Chamber cleaning apparatus and method

• US 5,107,873 A
• Filed: 08/08/1989
• Issued: 04/28/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 08/08/1989
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Hydrochem Industrial Services, Inc. (Clean Harbors Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Halliburton Company
• Inventors: Clinger, David C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Stinson, Frankie L.
• Application Number:
  US07/391,812
• Time in Patent Office: 994 Days
• Field of Search: 134/56 R, 134/172, 134/167 R, 134/181, 134/180, 134/168 R, 134/167 C, 74/30, 118/316, 118/317, 118/323, 239/DIG. 13
• US Class Current: 134/56.00R
• CPC Class Codes: B08B 9/0936 using rotating jets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 239/13 Soot blowers and tube cleaners

Abstract

A chamber cleaning apparatus and method includes a conduit for conducting fluid into the chamber; a nozzle assembly, connected to the conduit, for creating one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls of the chamber and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side walls of the chamber; a rotational drive assembly for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber; an axial drive assembly for moving the nozzle means a preselected distance toward or away from the first end wall of the chamber for each rotation of the nozzle assembly; a transverse drive assembly for moving the nozzle assembly a preselected transverse distance toward or away from the rotational axis for each rotation of the nozzle assembly. A swivel is provided having an outer sleeve body and an inner sleeve body with the inner sleeve body coaxially and rotatably positionable in the outer sleeve body. Two outer passageways extend through the outer sleeve body and two inner passageways extend through the inner sleeve body. Two circumferential channels are provided in the inside surface of the outer sleeve body. One outer passageway and one inner passageway is in continuous fluid communication with each circumferencial channel. A four-point beam support for supporting the cleaning apparatus is also provided.

Claims

1. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the interior of the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall a preselected distance in response to rotation of the nozzle means; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

transverse drive means for moving the nozzle means transversely toward or away from the rotational axis a preselected distance in response to rotation of the nozzle means.

3. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the interior of the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis, the rotational drive means comprising;

rotational enabling means for enabling the rotational drive means to rotate the nozzle means;

rotational preselecting means for preselecting the number of rotations of the nozzle means to be made after enablement of the rotational drive means;

rotational counting means for counting the number of rotations of the nozzle means; and

rotational disabling means for disabling rotation of the nozzle means when the preselected number of rotations are completed;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall, the axial drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means, the axial drive means comprising;

axial enabling means for enabling the axial drive means to move the nozzle means when the rotational disabling means disables rotation of the nozzle means;

axial preselecting means for preselecting the distance the nozzle means may be moved by the axial drive means after enablement of the axial drive means;

axial measuring means for measuring the distance the nozzle means is moved by the axial drive means; and

axial disabling means for disabling movement of the nozzle means by the axial drive means when the nozzle means has been moved the preselected distance by the axial drive means; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means.

4. The apparatus of claim 3,

wherein the axial drive means moves the nozzle means axially between a first axial position nearer the first end wall and a second axial position nearer the second end wall;

and

in which the axial drive means comprises;

axial reversing means for automatically reversing the axial motion of the nozzle means when the nozzle means reaches the first axial position and when the nozzle means reaches the second axial position.

5. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the interior of the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall, the axial drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means;

transverse drive means for moving the nozzle means transversely toward or away from the rotational axis, the transverse drive means moving the nozzle means a pre-selected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means; and

wherein the rotational drive means is further defined as providing a rotational signal indicating each rotation of the nozzle means; and

wherein the transverse drive means is further defined as responding to the rotational signal for transversely moving the nozzle means; and

in which the apparatus comprises;

signal conducting means, connected between the rotational drive means and the transverse drive means, for conducting the rotational signal from the rotational drive means to the transverse drive means.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, comprising:

a first swivel, comprising;

an outer sleeve body including an outside surface;

an inside surface;

at least one outer passageway extending through the outer sleeve body from the outside surface to the inside surface, the outer passageway having a first end at the outside surface and a second end at the inside surface; and

an inner sleeve body, generally coaxially and rotatably positionable in the outer sleeve body, the inner sleeve body including an outside surface;

an inside surface;

at least one inner passageway extending through the inner sleeve body, the inner passageway having a first end fluidly communicable with the second end of the outer passageway and a second end; and

in which the apparatus further comprises;

an elongate hollow member having a first end connectable to the inner sleeve body generally coaxially with the inner sleeve body and a second end connectable to the nozzle means; and

wherein the rotational drive means rotates the conduit means about the rotational axis of the nozzle means; and

wherein the conduit means passes generally concentrically through the inner sleeve body and the elongate hollow member and is connected to the inner sleeve body and the elongate hollow member are rotated with the conduit means; and

wherein the transverse drive means is located adjacent the nozzle means; and

in which the signal conducting means comprises;

a first segment fluid comminicatingly connectable from the rotational drive means to the first end of the outer passageway of the outer sleeve body; and

a second segment fluid communicatingly connectable from the second end of the inner passageway of the inner sleeve body through the hollow elongate member to the transverse drive means so that the second segment rotates with the inner sleeve body.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 in which the first swivel comprises:

circumferential channel means for placing the second end of the outer passageway in continuous fluid communication with the first end of the inner passageway throughout the rotation of the inner sleeve body relative to the outer sleeve body.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which the first swivel comprises:

at least two outer passageways through the outer sleeve body;

at least two inner passageways through the inner sleeve body; and

at least two circumferential channel means, one outer passageway and one inner passageway being in continuous fluid communication with each circumferential channel means.

9. The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising:

a second swivel having a rotatable inner sleeve, the inner sleeve having a first end fluid communicatingly connectable with the fluid source and a second end fluid communicatingly connectable to the conduit means; and

in which the rotational drive means comprises;

motor means, connectable to the inner sleeve of the second swivel, for rotating the inner sleeve and the conduit means.

10. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the interior of the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall, the axial drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means; and

wherein the chamber has an inlet having an inlet wall surrounding the inlet opening and extending generally axially from the first end wall, the inlet wall being spaced from the side wall;

in which the support means comprises;

a beam, positionable generally parallel or coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the beam having a first end extending away from the chamber and a second end adjacent the inlet opening; and

a beam support, positionable in the inlet, comprising;

vertical support means for extending generally linearly across the inlet to a first contact and a second contact with the inlet wall and for elevating and supporting the beam in a position generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

first strut means for extending from the vertical support means to a third contact with the inlet wall and for stabilizing the beam support, the third contact being located between the first and second contacts; and

second strut means for extending from the vertical support means to a fourth contact with the inlet wall and for stabilizing the beam support, the fourth contact being located between the second and third contacts.

11. The apparatus of claim 10:

wherein the vertical support means is positionable generally horizontally and transversely across the inlet; and

wherein the first strut means extends generally upwardly from the vertical support means to the third contact and the second strut means extends generally upwardly from the vertical support means to the fourth contact.

12. The apparatus of claim 10:

in which the vertical support means comprises;

a beam rest for supportingly contacting the beam, the beam rest extending generally transversely beyond the sides of the beam;

a first leg, extendably connected to the beam rest, for extending to the first contact; and

a second leg, extendably connected to the beam rest, for extending to the second contact; and

wherein the first strut means is extendably connected to the beam rest adjacent one side of the beam and the second strut means is extendably connected to the beam rest adjacent to the opposite side of the beam.

13. The apparatus of claim 12:

wherein the first, second, third, and fourth contacts are generally coplanar.

14. The apparatus of claim 13:

wherein the third contact is about midway between the first contact and a line perpendicular to the vertical support means at the center of the beam rest and the fourth contact is about midway between the second contact and the line perpendicular to the vertical support means at the center of the beam rest.

15. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the interior of the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall, the axial drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means; and

wherein the rotational drive means rotates the conduit means about the rotational axis of the nozzle means in order to rotate the nozzle means; and

in which the nozzle means comprises;

a nozzle assembly, comprising;

a transverse support arm extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the support arm having a first end connected to the conduit means and a second end extending transversely toward the side wall;

a manifold assembly connected to the second end of the support arm, the manifold assembly having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the manifold assembly having a first end extending in one axial direction from the support arm and a second end extending in the other axial direction from the support arm; and

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid in one axial direction;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid in the other axial direction; and

conducting means for conducting fluid from the conduit means to the manifold assembly.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 in which the nozzle assembly comprises:

a first axial nozzle, connected to the first end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid axially away from the first end of the manifold assembly;

a second axial nozzle, connected to the second end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid axially away from the second end of the manifold assembly;

a first transverse nozzle, connected to the first end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a second transverse nozzle, connected to the first end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a third transverse nozzle, connected to the second end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a fourth transverse nozzle, connected to the second end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber; and

a fifth transverse nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly approximately mid-way between the first and second ends, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

17. The apparatus of claim 16 in which the manifold assembly comprises:

a first manifold connected to the first and second axial nozzles for conducting fluid to the first and second axial nozzles, the first manifold having an inlet connection;

a second manifold connected to the first and second transverse nozzles for conducting fluid to the first and second transverse nozzles, the second manifold having an inlet connection;

a third manifold connected to the third and fourth transverse nozzles for conducting fluid to the third and fourth transverse nozzles, the third manifold having an inlet connection; and

a fourth manifold connected to the fifth transverse nozzle for conducting fluid to the fifth transverse nozzle, the fourth manifold having an inlet connection.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, comprising:

two nozzle assemblies having transverse support arms extending in opposite directions from the conduit means.

19. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis, the rotational drive means comprising;

rotational enabling means for enabling the rotational drive means to rotate the nozzle means;

rotational preselecting means for preselecting the number of rotations of the nozzle means to be made after enablement of the rotational drive means;

rotational counting means for counting the number of rotations of the nozzle means; and

rotational disabling means for disabling rotation of the nozzle means when the preselected number of rotations are completed;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall, the axial drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means, the axial drive means comprising;

axial enabling means for enabling the axial drive means to move the nozzle means when the rotational disabling means disables rotation of the nozzle means;

axial preselecting means for preselecting the distance the nozzle means may be moved by the axial drive means after embodiment of the axial drive means;

axial measuring means for measuring the distance the nozzle means is moved by the axial drive means; and

axial disabling means for disabling movement of the nozzle means by the axial drive means when the nozzle means has been moved the preselected distance by the axial drive means;

transverse drive means for moving the nozzle means transversely towards or away from the rotational axis, the transverse drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means, the transverse drive means comprising;

transverse enabling means for enabling the transverse drive means to move the nozzle means when the rotational disabling means disables rotation of the nozzle means;

transverse preselecting means for preselecting the distance the nozzle means may be moved by the transverse drive means after enablement of the transverse drive means;

transverse measuring means for measuring the distance the nozzle means is moved by the transverse drive means; and

transverse disabling means for disabling movement of the nozzle means by the transverse drive means when the nozzle means has been moved the preselected distance by the transverse drive means; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising:

switch means for preselecting one of the axial drive means and the transverse drive means to move the nozzle means when the rotational drive means is disabled.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, comprising:

reenabling means for reenabling the disabled rotational drive means to rotate the nozzle means after the one of the axial drive means and the transverse drive means preselected by the switch means has moved the nozzle means the preselected distance and is disabled.

22. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising:

reenabling means for reenabling the disabled rotational drive means to rotate the nozzle means a preselected period of time after the rotation drive means is disabled.

23. The apparatus of claim 19:

wherein the transverse drive means moves the nozzle means transversely between a first transverse position nearer the rotational axis and a second transverse position nearer the chamber side wall; and

in which the transverse drive means comprises;

transverse reversing means for automatically reversing the transverse motion of the nozzle means when the nozzle means reaches the first transverse position and when the nozzle means reaches the second transverse position.

24. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis;

the rotational drive means comprising;

rotational enabling means for enabling the rotational drive means to rotate the nozzle means;

rotational preselecting means for preselecting the number of rotations of the nozzle means to be made after enablement of the rotational drive means;

rotational counting means for counting the number of rotations of the nozzle means; and

rotational disabling means for disabling rotation of the nozzle means when the preselected number of rotations are completed;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means axially between a first axial position near the first end wall and a second axial position near the second end wall, the axial drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means, the axial drive means comprising;

axial enabling means for enabling the axial drive means to move the nozzle means after the rotational disabling means disables rotation of the nozzle means;

axial preselecting means for preselecting the distance the nozzle means may be moved by the axial drive means after embodiment of the axial drive means;

axial measuring means for measuring the distance the nozzle means is moved by the axial drive means;

axial disabling means for disabling movement of the nozzle means by the axial drive means after the nozzle means has been moved the preselected axial distance by the axial drive means; and

axially reversing means for automatically reversing the axial motion of the nozzle means when the nozzle means reaches the first axial position and when the nozzle means reaches the second axial position;

transverse drive means for moving the nozzle means transversely towards a first transverse position near the rotational axis and a second transverse position near the rotational axis and a second transverse position near the chamber side wall, the transverse drive means moving the nozzle means a preselected distance for each rotation of the nozzle means, the transverse drive means comprising;

transverse enabling means for enabling the transverse drive means to move the nozzle means after the rotational disabling means disables rotation of the nozzle means;

transverse preselecting means for preselecting the distance the nozzle means may be moved by the transverse drive means after enablement of the transverse drive means;

transverse measuring means for measuring the distance the nozzle means is moved by the transverse drive means;

transverse disabling means for disabling movement of the nozzle means by the transverse drive means after the nozzle means has been moved the preselected distance by the transverse drive means; and

transverse reversing means for reversing the transverse motion of the nozzle means when the nozzle means reaches the first transverse position and when the nozzle means reaches the second transverse position;

switch means for preselecting one of the axial drive means and the transverse drive means to move the nozzle means when the rotational drive means is disabled;

reenabling means for reenabling the disabled rotational drive means to rotate the nozzle means after the one of the axial drive means and the transverse drive means preselected by the switch means has moved the nozzle means the preselected distance and is disabled; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means.

25. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and for providing a rotational signal indicating each rotation of the nozzle means;

transverse drive means for responding to the rotational signal and moving the nozzle means transversely toward or away from the rotational axis;

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means;

signal conducting means, connected between the rotational drive means and the transverse drive means, for conducting the rotational signal from the rotational drive means to the transverse drive means;

a first swivel, comprising;

an outer sleeve body, including an outside surface;

an inside surface;

at least one outer passageway extending through the outer sleeve body from the outside surface to the inside surface, the outer passageway having a first end at the outside surface and a second end at the inside surface; and

an inner sleeve body, generally coaxially and rotatably positionable in the outer sleeve body, the inner sleeve body including an outside surface;

an inside surface;

at least one inner passageway extending through the inner sleeve body, the inner passageway having a first end fluidly comminicable with the second end of the outside passageway and a second end;

an elongate hollow member having a first end connectable to the inner sleeve body generally coaxially with the inner sleeve body and a second end connectable to the nozzle means; and

wherein the rotational drive means rotates the conduit means about the rotational axis of the nozzle means; and

wherein the conduit means passes generally concentrically through the inner sleeve body and the elongate hollow member and is connected to the inner sleeve body of the first swivel so that the inner sleeve body and the elongate hollow member are rotated with the conduit means; and

wherein the transverse drive means is located adjacent the nozzle means; and

in which the signal conducting means further comprises;

a first segment fluid communicatingly connectable from the rotational drive means to the first end of the outer passageway of the outer sleeve body; and

a second segment fluid communicatingly connectable from the second end of the inner passageway of the inner sleeve body through the hollow elongate member to the transverse drive means so that the second segment rotates with the inner sleeve.

26. The apparatus of claim 25 in which the outer sleeve body of the first swivel comprises:

circumferential channel means in the inside surface of the outer sleeve body for placing the second end of the outer passageway in continuous fluid communication with the first end of the inside passageway throughout the rotation of the inner sleeve body relative to the outer sleeve body.

27. The apparatus of claim 25 in which the first swivel comprises:

at least two outer passageways through the outer sleeve body;

at least two inner passageways through the inner sleeve body; and

at least two circumferential channel means, one outer passageway and one inner passageway being in continuous fluid communication with each circumferential channel means.

28. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall;

a first end wall having an inlet opening;

a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the chamber; and

an inlet having an inlet wall surrounding the inlet opening and extending axially from the first end wall;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid into the chamber;

nozzle means, connectable to the conduit means, for creating a selectable one of an axial fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the first and second end walls and a transverse fluid spray to clean the interior surfaces of the side wall;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle means about a rotational axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means, the support means comprising;

a beam, positionable generally parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the beam having a first end extending away from the chamber and a second end adjacent the inlet opening; and

a beam support, positionable in the inlet, comprising;

vertical support means, for extending generally linearly across the inlet to a first contact and a second contact with the inlet wall and for elevating and supporting the beam in a position generally parallel with the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

first strut means for extending from the vertical support means to a third contact with the inlet wall and for stabilizing the beam support, the third contact being located between the first and second contact; and

second strut means for extending from the vertical support means to a fourth contact with the inlet wall and for stabilizing the beam support, the fourth contact being located between the second and third contacts.

29. The apparatus of claim 28:

wherein the vertical support means is positionable generally horizontally and transversely across the inlet; and

wherein the first strut means extends generally upwardly from the vertical support means to the third contact and the second strut means extends generally upwardly from the vertical support means to the fourth contact.

30. The apparatus of claim 28:

in which the vertical support means comprises;

a beam rest for supportingly contacting the beam, the beam rest extending generally transversely beyond the sides of the beam;

a first leg, extendably connected to the beam rest, for extending to the first contact; and

a second leg, extendably connected to the beam rest, for extending to the second contact; and

wherein the first strut means is extendably connected to the beam rest adjacent one side of the beam and the second strut means is extendably connected to the beam rest adjacent the opposite side of the beam.

31. The apparatus of claim 30:

wherein the first, second, third, and fourth contacts are generally coplanar.

32. The apparatus of claim 31:

wherein the third contact is about midway between the first contact and a line perpendicular to the vertical support means at the center of the beam rest and the fourth contact is about midway between the second contact and the line perpendicular to the vertical support means.

33. Apparatus for cleaning a chamber with a fluid from a fluid source;

the chamber including a side wall, a first end wall having an inlet opening, and a second end wall having an outlet opening;

the inlet and outlet openings generally defining a longitudinal axis extending through the chamber;

the apparatus comprising;

conduit means for conducting fluid from the fluid source into the chamber;

a nozzle assembly, comprising;

a transverse support arm extending transversely to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the support arm having a first end connectable to the conduit means and a second end extending transversely toward the side wall;

a manifold assembly connected to the second end of the support arm, the manifold assembly having a longitudinal axis extending generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber, the manifold assembly having a first end extending in one axial direction from the support arm and a second end extending in the other axial direction from the support arm;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid in one axial direction;

at least one nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid in the other axial direction; and

conducting means for conducting fluid from the conduit means to the manifold assembly;

rotational drive means for rotating the nozzle assembly about a rotational axis generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

axial drive means for moving the nozzle means toward and away from the first end wall; and

support means for supporting the nozzle means and for allowing motion of the nozzle means.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, comprising:

a first axial nozzle, connected to the first end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid axially away from the first end of the manifold assembly;

a second axial nozzle, connected to the second end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid axially away from the second end of the manifold assembly;

a first transverse nozzle, connected to the first end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a second transverse nozzle, connected to the first end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a third transverse nozzle, connected to the second end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber;

a fourth transverse nozzle, connected to the second end of the manifold assembly, for spraying fluid transversely toward the longitudinal axis of the chamber; and

a fifth transverse nozzle, connected to the manifold assembly approximately midway between the first and second ends, for spraying fluid transversely away from the longitudinal axis of the chamber.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 in which the manifold assembly comprises:

a first manifold connected to the first and second axial nozzles for conducting fluid to the first and second axial nozzles, the first manifold having an inlet connection;

a second manifold connected to the first and second transverse nozzles for conducting fluid to the first and second transverse nozzles, the second manifold having an inlet connection;

a third manifold connected to the third and fourth transverse nozzles for conducting fluid to the third and fourth transverse nozzles, the third manifold having an inlet connection; and

a fourth manifold connected to the fifth transverse nozzle for conducting fluid to the fifth transverse nozzle, the fourth manifold having an inlet connection.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, comprising:

two nozzle assemblies having transverse support arms extending in opposite directions from the conduit means.

37. The apparatus of claim 33, further comprising:

transverse drive means for moving the nozzle assembly transversely toward or away from the rotational axis.