Convertible media sootblower lance tube

A lance tube for a sootblower device for cleaning surfaces of a combustion device in which said lance tube is periodically advanced into and withdrawn from said combustion device, said lance tube having a hollow interior for conducting a fluid cleaning medium which is ejected from nozzles carried by said lance tube, said lance tube adapted to be converted either for discharging a first gaseous or vaporous cleaning medium, or a second liquid cleaning medium, said lance tube comprising:

• at least one first nozzle affixed to said lance tube configured for discharging said first cleaning medium and mounted to said lance tube adjacent a distal end thereof,
• at least one second nozzle affixed to said lance tube configured for discharging said second cleaning medium and mounted to said lance tube longitudinally displaced from said first nozzle toward a proximal end of said lance tube, and
• fluid flow means affixed to said lance tube defining a flow passageway within said lance tube hollow interior and interposed between said first and second nozzles whereby the resistance to flow of said cleaning medium through said fluid flow control means influences the relative flow rates of said cleaning medium discharged by said first and second nozzles, said fluid flow control means incorporating a first plug element intended for use with said first cleaning medium providing a relatively low fluid flow restriction whereby said first cleaning medium is discharged predominately through said first nozzle, and interchangeably incorporating a second plug element intended for use with said second cleaning medium providing a relatively high fluid flow restriction whereby said second cleaning medium is discharged predominantly through said second nozzle.

A lance tube for a sootblower device for cleaning surfaces of a combustion device in which said lance tube is periodically advanced into and withdrawn from said combustion device, said lance tube having a hollow interior for conducting a fluid cleaning medium which is ejected from nozzles carried by said lance tube, said lance tube adapted to be converted either from discharging a first gaseous or vaporous cleaning medium, or a second liquid cleaning medium, said lance tube comprising:

• at least one first nozzle affixed to said lance tube configured for discharging said first cleaning medium and mounted to said lance tube adjacent a distal end thereof,
• at least one second nozzle affixed to said lance tube configured for discharging said second cleaning medium and mounted to said lance tube longitudinally displaced from said first nozzle toward a proximal end of said lance tube, and
• a valve assembly affixed to said lance tube defining a flow passageway within said lance tube hollow interior and interposed between said first and second nozzles whereby the resistance to flow of said cleaning medium through said valve assembly influences the relative flow rates of said cleaning medium discharged by said first and second nozzles, said valve assembly having a cylindrical plate block forming a flow passage on one side of a diameter center plane thereof and defining a circular transverse slot retaining a gate plate having an opening, whereby in said first position, said gate plate opening is aligned with said flow passage and when rotated in said transverse slot to said second position, said gate plate block said flow passage.

A lance tube for a sootblower device for cleaning surfaces of a combustion device in which said lance tube is periodically advanced into and withdrawn from said combustion device, said lance tube having a hollow interior for conducting a fluid cleaning medium which is ejected from one or more nozzles carried by said lance tube, said lance tube comprising:

• at least one first nozzle affixed to said lance tube,
• at least one second nozzle affixed to said lance tube,
• wherein said first and second nozzles have differing fluid flow characteristics, and
• a valve assembly affixed to said lance tube defining a flow passageway within said lance tube hollow interior and interposed in a fluid flow path between said first and second nozzles and having a manually actuated valve element moveable between two positions, including a first position providing a low resistance to said flow of said cleaning medium and a second position providing a high resistance said flow of said cleaning medium whereby the resistance to flow of said cleaning medium through said valve assembly set by said valve element influences the relative flow rates of said cleaning medium discharged by said first and second nozzles.