Abstract:
The boiler cleaning apparatus and method provides for cleaning the exterior surfaces of a heat exchanger. The apparatus and method include tools and steps, respectively, for temporarily spreading tubes and holding open the tubes to gain access to tube lanes. Once access to a lane is attained, a nozzle assembly having an outlet for blowing high velocity cleaning fluid is selected from a group of nozzle assemblies. The selected nozzle assembly will have an outlet for blowing fluid in a direction that effectively cleans the tubes adjacent the opened lane. After the tubes are cleaned the tool for holding the lane opened is removed and the process is repeated for another lane.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/068,171, filed Oct. 24, 2014, entitled Tube Spreading Device which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention generally relates to devices used in the cleaning of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) apparatus, and more specifically, to a boiler cleaning apparatus and method for cleaning the external surfaces of water-tube heat exchangers. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    The exterior surfaces of heat exchange tubes in a heat recovery steam generator or HRSG are exposed to the byproducts of combusting fuel gases. These byproducts include but are not limited to soot, slag and ash that adhere to the surfaces of the tubes, creating a layer that inhibits the rate of heat transfer between the fluid (water and/or steam) flowing inside the tubes and the combusting gases flowing on the exterior of the tubes. A decrease of heat transfer efficiency demands the burning of more fuel to achieve a desired level of performance, thus diminishing the efficiency of the HRSG, increasing the costs of operation, and increasing emissions. Furthermore, the layer of byproducts may function to cause tube wall degradation leading to premature tube failure, and increased maintenance or replacement expense. 
         [0006]    In the past in order to spread tubes of a vertical or horizontal tube bank during cleaning of a boiler apparatus, multiple hydraulic wedges were required to be installed in a sequence, combined with insertion of a blocking medium (typically wood blocks), to keep a temporary cleaning lane open between the tubes, while cleaning activities were performed between the tubes. The depth of penetration into the tube bank was limited to a few of the outer most tube rows, and the effectiveness of cleaning was diminished. Problems associated with the older tube spreading tooling include the flexure of the tines or bare tubes which occurred when attempting to spread apart tubes disposed at a distance away from the hydraulic ram. At some point of tube spreading, a risk is present of excessive flexure of outer rows of tubes when attempting to spread deeper tube rows, which in turn limits the available insertion depth into the tube bank for cleaning activities. 
         [0007]    Another problem associated with the older tube spreading tooling is the weight of the tube spreading device, which may act as a limiting factor requiring multiple workers to fully operate the cleaning device. 
         [0008]    An additional problem associated with the older tube spreading tooling includes the use of multiple blocks positioned between tubes which have been previously separated, to maintain space for temporary cleaning lanes. The use of multiple blocks consumes valuable space used by cleaning lances and/or cleaning tools or devices during cleaning operations. Cleaning activities in narrow vertical or horizontal lanes between rows of tubes is restricted as a result of the inherent thickness of multiple blocks stacked on top of each other, which in turn decreases the available surface area for cleaning, reducing cleaning effectiveness. 
         [0009]    A further problem associated with the older tube spreading tooling is related to safety to service personnel, because the known tube spreading tooling including components such as an hydraulic hand pump, hydraulic wedge, and blocking, to name a few, while being used at heights, and in peculiar spaces proximate to the tubes of the boiler apparatus, proved difficult to safely control when utilizing wedges of increased length or size. For example a hydraulic hand pump used to activate a wedge would be difficult for a person to operate safely while located on temporary scaffolding. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The boiler cleaning apparatus and method provides for cleaning the exterior surfaces of a heat exchanger. The apparatus and method include tools and steps, respectively, for temporarily spreading tubes and holding open the tubes to form tube lanes. Once access to a lane is attained, a nozzle assembly having an outlet for blowing high velocity cleaning fluid may be selected from a group of nozzle assemblies. The selected nozzle assembly will have an outlet for blowing fluid in a direction that effectively cleans the tubes adjacent the opened lane. After the tubes are cleaned the tool for holding the lane opened is removed and the process is repeated for another lane. Accordingly, the invention presents an apparatus for cleaning boiler tubes that is effective and efficient, while being cost effective to use and maintain, while improving the safety to individual service personnel. 
         [0011]    The tube spreading device in some embodiments penetrates into the vertical or horizontal rows of a tube bank an enhanced depth dimension, and requires less time to accomplish penetration and tube spreading, compared to the known tube spreading devices. The amount of flexure on the vertical tubes of the heat exchanger may be controlled/regulated by using fixed width tube spreading devices. The fixed width tube spreading devices, which are sized dependent on the specifications of each job, in some embodiments minimize the risk of exceeding acceptable stress levels on the flexed tubes. Minimizing risks associated with exceeding acceptable stress levels on the flexed tubes reduces the possibility of permanent deformation of the tubes, or causing leaks in the pressure boundary. The tube spreading device is designed for use with one or two man crews, depending on the site specifics, providing more convenient operation characteristics. The tube spreading device additionally improves safety to individuals by providing holes or points to attach “leashes” in order to minimize drop hazards. 
         [0012]    The tube spreading devices in some embodiments combine the tube spreading and blocking functions to improve the efficiency of cleaning activities. 
         [0013]    The tube spreading device in some embodiments decreases the area occupied by blocking devices and increases the effective area available for cleaning activities. 
         [0014]    The tube spreading device in some embodiments facilitates the removal of the tube spreading device from an inserted position between rows of tubes, through the use of a pneumatic hammer. 
         [0015]    The tube spreading device in some embodiments eliminates the need to individually use hydraulic spreading heads to remove each individual block which is used to maintain tube lanes, improving the efficiency of cleaning activities. 
         [0016]    In some embodiments, the tube spreading device reduces the weight of tube cleaning equipment which in turn diminishes the rate of worker fatigue. 
         [0017]    In some embodiments, the tube spreading device utilizes a pneumatic hammer to insert and remove the tube spreading device from a tube bank as opposed to manually pumping a hydraulic wedge. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments the tube spreading device incorporates anchor points for “leashes” or other attachments to minimize accidental tool droppings. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments the use of a tube spreading device having a fixed width will greatly decrease the risk of over stressing a component such as a tube, joint, pressure part, or heat transfer surface. 
         [0020]    The tube spreading device in some embodiments uses an air compressor which may be on-site for the cleaning activities, to supply the energy needed for the tube spreading operations. The air compressor may discharge air at a high pressure, high volume rate. The pneumatic hammer may use low pressure (90 PSI) and thus may use a regulator and lubricating element. A pressure gauge located near the inlet to the hammer may be used to adjust the upstream regulator pressure to approximately 90 PSI, to operate the hammer at peak efficiency. Higher or lower operation pressure settings may alternatively be utilized dependent on the manufacturer and age of the hammer, and to satisfy specific site requirements. 
         [0021]    Applicant incorporates herein by reference U.S. Pat. No. 8,002,902, in its entirety. These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a typical tube regenerator panel to be cleaned by a boiler cleaning apparatus according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is perspective view showing one embodiment where an alignment bar is utilized in boiler cleaning activities to clean tubes of a water tube section according to the present invention. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of one embodiment showing the use of a spray nozzle in cleaning of a tube bank of a water tube section of a boiler according to the present invention. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a detail isometric view of one alternative embodiment of an alignment bar and driver for insertion into a tube bank. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a detail isometric view of one alternative embodiment of an alignment bar and extraction device for removal of the alignment bar from a tube bank. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a detail isometric view of one alternative embodiment of an alignment bar, extraction device, and driver for removal of the alignment bar from a tube bank. 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of the system used to spread the rows of vertical or horizontal tubes of a tube bank of a heat recovery steam generator boiler system. 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  is a isometric view of one embodiment of a driver of the present invention. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0031]    Attention is first directed to  FIG. 1 , which illustrates a typical panel commonly found within a heat recovery steam generator or HRSG. The typical panel comprises respective upper and lower headers  12 ,  14 , finned or bare water tubes  16 , and tube ties  18 . Smaller areas or levels (1-6) between the tube ties are focused on during the cleaning process. 
         [0032]    A side blow nozzle assembly is shown in  FIG. 3 . Side blow nozzle assembly comprises an elongate nozzle pipe  20  having a cleaning fluid entry end and spraying end  24 . A pipe  26  having diametrically opposed openings defines the spraying end  24 . Pipe  26  is perpendicular to nozzle pipe  20 . 
         [0033]    An angled side blow nozzle assembly may alternatively be utilized which is similar to the nozzle assembly described immediately above, except that the pipe  26  disposed at an acute angle of approximately sixty degrees with nozzle pipe  20 . The length of the nozzle pipe and the dimensions of the fluid flow paths and spray outlets in all of the nozzle assembly embodiments are determined according to the design and dimensions of the heat exchange panel to be cleaned. 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  shows spreader bar  40  inserted between tubes  16  of a tube bank to separate adjacent tubes  16  to form a temporary cleaning lane. Nozzle pipe  20  may then be inserted above or below spreader bar  40  in the temporary cleaning lane to engage in tube cleaning activities of a boiler. ( FIG. 3 ) 
         [0035]      FIGS. 4 through 8  illustrate unique tools which may be utilized to spread the tubes of a tube panel to gain access to the inner tubes for cleaning. 
         [0036]    Attention is now directed to  FIGS. 4 through 8 , which illustrate the use of the above-described apparatus when cleaning the boiler tubes  16 . The initial cleaning step, involves cleaning the tube faces on the outer row of the panel. Note that for effective cleaning, the blast cleaning spray from the nozzles is applied diagonally to the tubes  16  along diagonal lanes between the tubes. During temporary cleaning activities a spreader bar  40  is used to spread any desired number of rows of tubes  16  to form a lane of a desired width. In at least one embodiment, one size of spreader bar  40  is driven into the tube bank or panel to create a uniform sized lane to increase the speed of the cleaning process. In some embodiments, two different sizes of spreader bars  40  may be used within one temporarily opened cleaning lane. In this embodiment, where the two spreader bars  40  insertion process is utilized, the thinner of the two spreader bars  40  will be inserted deeper into the tube bank or be placed above the larger spreader bar  40  so that the smaller spreader bar  40  will not fall out during the cleaning process. The larger spreader bar  40  will remove the clamping force of the tubes  16  against the smaller spreader bar  40  which would cause it to become unstable for work purposes. 
         [0037]    The lane being held open by the fixed width dimension for the spreader bar  40  permits access into a tube panel for use of a desired nozzle assembly. 
         [0038]      FIG. 7  is a block diagram of one alternative embodiment of the system and devices used to spread the rows of vertical or horizontal tubes  16  of a tube bank of a heat recovery steam generator boiler system  10 . 
         [0039]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 through 8 , boiler cleaning system  10  may generally include a pneumatic source/air compressor  28  which is generally present on-site during boiler cleaning activities. Air compressor  28  may generally output pressurized air not to exceed approximately 450 pounds per square inch gauge or PSIG. Larger or smaller pressures may alternatively be utilized. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments the compressor  28  is coupled to a pressure regulator  30  by pipes/hoses  32  which include the appropriate fittings. Pipes/hoses  32  should have a pressure rating of up to approximately 500 PSIG. Larger or smaller pressure ratings and pressures may alternatively be utilized. In some embodiments, pressure regulator  30  is used to regulate pressure in boiler cleaning system  10  to a maximum outlet pressure of approximately 90 PSIG for an inlet having dimensions of approximately ¼ inch. In alternative embodiments, larger or smaller PSIG values may be utilized. In at least one embodiment the pressure regulator  30  may be a Swaglok® pressure regulator. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, pipes/hoses  36  connect pressure regulator  30  to a regulator/filter and lubricator unit  34 . In at least one embodiment, the regulator/filter and lubricator unit  34  may be available from Ingersol Rand® having a ½ inch inlet and outlet. The pipes/hoses  36  include appropriate fittings where the pipes/hoses  36  and fittings are rated up to approximately 200 PSIG. In alternative embodiments, the size for the pipes and/or fittings may be increased or decreased and the PSIG value may be increased or decreased at the discretion of a user dependent on site requirements. 
         [0042]    In at least one embodiment, hose  38  including appropriate fittings is in communication with and connects a pneumatic hammer  42  to regulator/filter and lubricator unit  34 . The hose  38  in at least one embodiment is rated up to approximately 200 PSIG. In alternative embodiments, larger or smaller PSIG values may be utilized. In at least one embodiment the pneumatic hammer  42  may be obtained from Ingersol Rand®. 
         [0043]    In at least one embodiment a driver  44  is engaged to the pneumatic hammer  42 . 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, the devices used to spread rows of vertical tubes or horizontal tubes  16  of a tube bank of a heat recovery steam generator boiler system  10  include the use of a spreader bar  40 . In some embodiments, spreader bar  40  is generally formed of sturdy metallic material having a fixed width dimension, and is in a rectangular tubular configuration. In alternative embodiments the spreader bar  40  may be formed of solid metal or other materials which will not fracture or fail during use in tube spreading and cleaning activities. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, the spreader bar  40  has a length dimension of approximately 2 feet to 4 feet. In alternative embodiments, the spreader bar  40  may be longer than 4 feet and shorter than 2 feet. 
         [0046]    In some embodiments the spreader bar  40  has a fixed width dimension of approximately 3/16 of an inch to 1 inch. In alternative embodiments the spreader bar  40  may have a width dimension smaller than 3/16 inch and larger than 1 inch. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, the spreader bar  40  has a height dimension of approximately 1 3/16 inches to 2 inches. In alternative embodiments the spreader bar  40  may have a height dimension less than 1 3/16 inch and larger than 2 inches. 
         [0048]    In some alternative embodiments, the spreader bar  40  is formed of steel, stainless steel, carbon steel, iron, or other metallic materials which are resistant to fracture, fail, breaking, or bending when exposed to impact or forces such as pounding or hammering from a pneumatic hammer  42 . 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the spreader bar  40  includes a fixed width spreading section  45  and a tapered end  46 . The tapered end  46  in some embodiments may be formed by cutting a rectangular shaped cutout from the end of the spreader bar  40 . The rectangular shaped cutout may be removed from the top and bottom of the end of the spreader bar  40  forming a first plate section  48  and a second plate section  50 . In some embodiments, the first and second plate sections  48 ,  50  may then be compressed together to form a vertical insertion edge  52 . In some embodiments the first and second plate sections  48 ,  50  may be welded together along the insertion edge  52 . In some embodiments, the cutting, bending and welding process will leave an opening in the top and bottom of the tapered end  46  of the spreader bar  40 . 
         [0050]    In some embodiments, a triangular shaped upper plate  54  will be welded to the top edge of each of the first plate section  48  and the second plate section  50  to close the opening in the top of the tapered end  46 . In some embodiments, a triangular shaped lower plate  56  will be welded to the bottom edge of each of the first plate section  48  and second plate section  50  to close the opening in the bottom of the tapered and  46 . In some embodiments, the rearward edge of the upper plate  54  will be welded across the top width of the tapered end  46  establishing an upper notch  58 . In some embodiments, the rearward edge of the lower plate with 56 will be welded across the bottom width of the tapered end  46  to establish a lower notch  60 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the upper plate  54  and the lower plate  56  have a thickness dimension of approximately 3/16 inch. In alternative embodiments, the thickness dimension for the upper plate  54  and lower plate  56  may be larger or smaller than 3/16 inch. 
         [0052]    In some embodiments the first plate section  48  and the second plate section  50  have a length dimension of approximately 4 inches. In alternative embodiments, the first plate section  48  and the second plate section  50  have a length dimension larger or smaller than 4 inches. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments the height of the insertion edge  52  is approximately 2 inches. In alternative embodiments the height dimension for the insertion edge  52  may be larger or smaller than 2 inches. 
         [0054]    In some alternative embodiments, the insertion edge  52 , as welded together is inserted between tubes  16  of a tube bank to separate the tubes  16  to form a tube lane to facilitate cleaning activities. 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, the tapered end  46  is formed in the shape of a wedge. In alternative embodiments, other manufacturing methods may be implemented to form the tapered end  46  for insertion between tubes  16  of the tube bank. 
         [0056]    In some embodiments, the spreader bar  40  includes a working end  62 . Working end  62  is generally open prior to manufacturing. Working end  62  in some embodiments receives and L-shaped driving bar  64 . In alternative embodiments, working end  62  receives a driving element  66 . 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, either the L-shaped driving bar  64  or the driving element  66  is inserted into the open end of the working end  62 . The L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or the driving element  66  may be welded to the working end  62  by a plug weld and by welding about the rectangular tubular circumference at the interface of the L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or driving element  66  with the interior edge of the working end  62 . 
         [0058]    In some embodiments, the L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or driving element  66  are inserted within the interior of the working end  62 . In other embodiments, the L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or driving element  66  are disposed over the exterior of the working end  62 . In some embodiments, the L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or driving element  66  are securely affixed to the working end  62  and do not separate, fracture or fail when the L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or driving element  66  are exposed to impact or pounding forces from a pneumatic hammer  42 . 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, the working end  62  includes a safety aperture  70 . Safety aperture  70  in some embodiments may receive a safety rope, cord, strap or cable to minimize risk of dropping of the spreader bar  40 , other tools, or from causing injury to individuals during tube spreading and cleaning activities. 
         [0060]    Any number of alignment bars  40 , having different lengths and different width dimensions may be inserted into a tube bank during tube spreading and tube cleaning activities. In at least one embodiment approximately fifteen spreader bars  40  may be inserted into a tube bank during tube cleaning activities. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, the L-shaped driving bar  64  is substantially rectangular in shape having a tubular interface section  72  for insertion within the interior of the working end  62  or for positioning over the exterior of the working end  62 . In some embodiments, the L-shaped driving bar  64  includes a vertical drive block  74  which extends upwardly from the tubular interface section  72 . In some embodiments, the vertical driving block  74  is welded to the tubular interface section  72 . In other embodiments, the vertical drive block  74  includes the tubular interface section  72  as a cohesive unit of the L-shaped driving bar  64 . In some embodiments the tubular interface section  72  is formed of solid metallic material. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, the L-shaped driving bar  64  is formed of the same or different materials as identified previously for the spreader bar  40 . 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, the vertical drive block  74  has a height dimension of approximately 6 inches. In other embodiments, the height dimension for the vertical drive block  74  may be larger or smaller than 6 inches. 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, the width dimension of the vertical drive block  74  is approximately 3 inches. In other embodiments, the width dimension of the vertical drive block  74  may be larger or smaller than 3 inches. 
         [0065]    In at least one embodiment, the thickness dimension of the vertical drive block  74  is approximately 1 inch. In other embodiments, the thickness dimension for the vertical drive block  74  may be larger or smaller than 1 inch. 
         [0066]    In at least one embodiment, a driving rod  76  extends horizontally outwardly from each opposite side of the vertical drive block  74 . In some embodiments the driving rod  76  is located proximate to the bottom of the vertical drive block  74  and is at a height which is aligned with a central longitudinal axis for the spreader bar  40 . 
         [0067]    In some embodiments, the driving rod  76  is a single piece and traverses the vertical drive block  74  through an aperture. In an alternative embodiment, the driving rod  76  is split into two sections where each section extends horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the vertical drive block  74 . In some embodiments, the driving rod  76  is welded to the vertical drive block  74  proximate to each opposite exterior side surfaces. The driving rod  76  in some embodiments is formed of the same or different materials as selected for the L-shaped driving bar  64  and/or the spreader bar  40  and will not separate, fracture, or fail when the driving rod  76  is exposed to impact or pounding forces from a pneumatic hammer  42 . 
         [0068]    In at least one embodiment, the driving rod  76  has a length dimension of approximately 6½ inches. In other embodiments, the length dimension for the driving rod  76  may be larger or smaller than 6½ inches. 
         [0069]    In some embodiments, the driving rod  76  is cylindrical in shape having a diameter dimension of approximately ¾ inch. In other embodiments, the diameter dimension for the driving rod  76  may be larger or smaller than ¾ inch. 
         [0070]    In at least one embodiment, the driving rod  76  includes a first end  78  and a second end  80 . In some embodiments, a positioning stop  82  is secured to the driving rod  76  proximate to each of the first end  78  and second end  80 . In some embodiments the positioning stops  82  may be a large washer which is welded to the first end  78  and second end  80  of the driving rod  76 . 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, a bolt head and/or nut may be disposed and/or integral to the driving rod  76  proximate to the first end  78  and/or second end  80  exterior to the positioning stops  82 . 
         [0072]    In some embodiments, the driving element  66  is substantially rectangular in shape having a tubular interface section  72  as earlier described for insertion within the interior of the working end  62 , or for positioning over the exterior of the working end  62 . In at least one embodiment the driving element  66  includes a drive plate surface  84  which is opposite to the tubular interface section  72 . In some embodiments the drive plate surface  84  is integral with the tubular interface section  72  and in other embodiments the drive plate surface  84  is welded to the end of the driving element  66  opposite to the tubular interface section  72 . 
         [0073]    In at least one embodiment a driving element  66  is formed of the same or different materials as identified for the spreader bar  40  and/or L-shaped driving bar  64  and will not separate, fracture or fail when exposed to impact or pounding forces from a pneumatic hammer  42  or sledgehammer. 
         [0074]    In at least one embodiment, the driving element  66  has a chamfered edges to facilitate coupling with the working end  62  of the spreader bar  40 . 
         [0075]    In at least one alternative embodiment, the driving element  66  has a length dimension of approximately 4 inches. In other embodiments, the driving element  66  has a length dimension larger or smaller than 4 inches. 
         [0076]    In some embodiments, a driving rod  76  extends horizontally outwardly from each opposite side of the driving element  66  as earlier described relative to the vertical drive block  74 . In some embodiments, the driving rod  76  is aligned with a central longitudinal axis for the driving element  66  and the spreader bar  40 . 
         [0077]    In at least one alternative embodiment the driving rod  76  is a single piece and traverses the driving element  66  through an opening. In an alternative embodiment, the driving rod  76  is split into two sections, where each section extends horizontally outwardly from opposite sides of the driving element  66 . In some embodiments the driving rod  76  is welded to the driving element  66  proximate to each opposite exterior side surfaces. 
         [0078]    In some embodiments, either of the L-shaped driving bar  64  or the driving element  66  are exposed to insertion or extraction drive forces from a pneumatic hammer  42  or sledgehammer. In at least one alternative embodiment the insertion or extraction forces are transferred from the pneumatic hammer  42  to the L-shaped driving bar  64  or driving element  66  through the use of a driver  44 . 
         [0079]    In some embodiments, the driving rod  76  may be replaced by another mechanical element such as a bolt and nut, a protruding bar, an extension member, or other extension or protrusion, so long as the element utilized in substitution for the driving rod  76  engages the driver  44  to facilitate insertion of the spreader bar  40  between tubes  16  of a tube bank during cleaning activities. The element of the driving rod  76  should be considered to be sufficiently broad to encompass alternative mechanical elements. 
         [0080]    In at least one embodiment, the driver  44  includes a base  86 . Base  86  receives and supports the bottom of the L-shaped driving bar  64 , the bottom of the driving element  66 , and/or a portion of the bottom of the spreader bar  40  proximate to the working end  62 . In some embodiments, the base  86  defines an internal channel width dimension of approximately 1⅝ inches. In some embodiments the internal channel width dimension for the base  86  may be larger or smaller than 1⅝ inches dependent upon the width dimension selected for the L-shaped driving bar  64 , driving element  66 , and/or spreader bar  40 . 
         [0081]    In some embodiments, the base  86  has a length dimension of approximately 4½ inches. In alternative embodiments, the length dimension for the base  86  may be longer or smaller than 4½ inches. In some embodiments, the base  86  may be a single component U-shaped member including opposite vertical positioning members. Alternatively, the base may be a plate welded to the opposite vertical positioning members. 
         [0082]    In some embodiments, the interface portion of the driver  44  which is constructed and arranged to interface with the working end  62  of the spreader bar  40 , has a height dimension of approximately 3 inches. The height dimension for the interface portion of the driver  44  in some embodiments may be larger or smaller than 3 inches. 
         [0083]    In some embodiments, the interface portion of the driver  44  used to couple with the working end  62  includes a first vertical transition member  88  and a second vertical transition member  90 . The first and second vertical transition members  88 ,  90  extend vertically upward from opposite sides of the rearward or distal end of the base  86 . 
         [0084]    In some embodiments a first horizontal positioning member  92  extends horizontally forwardly from the top of the first vertical transition member  88 . In some embodiments, a second horizontal positioning member  94  extends horizontally forwardly from the top of the second vertical transition member  90 . 
         [0085]    In some embodiments, a first receiving channel  96  is located between the first horizontal positioning member  92  and the first side of the base  86 . In some embodiments a second receiving channel  98  is located between the second horizontal positioning member  94  and the second side of the base  86 . In some embodiments, the first receiving channel  96  and the second receiving channel  98  are constructed and arranged to releasably receive the driving rod  76  of the spreader bar  40 . In some embodiments the first receiving channel  96  and second receiving channel  98  are larger than the diameter or other dimension utilized for the driving rod  76 . 
         [0086]    In some embodiments, a drive block passage  100  is established between the first horizontal positioning member  92  and the second horizontal positioning member  94  along the top of the driver  44 . In some embodiments, during the insertion of the first side of the drive rod  76  in the first receiving channel  96  and the second side of the drive rod  76  in the second receiving channel  98 , the drive block  74  is being inserted into the drive block passage  100 , where the driving rod  76  and the drive block passage  100  are positioned toward a back plate  102  of driver  44 . 
         [0087]    In some embodiments, the base  86 , first horizontal positioning member  92  and second horizontal positioning member  94  extend horizontally outwardly and forwardly from the back plate  102 . 
         [0088]    It should be noted that in some embodiments that the base  86  may be replaced by third and fourth positioning members at the discretion of an individual. 
         [0089]    In some embodiments, the base  86 , the first horizontal positioning member  92  and second horizontal positioning member  94  are welded to the back plate  102 , which functions as a positioning stop for the vertical drive block  74  within the drive block passage  100 , or as a positioning stop for the drive plate surface  84  within the interior of the driver  44 . 
         [0090]    In some embodiments the driver  44  is formed of the same or different metallic materials as utilized in the spreader bar  40 . In some embodiments the welding of the base  86 , first horizontal positioning member  92 , and/or second horizontal positioning member  94  to the back plate  102  will not separate, fracture or fail when exposed to impact or pounding forces from a pneumatic hammer  42  or sledgehammer. 
         [0091]    In at least one alternative embodiment a chisel  104  is welded to the back or opposite side of the back plate  102  relative to the base  86  and first and second horizontal positioning members  92 ,  94 . In some embodiments the distal end of chisel  104  includes a collar  106  and a hammer adapter  108  extends outwardly from the collar  106  for releasable engagement to a pneumatic hammer  42 . 
         [0092]    In some embodiments the chisel  104 , collar  106 , and hammer adapter  108  are formed of sturdy metallic materials as earlier described which will not separate, fracture or fail when exposed to impact or pounding forces from the pneumatic hammer  42 . In some embodiments, the hammer adapter  108  and chisel  104  are used to impart impact forces on the back plate  102  for transfer through the driver  44  onto the driving rod  76  to insert the tapered end  46  of the spreader bar  40  between tubes  16  of a tube bank to establish a tube lane for cleaning activities. 
         [0093]    In some embodiments, the boiler cleaning system  10  includes an extraction device generally referred to by reference numeral  110 . The extraction device  110  in some embodiments is coupled to the driving rod  76  to impart forces to withdraw a previously inserted spreader bar  40  from a tube bank. ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ) 
         [0094]    In some embodiments the extraction device  110  is formed of a first support member  112  and a second support member  114 . Each of the first and second support member&#39;s  112 ,  114  include a first end  116  and a second end  118 . Each of the first and second ends  116 ,  118  may be rounded in some embodiments. 
         [0095]    In some embodiments, each of the first and second support members  112 ,  114  include a receiving slot  120 . In some embodiments the receiving slot  120  includes a vertical portion and a horizontal portion creating a hook shape for each of the first ends  116  of the first and second support members  112 ,  114  respectively. In some embodiments the receiving slots  120  engage the first and second ends  78 ,  80  of the driving rod  76 , where the hook shaped first ends  116  of the first and second support members  112   114  prevent inadvertent separation of the extraction device  110  from the spreader bar  40  during the removal of the spreader bar  40  from a tube bank. 
         [0096]    In some embodiments, the hook shaped first end  116  of the first support member  112  is disposed between a positioning stop  82  of the first end  78  and the drive block  74  or tubular interface section  72 , capturing the first end  78  of the driving rod  76 . In some embodiments the hook shaped end  116  of the second support member  114  is disposed between a positioning stop  82  of the second end  80  and the opposite side of the drive block  74  or tubular interface section  72 , capturing the second end  80  of the driving rod  76 . 
         [0097]    In some embodiments each of the first and second support member&#39;s  112 ,  114  includes an open area  122  which facilitates handling by an individual and reducing the weight of the first and second support member  112 ,  114 . A first or second support member  112 ,  114  is not required to include an open area  122 . In some embodiments the inclusion of an open area  122  in either the first or second support members  112 ,  114  does not adversely affect the structural integrity of the extraction device  110 . 
         [0098]    In some embodiments, the first support member  112  is securely connected to the second support member  114  through the use of a support bar  124  which may be welded to the bottom edge of the first and second support members  112 ,  114 . The first and second support members  112 ,  114  are substantially aligned and are parallel relative to each other. In some embodiments, the first support member  112  may be separated from the second support member  114  by a dimension of approximately 2¾ inches. In an alternative embodiment the separation distance between the first support member  112  and the second support member  114  may be larger or smaller than 2¾ inches. 
         [0099]    In some embodiments, the support bar  124  may have dimensions of approximately 4 inches in length, 1 inch in width, and ⅜ inch in thickness. The dimensions for the support bar  124  may be increased or decreased at the discretion of an individual. 
         [0100]    In some embodiments, the second ends  118  of the first support member  112  and the second support member  114  are engaged to each other by an extraction rod  126  which may be welded to each of the first and second support members  112 ,  114  traversing therebetween. In some embodiments the second ends  118  of the first and second support members  112   114  each include a receiving hole, and the extraction rod  126  passes through each receiving hole for welding thereto. In some embodiments the terminal ends of the extraction rod  126  are disposed to the exterior of each of the first and second support members  112 ,  114  and include a stop such as a bolt head and/or nut, which in turn may be welded to the exterior surface of the respective first or second support members  112 ,  114 . 
         [0101]    In some embodiments the extraction rod  126  receives the first and second receiving channels  96 ,  98  of the driver  44  when the pneumatic hammer  42  is positioned to provide impact forces away from a tube bank to remove the spreader bar  40  from the tube bank. ( FIG. 6 ) In some embodiments the extraction device  110  is engaged to and positioned between each of the working end  62  of the spreader bar  40 , and the driver  44  and pneumatic hammer  42 , which are engaged to the extraction device  110  opposite to the working end  62  to remove the spreader bar  40  from an engaged position within a tube bank. 
         [0102]    In some embodiments, when the extraction device  110  is in an operative position relative to the spreader bar  40 , the impact force applied to the extraction rod  126  in a direction away from a tube bank is transferred to the hook shaped first ends  116  to draw the driving rod  76  and the spreader bar  40  away from the tube bank to separate the spreader bar  40  from the tube bank. 
         [0103]    In some embodiments, the extraction device  110  is formed of the same or different sturdy metallic materials as earlier described relative to the spreader bar  40  and driver  44  and will not separate, fracture, or fail when exposed to impact or pounding forces from the pneumatic hammer  42 . 
         [0104]    In some embodiments, the first and second support members  112 ,  114  have a length dimension of between approximately 1 foot and 3⅝ inches to 2 feet 3⅝ inches. In alternative embodiments the length dimension of the first and second support members  112 ,  114  may be shorter than one 1 3⅝ inches and longer than 2 feet 3⅝ inches. 
         [0105]    In some embodiments the first and second support members  112 ,  114  are separated from each other by a dimension of approximately 2¾ inches. In alternative embodiments the separation distance between the first and second support members  112 ,  114  may be larger or smaller than 2¾ inches. 
         [0106]    In some embodiments the first and second support members  112 ,  114  have a varying height dimension between the first end  116  and the second end  118  which may be between 8 inches and 2 inches. In some embodiments, the height dimension for the first and second support members  112 ,  114  may be smaller than 2 inches and larger than 8 inches. 
         [0107]    In some embodiments, the first and second support member&#39;s  112 ,  114  have a thickness dimension of approximately ⅜ inch. In some embodiments the thickness dimension for the first and second support members  112 ,  114  may be larger or smaller than ⅜ inch. 
         [0108]    In an alternative embodiment, the extraction device  110  may be substantially U-shaped, where each of the first and second support member&#39;s  112 ,  114  have an elongated height dimension. In some embodiments, the support bar  124  has been omitted and replaced with a second extraction rod  128  and third extraction rod  130 . In some embodiments the extraction rod  126 , second extraction rod  128  and/or third extraction rod  130  traverse the space between the first and second support members  112 ,  114 . In some embodiments the extraction rod  126 , and second and third extraction rods  128 ,  130  are welded to the interior or exterior of a respective first or second support member  112 ,  114 . 
         [0109]    In some embodiments, the receiving slot  120  does not include a vertical section and is disposed horizontally to form the hook shaped first end  116 . 
         [0110]    In some embodiments, the first receiving channel  96  and second receiving channel  98  of the driver  44  may be engaged to any one of the extraction rod  126 , second extraction rod  128 , or third extraction rod  130  where the pneumatic hammer  42  is positioned to impart impact forces away from a tube bank, through the hook shaped first ends  116 , and through the driving rod  76  to withdraw the spreader bar  40  from an engaged position within a tube bank. 
         [0111]    In some alternative embodiments, the height dimension for the first and second support members  112 ,  114  is approximately 9½ inches. In alternative embodiments, the height dimension for the first and second support members  112 ,  114  may be larger or smaller than 9½ inches. 
         [0112]    In some alternative embodiments, the remaining functions and features of the extraction device  110 , second extraction rod  128  and third extraction rod  130  are substantially identical to the extraction rod  126  as earlier described. 
         [0113]    In some embodiments the remaining functions and features of the first and second support members  112 ,  114  are substantially identical between embodiments having an increased height dimension for the first and second support members  112 ,  114 . 
         [0114]    The above examples and disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not exhaustive. These examples and description will suggest many variations and alternatives to one of ordinary skill in this art. Further, the particular features presented in the dependent claims can be combined with each other in other manners within the scope of the invention such that the invention should be recognized as also specifically directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the features of the dependent claims. 
         [0115]    In addition to being directed to the embodiments described above and claimed below, the present invention is further directed to embodiments having different combinations of the features described above and claimed below. As such, the invention is also directed to other embodiments having any other possible combination of the dependent features claimed below. 
         [0116]    The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof; and it is, therefore, desired that the present embodiment be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made to the appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicate the scope of the invention. 
         [0117]    This completes the description of the preferred and alternate embodiments of the invention. Those skilled in the art may recognize other equivalents to the specific embodiment described herein which equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto.