MXPA00009022A - Adjustable tube-cleaner device - Google Patents

Abstract

Adjustable tube-cleaning device (10) has a scraper sub-assembly (16) which includes a substantially annular sleeve (32) on a circumferential outer surface (30) of an elastic core (14) which, in turn, is mounted on a central shaft (12). The sleeve (32) contracts toward a pre-formed, non-loaded configuration in which it has a smaller internal diameter than a diameter of the outer surface of the elastic core. The scraper assembly further includes a plurality of scraping vanes (32) held by the sleeve to the elastic core and extending radially outwardly from the elastic core. Each of the scraping vanes has a scraping edge (54) directed radially away from the elastic core. The elastic core is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the central shaft between anchor (18) and adjustable compression member (26). The scraping vanes in one row of vanes can be placed on an angle relative to a plane perpendicular to an axis of the central shaft.

Description

ADJUSTABLE DEVICE FOR PIPE CLEANER BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to devices for cleaning the interior of pipes or ducts, such as those found in heat exchangers, condensers and other applications where the pipes are susceptible to accumulation of scale, biofouling or other deterioration that inhibits the transfer of heat. Heat exchangers for steam turbines have between 3,500 and 70,000 tubes in them, each 6.1 to 35 m (20-1 15 feet) long. The effectiveness of these tubes as heat exchangers depends to a large extent on the speed with which heat is transferred through their walls. The "buildup" on the interior surfaces of the walls of these pipes impedes their ability to transfer heat. Therefore, tube cleaning devices are used to clean the interior surfaces of each of the tubes, as well as the other tubes and conduits. U.S. Patent No. 576,425 to Bilton et al., Discloses a device for scraping the interiors of the main pipe or water conduits including a threaded pivot as a screw with two cones mounted therein. Cutting blades similar to levers are mounted on each of the cones that expand and contract by watertight rubber washers and adjusting nuts mounted on the pivot behind the cutting blades. Therefore, scraping power of the cutting blades is obtained by adjusting each of the regulating nuts, which respectively rest on the rubber washers, to, in turn, rest on the cutting blades. U.S. Patent No. 5,305,488 to Lyle similarly describes a tube cleaning tool having a central rod and two truncated cone shaped cutters with cutter blades mounted on them. In this regard, each of the cutters has a hole through a central axis thereof, through which the rod passes so that the cutters can slide along the rod. Also located, mounted on the central rod, one adjacent to the respective cutter, flexible bushings for pressing against the cutters and exerting a pivoting pressure outwardly on the cutting blades similar to levers, as in Bilton et al. In Lyle, the cutters can slide along the stem and press against each other, so that adjustment of the cutter blades on both cutters is allowed with just one adjustment. The rod used to fix the flexible cutters and bushings together is formed with a twist in order to deflect the two cutters one with respect to the other. The Lyle device is propelled through the interior of a tube by the fluid projected against a separate tail portion in the device. The tail portion is formed with openings that allow part of the fluid to be discharged through the portion of glue to the cutting blades of the device. The Lyle device can be formed with a flexible rod to allow it to move through a pipe with a "U" bend. Another cleaning device for expandable tubes or conduits of similar lever blades is described in the United States patents, 1, 122.246 for Beam; 1, 608, 346 for Thompson et al; 1, 612,842 for Thompson et al; 2,402,796 for Wood; 2,636,202 for Hinzman; and 4,891, 1 15 for Shishkin et al. There are several difficulties with these tube cleaning devices. On the one hand, it is very difficult and expensive to re-supply scraper blades thereof when they wear out due to the fact that they join and form levers from the cubes. It is also difficult to control and realize that there are uniform forces exerted by the scrapers on the inner walls of the tubes because the pressures exerted by the scrapers depends on the flexibility of the cutting blades as well as the strength of the application mechanisms in the cubes, which include in some cases elastic parts of rubber washers or bushings. In this regard, both Bilton et al and Lyle, to the extent that the resilient members are compressed, the lever cutter blades rotate outwardly from the areas of the central axis or cubes, (cones) thus causing exaggerated movement of the exterior scraping areas of the lever cutter blades. This added movement, together with the flexibility of the lever cutter blades, makes it difficult to obtain a predictable final adjustment movement and a predictable scraping pressure. An object of this invention is to provide a tube cleaning device that can be manufactured and assembled in a simple and inexpensive manner, and that can be economically re-supplied, and that can be reliably and precisely adjusted to produce a predictable scraping pressure with an adjustment of fine movement.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the principles of this invention, an adjustable tube cleaning device has a scraper assembly which includes a substantially annular sleeve mounted on the circumferential outer surface of an elastic core which, in turn, is mounted on a central rod. The sleeve contracts into a preformed configuration in which it has a smaller internal diameter compared to the diameter of the outer surface of the elastic core. The scraper assembly further includes a plurality of scraping openings which are held by the sleeve on the circumferential outer surface of the elastic core to extend radially outwardly from the sleeve. Each of the scraping apertures has a scraping edge directed radially outwardly from the elastic core. The elastic core is substantially cylindrical and surrounds the central rod between anchor members and adjustable compression.

The radial positions of the scraping edges can be adjusted in relation to the central rod by moving the adjustable compression members along the rod towards and away from each other, in order to commiserate and decompress the elastic core. This, in turn, radially expands and contracts the outer surface of the core and the resilient sleeve and the scraping openings mounted thereon to control the tightening with which the scraping edges of the scraping openings are placed on a pipe. that is going to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the scraping openings in a row of the scraping openings are inclined in relation to a plane perpendicular to a vertical axis. elongated rod for automatically rotating the tube cleaning device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention is described and explained in more detail to continued using the modalities shown in the drawings. The features described and illustrated, in other embodiments of the invention, may be used individually or in combination. The foregoing, and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the drawings. annexes, in which the reference numbers refer to the same parties through the different lists. The drawings are not necessarily in scale, but emphasis is placed on the principles of illustration of the invention in a clear manner. Figure 1 is an isometric view of an adjustable tube cleaning device in a first embodiment of this invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view on the line II-II in Figure 1, but also including a segment of duct, the duct segment is shown in section; Figure 3 is a plan view of the adjustable tube cleaning device of Figure 1; Fig. 4 is an isometric view of a single L-shaped scraping slot used in the embodiment of the adjustable tube cleaning device of Fig. 1;; Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a U-shaped scraping slot used in a second embodiment of an adjustable tube cleaning device of this invention; Figure 6 is a plan view of a third embodiment of the adjustable tube cleaning device of this invention, in which some scraping openings are inclined; Figure 7 is a plan view of an inclined scraping aperture of the third embodiment shown in Figure 6; Figure 8 is an isometric view of a scraping aperture for use in a fourth embodiment of an adjustable tube cleaning device of this invention; Figure 9 is a perspective view of a combination annular sleeve and scraping vane unit of a fifth embodiment of an adjustable tube cleaning device of this invention; Figure 10 is a view similar to that of Figure 1 of a first modified embodiment of this invention; Figure 11 is a view similar to that of Figure 2, but of the first modified embodiment of this invention, which is shown in Figure 10; Figure 12 is a cut-away side view of an adjustable tube cleaning device in a sixth embodiment of this invention; Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable tube cleaning device in a seventh embodiment of this invention; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of an adjustable tube cleaning device of this invention in an eighth embodiment of this invention, and Figure 15 is an end view of the elements shown in Figure 13.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY An adjustable tube cleaning device 10 is described which generally comprises a central rod 12, a substantially cylindrical elastic core 14 and a scraper sub-assembly 16. The central rod 12 has an anchor, in the form of a head, 18 at one end thereof and threaded 20 at the opposite threaded end thereof. A washer 22 is mounted on the anchor rod 12 against the center contact head 18 while the washer 24 is mounted adjustable on the rod 12 into the threaded core 20 that make contact against a nut 26. The nut 26 engages the threaded 20 to form an adjustable compression device. In a m odalidad, NUC read April 1 Elastic or is conform ado cylindrically with a diameter of outer surface of 14 mm (0.549 inches), with the rod 12 core passing through the bore 28 center thereof with the core 14 elastic placed between the anchor washer 22 and the adjustable washer 24. As can be seen in Figure 2, the outer perimeters of the anchor washer 22 and the adjustable washer 24 have larger circumferences than the outer surface 30 of the cylindrical core of the elastic core 14. In a preferred embodiment, the elastic core 14 is constructed of an expandable rubber, however, other elastic materials such as closed cell polyurethane foam may also be used.

In the embodiment of the tube cleaning device 10 shown in Figures 1 to 4, the scraper sub-assembly 16 includes an annularly resilient resilient or flexible sleeve 32 and spaced apart scraping member elements 34. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 3, the ring-shaped resilient sleeve 32 is constructed of spring steel having a thickness of 1 mm (0.04 inches). The ring-shaped resilient sleeve 32 thus forms a cylinder, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3, which, if allowed to relax to a non-tensioned configuration without load, can have an inner diameter of approximately 19 mm (0.767 inches) for a pipe cleaning device used for scraping pipes having outside diameters of 25 mm (1 inch), as will be further described in the following. The length L of the sleeve 32 in one embodiment is approximately 30 mm (1,188 inches). In the embodiment of Figure 1, the sleeve 32 resiliently cut longitudinally, but at a diagonal with the length, so that the first and second ends 36 and 38 diagonals and are prestressed so that when allowed to be downloaded, without tension, the configuration of the first and second end diagonals 36 and 38 overlap as shown in figure 1. Now the scraping vane elements 34 are described, each of which is separated from the other vain elements, and each has a generally L-shaped shape, as can be clearly seen in Figure 4, with a base leg 40 and a scraping leg 42 perpendicular to the base leg 40. The base leg 40 is slightly rounded in width so that it is properly positioned on the core surface 30. In this regard, the first and second rows 44 and 46 opposed to the elements 34 span are placed on the surface 30 of core heels 48 of the legs 40 of base of the first row 44 pointing toward those of the second row 46, and with the scraping legs 42 of all of the vane elements 34 extending perpendicularly away from the core surface 30, as can be clearly seen in Figures 1 to 3.

AÉáliÉhh ^ ^^^ ÉailiiidÉiliiiliMI ipttfflimiri'ii scraping elements vain are constructed of spring steel with a thickness of 0.56 mm (0.022 inches) thick in the preferred embodiment. The heel 48 of each of the scraping member 34 is narrower than the scraping leg 42 with the heel 48 and the scraping leg 42 is placed at opposite ends on the base leg 40. In this regard, the ridges 50 are cut on each side of the base leg 40 between the heel 48 and the scraping leg 42 to narrow that portion of the base leg 40, whereby the heel 48 is formed. As can be seen in FIG. Figures 1 and 3, the flanges 50 of the adjacent scraping member 34 in the first row 44 form grooves into which the beads 48 of the scraping member elements of the second row 46 are inserted, and vice versa. In this way, scraping member 34 of the first and second rows 44 and 46 are interconnected so that the respective scraping legs 42 in the first and second rows 44 and 46 deviate from each other. In one embodiment, the rows of scraping spans, in themselves, are separated from each other by 31.8 mm (1,250 inches). When the embodiment of the tube cleaning device of FIGS. 1 to 4 is completely assembled, the base legs 40 of the first and second rows 44 and 46 of the scraping member elements 34 are surrounded by the resilient sleeve 32, as it can be seen in figures 1 to 3, for retaining the scraping vane elements 34 of the first and second rows 44 and 46 firmly against the outer core surface 30 of the elastic core 14. In this regard, the scraper subassembly 16, which is formed of the resilient sleeve 32 and scraping vane member 34 of the first and second rows 44 and 46 are supported by the core surface 30 and the resilient sleeve 32 in this embodiment . In the embodiment shown there are six (6) scraping vane elements 34 in each row 44, 46, but in other embodiments there may be other scraping vane elements (eg, eight (8)).

In operation, the elements of the tube cleaning device 10 are assembled to appear as shown in Figures 1 to 3. To describe the manner of assembly, the assumption will be made that the tube cleaning device 10 will be used to clean tubes having an outside diameter of 25 mm (1 inch) with a wall thickness of 18, 20 or 22 gauge. For this embodiment, the following dimensions can be used with the core 10 which is in its relaxed condition (see figure fifteen): diameter CD relaxed from the core 14 elastic 15.8 mm (0.623 inches) height of the leg 42 scraping, 3.7 mm (0.145 inches) each x 2 = 7.4 mm (+ 0.290 inches) diameter VD of scraping vain 23.2 mm (0.913 inches) ) inner diameter SD of relaxed sleeve 32 19.5 mm (0.767 inches) diameter CD relaxed from core 14 elastic 15.8 mm (-0.623 inches) space between relaxed core 14 and relaxed sleeve 32 3.6 mm (0.144 inches) A tube with 25.4 mm (1 inch) of outside diameter has the following internal diameters, depending on its size: 18 gauge Inner diameter 22.9 mm (0.902 in) gauge 20 Inner diameter 23.6 mm (0.930 in) gauge 22 Inner diameter 24.0 mm (0.944 in) Therefore, when the core is in the relaxed position, there is a space of 3.6 mm (0.144 inches) between the outer surface of the core and the inner surface of the relaxed sleeve 32. However, the thickness of the scraping vane elements 34 which are placed in this space are 0.56 mm (0.022 inches) x 2 = 1.12 mm (0.044 inches), which does not fill this gap of 3.6 mm (0.144 inches) between the outer surface of the core 14 and the inner surface of the sleeve 32. For this reason, it is very easy to insert the base legs 40 of the scraping member elements 34 between the resilient sleeve 32 and the elastic core 14. Once all of the scraping vane members 34 are in place, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the nut 26 is tightened so that the adjustable washer 24 is urged towards the anchor washer 22, by what is tightened to the elastic core 14 and urged towards its outer surface, as well as the scraping vane elements 34 outwardly. Finally, the elements of the device 10 for cleaning in tubes will have the following dimensions: inner diameter SD of the sleeve 32 19.5 mm (0.767 inches) diameter CD of the core 14 elastic 18.4 mm -0.723 inches space between the core 14 and the sleeve 32 1.12 mm (0.044 inches) Therefore, the base legs 40 of the scraping vane elements 34, which are 0.56 mm (0.022 inches) thick x 2 = 1.12 mm (0.044 inches) coincide exactly with the sleeve and the core and are maintained between the friction systems. In this configuration, the following dimensions exist: CD diameter of the core 14 elastic 18.4 mm (0.723 inches) leg height 42 scraping 3.7 mm (0.145) each x 2 = 7.4 mm (+0.290 pulsed-) diameter VD scraping vane 25.7 mm (1.013 inches) lili] ffi fi-Jim TíTIlil- l? i * 'M "-'-' -" - '* -. ^ > «-» ^ »^« »« Ai ????. This is the size of the tube cleaner 10 when it is to be inserted into a 25 mm (1 inch) 22 gauge tube, which has an inside diameter of 24.0 mm (0.944 inches). When it is intended to use this tube cleaning device to clean a tube, such as a condenser tube 52 of a condenser system in a steam power plant (not shown), a tube cleaning device 10 is chosen which, when the The elastic core is not substantially compressed between the anchor and the adjustable washers 22 and 24. The scraping edges 54 of its first and second rows 44 and 46 of the scraping vane elements 34 define circles that have diameters which are in a range slightly smaller than, or slightly larger than, the inner diameter of the tube 52. The adjusting nut 26 is then tightened in the threads 20 of the central shaft 12 to urge the adjustable washer 24 towards the washer 22 of anchor, whereby the elastic core 14 is compressed between the anchor and the adjustable washers 22 and 24. This, in turn, causes the surface 30 of The outer core moves radially outward, thereby urging the scraping vane members 34 outwardly and expanding the resilient sleeve 32 so as to superimpose the first and second end portions 36 and 38 of the resilient sleeve 32 by sliding one over the other. the other to create less overlap. During this procedure, the scraping member elements 34 are continuously maintained from tightly against the core surface 30 by the resilient sleeve 32. This adjustment is made until the scraping edges 54 are tightly positioned within the inner diameter D of the tube 52. At this point, the tube cleaning device 10 is inserted into one end of the tube 52 and applied under fluid pressure to the tube 52. behind the tube cleaning device to push the tube cleaning device through of the tube 52. As the tube cleaning device 10 is propelled through the tube 52, it scrapes the edges 54 by scraping around the inner surface of the tube 52 and thereby scraping off scale, build-up or other type of materials inserted into the tube 52. The diameter of the outer core surface can be increased by at least 5% by tightening the nut 26. In an improved embodiment of the structure shown in Figures 1 to 3, the sleeve 32 resilient has a relaxed inner diameter of 15 mm (0.60 inches). This inner diameter is smaller than the relaxed outer diameter CD of the elastic core 1 4 which, as previously mentioned, is 16 mm (0.63 inches). When such a sleeve is in the relaxed condition, its ends 36 and 38 overlap. In order to place the elastic core 14 and legs 40 based on the scraping member 34 between such sleeve and the elastic core, one must expand the sleeve. For this purpose, an assembly (not shown) can be used. Once the sleeve 32 and the scraping vane members 34 are mounted on the elastic core 14, the first and second ends 36 and 38 of the resilient sleeve are kept slightly spaced apart to form a space therebetween. In another embodiment, the height of the scraping leg 42 is 3.8 mm (0.150 inches) instead of 3.7 mm (0.145 inches) as discussed in the example given above. All other dimensions may remain the same in this embodiment, however, it should be understood that these dimensions may vary from one embodiment to the next and that the dimensions provided above are exemplary of the particular embodiments of the disclosed invention. In addition, elements of the various modalities can be combined in other ways. Figure 5 shows a second embodiment of a U-shaped scraping vane member 56 which forms the scraping legs 42a and 42b to form a first and second rows similar to the first and second rows 44 and 46 of the embodiment Figure 1. Although the scraping legs 42a and 42b are shown in FIG. 5 directly opposite one another, it is also possible that they are deviated by properly forming a base 40a of the U-shaped scraping vane member 56. In addition, can construct a scraping vane element 58 as shown in Figure 8, which also has a U-shape, but has two scraping legs at one end and a scraping leg at the opposite end. In this case, the adjacent span element may be oriented in an opposite manner. Figure 7 shows another improvement of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4. The rasping vane element 60 (Figure 7) of the embodiment of Figure 6 is similar to the rasping vane member 34 of the embodiment of Figure 1 , with the exception that its scraping leg 62 is at an angle of 5 ° -20 ° (10 ° in a preferred embodiment) relative to the plane perpendicular to the length of the base leg 64. Therefore, when the scraping element 60 is mounted on the elastic core 14, the scraping leg 60 is at an angle with respect to the plane perpendicular to the elongation axis of the central stem 12. In a tube cleaning device 66 of the embodiment of Fig. 6, the scraping vane members 34 are used to form the first row 44 while the scraping vane elements 60 are used to form the second row 46a. The tube cleaning device 66 is used in the same manner as the tube cleaning device 10, however, when it is pushed through the tube 52 by the fluid pressure, the inclined scraping legs 62 are driven by the fluid pressure. to cause the tube cleaning device 66 to rotate about its axis of its central rod 12, thereby improving the cleaning effect of the tube cleaning device 66. Figure 9 shows an embodiment of this invention in which the resilient sleeve 68 and the scraping vane members 70 are formed as a scraper sub-assembly 16a which is made of one piece spring steel. The scraper sub-assembly 16a can be constructed as an endless circular sleeve, or it can have a gap 72 therein with superimposed or non-superimposed ends. Again, the sub-assembly 16a scraper is maintained in the elastic core 14, mainly by friction generated by compression. It is also possible combining a sub-assembly 16a scraper with an outer resilient sleeve 32, by placing the outer resilient sleeve 32 around the sub-assembly 16 scraper. Figures 10 and 1 1 show a first modified embodiment of this invention which is identical to the embodiment of Figure 1 with the exception that the first and second diagonal ends 36 and 38 of the resilient sleeve 32 do not overlap as they do in the embodiment of figure 1, instead of this there is a gap 74 of 2.5-5.1 mm (0.1 -0.2 inches) between the first and second diagonal ends 36 and 38. In another embodiment, which is identical, or similar to the modality shown in figure 10 and 11, the first and second extremes 36 and 38 are not in diagonals in some way, but rather extend parallel to the axis of the central rod 12. In fact, a cross-sectional view of a slightly modified tube cleaning device 10 is shown in Figure 13. The modality shown in figure 13 is identified as a seventh modality in which it only has a separation 74 which is parallel with the axis of the rod. is central, but has the additional feature that the scraping legs 42 of scraping member 34 are vented at their side edges 76 so that the spaces 78 between the scraping legs 42 are very small. This allows the scraping legs 42 to scrape larger areas along a tube that is cleaned. An eighth embodiment shown in Figure 14 is the same as the embodiment shown in Figure 13, with the exception that instead of having only one resilient sleeve 32, there are two concentric resilient sleeves, specifically, a resilient sleeve 80 interior and an outer resilient sleeve 81. Both inner and outer resilient sleeves 80 and 81 have spaces 82 and 84. An advantage in having a space, such as space 74 of the embodiment of Figure 13 and spaces 82 and 84 of the embodiment of Figure 14, instead of an overlay, as shown in Figure 1. , is that the sleeve applies a more uniform pressure on the scraping vane elements so that some of the scraping legs 42 of scraping vane elements 34 do not protrude radially outwardly more than others. The two resilient sleeves of the eighth embodiment of Figure 14 apply a much more uniform pressure. Figure 14 also shows flared or chamfered scraping legs 42 of the scraping member 34. Fig. 15 is simplified only to show the elastic core 14 and the scraping vane elements 34, with their scraping legs 42 flared. The dimensions referred to above are also used in this drawing. Finally, Figure 12 shows a sixth embodiment of this invention in which the three rows of scraping member elements 34a, 34b and 34c are all mounted on an elastic core 14 'of additional length. In this case, the two axially spaced resilient sleeves 32a and b are needed, wherein the resilient sleeve 32a keeps the scraping vane members 34a and 34b towards the elastic core 14 ', and the resilient sleeve 32b maintains the elements 34c of scraping channel towards the elastic core 14 '. In another embodiment, not shown, instead of having a single elongated elastic core 14 ', there are two elastic cores, one is of a length of the elastic core 14 of the embodiments of Figures 1 and 10, and the other is an elastic core. shorter on which the scraping element elements 34c are mounted. In this case, a washer would be inserted between the elastic core on the , the scraping element elements 34b and the elastic core on which the scraping element elements 34c are mounted are mounted. An important benefit of the tube cleaning device of this invention is that since the scraping vane elements thereof are maintained primarily by friction with the elastic core, they can be maintained. to replace relatively easily to supply a device again tube cleaner only when loosening the resilient sleeve. In this regard, the scraping edges 54 of the scraping legs 42 are periodically worn so that the scraping member elements must be replaced. ^^ u "Jj a" * + "*» - ** "'• - ..-, .-- ... A. ^. ^. A .., ^, ..

Another benefit of this invention, in relation to its shape and size, is that it does not require a special separate fluid contact element, or impeller, to propel it through the tubes because the scraping legs and the washers themselves have substantially the same dimensions. tubes, so they form a suitable fluid contact element which also allows the passage of certain fluid for cleaning. In fact in the embodiment of figure 6, where there are inclined scraping legs, the scraping legs also serve to rotate the tube cleaning device as it is driven along a tube to improve its cleaning capacity. Another additional benefit of this invention is that the parts thereof are relatively uncomplicated and simple and inexpensive to manufacture. Another additional benefit of this invention is that the radially inner ends of the bare scraping legs are directly against the elastic core rather than via spring blades as in most prior art devices. Because of this, the pressure exerted by the scraping legs 42 against the inner surfaces of the tubes depends mainly only on the elasticity and resilience of the elastic core 14. Therefore, the scraping pressure exerted by the scraping legs 42 is more predictable and easier to regulate than in most pipe cleaning devices of the prior art. Each rasping vane member is easily inserted into, and removed from, the tube cleaning device of this invention by releasing the tension of the elastic core 14 by loosening the nut 26, placing it in an enlarged space between the core and the sleeve, and then again tightening the nut 26. The invention has been shown and described particularly with reference to a preferred embodiment. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in shape and detail can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (19)

1. An adjustable tube cleaning device, for passing through a tube for cleaning a tube, characterized in that it comprises: a central rod having an anchor coupled thereto in an end portion thereof and an adjustable compression means, coupled adjustably therewith at an opposite end portion thereof to selectively move along the central stem; a substantially cylindrical elastic core surrounding the central rod between the anchor and the adjustable compression means to be compressed and decompressed by the adjustable compression means; and a scraper assembly including a substantially annular resilient sleeve mounted solely on the circumferential outer surface of the elastic core by resilience of the resilient sleeve which contacts a preformed configuration in which the substantially annular sleeve passes against the outer surface of the elastic core without engaging with the central rod, the scraper assembly further includes a plurality of scraping apertures extending radially outwardly from the annular sleeve, each of the scraping openings having a scraping edge directed radially outwardly from the elastic core; wherein the radial positions of the scraping edges in relation to the central rod can be adjusted by moving the adjustable compression means along the rod to thereby compress and decompress the elastic core and, in turn, expand and contract radially the outer surface of the elastic core and the resilient sleeve mounted thereon to control the tightening with which the scraping edges are placed in a tube to be cleaned. ^ | ¡* * «^ | ^^ lÜÜrtfi ÜitilÜüiiHt i mu tiiliili II II níÉflÉlf"

2. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the device is less than twice the width of the device.

3. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the scraping openings of the device are placed side by side to form an annular row of scraping legs around the elastic core, which row forms a circular wall that has a diameter which is greater than all the other elements that make up the tube cleaning device.

4. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the sleeve and the openings are formed as a p i ece, where each vain has a form-shaped m eder L circumferentially spaced from other adjacent openings.

5. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the core is formed of rubber.

6. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that the outer surface of the core of the elastic core can expand its radius by 5%.

7. The adjustable tube cleaning device for passing through a tube for cleaning the tube, characterized in that it comprises: a central rod having an anchor coupled thereto in an end portion thereof and an adjustable compression means which is coupled l? i i l i l • • '- * - * - ¿< - > ? "--- '^ tt- ...- ^ - i * iLA-..»? ».. ^ i >«? aj, ^? »» ... > ^ .. ^^ > - »1J> J->>, adjustably with it at an opposite end portion thereof to selectively move along the central rod, a substantially cylindrical elastic core surrounding the rod central between the anchor and the adjustable compression means to be compressed and decompressed by the adjustable compression means, and a scraper assembly including a substantially annular resilient sleeve mounted on a circumferential outer surface of the elastic core by resilience of the resilient sleeve which makes contact towards the preformed configuration in which the substantially annular sleeve passes against the outer surface of the elastic core, the scraper assembly further includes a plurality of scraper apertures extending radially outwardly from the annular sleeve, each of the scraper apertures having an edge of r Reversed directed radially outward from the elastic core; wherein the radial positions of the scraping edges relative to the central rod can be adjusted by moving the adjustable compression means along the rod to thereby compress and decompress the elastic core and, in turn, expand and contract radially the outer surface of the elastic core and the resilient sleeve mounted thereon to control the tightening with which the scraping edges are placed in a tube to be cleaned, wherein the scraper sub-assembly comprises a sleeve which is separated from the tips. scraping openings and which surrounds and compresses over the scraping openings to keep the scraping openings on the outer surface of the elastic core.

8. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 7, characterized in that the sleeve is formed of cylindrical spring steel.

9. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 7, characterized in that the sleeve has a longitudinal crack in it.

10. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that each scraping aperture is formed of a separate piece of material.

1 1. The adjustable tube cleaning device, in accordance with 10 claim 10, characterized in that each of the scraping openings has an L-shaped shape with a base leg which is clamped between the sleeve and the outer surface of the elastic core, and a scraping leg for laterally extending to the leg of base, and radially form the nucleus.

12. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 1, characterized in that there are first and second rows of scraping openings mounted on the elastic core.

13. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 1, characterized in that there are first and second opposed rows of scraping openings, the scraping legs of the scraping openings of the first and second rows are placed at respective opposite ends. of the sleeve.

14. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that there are 6 scraping openings in each of the first and second rows.

15. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the base legs of the scraping openings of the first and second rows are interconnected with each other.

16. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 13, characterized in that the scraping legs of each of the scraping openings in at least one of the first and second rows is inclined in relation to a perpendicular plane to an axis of the central stem.

17. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 16, characterized in that the angle is approximately 10 °.

18. The adjustable tube cleaning device, according to claim 10, characterized in that each of the openings has a shape in 15 U, with a base of the U clamped between the sleeve and the elastic core, and the legs of the U forming scraping legs extending radially away from the elastic core at opposite ends of the sleeve.

19. The adjustable tube cleaning device according to claim 7, characterized in that the scraping legs of the scraping apertures are inclined in relation to a plane perpendicular to an axis of elongation of the rod.