Ultrasonic cleaning of interior surface
This invention is comprised of an ultrasonic cleaning apparatus for cleaning the interior surfaces of tubes. The apparatus includes an ultrasonic generator and reflector each coupled to opposing ends of the open-ended, fluid-filled tube. Fluid-tight couplings seal the reflector and generator to the tube, preventing leakage of fluid from the interior of the tube. The reflector and generator are operatively connected to actuators, whereby the distance between them can be varied. When the distance is changed, the frequency of the sound waves is simultaneously adjusted to maintain the resonant frequency of the tube so that a standing wave is formed in the tube, the nodes of which are moved axially to cause cavitation along the length of the tube. Cavitation maximizes mechanical disruption and agitation of the fluid, dislodging foreign material from the interior surface.
- Research Organization:
- Westinghouse Savannah River Co., Aiken, SC (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy
- Patent Number(s):
- PATENTS-US-A7813729
- Application Number:
- ON: DE94005155; PAN: 7-813,729
- OSTI ID:
- 10114192
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 1991
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Ultrasonic cleaning of interior surfaces
Ultrasonic cleaning of interior surfaces