US2069574A - Fluid heater cleaner - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 2, 1937. F. BOWERS 2,069,574

FLUID HEATER CLEANER Filed Dec. :5, 1935 v'sheets-sheet 1 ATTO RN EY Feb. 2, 1937. F BQWERS 2,069,574

FLUID HEATER CLEANER Filed Dec. 3, 1955 '7 sheets-sheet 2 INVENToR O kfw/K @o weks ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1937. F, BOWERS FLUID HEATER CLEANER Filed DeG. 3, 1935 7 Sheets-Shes?l 3 ATTGHNEY Feb. 2, 1937. F. BOWERS 2,069,574

FLUID HEATER CLEANER A ff@ BYTKMSMQQM ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1937. F. Bowr-:Rs 2,069,574

FLUID HEATER CLEANER Filed Dec. 3, 1935 4 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 o2 INVENTOR 9/ Meng/t Bow KS C?. .8. 8/ vEY ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1937. F. BowERs FLUID HEATER CLEANER Y Filed Dec. 5, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 lmnx\\\\\\\\\\\\\ vll/lm i Q Q ATTORNEY Feb. 2, 1937. F. BOWERS 2,069,574

FLUID HEATER CLEANER Filed Dec. 5, 1935 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 I /JO 40./ lr

"W @ya INVENTOR PRH/VA Howeks ATTO RNEY Patented Feb. 2, 1937 PATENT OFFICE FLUID HEATER CLEANER.

Frank Bowers, Detroit, Mich., assigner to Diamond Power Specialty Corporation, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Mlchinn Application December 3, 1935, SerialvNo. 52,687

24 Claims.

- This invention relates to a. fluid heater cleaner of the type adapted to discharge jets of cleaning fluid adjacent portions of the uid heater to be cleaned.

One of the primary objects of this invention is to provide a uid heater cleaner of the above mentioned character in which the blower elements, the means for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid to the blower elements, and the means for moving the blower elements may all be located within the fluid heater with which the cleaner is associated.

'Ihe invention has as a further object the provision of a fluid heater cleaner in which effective cleaning may be accomplished with a minimum discharge of cleaning fluid.

Still further the invention contemplates a improved arrangement of valves and actuating mechanisms for the same whereby the control of the supply of cleaning fluid to the blower elements maybe conveniently controlled.

Numerous other objects and, advantages of this invention will become more apparent as the following description proceeds particularly when reference is had to the accompanying drawings wherein- Fig. 1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of an air preheater 'showing the invention associated with the same;

Fig. 2 is a. horizontal sectional view taken sub.- stantially on the line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, is a vertical sectional view taken substantially on the line 3 3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary vertical sectional view at right angles to the section of Fig. 3, and taken substantially on the line 4 4 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view through the cleaning fluid supply means for the blower element;

Fig. 6 is a sectional viewtaken substantially on the line 6 6 of Fig. 4;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary sectional view on the line 1 1 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8-is an enlarged sectional view on the line 8 8 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a detail sectional view on the line 9 9 of Fig. fi;`

Fig. 10 is a detail sectional view taken on the line Ill-I0 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view through two of the blower elements forming part of the construction;

Fig. 12 is a sectional view taken on the line l2 |2 of Fig.4;

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary plan view of a portion of the control mechanism for the cleaner;

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line M Il of Fig. 13;

Fig. 15 is a diagrammatic view showing the 5 wiring diagram of the electrical control means utilized with the cleaner;

Fig. 16 is a diagrammatic side elevational view `of a. slightly modified form of construction; and

Fig. Y 17 is a view similar to Fig. 15 showing a m slightly modified means for initiating the actuation of the system.

For the sake of convenience, the invention will be described as being incorporated in a cleaner associated with an air preheater of the type 15 which includes vertically disposed tubes which open downwardly through a tube sheet. It will be apparent however, as the following description proceeds that the inventive principles may be incorporated in cleaning devices associated 20 with other types of fluid heaters.

Referring then particularly to the drawings wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts throughout all views, the

numeral 20 designates generally an air preheater 25 of the vertical tube type, this preheater having a lower tube sheet 2l through which the tubes 22 extend, these tubes opening downwardly below the tube sheet as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4 ofthe drawings. In accordance with the usual 30 practice, the tubes in each row are staggered with reference to the tubes in adjacent rows and it constitutes a feature of this invention to provide a construction by which cleaning fluid may be discharged into these tubes. 35

The cleaner comprises generally a blower-frame 23 which is mounted below the tube sheet for reciprocatory movement with respect thereto. The frame includes transversely extending blower elements 25, 26, 21 and 28, and frame or brace 40 members such as the angle bars 29, which secure the blower elements together. The blower elements are arranged in pairs with the elements 21 and 28 parallel with but spaced from the elements 25 and 26. 'I'he blower frame is slidably 45 supported on tracks and is adapted to travel one half the length ofthe tube sheet 2|.

The blower elements 25 and 28 are provided with upwardly extending discharge nozzles 35,

while the blower elements 26 and` 21 are provided 50 with angularly arranged discharge nozzles 36, these latter nozzles terminating in vertically disposed discharge ends aligned with the discharge ends of the adjacent nozzles 35. 'I'hus the blower elements 25 and 26 constitute one set of elements 56 with their discharge nozzles extending in a, line across the fluid heater, while the blower elements 21 and 28 constitute a second set with their discharge nozzles disposed in a continuous line extending across the fluid-heater.

In order that the following description may. bc more readily followed. it might be noted that provision is made whereby the complete frame including all the blower elements is adapted to move from the right to the left as viewed in Fig. 3 of the drawings and vto then return toits initial position which is illustrated in this figure. During the travel from the right to the left, cleaning fluid is supplied to blower elements 25 and 26 with the result that the left half of the tubes of the air heater are cleaned during this portion of the cycle of operation. On the return trip, that is during movement of the frame from the left to the right the supply of cleaning fluid to blower elements 25 and 26, is cut off and cleaning fluid is supplied to blower elements 21 and 28 with the result that the right hand half of the tubes of the fluid heater are cleaned, during this return travel of the frame. The mechanism for thus controlling the supply of cleaning fluid to the blower elements will now be described.

A main cleaning fluid supply pipe 48 extends through the fluid heater in the direction of travel of the cleaner frame. Slidably supported on this pipe by the fluid-tight end closures 4I and 4i is a tube 42 which provides a supply chamber 43 surrounding the pipe 48. lPipe 48 is provided with ports 44 which are so located that cleaning fluid will always be admitted from the supply pipe to chamber 43. The tube 42 is adapted to slidev within a tube 45 and this tube in turn is adapted `for telescopic movement in housing 46. A slot 41 in tube 45 cooperating with a pin 41a carried by housing 46, prevents withdrawal of the tube 45 from housing 46.

Communicating with the chamber 43 by way Vmain control valve.

The function of valve 52 is to cause cleaning fluid to be supplied to elements 25 and 26 during the' forward travel of the frame and to cause cleaning fluid to be supplied to elements 21 and y 28 during the return travel of the frame and blower elements. For this purpose valve 52 is provided with discharge chambers 54 and 55, the former being connected in a manner which will later be explained to the elements 21 and 26 and the chamber 55 being connected by pipe 56 and through suitable mechanism which will later be explained, to blower elements 25 and 26.

Controlling communication between chamber 53 and either chamber 54 or chamber 55. is a valve member 51. for reciprocation in the valve 52 and inthe -position illustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings provides communication between inlet chamber 53 and outlet chamber 54. It will be obvious that reciprocation of the valve member to the left as viewed in Fig. 6 will close communication between chambers 54 and 53 and open communication between chambers 53 and 55 whereby cleaning fluid will be supplied to pipe 56 and thus to blower elements 25 and 26.

The position of valve member 51 is dependent upon the direction of travel oi' the blower frame end it is therefore expedient at this time to refer This valve memberis mounted to the mechanism provided for causing the blower frame to traverse the tube sheet, of the fluid heater. Journalled in suitable bearings carried by the fluid heater and extending parallel with the supply pipe 48 is a shaft 68 provided with a threaded portion 6I. Referring now to Fig'. 7, it will be noted that threaded on shaft 68 is a nut 62 which is mounted for limited slidingmovement in a depending portion 63 of the valve 52. Fixed to the ends of the nut 62 are brackets 64 which are adapted to engage thev depending portion of the valve to cause the valve to travel with the nut 62 whenthe nut travels longitudinally of the shaft 68 incident to rotation of the latter. It is to be noted that the brackets `64 are spaced apart a sufficient distance to permit a limited movement of the nut 62 with reference to the valve 52. I y

Each bracket 64 is provided with an upstanding portion 65 and each portion 65 carries alpin ,66 which is adapted for sliding movement through the adjacent end of the valve 52. These pins act on the valve member as will now be described.

As viewed in Figs. 6 and 7, the blower frame is travelling to the right withthe result that 'the pin carried by the bracket at the left of the valve 52 is projected into the valve and has moved the valve member to a position where cleaning fluid i is supplied to discharge chamber 54. Should the parent that the initial reverse rotation 'if the` shaft will cause the nut 62 to move relative to the valve 52 causing the pin carried by the bracket at the right as viewed in Fig. 7 to move the valve member to the left thus placing supply chamber 53 in communication with chamber .55. Further rotation of shaft 68 in the same direction will then cause bracket 64 at the right to engage the depending portion of valve 62 thus causing the blower frame to be carried along with the nut 62. In order to balance the construction, there is preferably provided a second threaded shaft 61 which is rotated inv synchronism with shaft 68. Threaded on shaft 61 is a nut 68 `which carries at its ends brackets 68 adapted to engage the base portion 18 of a member 1I which is integral with or secured toa solid member 12 which is connected to the fitting 58 as at 13. Additionally, tubes-14 preferably surround the threaded portions of shafts 68 andy 61 to protect the latter, these tubesabeing carried by thenuts 62` and 68 as indicated in Fig. 2 of the drawings.

In additionv to the means Just described vfor causing cleaning fluid to vbe suppliedto blower' elements 25 and 26 durlngtravel of the blower frame in one direction and to blower elements 21 and 28 during ltravel of the frame in the other direction, .there is alsoprovided means whereby cleaning nuidis alternately .supplied to the blower elements of each set during travel of the blower frame. Thus for example, and considering blower elements 21 and 26, when the discharge nozzles. 35 are aligned with vthe open, ends of the tubes 22 of one row, cleaning nuidis supplied to the blower `element 28. Wheny the blower frame moves however to the next row in which the tubes are staggered with reference to the row Just cleaned and at which time the discharge nozzles 36 will be aligned with the fluid heater tubes, the

supply of cleaning fluid to'blower element 28 willl be cut off and cleaning fluid will be supplied to blower element 21. To accomplish this an auxiliary control means is associated vwith each of the sets of blower elements but since these mechanisms are identical in construction one only will be described in detail.

Referring first to Fig. 2 there is associated with each set of blower elements what might be termed a transfer valve 15. As also indicated in Fig. 2, the pipe 56 communicates with the transfer valve 15 associated with blower elements 25 and26, while as indicated in Fig. 4, a connection 16 connects discharge chamber 54 with to the left from the position shown in Fig. 8-

the transfer valve 15 associated with blower elements 21 and 28. l

The transfer valves are shown in detail in Figs. 6 and 8. Each valve comprises a casing 60, this casing being rigidly connected to the blower elements with which the valve is associated. The casing is divided into three chambers, there bein`g an inlet chamber 6| and discharge chambers 82 and 83. 'I'he discharge chamber 82 commu' nicates with blower element 28 while discharge chamber 83 communicates with blower element 21. Mounted for reciprocation in the casing, is a valve member 84 adapted in the position illustrated in Fig. 8 of the drawings to place the inlet chamber 8| in communication with the discharge chamber 82 and adapted whenv moved to place the inlet chamber 8| in communication with discharge chamber 83.

The reciprocation of valve member 84 is effectedl by the pressure of the cleaning fluid and is controlled by a suitable pilot valve illustrated in Figs. 6, 9 and 10. The pilot valve comprises a casing 85 formed with a bore 86 in which a valve plunger 81 is mounted for reciprocation. Discharge ports 88 are provided for the discharge of fluid under pressure from the bore 86 to the atmosphere or to any other suitable point of discharge.

Referring now again .to the transfer valve shown in Fig. 8, the valve member 84 is substantially tubular but is dividedinteriorly by a partition 90. Ports 9| and 92 on opposite sides of this partition place the chambers thus formed within the valve member in communication with the inlet chamber 8|.

Carried by the valve casing 80 and projecting inwardly thereof, are bosses 93 and each boss is provided with an exhaust passage 94. These bosses are of such a size as to be slidably received within the chambers formed in the valve member 84, with the result that the fluid supplied to the chambers in the valve member by the ports 9| and 92 may be exhausted by way of the passages 94.

One exhaust passage isasillustrated in Fig. 6 of the drawings connected by a conduit |00 to a bore I0| formed in the pilot valve, this bore communicating with the chamber 86. The other exhaust passage 94 is connected by a conduit |02 to a passage |03 formed in the pilot valve, this passage also communicating with chamber 86. By reference to Fig. 10 of the drawings, it will be noted that vertical reciprocation of valve plunger of the valve housing.

For the purpose of actuating plunger valve 81 in the pilot valve there is provided a cam rail |05,

which is suitably supported below the path of travel of the blower frame as clearly illustrated in Fig. 4 of the drawings. This cam rail is provided with high and low portions '|06 and |01 respectively, so that as the pilot valve moves longitudinally of the cam rail with the blower frame, the plunger 81 is reciprocated and' conduits |00 and |02 are alternately opened to the exhaust.

As thus far described, the operation of the construction is as follows. The blower frame comprising as it does the four blower elements suitably tied together by braces is at the beginning of the cycle of operation in the position shown in Fig. 2. A complete cycle of operation consists in moving the blower frame to the left from the position shown in Fig. 2 until it has completely traversed the tube sheet and in then returning the blower frame to its initial position. This move- 'ment of the blower frame is effected by proper rotation of the shafts 60 and 61.

There is, as previously mentioned, a transfer and pilot valve associated with each two blower elements. During the outward travel of the blower frame that is from the right to the left as lviewed in Fig. 2, valve 52 is actuated to supply l cleaning fluid from chamber 43 to the transfer valve associated with blower elements 25 and 26. As the nozzles are aligned with the fluid heater tubes the transfer valve operates to admit cleaning fluid to blower element 25 so that the tubes with which the nozzles 35 are aligned are cleaned. As the blower frame moves forwardly, the pilot valve associated with the blower elements 25 and `26 effects an actuation of its respective transfer 3` valve so that cleaning fluid is admitted to element 26 with the result that the nozzles 36, which are now aligned with the tubes of the next row, discharge cleaning fluid into these tubes.

When the blower element has reached the limit of its outward movement, the shafts 60 and 61 are reversely rotated and the blower frame starts its travel back to its initial position. Upon the reversing of the travel of the blower frame, valve 52 is actuated so that cleaning fluid is supplied to the transfer valve associated with blower elements 21 and 28 so that these blower elements clean the right hand half of the fluid heater during the return travel of the blower frame. The cam rails |05 are of course so proportioned with reference to the spacing of tubes 22 that only those nozzles aligned with the tubes are supplied with cleaning fluid. v For driving the shafts 60 and 61 to effect the desiredtravel of the blower frame, there is provided a reversing motor IIO. This motor drives through a suitable chain ill, a sprocket |l2 secured to the shaft 60. A second sprocket ||3 on shaft 60 is connected by means of a chain 4 to a sprocket I5 on shaft 61, whereby the two shafts are operated in synchronism. If desired, a suitable hand crank I6 connected to the shaft 61 by sprocket chain |1 may be provided for operating the blowerframe in the event of failure of power. The motor l0 is controlled by a magnetic switch designated generally by the reference character |20. 'I'he switch |20 is 'in turn controlled by switches |2I and |22, the former causing the magnetic reversing switch to reverse the motor to start the return movement of the blower frame and the latter causing the switch |20 to cut off the supply of current to the electric motor to thus terminate movement of the blower 'frame when the latter reaches its initial position.

'I'he switches |2| and |22 are detachably secured to the edge of a quadrant-shaped plate |23. Mounted to move yover this plate and arranged to engage the-switches |2| and |22l at the limits of its movement, is a pointer |24 which is actuated from the shaft 60 in a manner which will later be described. It might'be noted that the switches |2| and |22 are preferably adjustable toward and away from each other so that the extent of movement of the blower'frame may be varied and that additionally the quadrant-shaped plate may bel provided with indicia |25 to facilitate the proper setting of the switches 2| and |22.

The pointer |24 is secured to an arm` |26 which projects into a housing |21. The shaft 60 is extended through housing |21 and is provided within the housing with an elongated gear |30 adapted to mesh with and drive gears |3| and |32. Gear |3| is fixed to and drives a shaft |33 which is suitably journalledin housing |21 and this shaft has its outer surface threaded as indicated by the reference character |34.

Gear |32 has a hub lwhich is threaded to engage the threads |34 and additionally the hub' of gear |32 is provided with a groove |35 to receive a yoke |36 which is attached to the end of an arm |31 secured tothe shaft |26.

As the shaft 60 rotates, it drives shaft |33 by virtue of the engagement of gears |30 and |3|. Gear |32 is also driven by gear |30, but gears |3| and |32 have an; unequal number of teeth with the result that gear |32 is rotated on shaft |33. This rotation of gear |32 lrelative to shaft |33 causes gear |32 to travel longitudinallyof shaft |33 thus effecting an actuation of an arm |31 and pointer |24. `The parts'are so proportioned that the pointerl moves from; one switch -to the other during rrioveme'ntv ofthe blower frame across the tube sheet.

For controlling theadmissionrof cleaning uid to pipe 40, there is provided a main control valve |40. Actuation of this valve is controlledv by a solenoid |4| which is so connected in the circuit of the motor ||0 that whenever the motor is energized, valve |40 is opened.. While the solenoid may control the valve in any manner, it is shown as being adapted to vent a chamber |42 wherebyv piston |43 which is connected to the .valve may be moved upwardly by the pressure ofthe cleaning fluid, thus opening valve |40. When the solenoid 4| is de-energized pressure builds up in chamber |42 and cooperates' with' the force of spring |44 to close valve |40.

The magnetic reversingswitch may be of any desired character insofar as it so controls the motor as to effect the movement of the blower frame which has previously been described; 'By way of example, one manner in which the circuits of the switch may bev arranged vis illustrated in Fig. 15 wherein reference characters |45, |46

and |41 designate the power supply lines adapted to be connected by a suitable switch |46 to the lines |49, |50 and |5|. Line |5| is connected di'. rectly to the motor ||0, while lines |49 and |50 are connected to suitable terminals under the control of solenoid actuated bridge contacts |52 and |53.

The circuit includes the previously mentioned switches |2| and |22, the latter including contacts |55 and |56 and the formervincluding relatively movable contacts |51, |53 and |53. The circuit also includes a normally closed manually operable switch |60 and self opening switches |6| and |62, which may be momentarily closed for a purpose which will later become apparent. When the blower frame is fully retracted, that f is moved an the way to the right as viewed in Fig. 2, arm |24 will be in engagement with contact |55, and will break the circuit between this contact and contact |56. switch |62 is momentarily closed, current will flow from line AI4!! through line |10, line |1|, closed switch |60, switch |62, line |12, coil |13 and back to line |50. This will energize coil |13 causing bridge contact |53 to close the circuit to the motor I0 which will cause the blower frame to move toward the left as viewed in Fig. 3.

As soon as the blower frame starts its movement, it will be apparent that arm |24 will be Vmoved out of engagement with contact |55 so that this contact may again engage contact |55 as illustrated. Switch |62 may now be released since current will flow from line |50 through coil |13 to line |12 and then through switch |15, lwhich is closed upon actuation of bridge contact |53, and from switch |15 through contacts |51 and |56 and then through contacts |56 'and |55 and back through closed switch |60 to line |46.

The forward movement of the blower frame will continue until arm |24 moves contact |53 out of engagement with contact |51 and into engagement with contact |59, whereupon the motor circuit will be reversed. This will be eected byvirtue of the ilow of current from line |50 through coil |16, line |11. contacts |50 and |56 of switch |2| then through switch |22, then through switch |60 and back to line |49. Assoon as the blower frame starts its reverse travel, contact |50 moves back into engagement with contact |51 and current now flows from line |50 through coil |16, through switch |10 which is closed upon closing of bridge contact v|52 by energization of coil |16 and from switch |18 through switch |22, closed switch |60 back to line |49.v Obviously, the return movement of the blower frame will continue until arm |24 again breaks the lcircuit between contacts |55 and |56 whereupon the operation of the motor will be terminated.v

A s previously mentioned, the solenoid |4| which, controls the actuation of valve |40 is connected tothe motor circuit so that when the motor is operated and the blower frame is being moved, cleaning iiuid will vbe supplied to the blower nozzles.` The operation of the blower frame can be reversed at anytime during its forward movement by l opening switch |60 to de-energize coil 13 and by then closing this switch and momentarily closing switch |6| which accomplishes the same result as the momentary closing of contacts |50 and |56.

It might be noted that during the travel of lthe blower frame to the left, the tube |42 slides through the sleeve 45 and insert 45 which is fixed to sleeve 45 until fitting 50 engages the end of tube 45 forcing this tube into the housing 46. On vthe return stroke, tube 42 slides through sleeve 45* until the flange 4|'A engages sleeve 45* and draws the tube 45 outwardly to substantially the position shown in Fig. 5.

From the above it is believed lthat the general operation of the cleaner will be readily understood. With the blower in its normal position, the push button switch |62- may be momentarily closed and this will e'ect an opening of the main control valve |40 and will start the actuation ofthe motor ||0. The blower frame will be moved outwardly or to the left and during this outward travel cleaning fluid will be supplied to blower elements 25 and 26 whereby the If now the starting left hand part of the fluid heater as viewed in Fig. 3 will be cleaned.

After the blower frame has reached the limit of its outward movement, the motor |I is automatically reversed and the blower frame moved cleaning fluid to the blower elements -will be cut off necessitating a further momentary actuation of switch |62 to effect another cycle of operation.

In Fig. 16 a slight modication of the main control means is illustrated as comprising a main valve |40, which is adapted to be manually opened by hand wheel |80. Beyond the main valve |40, there is tapped into the supply pipe 40 a conduit |8| which supplies uid under pressure to a pressure actuated switch designated generally by the reference character |82.

The pressure actuated switch |82 functions in a manner similar to switch |62 to start the actuation of the motor which moves the blower frame and the manner in which this may be effected isv diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 17. It will be noted that the circuit utilized is practically identical with that shown in Fig. l5, there being however, added to the circuit a contact |90 which is connected to line |12. The switch |82 is located in the line I9| which connects the contact |55 to the switches |60, IBI and |628.

When pressure builds up sufficiently to close switch |82, current flows from line |49 through line I'H, closed switch |60, switch |82, to contact |5521.` It will be understood that with the blower frame in its retracted position, contact |55 will be in engagement with contact |90, so that current will ow from this contact through line |12, coil |13 to line |50. As the blower frame starts to move outwardly this circuit willv be broken but the circuit to the motor will be maintained inthe manner previously described.

Upon the return of the blower frame to its original position, contact |55 will again be moved into engagement with contact |90 so that the motor willagain be reversed if the pressure switch |82 is still closed. 'I'hus the blower frame will continue to reciprocate until the valve |40 is closed.

If desired, a suitable alarm may be connected in parallel with the contacts 55 and |90, so that each time these contacts are closed the alarm is actuated to indicate that the blower frame has returned to its original position so that the operator may, if he so desires, cut 0E the supply of cleaning fluid to the blower frame.

While the invention has been described with some detail, it is to be clearly understood that the description is for the purposes of illustration only and is not definitive oi.' the limits of the inventive idea. The right is reserved tovmake such changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts as will fall within the purview of the attached claims.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a iuid heater cleaner, a plurality of blower elements, means for moving all of said elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes and as a unit with reference to portions of the :duid y'heater to be cleaned, and means operating in dependence upon the movement of said blower elements to limit the supply of cleaning uid to one of said blower elements at a time.

2. In a iluid heater cleaner, a plurality of blower elements fixed against movement with respect to each other, means for reciprocating said blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes, and means controlled by the movement of said blower elements for limiting the supply of cleaning iluid to one of said blower elements at a time.

3. In a duid heater cleaner, a pair of blowerl elements, means for moving said blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes and as -a unit with reference to portions of the iluid heater to be cleaned. and means operating to alternately supply cleaning uid to said blower elements.

4. In a `fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements, means for moving said blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes and as a unit with reference to portions of the fluid heater to be cleaned, a valve controlling the ilow of cleaning iluid to said blower elements, and

means controlled by the movement of the blower elements for so actuating said valve that cleaning uid is ysupplied to only one of said elements at a time.

5. In a uid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements, means for moving said blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes and as a unit with reference to portions of a fluid heater to be cleaned, and means controlled by the movement of said blower elements operating to alternately admit iluid to said blower elements.

6. In a uid heater cleaner, a blower frame including two setsof blower elements,` means for reciprocating said blower frame, and means operating to supply cleaning uid to one set of blower elements during movement ot the blower frame in one direction and to the other set of blower elements during movement of the blower frame in the opposite direction.

7. In a uid heater cleaner, a blower frame including two sets of blower elements, means for moving said frame with reference to portions of the fluid heater to be cleaned, and means controlled bysaid moving means for admitting cleaning fluid to one set of blower elements during movement of the blower frame in one direction and to the other set of blower elements during movement of the frame in the opposite direction.

8. In a fluid heater cleaner, a blower frame including two pairs of blower elements, means for elements, means for reciprocating said pairs of blower elements as a unit to cause the same to travel back and forth across the fluid heater, the pairs of blower elements being so spaced that during said reciprocation one pair of blower elements traverses one half oi' the iluid heater while the other pair of blower elements traverses the other half of the iluid heater, means controlled by the reciprocating means for admitting cleaning fluid VYto one pair of blower elements during movement of all the blower elements in one direction and to the other pair of blower elements during movement of the blower elements in the other direction, and means associated with each pair oi' blower elements for alternately admitting cleaning fluid to the elements of the pair during the interval of supply of cleaning fluid thereto.

10. In a fluid heater cleaner, a blower frame, including two pairs of blower elements, means for reciprocating said frame to cause the same to travel back and forth across theiluid heater, the pairs of blower elements being so spaced that during said reciprocation one pair oi' blower elements is adapted to discharge cleaning fluid into one half of the uid heater w'nile the other pair of blower elements is adapted to discharge cleaning fluid into the other half of the fluid heater, a valve operating upon reciprocation of said blower frame to admit cleaning fluid to one pair of blower elements during movement of said frame in one direction and to the other pair of said blower elements during movement of the blower frame in the other direction, a transfer valve associated with eachpair of blower elements for controlling the admission of cleaning fluid to the same and means controlled by the movement of the blower elements for so actuating said transfer valves that cleaning uid is alternately supplied to the blower elements of a pair during the interval o! supply of cleaning iiuid to the pair.

1l. In a fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements fixed in parallel relation with respect to each other, discharge nozzles carried by said blower elements, the discharge nozzles of one of said elements being bent to 'lie in the plane of the discharge nozzles of the other element, means for moving said blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes, and a trans-v fer valve associated with said elements operable during movement thereof to admit cleaning fluid alternately to said elements.

12. In a fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements xed in parallel relation with respect to each other, discharge nozzles carried by said blower elements, the discharge nonies of one of said elements being bent to lie in the plane of the discharge nozzles of the other element, means for moving said ,blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes, a transfer valve associated with said elements operable during movement thereof to admit cleaning duid alternately to said elements, and a pilot valve controlling the actuation of said transfer valve.

v 13. In a fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower Y elements nxed in parallel relation with respect to each other, discharge nozzles carried by said blower elements, the discharge nozzles oi.' one of trol the ow of cleaning uid thereto, a pilot valve controlling the actuation of said transfer valve, and means including a cam rail disposed adjacent the path of reciprocation of said blower elements for actuating said pilot valve.

14. In a fluid heater cleaner, a blower frame including two pairs of blower elements, means for reciprocating 'said blower frame to cause the same to travel back and forth across the fluid heater, means controlling said reciprocating means to limit the reciprocatory movement of the blower frame, a source of cleaning iluid, a main valve controlling the flow of cleaning duid from the source to the blower elements, and means for controlling the actuation of the main valve in dependence upon the actuation of said reciprocating means.

15.In a device for discharging cleaning fluid into openings arranged in rows with the openings in one row staggered with reference to the openings in adjacent rows, a blower frame comprising two pairs of blower elements, one blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with the openings in alternate rows and the other blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted-to register with'the openings in the remaining rows, means for reciprocating said blower frame, means for admitting cleaning fluid to one pair of blower elements during a portion of the reciprocation of the blower frame and to the other pair of blower elements during the remaining portion of the reciprocationof the blower frame, and means associated with each pair of blower elements for alternately admitting cleaning fluid to the same during the interval of supply of cleaning fluid thereto. y

16. In a cleaner for an air heater having a plurality of tubes opening through a tube sheet, said tubes being arranged in rows with the tubes in each row staggered relative to the tubes in adjacent rows, a blower frame comprising two pairs of blower elements, one blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with the tube openings in alternate .rows and the otherlblower element of each pair having nozzles adapted Ato register with the tube openings in the remaining rows, means for reciprocating said vblower frame to cause the'same to travel back and forth across the air heater, the pairs of blower elements being so spaced that during said reciprocation the nozzles of one' pair move past the open ends of half of the rows of tubes while the nozzles of the other pair move past the open ends of the tubes inthe remaining rows, and means controlling said reciprocating means operating to limit the reciprocatory movement of the blower frame and to terminate the movement of the lblower frame after onel complete'reciprocatory 'pairs of blower elements, one blower element of eachA pair having nozzles adapted to register 'with the tube openings in alternate rows and the other blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with'the tube openings in the remaining rows, means for reciprocating said blower frame to cause the same to travel back and forth across the air heater, the' pairs of blower elements being so spaced that during said reciprocation the nozzles 'of one pair move past the open ends of half of the rows ofy tubes while the nozzles of the other pair move past the open ends of the tubes in the remaining rows, means controlling said reciprocating means to limit the reciprocatory movement of the blower` frame, a main valve controlling the flow of cleaning iluid from a source of cleaning fluid supply to a main supply chamber, a second valve controlling the ilow of cleaning uid from said chamber to said pairs of blower elements, and a transfer valve associated with each pair of blower elements operating to supply cleaning duid alternately to the elements oi' each pair.

18. In a cleaner for an air heater having a plurality of tubes opening through a tube sheet,

said tubes being arranged in rows with the tubesv in each row staggered relative to the tubes in adjacent rows, a blower frame comprising two pairs of blower elements, one blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with the tube openings in alternate rows and the other blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with the tube openings in the remaining rows, means for reciprocating said blower frame to cause the same to travel back and forth across the air heater,`the pairs of blower elements being so spaced that during said reciprocation the nozzles ofone pair move past the open ends of half of the rows of tubes while the nozzles of the other pair move past the open ends of the tubes in the remaining rows, a main valve for controlling the flow of cleaning fluid to said blower elements, and means operating upon the operation of said main Valve to start the actuation of said reciprocating means.

19. In a cleaner for an air heat/er having a plurality of tubes opening through a tube sheet, said tubes being arranged in Arows with the tubes in each row staggered relative to the tubes in adjacent rows, a blower frame comprising twol pairs of blowerelements, one blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with the tube openings in alternate rows and the other blower element of each pair having nozzles adapted to register with the tube openings in the remaining rows, means for reciprocating said blower frame to cause the same to travel back and forth across the air heater, the pairs of blower elements being so spaced that during said reciprocation the nozzles of one pair move past the open ends of half of the rows of tubes while the nozzles of the other pair move past the open ends of the tubes in the remaining rows, means controlling said reciprocating means to limit the reciprocatory movement of the blower frame, a source of supply of cleaning fluid, a main valve controlling the flow of cleaning fluid from said source of supply to a main supply chamber, a

second valve controlling the ilow of cleaning fluid from said' chamber to said pairs of blower elements, means controlled by said reciprocating means so actuating said second valve as to supply cleaning fluid to one pair of blower elements during movement of the blower frame in one direction and to the other pair of blower elements during movement of the blower frame in the other direction, a transfer valve associated with each pair of blower elements operating to supply cleaning fluid alternately to the elements of its respective pair, a pilot valve associated with each transfer Valve to control the actuation thereof, and means actuating said pilot valves in dependence upon the movement of the blower frame.

20. In a uid heater cleaner, blower elements arranged in parallel spaced relation to each other, means for reciprocating said blower elements as a unit tocause the same to travel back and forth across the fluid heater, and means controlled by the reciprocating means for admitting cleaning fluid to one of said blower elements during movement of the blower elements in one direction and to another of the blower elements during movement of the blower elements in the opposite direction.

21. In a fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements fixed in parallel relation with respect to each other, discharge nozzles carried by said blower elements, means for moving said blower elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes, and means operating upon movement of the blower elements to admit cleaning fluid alternately to said blower elements.

22. In a fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements fixed in parallel relation with respect each other, discharge nozzles carried by said blower elements, means for moving said blo-wer elements in a direction normal to their longitudinal axes, and a pressure actuated transfer valve asscciated with said blower elements and operable during movement thereof to admit cleaning fluid alternately to said elements.

23. In a fluid heater cleaner, a plurality of blower elements xed against movement with respect to each other, means for effecting a travel of said blower elements as a unit with reference to portions of the fluid heater to be cleaned, and means controlled by the movement of said blower elements for limiting the supply of cleaning fluid to one of said blower elements at a time.

24. In a fluid heater cleaner, a pair of blower elements, means for effecting a travel of said blower elements as a unit with reference to portions of the fluid heater to be cleaned, and means controlled by movement of said blower elements operating to alternately supply cleaning fluid to said blower elements.

FRANK BOWERS.

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