US1877267A - Boiler tube cleaner - Google Patents

Description

Sept. 13, 1932. F, H, OLE 1,877,267

BO'ILER' TUBE, CLEANER Filed Dec. 29, 1930 5 Sheets-Sheet l BOILEB TUBE CLEANER Filed Dec. .29, 1930 5 Shets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR Mm,

' zQQATTORN p 13, 3 F. H. COLE 1,877,267 Q BOILER TUBE CLEANEfi Filed Dec. 29. 1930 3 Sheets-Sheet- 3 Patented Sept. 13, 1932 QNITED stares FRANK II. COLEOF CHELSEA, MASSACHUSETTS BOILER I TUBE CLEANER Application, filerl December 29, 1930. Serial No. 505,405.

This invention relates to boiler tube cleaners and is more especially concerned with cleaners of the general type disclosed in my co-pending application Serial No. 308,300,

filed September 25, 1928.

The cleaner shown in said application comprises a nozzle head with connections for con ducting steam to it, a series of nozzles projecting from said head and arranged to be alined with the boiler tubes, and means for traversing said head and the nozzles carried thereby to direct jets of steam into the tubes and thus to blow the soot and ash out of them. v This mechanism has proved exceptionally satisfactory in practice and the present invention aims further to improve and perfect boiler tube cleaners of this general type with aview especially to facilitating the installation of the cleaner, and reducing the expense of manufacture.

The nature of the invention will be readily understood fromthe following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, and the novel features will be particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a front elevation of a boiler cleaner constructed in accordance with this invention; 1

Fig.2 is a vertical, sectional View of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating details of construction; I

Figs. 4 and 5 are transverse, longitudinal and sectional views, respectively, of parts of the mechanism for traversing the nozzle head; and p Fig. 6 is an elevation, partly in section, il-

lustrating the relationship between the thrust bar and the nozzle head. I

The boiler cleaner is shown installed in a fire tube boiler or a common type comprising a casing 2, a tube sheet 3, fire tubes 4, and smoke box 5. The nozzle head isindicated at 6' and it carries a vertical series of nozzles ,7 which are located, respectivelyfin the h'oriz'ontal planes of the center lines ofithe tube s. Steam is conducted to the head 6 througha series of pipe connections 8 which are pivoted together so as to permit the traversing movement of the head 6, the flow of steam through these connections being controlled by a supply valve (not shown) which is customarily located outside of the boiler casing. In this respect the arrangement may be similar to that disclosed in my prior patent No.

The nozzle head 6 depends vertically from, j

and is supported by, a slide 10 to which the flexible steam conducting pipe 8 also is con- 'nected. This slide is mounted to run on a track '12 which preferably consists of a channel bar supported in an inverted position}- that is, with its grooved side downward. Side pieces 1313 are bolted to the opposite sides of the slide 10' and are bentover attheir upper ends to rest on the upper flat surface For the purpose of traversing the slide 10 and nozzle head 6, a screw threaded's-haft 14:

is locatedhorizontally in the groove of the channel bar 12, one end of'this shaft being supported in a bearing block 15, Fig. 1,

and 5,:which is provided with lugs 17 17 that extend into sockets in the slide 10 so that the slide is compelled to move in unison with the block 16. These parts 10, 13 and 16 may 'of the track or channelbar 12 so that the sl1de 10 1S,1I1 effect, suspended on the track.

be said to form a carriage on which the nozzle 7 head is supported. At a point, outside the boiler casing the shaft 14 is equipped with a sprocket wheel 18 over'which a chain 19 runs for the purpose of enablin'ga workman to revolv'e the shaft. This motion of the shaft operates through the nut 16 to traverse the carriage 10 and nozzle head 6 backward and forward, thedirection of movement of these parts depending upon the direction of rota tion of the shaft. During this movement the edgesof the parts 1313 ride onthe upper surface of the track 12, as will be obvious from an inspection of Fig. .4. 7

It may here be pointed out that the track or channel bar 12 protects the entire threaded section of the shaft fromsoot or ashes dropbers 2222 which are themselves securedrigidly to two sleeves 2323 which extend into the boiler tubes 4. Each of the brackets 22' includes a curved piece 24, which is welded or otherwise permanently securedlto its IQSPGC":

tive sleeve 23. Each sleeve has a tapered split extending longitudinally thereof and the sleeve is secured in one ofthe boiler tubes 4 by driving a wedge 25, Fig. 3,,into the split in; the tube and thus expandingfthe sleeve firmly into engagement with the wallv of the tube. While these parts secure the brackets permanently to the-boiler they can, nevertheless, be removed by driving out the wedge 25.

This arrangement greatly reduces thetime, labor,,and expense. involved in installing the cleaner: in a boiler.

r In addition to supporting the track the sleeves 2323 may also be made to support part, atleast, of the weight, of the pipe connections 8 which conduct steam to the nozzle head. Anarrangement suitable for this purposeis shown in the drawings. It comprises twoangle bars 2626.'bolted or riveted at their lower ends to the. respective brackets 2;1-21 and securedat'their upper ends to a fitting 27, Fig. 2, which forms part of the pipe connections. The nature ofthe jointed'sections immediately adjacent to. the fitting 27 is such that the steam line may be ledin-to the smoke box either through the rent wall of said box or through the sidewall.

Inusing the cleaner the workman first opens the valve controlling the admission of steam to the pipe connections 8 and then .by

pulling on, the chain 19 'he revolves theshaft 14 and thustraverses the nozzle head 6 across the ends of the tubes 4. i As the nozzles come .into line with the vertical rows of tubes they direct steam through the tubes, thus blowing the soot andv ash out of them. When the head reaches the limit of its traverse in one direction the workman then reverses the rotation oftheshaft 14, thus reversing the direction of traverse. V The nozzle head 6.is equipped with apivoted tip 28 whichnormally is held substantially in alinement with the nozzle by -sprin, ;s 29, but which swings when it strikes thersid e' ofthe boilercasing to permit the cleaning of all of the tubes in the tube sheet, 7 asexplainedmore fullyin my earlier patent above designated.

The jets of steam issuingfrom the. nozzle 7 create a certain amount of back pressure tending to swing the nozzle head 6 on the track 12 in a clockwise direction, as seen in Fig. 2. In order to support the head against this tendency, the carriage is provided with a lug 30, Figs. 2 and 4, which engages the inner surface of one flange of the channel bar 12 and cooperates with the parts 13,13 to grip the track and thus prevent any substantial swinging movement of thenozzle head. In addition to' this arrangement it is sometimes preferable, particularly in boilers of large diameter, to install a thrust bar 31, Figs. 1, 2 and 6, where it will back up the lower part of the nozzle head as the head moves backward andforward across-the tube sheet. This bar 31 may conveniently consist of. an angle iron and may be secured in place by brackets 32-32, Fig. 1, bolted to the casing.

As above stated, the installation expense is substantially reduced by the peculiar mounting shown and described. It should also be noted that the sleeves 23 do not obstruct the tubes in which they are located to any substantial degree'and these tubes, as:

well as the others, are cleaned effectually by the jets of. steam. The channelbar 12 sheds the ash a'ndlsoot and afiiords protection both for the screw threaded section of the shaft 14 and also for the nut 16. The construction of' these parts-is such that: the manufacturing operations may be performed very economically. The cleaner may be used in a great variety of sizes and makes of fire tube boilers, suitable changes being made in the design to adapt it to. the requirements of individual installations.

hile I have herein shown and described a preferred embodiment of my invention, it

will be understood that the invention may be,

embodied in a considerable variety of forms without departing from the spirit orscope thereof. v

Having, thus described my invention, what I'desire to claim asv new is:

1.- In a fire tube boiler, the combination of atube sheet and tubes supported therein, of

a-tube cleaner,- andsupporting means forsaid cleaner comprising devices permanently-anchored in. certain of the boiler tubes,- said devises being so constructed and arranged as to leave the last mentioned tubes open for the cleaning operation. i

2. In a fire tube boiler, the combination of I a tube sheet and tubes. supported therein, of

a tube cleaner, brackets for supporting said cleaner, and devices anchored incertain of the :boiler tubes and serving tosupport said brackets,- said idevices being so constructed and arranged. as to leave the last mentioned tubes open for the cleaning operation.

' 3. Ina fire tube boiler, the combination. of a .tube'sheet/and tubes supported therein, of

'aitube cleaner. comprising .amovable. head carrylng. one or more nozzles fOrQdirecting iets of steam into the boiler tubes, connections for conducting. steam to said head, and means anchored in the boiler tubes for supporting said cleaner, said means being so constructed and arranged as to leave the last mentioned tubes open for the cleaning operation.

4:. A construction according to preceding claim 3 characterized by the fact that said supporting means includes a split sleeve extending into a boiler tube, and means for expanding said sleeve into firm engagement with the wall of said tube.

5. A construction according to preceding claim 3 characterized by the fact that said supporting means includes a split sleeve extending into a boiler tube, and a wedge driven into the split in said sleeve for expanding said sleeve into firm engagement with the wall of said tube.

6. In a fire tube boiler, the combination of a tube sheet and tubes supported therein, of a tube cleaner comprising a movable head carrying a plurality of nozzles for directing jets of steam into the boiler tubes, connections for conducting steam to said head, a track on which said head is supported for movement, means for traversing said head on said track to carry said nozzles across the ends of said tubes, and means including devices anchored in the boiler tubes for supporting said track, said devices being so constructed and arranged as to leave the last mentioned tubes open for the cleaning operation.

7. In a fire tube boiler, the combination of a tube sheet and tubes supported therein, of a tube cleaner comprising a movable head carrying a plurality of nozzles for directing jets of steam into the boiler tubes, connections for conducting steam to said head, a track, a carriagemounted on said track and supporting said head for traversing movement, means for traversing said carriage on said track, and means including devices anchored in the boiler tubes for supporting said track, said devices being so constructed and arranged as to leave the last mentioned tubes open for the cleaning operation.

8. In a boiler, a tube cleaner comprising the combination of a nozzle head, a carriage supporting said head, means 'for conducting 10. A boiler tube cleaner according toprek ceding claim 8 in which the carriage includes removable side pieces for running on'the track and said screw threaded block is removably mounted on said carriage.

11. In a fire tube boiler, the combination with a boiler tube, of a supporting device comprising a sleeve extending into said tube, and means for expanding said sleeve into firm engagement with the wall of the tube while leaving a substantial part of the diameter of the tube open for the passage of gases therethrough. v

12. In a fire tube boiler, the combination with a boiler tube, of a supporting device comprising a split sleeve extending into said tube, and a wedge driven into the split in said sleeve and serving to expand the sleeve into firm engagement with the wall of the tube.

13. In a fire tube boiler, the combination with a boiler tube, of a supporting device comprising a bracket, a split sleeve on which said bracket is mounted, said sleeve extending into a boiler tube, and a wedge driven into the split in said sleeve and serving to expand the sleeve into firm engagement with the wall of the tube. I

14:. In a fire tube boiler, the combination of a tube sheet and tubes supported therein, of a tube cleaner, and means for supporting said cleaner permanently in position to operate on a series of said tubes, said means including supporting devices permanently anchored in certain of the boiler tubes, said devices being so constructed and arranged as to leave the last mentioned tubes open for the cleaning operation. FRANK H. COLE.

steam to said head, a screw threaded shaft CERTIFICATE or CORRECTION.

Patent No. 1,877,267. September 13, 1932.

FRANK H. COLE.

It is hereby certified that error appears in the printed specification of the above numbered patent requiring correction as follows: Page 2, line 43, for the misspelled word "rout" read front; page 3, line 32, claim 6, after "track" and before the comma insert the wordspermanently in its operative position; and that the said Letters Patent should be read with these corrections therein that the same may conform to the record of the case in the Patent Office.

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of November, A. D. 1932.

M. J. Moore, (Seal) Acting Commissioner of Patents.

Images