Fluid jet apparatus and method for cleaning tubular components

Apparatus for fluid jet cleaning material from the inside of a tubular component comprising:

• a source of high pressure fluid;
• an elongated member for running into one end of the tubular component;
• a nozzle body affixed to the free end of the elongated member, said nozzle body having an internal chamber and a forward end and at least two fluid jet forming means mounted on the forward end of the nozzle body in fluid communication with the chamber for directing a plurality of high pressure fluid cutting jets in a forward direction and at an acute angle relative to a plane parallel to the axis of the tubular component so that they are directed toward one wall of the tubular component;
• means for locating the nozzle body adjacent to the wall of the tubular component opposite from said one wall so that the body is offset relative to the axis of the component with at least one fluid jet forming means on the nozzle body being located on the opposite side of the axis of the tubular component from said one wall so that its fluid jet will be directed across said axis toward said one wall;
• means for communicating the chamber with the high pressure fluid source;
• means for providing a relative motion between the tubular component and the nozzle body so that the nozzle body moves around and remains adjacent to the wall of the tubular component opposite from said one wall;
• and
• means for advancing the elongated member and the attached nozzle body into the tubular component as erosion occurs;
• whereby the fluid jets form an asymmetric cutting pattern on the surface of the material being eroded and the counterthrust of the fluid jets keeps the nozzle body offset relative to the axis of the tubular component and against the wall opposite from said one wall to provide passage for removal of the eroded material and spent fluid out of the end of the tubular component.