BOILER ACCESSORIES: TUBE-CLEANERS To secure the best results from a boiler, the tubes should be kept thoroughly clean. The collection of soot on the tubes is as detrimental to economy as the formation of boiler scale. The soot may be removed by the insertion of brushes when the boiler is not under steam, or the tubes may be blown out with a steam jet designed for this purpose. Fig. 21 illustrates forms of tube-cleaners, of which there are numerous types on the market.
The type shown at B is designed for use with a steam jet. In the case of oil-burning locomotives, the tubes are usually cleaned with the aid of a sand-blast.