Cleaning and liquid contact with solids – Processes – Using solid work treating agents
Reexamination Certificate
2000-10-25
2001-12-25
Till, Terrence R. (Department: 1744)
Cleaning and liquid contact with solids
Processes
Using solid work treating agents
C015S104050, C015S104160, C015S104510
Reexamination Certificate
active
06332930
ABSTRACT:
The present invention relates to pipeline cleaning and more particularly to pipeline typically carrying fluid at the time of cleaning, so called ‘live’ operation.
In gas mains, for example, debris typically in the form of light dust through to heavy bonded scale can build up in the pipeline and it is necessary to remove this. If excessive this needs to be removed prior to any internal inspection and repair. The effective diameter of the pipe will also become reduced due to such build up. In addition filter blockage in gas governor stations can occur as can valve diaphragm damage. In the past it has been necessary to shut down the section of the pipeline to allow access to the pipeline in a decommissioned state. To do so means interrupting the supply of gas to consumers and associated problems.
In U.S. Pat. No. 4,827,553 a cleaning device is disclosed with a hinged portion for effecting cleaning.
The present invention is concerned with arrangements which allow the cleaning of the pipeline whilst still allowing the option of supplying gas or other fluid through the pipeline, even when the gas may be fuel gas or the like.
According to the invention there is provided a cleaning pipe for cleaning debris from a fluid pipeline comprising:
slider means, and first and second cleaning portions,
at least one of said portions cooperating with the slider means to permit movement of the portions towards each other or apart, so as to allow passage of the pigs from a first location to a second location along the pipeline without collecting any substantial amount of debris when the portions are apart, and to cause cleaning of the pipeline by transporting debris during passage of the pig from the second to the first location when the portions are together, the pig including means to cause the portions to move towards each other or apart in dependence on the direction of travel of the pig through the pipeline.
Further according to the invention there is provided a method of cleaning a pipeline the method comprising:
providing first and second cleaning portions of a pig in slidable relationship,
moving the pig from a first location to a second location along the pipeline without collecting any substantial amount of debris whilst the cleaning portions are spaced apart, and moving the pig from the second location to the first location along the pipeline so as to cause the cleaning portions to move towards each other so as to allow the pig to transport debris from the second location to the first location, the portions being configured so that they move towards each other or apart in dependence on the direction of travel of the pig through the pipeline.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1185688 (1916-06-01), Marsh
patent: 1733512 (1929-10-01), Parker
patent: 4337096 (1982-06-01), Clifford
patent: 4562608 (1986-01-01), Weir
patent: 5444887 (1995-08-01), Rufolo
patent: 6099657 (2000-08-01), Boyer
patent: 704646 (1954-02-01), None
Larson & Taylor PLC
Lattice Intellectual Property Ltd.
Till Terrence R.
LandOfFree
Pipeline cleaning does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Pipeline cleaning, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Pipeline cleaning will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2559115