Patent ID: 6105539
Filing Date: 2000-08-22
Classification: F22B,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
A deposit removal apparatus for removing heat conduction inhibiting deposits on U-ubes at the top of a shell and tube type of nuclear steam generator tube bundle (14), wherein water sprayed from a sprayhead (52) under pressure is directed at the U-tubes to remove said deposits, said steam generator including a plurality of flanged supports beams (20) above the U-tube bundle, said apparatus comprising:a crawler (66) with motive means (68, 68a, 68b) for reciprocal driven movement on and along said flanged support beams (20);a rotationally driven base (62) for movement of the sprayhead (52) to either side of a support beam (20);a rotationally driven extension arm (60) on said rotating base (62);an elongated reciprocally driven elevator (58) on said extension arm (60) movable relative thereto;a wrist (54) reversibly and rotably driven mounted by means (54a) on said elevator (58) and having a sprayhead (52) with nozzles (56) mounted thereon.