Boilers have to be cleaned regularly to keep power plants and other equipment operating efficiently because ash build-up forms slag deposits on the boiler tubes, acting like a layer of insulation ...

2. Steam cleaning. Steam is directed through the rotating sootblower lance as it is slowly inserted and retracted from the boiler. The steam blows fouling off of the tubes as it passes by ...

Boiler tube cleaning plays a critical role in preventing a reduction in efficiency. Even a small amount of deposit or buildup can act as an insulation barrier, which reduces efficiency and increases ...

Ordinarily, workers clean these tubes by climbing up scaffolding, much of which is very high and dangerous as boiler tubes can be anywhere up to 180 ft (60 m) tall.