Ultrasonic cleaning of interior surfaces

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:869170

Odell, D MacKenzie C. ^[1]

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1. Aiken, SC

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: Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC09-89SR18035
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5289838
• OSTI ID: 869170
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ultrasonic
cleaning
interior
surfaces
apparatus
tubes
generator
reflector
coupled
opposing
open-ended
fluid-filled
tube
fluid-tight
couplings
seal
preventing
leakage
fluid
operatively
connected
actuators
whereby
distance
varied
changed
frequency
sound
waves
simultaneously
adjusted
maintain
resonant
standing
wave
formed
nodes
moved
axially
cavitation
length
maximizes
mechanical
disruption
agitation
dislodging
foreign
material
surface
ultrasonic cleaning
resonant frequency
sound waves
interior surface
interior surfaces
standing wave
operatively connected
cleaning apparatus
ultrasonic generator
moved axially
filled tube
foreign material
fluid-filled tube
tight coupling
sound wave
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