Patent ID: 9279582
Filing Date: 2016-03-08
CPC Classification: F22B

Claim Text:
1. A tool delivery system for remotely transporting a tool to and through a heat transfer tube of a heat exchanger having a plenum in fluid communication with an interior of the heat transfer tube through a first tube end and an access port for accessing the plenum, the tool delivery system comprising: a sealable delivery conduit sized to extend from a first location outside the plenum, through the access port to the first tube end; a flexible shaft for pushing the tool through the delivery conduit into the heat transfer tube; a first seal supported within the vicinity of a forward portion of the flexible shaft and forming a substantially fluid tight, slidable seal between the interior of the heat transfer tube and the flexible shaft when the flexible shaft is inserted a given distance into the heat transfer tube; a second substantially stationary seal on a portion of the delivery conduit that is to be positioned outside the plenum, the second seal being supported in a manner to form a substantially fluid tight seal between the flexible shaft and an interior of the delivery conduit while enabling the flexible shaft to slide there through; and a fluid inlet on the delivery conduit in fluid communication with the interior of the delivery conduit, between the flexible shaft and an interior wall of the delivery conduit, downstream of the second seal between the second seal and the first tube end.