drive assembly output shaft 218 of the drive assembly. The output shaft 218 is connected to the drive sprocket 214. At least one guide surface 216 is configured to maintain the rail body 70 or rail assembly 96 in contact with the drive sprocket 214. The rail body 70 or the rail assembly 96 is interposed between the guide surface 216 and the sprocket 214, and the feed hole 200 engages with the sprocket pin 215. Sprocket pin 215 is preferably an involute pin. A housing assembly 212 for the drive assembly includes an upper housing 220 and a lower housing 222. The upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 are movably connected to each other, and are configured to be able to move in parallel with each other. More preferably, the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 are configured to move in parallel within the same plane while moving in one axis within the same plane.

  As shown in FIG. 14, in order to move the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 in this manner, the housing assembly 212 for the drive assembly has two guide pin passages 224 and two guides. Includes pin 226. The guide pin passage 224 passes through both the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222. That is, the guide pin passage 224 is branched and aligned with each of the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222. The longitudinal axes of the guide pin passages 224 are in the same plane and extend substantially parallel to each other. The guide pin passage 224 preferably includes a linear bearing 225 disposed in the guide pin passage 224 of the lower housing 222. Still further, the guide pin passage 224 of the lower housing 222 preferably includes a threaded portion 227 that couples the guide pin 226 to the passage 224 by having a screw 228 associated therewith. Make it possible. A guide pin 226 is disposed in the guide pin passage 224 and is preferably coupled to the lower housing 222.

Further, the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 are configured to be biased toward each other. As a result of this bias, the components coupled to the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 engage the side edges 194, 196 of the rail body 70. This biasing action is also obtained by a tension spring connected to both the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222, but is preferably obtained by a biasing assembly 230 provided on one guide pin 226. The guide pin biasing assembly 230 includes a biasing device 232, a knob 234, and a threaded end 236 on the associated guide pin 226. Further, the associated guide pin passage 224 has an enlarged diameter portion 238. When the guide pin 226 is disposed in the guide pin passage 224 having the enlarged diameter portion 238, an annular space 240 is formed. The guide pin passage 224 having the enlarged diameter portion 238 is preferably located in the upper portion of the branch guide pin passage 224. In the annular space 240, a biasing action device 232 , preferably comprising a compression spring 242, is arranged. The threaded end 236 of the guide pin is adjacent to the upper housing 220. That is, the guide pin threaded end 236 is located in the upper portion of the branch guide pin passage 224. The knob 234 has a threaded opening 244. The knob 234 is attached to a guide pin threaded end 236. In this configuration, the biasing device 232 is located between the bottom of the annular space 240 and the knob 234. With this configuration, the biasing assembly 230 biases the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 toward each other.

In order for components connected to the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222 to engage with the side edges 194, 196 of the rail body 70 to achieve the desired functional effects, the drive sprocket 214 and at least one guide surface 216 are required. Must be connected to different parts of the housing assembly 212 for the drive assembly. Although the position may be reversed, in the illustrated embodiment, the drive sprocket 214 is rotatably connected to the lower housing 222 and at least one guide surface 216 is disposed on the upper housing 220. In this configuration, the drive sprocket 214 and the at least one guide surface 216 are on both side edges 194, 196 of the rail body 70.
Engage with. Although at least one guide surface 216 may be a cam surface, in a preferred embodiment, at least one guide surface 216 is at least one guide wheel 250 that is rotatably attached to upper housing 220. In order to control the rail body 70 with high accuracy, at least one guide wheel 250 may actually be three guide wheels 250. Preferably, guide wheel 250 and sprocket 214 (rather than sprocket teeth 215) have approximately the same diameter. If comprised in this way, the longitudinal direction channel | path through which the rail body 70 passes will be formed effectively. In the case where the guide wheel 250 and / or the sprocket 214 have different diameters, the same effect can be obtained by arranging the three guide / wheels 250 and the sprocket 214 in a square pattern.

The rail body 70 must be repeatedly affected by the guide wheel 250 and the sprocket 214, but the guide wheel 250 method is preferable to the cam surface to reduce wear and damage on both side edges of the rail body 70. . Wear and damage can be further reduced by rotating the guide wheel 250 facing the sprocket 214 at least in the vertical direction at the same speed as the sprocket. This is accomplished by a gear assembly 260 in the drive assembly coupled to the sprocket 214 and configured to rotate the at least one guide wheel 250. The gear assembly 260 in the drive assembly includes a first gear 262, a second gear 264 , a third gear 266 , a fourth gear 268 , a first long link 270 and a second long link 272. The first gear 262 is fixed to the sprocket 214 and shares the rotation axis with the sprocket 214. The second gear 264 is fixed to at least one guide wheel 250. The first link 270 has a first end 274 and a second end 276. The first link 270 is dimensioned to rotatably support the first gear 262, the third gear 266, and the fourth gear 268 in the engaged state. That is, the first link 270 has a length sufficient to rotatably mount the first gear 262, the third gear 266, and the fourth gear 268, but the first gear 262, the third gear 266, and the fourth gear 268. It is not long enough to disable the mutually rotatable engagement. The second link 272 has a first end 278 and a second end 280. The second link 272 is dimensioned to support the second gear 264 and the fourth gear 268 in a rotatably engaged state. The first end portion 274 of the first link is rotatably connected to the lower housing 222 such that the rotation axis coincides with the rotation axis of the sprocket 214. The first end 278 of the second link is rotatably connected to the upper housing such that the rotation axis coincides with the rotation axis of at least one guide wheel 250. In addition, the second end 276 of the first link and the second end 280 of the second link are rotatably connected to each other and share the rotation axis with the fourth gear 268. When configured in this manner, the gear assembly 260 in the drive assembly rotatably engages the gears 262, 264, 266, 268 at the two links 270, 272 and is centered about the joint at the second end 276, 280. Are maintained in a state of rotating relative to each other. The two links 270 and 272 relatively rotate around the joints of the second ends 276 and 280 as the upper housing 220 and the lower housing operate as described above. Thus, in this configuration, regardless of the spacing between the upper housing 220 and the lower housing 222, the sprocket 214 and the at least one wheel 250 are connected via the rotatable engagement of gears 262, 264, 266, 268. It remains a working connection.

Since the drive assembly 54 and the long rail 56 are configured as described above, the rail 56 passes between the drive assembly sprocket 214 and the guide wheel 250 while engaging the sprocket 214. As the drive assembly motor 210 rotates the sprocket 214, the rail 54 enters or exits the steam generator 10. Further, when the rail 56 is divided, the rail assemblies 90 may be connected to each other during the cleaning process. That is, a single rail assembly 90 is connected to the nozzle assembly 58 and the water manifold 92 to clean the capillaries 24 proximate the inspection opening 32. The rail 56 is then passed through the drive assembly 54 and the nozzle assembly 58 is inserted into the steam generator 10 to clean the capillary tube 24. The water manifold 92 does not penetrate the drive assembly 54. Accordingly, after the capillary tube 24 adjacent to the inspection opening 32 is cleaned, the water manifold 92 is removed from the first rail assembly 90, the second rail assembly 90 is connected to the first rail assembly 90, and the water is regenerated. Connect the manifold 92 to the second rail assembly 90. The rail 56 is longer than the beginning, allowing the rail body first end 74 to enter deeper into the steam generator 10. This procedure may be repeated by adding additional rail assemblies 90 until the rail 56 is long enough to traverse the steam generator 10.

However, it is desirable to align the nozzle 600 with the capillary gap 25 before performing the cleaning operation. That is, as described above, in order for the cleaning spray to reach as many capillaries 24 as possible, it is desirable that the spray be substantially aligned with the center of the capillaries gap 25. Furthermore, since the distance between the inspection opening 32 and the adjacent capillary 24 is different depending on the inspection opening 32, the position of the capillary 24 must be confirmed before inserting the rail 56 together with the nozzle assembly 58. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15, the positioning assembly 300 can be temporarily connected to the rail 56. The positioning assembly 300 includes a body 302, a stopper 304, an adjustable pointer assembly 306, and a plurality of indicators 308 (FIG. 4). Positioning assembly 302 is substantially the same size as the rail assembly 96 but does not include an internal passage. The positioning assembly 302 is coupled to the first end of the rail 56 and becomes the rail first end 74. The stopper 304 is connected to the positioning assembly 302, that is, to the rail first end 74. The stopper 304 is dimensioned so that it cannot pass between adjacent thin tubes 24. An adjustable pointer assembly 306 is movably connected to the drive assembly 54 in the vicinity of the rail 56 and is configured to move in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail 56. The plurality of indicators 308 are arranged on the rail 56. The index 308 is preferably a line or line segment that traverses the rail body outer surface 190. The indicators 308 are arranged at intervals corresponding to multiples of the center-to-capillary distance, and this multiple is preferably 1. Further, the distance between the stopper 304 and the index 308 is known, and when the stopper comes into contact with the narrow tube 24, the index is at a known distance from the center line of the narrow tube 24 and / or the center line of the narrow tube gap 25.

  In this configuration, the positioning assembly 302 is inserted into the steam generator as described above, but rather than passing between the capillaries, the stopper 304 contacts the capillaries 24 proximate to the inspection opening 32. Therefore, the position of the narrow tube 24 close to the inspection opening 32 can be confirmed. Once the position of the capillary tube 24 proximate the inspection opening 32 is confirmed, the adjustable pointer assembly 306 is aligned with one of the indicators 308. Temporarily fix the adjustable pointer assembly 306 in place. The rail 56 is then extracted from the steam generator 10 and the nozzle assembly 58 is attached to the rail 56. Rail 56 is reinserted into steam generator 10 and rail 56 is moved until adjustable pointer assembly 306 again aligns with indicator 308. In this configuration, the nozzle 600 is positioned approximately at the center line of the narrow tube gap 25. After spraying the cleaning spray, the rail may be indexed (advanced) until the adjustable pointer assembly 306 aligns with the next index 308 indicating that the nozzle 600 is positioned in the next capillary gap 25. This operation may be repeated until all the capillary gaps 25 are cleaned. If the rail 56 includes multiple rail assemblies 90, the at least one indicator 308 will include a plurality of indicators 308 provided on each rail assembly 90.

The adjustable pointer assembly 306 includes an elongated body 312 having at least one fastener-310 and an indicator 314. The drive assembly 54 also has at least one fastener opening 313 near the rail 56. An adjustable slot assembly 312 is formed with a longitudinal slot 316. At least one fastener 310 of the adjustable pointer assembly 306 passes through one slot 316 of the adjustable pointer assembly and is coupled to at least one fastener opening 313 of the drive assembly 54. Thus, the adjustable pointer assembly 312 is movably connected to the drive assembly 54 and can be moved longitudinally and temporarily secured to the drive assembly 54.

The nozzle assembly 58 includes a nozzle 600 that is essentially stationary, but preferably movable to allow water to reach and increase the effective cleaning area. It is the oscillator assembly 330 (FIG. 4 ) that moves the nozzle 600. Oscillator assembly 330 produces periodic motion and is in operative connection with drive shaft 72. Therefore, the drive shaft 72 also moves periodically. As shown in FIG. 8, the oscillator assembly 330 (FIG. 4) includes a housing assembly 332, a motor assembly 334 (FIG. 4 ) with an elongated output shaft 336, and a gear assembly 338. The motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly is coupled to the housing assembly 332 of the oscillator assembly. The motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly includes a control assembly 450 that is shown schematically and will be described in detail below, and a sensor assembly 452 having an encoder 454 and a mechanical resistance sensor 456. The motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly is configured to rotate the output shaft 336 in both directions. That is, the motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly can rotate the motor output shaft 336 of the oscillator assembly in both directions.

  As described above, the sludge lance 50 often has to be operated in a tight area. Thus, the longitudinal axis of the motor assembly 334 and / or output shaft 336 in the oscillator assembly can be aligned with the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 72, but the oscillator assembly 330 is substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 72. Therefore, it is preferable to shorten the overall length of the sludge lance 50. Accordingly, the oscillator assembly gear assembly 338 is preferably a miter gear assembly. The oscillator assembly gear assembly 338 includes a first gear 340, a second gear 342, and a miter gear socket member 343. The first and second gears 340, 342 of the gear assembly in the oscillator assembly are in operative connection. The first gear 340 is fixed to the motor output shaft 336 of the oscillator assembly. The second gear 342 is coupled to a miter gear socket member 343 that defines an opening 344 having a key. That is, the gear assembly 338 in the oscillator assembly has a different miter gear socket member 343 depending on the implementation of the nozzle assemblies 58A, 58B. The miter gear socket member 343 has a tubular portion 350 and a substantially vertical flange 352. The miter gear socket member tubular portion 350 is located within the central opening of the second miter gear 342. The miter gear socket member tubular portion 350 is hollow and defines a socket having a key. The miter gear socket member flange 352 includes a fastener opening 354 that aligns with the threaded hole 356 of the second miter gear 342. It should be noted that the assembly is not used with a miter gear socket member 343 which allows the assembly to be used with the nozzle assemblies 58A, 58B of both embodiments, but only with one of the nozzle assemblies 58A, 58B. A specific opening (not shown) may be formed in the second gear 342. Therefore, the expression “second gear having an opening having a key” as used herein means the second gear 342 having an associated miter gear socket member 343 or the second gear 342 having an opening having an equivalent key. Means structure.

The drive shaft second end 84 protrudes from the rail body 70 and, as described above, the outer periphery forms a keyed protrusion 134 or engages the second end 84 with the keyed opening. What is necessary is just to connect with the key 134 to do. That is, in the first embodiment, the drive shaft second end portion 84 is a key, and in the second embodiment, the drive shaft second end portion 84 is threaded and penetrates the nut 570. Since the nut 570 used here is a movable part of the drive shaft second end 84, this configuration, like the drive shaft second end 84, matches the opening 344 with the key of the miter gear socket member. The key is dimensioned to do.

  Whichever type the second end 346 having the drive shaft key is, the drive shaft 72 can enter the opening 344 having the second gear key. That is, if the drive shaft second end 84 is not threaded, the drive shaft second end 84, more specifically, the second end 346 having the drive shaft key, has the second gear key. A sliding approach can be made to the opening 344. If the drive shaft second end 84 is threaded, rotating the threaded collar 570 causes the drive shaft 72 to pass through the threaded collar 570 and into an opening 344 having a second gear key. As a result, the second end 346 having the key of the drive shaft is received in the opening 344 having the key of the second gear, and the drive shaft 72 can move through the second gear 342 in the axial direction.

  The nozzle assembly 58A, 58B of either embodiment includes an elongated nozzle assembly body 400, 500. As noted above, the presence of at least two side nozzles 600 is preferred. The nozzle 600 is in fluid communication with the nozzle assembly body water passage 401, and the at least two side nozzles 600 are configured to move relative to the rail 56. That is, the nozzle assembly bodies 400 and 500 are connected to the drive shaft 72, and the nozzle bodies 400 and 500 move relative to the rail 56 as the drive shaft 72 moves.

In one embodiment, nozzle assembly 58A allows nozzle 600 to rotate. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the nozzle assembly body 400 is an elongated, substantially hollow, generally straight tube 402 having a first end 404, an intermediate portion 406, and a second end 407 . . The nozzle assembly body 400 defines a nozzle assembly body water passage 401. The nozzle assembly body 400 is rotatably connected to the rail 56 or, in the case of a separate rail, is rotatably connected to the head assembly 170, and the nozzle assembly body second end. 407 and nozzle assembly body intermediate portion 406 fit within rail body 70 (or head assembly body 172) and nozzle assembly body first end 404 extends from rail first end 74 (or Protruding from the head assembly first end 174).

In this embodiment, nozzle 600 is a generally vertical protrusion 403 from nozzle assembly body 400. There are preferably six nozzles 600, of which three nozzles 600 project in the first direction parallel to each other, and the other three nozzles 600 project in the opposite direction. Each pair of nozzles 600 facing each other preferably shares its axis. Further, the combined width of the protrusions extending in opposite directions is wider than the narrow tube gap 24 into which the rail 56 is inserted. Therefore, when the rail 55 is inserted and subsequently in the process of moving the rail in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal axis of the vertical protrusion 403 must be maintained in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the thin tube 25. During cleaning, the nozzle assembly body 400 and thus the vertical protrusion 403 is rotated to about 180 ° to increase the cleaning area. That is, the motor assembly 334 of the oscillator assembly is configured to reciprocate the drive shaft in the manner described below. First, the motor assembly 334 of the oscillator assembly moves the drive shaft 72 about 90 ° in the first direction. The motor assembly 334 of the oscillator assembly then moves the drive shaft 72 about 90 ° in the second direction, ie the opposite direction. That is, it means that the vertical protrusion 403 can move over about 180 °. During this rotation, the vertical protrusion 403 enters the gap 25 between the narrow tubes 24 adjacent to the rail 56 while rotating. The tip of the nozzle assembly body 400 may include a soft, for example, non-metallic cap 409. This soft cap 409 prevents the capillary 24 from being damaged if the rail 56 is not properly aligned with the capillary gap 25 into which it is inserted. The cap 409 preferably has a larger width or diameter than the rail body 70. With this consideration, the vertical protrusion 403 where the rail body 70 is unlikely to enter a narrower gap can also include a non-metallic sleeve 411. If the nozzle assembly body 400 is not properly aligned with the vertical protrusion 403 entering the capillary gap 25, the sleeve 411 contributes to the protection of the capillary 24.

  In this embodiment, the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body 400 is in alignment with the drive shaft 72. Therefore, the nozzle body 400 is offset from the rail body water passage 78 (or the head assembly water passage 178), and the fluid communication relationship with the water passage 78 or 178 is not established as it is. Thus, at the rail body first end 74 (or within the head assembly 170), the rail body water passage 78 (or head assembly water passage 178) and the rail body drive shaft water passage 80 (or head assembly drive). A first end fluid passage 410 exists between the shaft water passage 180). There is also at least one fluid port 412 in the middle portion 406 of the nozzle assembly body. At least one fluid port 412 of the nozzle assembly is located in the rail body first end fluid passage 410. The at least one fluid port 412 is in fluid communication with the nozzle / body water passage 401. Accordingly, the at least one fluid port 412 allows fluid communication with the rail body water passage 78 (or head assembly water passage 178). Preferably, turbulent flow formation is mitigated by cutting the edge of at least one fluid port 412 to coincide with the fluid flow direction.

  In this embodiment, high pressure water acts on the drive shaft passage 80. A seal is provided to resist water ingress into the drive shaft passage 80. More specifically, the non-hollow part 414 provided between the nozzle body water passage 401 and the socket 420 having the key of the nozzle assembly body second end described later is provided in the middle part 406 of the nozzle assembly body. including. The nozzle assembly body 400 includes a seal assembly 416 having a plurality of seals 415. A plurality of seals 415 are provided around the nozzle assembly body 400 and are configured to substantially prevent water from escaping around the nozzle assembly body 400. The seal assembly 416 includes at least a first seal 415A and a second seal 415B. The first seal 415A is provided in the immediate vicinity of the rail body first end 74 to prevent water from passing through the rail body first end 74. This location can also be provided with a bearing. A second seal 415 B provided around the non-hollow portion 414 of the nozzle assembly body is configured to prevent water from flowing into the drive shaft passage 80. The second seal 415B can include radial channels (not shown) that allow water to flow laterally. This type of seal 415B requires a discharge channel 418 (FIG. 4) in the head assembly body 172. With this configuration, water that has entered the drive shaft passage 80 can be discharged from the head assembly body 172.

  Further, the nozzle body 400 is configured to widen the operating range of the cleaning spray by rotating around the nozzle body longitudinal axis. The nozzle assembly body second end 407 preferably defines a socket 420 having a key. Furthermore, as described above, the drive shaft first end 82 is a key 134. The drive shaft first end key 134 mates with a socket 420 having a key at the nozzle assembly body second end. Thus, when a portion of the nozzle body 400 is placed on the rail body 70 (or head assembly body 170), the first end 134 having a key on the drive shaft has a key on the second end of the nozzle body. By temporarily fixing to the socket 420, the nozzle body 400 rotates as the drive shaft 72 rotates.

If the rail 56 is formed from the rail assembly 90, the nozzle assembly body 400 may not be properly aligned. That is, as described above, since the nozzle body 400 can move only when the vertical protrusion 403 is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the thin tube 24 , the user can move the nozzle body 400 in the steam generator 10. The direction must be confirmed. However, if the drive shaft 72 is split and is connected via a keyed protrusion 134 and a socket 136, there may be “play” in the coupling. Each coupling has tolerances, and when such individual tolerances are multiplied by the number of couplings, the effects of the compound tolerances can exceed acceptable limits. Even if there is a compound tolerance, if the drive shaft second end 84 remains in the initial orientation, i.e., if the nozzle body 400 remains in proper alignment during the insertion process, the vertical protrusion 403 is Can enter the capillary gap.

To address this problem, the keyed protrusion 134 and socket 136 are tapered to bias the drive shaft 72 toward the drive shaft first end 82. A protrusion 134 having a key is shown in FIG . The socket 136 having a key has a shape that matches the protruding portion having the key. The socket 136 with the key is tapered and has a major (large) cross-sectional area on the side adjacent to the drive shaft segment 94 and a minor (small) cross-sectional area on the side far from the drive shaft segment 94. Further, as described below, the drive shaft 72 is biased toward the drive shaft first end portion 82 by a plunger 434 described later. This biasing action reduces / controls the “play” between the drive shaft segments 94. In order to make each protrusion 134 having a key and the socket 136 having a key closely contact each other, the taper of the protrusion 134 having a key is about 0.0 ° to 4.0 ° more than the taper of the socket 136. An acute angle of about 2.0 ° is preferable. As described above, the drive shaft 72 is configured to slide through the second gear key opening 344 in the oscillator / assembly, and biasing the drive shaft 72 forward causes the keyed protrusion 134 to be displaced. It is desirable to bias it into a socket 136 having a key. As shown in FIG. 8, this is accomplished by a socket insert assembly 430 having a key provided in a housing / assembly 332 in the oscillator assembly. Socket insert assembly 430 having a key is biased toward the rail body first end 74 of the drive shaft 72 engages the drive shaft 72. The keyed socket insert assembly 430 includes a generally tubular body 432 having a key, a plunger 434, a biasing device 436, and a cap 438. The radially outer surface of the socket insert assembly body 432 having the key has a shape that matches the opening 344 having the key of the second gear. The socket insert assembly body 432 having a key also has an elongated passage 440 having a key. The keyed passage 440 in the socket insert assembly body with the key is configured to mate with the second end 84 having the key of the drive shaft. The plunger 434 of the socket insert assembly with the key is disposed within the elongated passage 440 of the socket insert assembly body with the key. The cap 348 in the socket insert assembly with the key is coupled to the socket insert assembly body 432 with the key at the rear end of the elongated passage 440 of the socket insert assembly body with the key. Between the plunger 434 in the socket insert assembly with the key and the cap 438 in the socket insert assembly with the key, a biasing device 436, preferably a compression spring 437, in the socket insert assembly with the key is disposed. The plunger 434 in the socket insert assembly with the key is configured to bias toward the rail body first end 74. Accordingly, the plunger 434 in the socket insert assembly having the key engages the drive shaft 72 to bias the drive shaft 72 toward the rail body first end 74.

As described above, the vertical protrusion 403 must be oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube 24 in the course of insertion of the rail 56 and subsequent longitudinal movement. The orientation of the vertical protrusion 403 is typically done by a motor control assembly 450 ( shown schematically in FIG. 3 ) in the oscillator assembly. That is, the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly receives an input from the sensor assembly 452, typically an electronic signal carrying data. Including sensor assembly 452 (shown schematically in FIG. 3) from the encoder 454 to track the direction of the drive shaft 72 (shown schematically in FIG. 3), the mechanical resistance sensor 456 (shown schematically in Figure 3). Resistive sensor 456 is typically a current sensor that senses the amount of current consumed by motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly. Both the encoder 454, the mechanical resistance sensor 456, and the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly generate inputs that are received by the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly. That is, in response to an input, eg, an input from an operator, the motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly is actuated and receives input from the encoder 454 and the resistance sensor 456. Encoder 454 tracks the position of the gear in the gear assembly 338 in the oscillator assembly to provide location data to the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly. Since the gear assembly 338 in the oscillator assembly is in an invariable position relative to the drive shaft 72, the orientation of the drive shaft 72 is also known. Once the rail body 70 is positioned in the correct orientation, the encoder 454 is reset each time the rail 56 is inserted into the steam generator. Since the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly is an electronic device, if power loss occurs, the system will not be able to track the orientation of the vertical protrusion 403. If the rail 56 moves longitudinally with the vertical protrusion 403 in an orientation that is not substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tubule 24, power loss is undesirable because the tubule 24 will be damaged. Thus, the oscillator assembly 330 includes a nozzle attitude reset device 460.

The nozzle attitude reset device 460 positions the nozzle assembly body 400 and thus positions the vertical protrusion 403 containing the nozzle 600 in the intended orientation, often the vertical orientation. The nozzle attitude reset device 460 includes an end plate 462 and a lug 464, as shown in FIG. End plate 462 is positioned proximate socket insert assembly body 432 having a key. In other words, the end plate 462 is positioned in the vicinity of the socket insert assembly body 432 (FIG. 8) having a key and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the drive shaft 72. End plate 462 has an arcuate channel 466. The end plate channel 466 has a center substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the drive shaft 72. The lug 464 is disposed on a socket insert assembly body 432 having a key and extends axially from the body 432. The lug 464 is sized and positioned to be movably disposed within the arcuate channel 466. Thus, the lug 464 reciprocates within the channel 466 when the motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly is activated. The arcuate channel 466 extends through 180 ° and the lug 464 is positioned approximately in the middle of the channel 466 when the vertical protrusion 403 is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the capillary tube 24.

The lug 464 is moved along the channel 466 until the lug 464 contacts one end of the channel 466, thereby resetting the orientation of the nozzle assembly body 400, ie, the motor 450 in the oscillator assembly. The motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly is preferably programmed with data indicating each distance between the end of the channel 466 and the neutral position. Upon contact, the resistance sensor 456 provide location data to the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly, the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly of the nozzle by utilizing the position data of the encoder, i.e., a vertical protruding portion 403 is returned to the desired or neutral position.

  In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 17, nozzle assembly 58B is configured to move nozzle 600 vertically. That is, in the second embodiment, the nozzle assembly 58B includes an elongated body assembly 500 having an elongated first end 502, an intermediate portion 504, and an elongated second end 506. The body assembly intermediate portion 504 in the nozzle assembly preferably extends arcuately over approximately 90 °, and the body assembly first end 502 in the nozzle assembly and the body assembly second end in the nozzle assembly. The parts 506 are located at a right angle between each other. The nozzle 600 is provided at the body assembly first end 502 of the nozzle assembly. The nozzle 600 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by configuring the body assembly first end 502 of the nozzle assembly to be extendable and contractible. That is, it is movable between a first position where the body assembly first end 502 in the nozzle assembly is in the extended position and a second position where the body assembly first end 502 in the nozzle assembly is in the retracted position. It is configured. Preferably, in use, the body assembly second end 506 in the nozzle assembly extends substantially horizontally from the rail 56 and the body assembly intermediate portion 504 in the nozzle assembly curves downward. In this configuration, when the body assembly first end 502 in the nozzle assembly is in the first position, the nozzle 600 is in a lower position than when the body assembly first end 502 in the nozzle assembly is in the second position. It is in.

Although the body assembly first end 502 in the nozzle assembly can be configured to expand and contract via the bellows device, in a preferred embodiment, the retraction assembly 520 (FIG. 18) moves the nozzle 600. Let That is, the body assembly 500 in the nozzle assembly includes a body member 510 and a retraction assembly 520. The body assembly 510 in the nozzle assembly is a substantially rigid member having an elongated first end 512, an intermediate portion 514, and an elongated second end 516. Body member intermediate portion 514 of the body assembly definitive the nozzle assembly is arcuate preferably extends over approximately 90 °, thus, the body member first end 512 and the nozzle assembly body assembly in the nozzle assembly The body member second ends 516 of the body assembly are located at substantially right angles to each other. Retraction assembly 520 includes a cable 522 and a sliding head assembly 524. As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the sliding head assembly 524 is movably coupled to a body member first end 512 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly, and the body member first of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly. It is configured to be movable with respect to the end portion 512. The retraction assembly cable 522 is movably disposed within the body assembly body member 510 of the nozzle assembly and is coupled to the sliding head assembly 524. In this configuration, the sliding head assembly 524 moves as the retraction assembly cable 522 moves. The nozzle 600 is provided on the sliding head assembly 524. Accordingly, the sliding head assembly 524 moves substantially along a vertical axis relative to the body member first end of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly.

  A body member 510 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly defines a plurality of passages. For example, in this embodiment, the nozzle assembly water passage 401 branches into a first elongated high pressure channel 530 and a second elongated high pressure water channel 532. The first and second high pressure channels 530, 532 are in the same plane and extend substantially parallel to each other. One or both of the high pressure channels 530, 532 can include a passage in fluid communication with the sliding head assembly body 544. In this configuration, the water pressure acts to bias the sliding head assembly body 544 toward a first position described below. It is also preferable to provide two holes 536 configured to support a pair of guide shafts 540, 542 at the body member first end of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly.

  That is, at the body member first end 512 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly, a pair of guide shafts, i.e., first and second guide shafts 540, 542, is the body member of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly. The first end portion 512 protrudes outward substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis. First and second guide shafts 540, 542 interact with sliding head assembly 524. The sliding head assembly 524 also includes a body 544. The sliding head assembly 524 is movably connected to the first and second elongate guide shafts 540, 542 of the sliding head assembly, and the body 544 of the sliding head assembly is the body of the nozzle assembly. A first extended position that is spaced from the body member first end 512 of the assembly; and a second position in which the body 544 of the sliding head assembly is proximate to the body member first end 512 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly. Configured to move between. Preferably, the body 544 of the sliding head assembly defines two passages 546 that are dimensioned to mate with the first and second guide shafts 540, 542. With this configuration, the body of the sliding head assembly can be slidably connected to the first and second guide shafts 540 and 542. Furthermore, the retraction assembly cable 522 is coupled to the body 544 of the sliding head assembly. Accordingly, as the cable 522 is actuated, the body 544 of the sliding head assembly moves along the first and second guide shafts 540, 542 relative to the body member first end 512 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly. Move toward and away from each other.

  The body 544 of the sliding head assembly also defines two water passages 546. A water passage 546 defined by the body of the sliding head assembly reaches the side nozzle 600 as shown in FIG. 18A. The nozzles 600 may be opened in the same direction, but may be opened in opposite directions or in both directions. The sliding head assembly 524 also includes a first elongated high pressure tube 550 and a second elongated high pressure water tube 552. First and second high pressure tubes 550, 552 are connected to the body 544 of the sliding head assembly. The first and second high pressure channels 530, 532 are sized to accommodate the first and second high pressure tubes 550, 552. Furthermore, each of the first and second high pressure tubes 550, 552 is coupled to one of the high pressure channels 530, 532 and one of the water passages 546 of the sliding head assembly body and fluids to and from each. There is a communication relationship. A seal 554 is provided around the first and second high pressure tubes 550 and 552 so as to be positioned between the first and second high pressure tubes 550 and 552 and the first and second high pressure channels 530 and 532. In this configuration, the first and second high pressure tubes 550, 552 go to the first and second high pressure channels 530, 532 as the body 544 of the sliding head assembly moves between the first and second positions. Go in and out. It should be noted that the body 544 of the sliding head assembly can be protected by a shell 556 provided around the body 544 and connected to the body member second end 516 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly. The shell 556 of the sliding head assembly body has a slot 558 (FIG. 17) extending therethrough and extending in a direction coinciding with the direction of movement of the nozzle 600.

Unlike the embodiment having the nozzle assembly 58A, the nozzle assembly 58B does not rotate, so the movement of the drive shaft 72 must be a longitudinal movement. That is, in this embodiment, the drive shaft 72 is longitudinal in the rail 56, the first position where the drive shaft 72 protrudes from the rail body first end 74, and the drive shaft 72 is the rail body second end. It is comprised so that it may move between the 2nd positions which transfer to the part 76. FIG. The drive shaft first end 82 is a threaded coupling or a different temporarily fixable coupling. Cable 522 has a first end 526 and a second end 528. The cable second end 528 is configured to be temporarily fixed to the drive shaft first end 82. The drive shaft first end 82 is temporarily connected to the cable second end 528. Thus, as drive shaft 72 moves longitudinally, cable 522 moves longitudinally within body member 510 of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly.

  It is the oscillator assembly 330 that moves the drive shaft 72 longitudinally. Many of the components that make up the oscillator assembly 330 are the same as those in the above embodiment, and similar reference numerals are used in the following description. That is, the motor assembly 334 and gear assembly 338 are substantially the same as those described above. A significant difference between the first described embodiment and the one described below is the difference associated with the drive shaft. In the embodiment described above, rotation of the drive shaft 72 was required to rotate the nozzle assembly 58A. In the embodiment described below, the drive shaft 72 must be moved in the longitudinal direction. For this purpose, a threaded portion 576 is provided at the drive shaft second end 84 and a nut or threaded collar 570 as described above is provided between the drive shaft second end 84 and the gear assembly 338 in the oscillator assembly. Provide.

  That is, in this embodiment, the drive shaft second end 84 includes a threaded collar 570. The threaded collar 570 preferably has a square, keyed radial outer surface 572 and a threaded inner surface 574. The radially outer surface 572 of the threaded collar is formed to mate with an opening 344 having a key in the second gear. The drive shaft second end 84 also has a threaded portion 576. The threaded portion 576 of the drive shaft second end protrudes beyond the rail body second end 76 and is exposed. The threaded collar 570 is disposed in an opening 344 having a second gear key. In this configuration, the threaded collar 570 is rotated by actuating the motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly. Thus, when the threaded portion 576 at the second end of the drive shaft engages the threaded inner surface 574 of the threaded collar, the threaded collar 570 rotates and the threaded portion 576 at the second end of the drive shaft is threaded collar. Translate in 570. As a result, the drive shaft 72 moves in the longitudinal direction.

  In order for this configuration to work properly and the segments forming the drive shaft not separate from one another, the drive shaft 72 must not rotate. Furthermore, it is necessary to know the form and / or position of the nozzle assembly body 500 in the event of a power loss. Thus, as described above, the motor assembly 334 in the oscillator assembly includes an electronic motor control assembly 450 configured to track the position of the nozzle assembly 58. Since the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly is an electrically acting assembly, if a loss of power occurs, the motor control assembly 450 in the oscillator assembly may lose data regarding the position of the nozzle assembly 58B. There is. In this embodiment, the nozzle position reset device 580 in the oscillator / assembly performs both of the above functions.

The nozzle position reset device 580 includes a drive shaft protrusion 582, a movable indicator 584, a fixed indicator 586, and an opening 588 having a key. The drive shaft protruding portion 582 protrudes from the drive shaft second end portion 84 in the longitudinal direction. The drive shaft protrusion 582 has a key and can be formed as an extension of the drive shaft second end 82 that extends beyond the threaded portion 576 of the drive shaft second end. The movable index 584 is provided at the drive shaft second end 84, more preferably at the drive shaft protrusion. The fixed indicator 586 is provided in the vicinity of the drive shaft protrusion 582 and may be the outer surface itself of the housing assembly 332 of the oscillator assembly. Preferably, the two nozzle position reset device indicators 584, 586 are aligned when the sliding head assembly body 544 is in the first position. When the drive shaft 72 moves longitudinally toward the rail body second end 76 to move the cable 522 and the sliding head assembly body 544, the two nozzle position resetting indicators 584, 586 are Separate from each other. To reset the position of the sliding head assembly body 544, the two nozzle position resetting indicators 584, 586 must be realigned. That is, the motor assembly 334 of the oscillator assembly is actuated in the direction required to return the two indicators 584, 586 of the nozzle position reset device to alignment. Therefore, the position of the drive shaft 72 relative to the rail body 70 is suggested by comparing the position of the movable index 584 with the fixed index. In a preferred embodiment, the oscillator assembly housing assembly 332 includes an offset end plate 590 that is axially spaced from the threaded collar 570. The offset end plate 590 has a through opening 588 having a key. The offset end plate opening 588 is dimensioned to allow penetration of the drive shaft protrusion 582. A fixed indicator 584 is provided on the offset end plate 590. Also, the drive shaft protrusion 582 having a key that penetrates the opening 588 having the key prevents the drive shaft 72 from rotating. Therefore, even if the threaded collar 570 rotates, the direction of the drive shaft does not change, and the drive shaft 72 translates in the longitudinal direction due to the interaction with the threaded collar 570.

  In either nozzle assembly embodiment 58A, 58B, the water flow is diverted approximately 90 ° from the direction of water flow in the nozzle assembly bodies 400, 500 to the lateral direction that is the orientation of the nozzle 600 as shown in FIG. I have to. Particularly in the vicinity of the nozzle 600, this direction change generates turbulent flow, and as a result, the spray pattern ejected from the nozzle 600 may become irregular. At least one flow straightener 602 is provided in at least one nozzle 600 to return the water flow to a state close to laminar flow. As shown in FIG. 22, the flow straightener 602 includes a body 604 through which a plurality of passages 606 pass. The flow straightener passages 606 extend substantially parallel to each other. The at least one flow straightener body 604 is preferably a generally circular disc having a flow straightener passage 606 that preferably extends axially. The flow straightener 602 is disposed on at least one of the side nozzles 600 so as to face the upstream position in the nozzle assembly bodies 400 and 500. Preferably, each flow straightener. The body 604 is about 0.1 to 0.2 inches in diameter, more preferably about 0.15 inches in diameter. There are preferably about 10 to 30 flow straightener passages 606, more preferably about 19 flow straightener passages 606. The flow straightener passage 606 has a diameter of about 0.01 to 0.03 inches, more preferably about 0.02 inches.

The mounting assembly 52 is coupled to the steam generator 10 and is configured to be adjustable so that the sludge lance 50, more specifically the rail 56, can be aligned with the capillary gap 25. As shown in FIGS. 23-25, the mounting assembly 52 preferably includes an “L” -shaped mounting bracket 700 having a vertical first plate 701, a horizontal second plate 702, and a third plate 704 , and a fastener assembly. 706. The first plate 701 is configured to be connected to the inspection opening 32. That is, the inspection opening 32 includes a fastener hole used for fixing a cover (not shown) to the inspection opening 32. The fastener assembly 706 includes a fastener 708 formed to pass through an opening (not shown) of the first plate 701 and fit into a fastener hole of the inspection opening 32. The second plate 702 is fixed to the first plate 701 at a substantially right angle. That is, the second plate 702 extends substantially horizontally. The third plate 704 is movably connected to the second plate 702. Fastener assembly 706 is configured to temporarily secure third plate 704 to second plate 702.

That is, the third plate 704 is configured to be adjustable with respect to the inspection opening 32 and the second plate 702. For example, the second plate 702 includes two laterally extending slots 710 (FIG. 25). The third plate 704 includes a first threaded opening 712 and a second threaded opening 714 (FIG. 24). The first threaded opening 712 and the second threaded opening 714 are each configured to align with one of the slots 710 extending laterally of the second plate when the third plate 704 is located on top of the second plate 702. Has been. Fastener assembly 706 includes two threaded knobs 720. Each threaded knob 720 is configured to thread upwardly through one of the laterally extending slots 710 of the second plate and one of the threaded openings 712, 714 of the third plate. In this configuration, the third plate 704 is temporarily moved to the second plate 702 by moving the third plate 704 to the side with respect to the second plate 702 and tightening the screwed knob 720 when the predetermined position is reached. Can be fixed.

  Further, the angle of the longitudinal axis of the rail with respect to the inspection opening 32 can be adjusted. That is, the third plate 704 includes a drive assembly coupling 730. Drive assembly coupling 730 is configured to allow drive assembly 54 to rotate relative to third plate 704. That is, the second plate 702 includes an arc-shaped slot 732 provided on the longitudinal axis of the second plate 702. The third plate 704 has a lug 734 provided on the longitudinal axis of the second plate 702 and extending upward. The third plate 704 also has an arcuate slot 735 provided on the longitudinal axis of the third plate 704. Fastener assembly 706 includes a third threaded knob 720. The drive assembly 54 has two mounting openings, the first mounting opening 736 (FIG. 14) matches the mounting assembly lug 734, and the second mounting opening 738 (FIG. 14) is a threaded knob 720. Matches. The second mounting opening 738 is configured to align with the arcuate slot 732 of the second plate when the third plate 704 is positioned over the second plate 702. In the assembled state, the drive assembly 54 is located on the third plate 704, the lug 734 of the mounting assembly is positioned in the first mounting opening 736, and the threaded knob 720 is threaded on the second mounting opening. 738, ie, in engagement with the second mounting opening 738. In this configuration, drive assembly 54 may be rotated about mounting assembly lug 734 until the required angle is reached. Once the drive assembly 54 is aligned, the threaded knob 720 fits into the second mounting opening 738 via the arcuate slot 732 of the second plate and the arcuate slot 735 of the third plate. To temporarily secure the drive assembly 54 to the third plate 704, the threaded knob 720 is tightened.

  The second plate 702 and the third plate 704 can be provided with a set of indicators 740 and 742, respectively. These indicators 740, 742 on the mounting assembly are preferably markings such as scales. The relative position of the mounting assembly indicators 740, 742 may be recorded when the sludge lance 50 is used successfully (ie, when the rail 56 is correctly aligned with the capillary gap 25). The next time the sludge lance 50 is used in the same inspection opening 32, the second plate 702 and the third plate 704 may be relatively positioned in advance according to the recorded positioning.

  While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, those skilled in the art will be able to develop various changes and modifications to these details in light of the entire disclosure. Accordingly, the specific embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the entire appended claims and equivalents thereof. .

Claims (7)

A shell (12) defining an enclosed space (14), at least one primary fluid inlet (16), at least one primary fluid outlet (18), and at least one secondary fluid inlet (20); Extending between at least one secondary fluid outlet (22), said at least one primary fluid inlet (16) and at least one primary fluid outlet (18) and said at least one primary fluid A plurality of “U” shaped tubules (24) in fluid communication with the inlet (16) and at least one primary fluid outlet (18) and having a generally uniform size, the tubule (24) being Capillary lanes arranged in a generally regular pattern with a substantially uniform narrow gap (25) between adjacent capillaries (24) and passing through the center of the shell (12) by the "U" shape of the capillaries (24) (26) is defined and said At both ends of the tube lane (26), an access opening (30) to the capillary lane (26) is provided, and the shell (12) is at least one adjacent to the plurality of tubes (24). A small sludge lance (50) for use in a steam generator (10) having an inspection opening (32) spaced apart from an access opening (30), each in said plurality of capillaries (24) Of the narrow tubes (24) have a center line, and the distance between the center lines of adjacent thin tubes (24) is substantially uniform, the sludge lance (50) is
A mounting assembly (52) configured to support a drive assembly (54) and a rail (56);
A drive assembly (54) coupled to the mounting assembly (52) and configured to move a rail through the inspection opening;
An elongate rail (56) having a body (70) and a drive shaft (72), the rail body (70) having a first end (74) and a second end (76); The rail body (70) is dimensioned to pass between adjacent tubules (24), and the rail body (70) defines a rail body water passage (78) and a drive shaft passage (80). The drive shaft (72) is rotatably disposed in the drive shaft passage (80), the rail body (70) is movably connected to the drive assembly (54), and the rail body passage is connected. An elongate rail (56) configured such that a water channel (78) is coupled to and in fluid communication with the water source;
A nozzle assembly (58) having a body assembly (400) dimensioned to allow the body assembly (400) of the nozzle assembly (58) to pass between adjacent tubules (24) and the nozzle assembly. A body water passage (401) is defined, and the body assembly (400) of the nozzle assembly is connected to the rail body (70), and the nozzle body water passage (401) in the nozzle assembly is the rail. A nozzle assembly (58) having said body assembly (400) in fluid communication with a body water passage (78);
When the rail body (70) is moved through the inspection opening, the nozzle assembly (58) passes between adjacent capillaries (24);
The rail (56) includes a positioning assembly (300), the positioning assembly (300) includes a body (302), a stopper (304), an adjustable pointer assembly (306) and a plurality of indicia (308);
The stopper (304) is connected to the rail first end (74) and dimensioned so that it cannot pass between adjacent capillaries (24);
The adjustable pointer assembly (306) is movably coupled to the drive assembly (54) adjacent to the rail (56) and moves in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rail (56). Configured,
The sludge lance (50), wherein the plurality of indicators (308) are arranged on the rail (56), and the interval between the indicators (308) corresponds to a multiple of the interval between the capillary tube center lines. A shell (12) defining an enclosed space (14), at least one primary fluid inlet (16), at least one primary fluid outlet (18), and at least one secondary fluid inlet (20); Extending between at least one secondary fluid outlet (22), said at least one primary fluid inlet (16) and at least one primary fluid outlet (18) and said at least one primary fluid A plurality of “U” shaped tubules (24) in fluid communication with the inlet (16) and at least one primary fluid outlet (18) and having a generally uniform size, the tubule (24) being Capillary lanes arranged in a generally regular pattern with a substantially uniform narrow gap (25) between adjacent capillaries (24) and passing through the center of the shell (12) by the "U" shape of the capillaries (24) (26) is defined and said At both ends of the tube lane (26), an access opening (30) to the capillary lane (26) is provided, and the shell (12) is at least one adjacent to the plurality of tubes (24). A small sludge lance (50) for use in a steam generator (10) having an inspection opening (32) disposed away from an access opening (30), said sludge lance (50) comprising:
A mounting assembly (52) configured to support a drive assembly (54) and a rail (56);
A drive assembly (54) coupled to the mounting assembly (52) and configured to move a rail through the inspection opening;
An elongate rail (56) having a body (70) and a drive shaft (72), the rail body (70) having a first end (74) and a second end (76); The rail body (70) is dimensioned to pass between adjacent tubules (24), and the rail body (70) defines a rail body water passage (78) and a drive shaft passage (80). The drive shaft (72) is rotatably disposed in the drive shaft passage (80), the rail body (70) is movably connected to the drive assembly (54), and the rail body passage is connected. An elongate rail (56) configured such that a water channel (78) is coupled to and in fluid communication with the water source;
A nozzle assembly (58) having a body assembly (400) dimensioned to allow the body assembly (400) of the nozzle assembly (58) to pass between adjacent tubules (24) and the nozzle assembly. A body water passage (401) is defined, and the body assembly (400) of the nozzle assembly is connected to the rail body (70), and the nozzle body water passage (401) in the nozzle assembly is the rail. A nozzle assembly (58) having said body assembly (400) in fluid communication with a body water passage (78);
When the rail body (70) is moved through the inspection opening, the nozzle assembly (58) passes between adjacent capillaries (24);
The rail (56) includes an oscillator assembly (60A) configured to generate periodic motion;
The oscillator assembly (60A) is operatively connected to the drive shaft (72) to cause the drive shaft (72) to periodically move,
The oscillator assembly (60A) includes a housing assembly (332), a motor (334) having an elongated output shaft (336) and a gear assembly (338) which is a miter gear assembly ;
A motor (334) of the oscillator assembly is coupled to a housing assembly (332) of the oscillator assembly;
A gear assembly (338) of the oscillator assembly has a first gear (340) and a second gear (342), and the first and second gears (340, 342) are operatively connected;
The first gear (340) is fixed to the output shaft (336) of the motor of the oscillator assembly;
The second gear (342) has an opening (344) with a key;
The drive shaft second end (84) protrudes from the rail (56), the drive shaft second end (84) has a key;
A second end (84) having a key of the drive shaft is located in an opening (344) having a key of the second gear;
A sludge lance (50), wherein the drive shaft (72) is movable axially through the second gear (342 ) . The nozzle assembly body (400) is elongated and includes at least two side nozzles (600), the nozzle (600) being in fluid communication with the nozzle body water passage (401);
The at least two side nozzles (600) are configured to move relative to the rail (56);
The nozzle assembly body (400) is coupled to the drive shaft (72);
The sludge lance (50) of claim 2 , wherein the nozzle assembly body (400) moves relative to the rail (56) as the drive shaft (72) moves. The rail body (70) includes a first end fluid passage (410) between the rail body water passage (78) and the drive shaft passage (80), and the first end fluid passage (410). Is located at the rail body first end (74),
The nozzle assembly body (400) is an elongated, substantially hollow, generally straight tube (402) having a first end (404), an intermediate portion (406) and a second end (407). Have
The nozzle assembly (400) is rotatably coupled to the rail (56), and the nozzle assembly body second end (407) and the nozzle assembly body intermediate portion (406) are connected to the rail body. (70), wherein the nozzle assembly body first end (404) extends from the rail first end (74);
The nozzle assembly body intermediate portion (514) has at least one fluid port (412), and at least one fluid port (412) of the nozzle assembly (58) is at the rail body first end. The fluid port (412) is disposed in a fluid passage (98), and the fluid port (412) is in fluid communication with the nozzle body water passage (401) so that the at least one fluid port (412) is in the rail body water passage. Enabling fluid communication between (78) and the nozzle body water passage (401);
The nozzle body (400) is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis of the nozzle body (400);
A second end (407) of the nozzle assembly body defines a socket (136) having a key;
The drive shaft first end (140) is a key (134) that mates with a socket (136) having a key at the second end of the nozzle assembly body;
When a part of the nozzle assembly body (58) is fitted into the rail body (70), a first end (140) having a key of the drive shaft is located at the second end of the nozzle assembly body. Temporarily fixed to a socket (136) having a key, the nozzle body (400) rotates as the drive shaft (72) rotates,
The oscillator assembly housing assembly (332) includes an insert assembly (430) having a key;
A socket insert assembly (430) having the key engages the drive shaft (72) to bias the drive shaft (72) toward the rail body first end (74);
The keyed socket insert assembly (430) includes a generally tubular body (432) having a key, a plunger (434), a biasing device (436), and a cap (438);
A socket insert assembly body having the key, wherein a radially outer surface of the socket insert assembly body (432) having the key is shaped to match an opening (344) having the key of the second gear. (432) also includes an elongated, keyed passage, such that the keyed opening of the socket insert assembly body having the key is aligned with the second end (84) having the key of the drive shaft. Configured,
A plunger (434) of the socket insert assembly having the key is disposed within an elongated passage (440) of the socket insert assembly body having the key;
A socket insert assembly body having the key at a rear end of an elongated passage (440) in the socket insert assembly body (432) having the key. (432),
A biasing device (436) in a socket insert assembly having the key is between a plunger (434) of the socket insert assembly having the key and a cap (438) in the socket insert assembly having the key. And biasing the plunger (434) of the socket insert assembly having the key toward the rail body first end (74);
A plunger (434) of the socket insert assembly having the key engages the drive shaft (72) to bias the drive shaft (72) toward the rail body first end (74). A sludge lance (50) according to claim 3 , wherein The rail (56) includes a plurality of rail assemblies (90);
Each rail assembly (90) has a drive shaft segment (94) and an elongated body (96);
Each rail assembly body (96) has a first end (98) and a second end (100) to define a water passage (99) and a drive shaft passage (101), each The rail assembly body (96) is dimensioned to pass between adjacent tubules (24);
Each drive shaft segment (94) has a first end (130) and a second end (132), and each drive shaft end (130, 132) is configured as a key coupling. And
The sludge lance (50) of claim 4 , wherein each key coupling includes a tapered projection (134) and a tapered socket (136). The oscillator assembly (60A) of claim 4 , comprising a nozzle attitude reset device (46) for positioning the nozzle assembly body (400) provided with the nozzle (600) in a selected orientation. Sludge lance (50). The nozzle assembly (58) includes an elongated body assembly (500) having an elongated first end (502), an intermediate portion (504), and an elongated second end (506);
The body assembly intermediate portion (504) of the nozzle assembly is arcuate, and thus the body assembly first end (502) of the nozzle assembly and the body assembly second end (506) of the nozzle assembly. ) And occupy a position at right angles to each other,
The nozzle (600) is located at a body assembly first end (502) in the nozzle assembly;
The body assembly first end (502) of the nozzle assembly is configured to retract;
A body assembly (500) in the nozzle assembly includes a body member (510) and a retraction assembly (520);
A body member (510) of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly is substantially rigid and has an elongated first end (512), an intermediate portion (514), and an elongated second end (516);
The body member intermediate portion (514) of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly is arcuate, and therefore the body member first end (512) of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly and the body assembly in the nozzle assembly. And the body member second end portion (516) occupies a position sandwiching a substantially right angle with each other,
The retraction assembly (520) includes a cable (522) and a sliding head assembly (524);
The sliding head assembly (524) is movably connected to a body member first end (512) of a body assembly in the nozzle assembly so as to move longitudinally with respect to the first end. Configured,
The retracting assembly cable (522) is movably disposed in a body member (510) of the body assembly in the nozzle assembly and coupled to the sliding head assembly (524), and the retracting assembly cable (522). ) Moves the sliding head assembly (524),
The sludge lance (50) of claim 3 , wherein the nozzle (600) is disposed in the sliding head assembly (524).

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