Laser removal of sludge from steam generators

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1990

OSTI ID:867356

Nachbar, Henry D ^[1]

---

1. Ballston Lake, NY

A method of removing unwanted chemical deposits known as sludge from the metal surfaces of steam generators with laser energy is provided. Laser energy of a certain power density, of a critical wavelength and frequency, is intermittently focused on the sludge deposits to vaporize them so that the surfaces are cleaned without affecting the metal surface (sludge substrate). Fiberoptic tubes are utilized for laser beam transmission and beam direction. Fiberoptics are also utilized to monitor laser operation and sludge removal.

• Research Organization: Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (KAPL), Niskayuna, NY (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC12-76SN00052
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4920994
• OSTI ID: 867356
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

laser
removal
sludge
steam
generators
method
removing
unwanted
chemical
deposits
metal
surfaces
energy
provided
power
density
critical
wavelength
frequency
intermittently
focused
vaporize
cleaned
affecting
surface
substrate
fiberoptic
tubes
utilized
beam
transmission
direction
fiberoptics
monitor
operation
steam generators
laser operation
metal surface
metal surfaces
steam generator
laser beam
laser energy
power density
beam direction
beam transmission
removing unwanted
/134/122/165/376/