CA2416396A1 - Pipeline pig - Google Patents
Pipeline pig Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2416396A1 CA2416396A1 CA 2416396 CA2416396A CA2416396A1 CA 2416396 A1 CA2416396 A1 CA 2416396A1 CA 2416396 CA2416396 CA 2416396 CA 2416396 A CA2416396 A CA 2416396A CA 2416396 A1 CA2416396 A1 CA 2416396A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pipeline
- pig
- pipeline pig
- central portion
- scale
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
- F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
- F28G1/00—Non-rotary, e.g. reciprocated, appliances
- F28G1/12—Fluid-propelled scrapers, bullets, or like solid bodies
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
- B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
- B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
- B08B9/0551—Control mechanisms therefor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
- B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
- B08B9/0553—Cylindrically shaped pigs
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
A pipeline pig for removing scales and debris from the interior walls of a pipeline has a generally cylindrical central portion with a hollow core and a rounded and on each two ends of the cylindrical central portion, is produced of a flexible material to facilitate the movement of the pipeline pig through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, has a solution which fills the hollow core, and includes a body which is formed as a peripheral fluid closed body composed of the flexible material.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the refinery industry and the removal of buildups of scale on the interior walls of refinery pipelines and furnaces produced by the refining of hydracarbans. More particularly, the invention comprises a pipeline pig, a device with metallic scrapers for removing the built up scale from the interior walls of pipelines and fiunace pipes. _ 2. Description of the Prior Art c ,..
Iii the petroleau~ re~~raz~g pz~ocess, lengths of furnace pipeline arc heated in order to separate the various hydrocarbons into various petroleum products. In this separation process, the internal walls of furnace pipes become encrusted with baked on scale, restricting the flow rate and overheating the furnace pipelines. For years, steam "decoking" has been the normal praGedure for removing these scale buildups by blasting super heated steam through the pipelines to thermally crack the scale buildup, followed by washing with water to flush the loosened deposits from the pipeline. This steam clecoking process, however, presents a number of potential problems, including potential damage to the pipeline from overheating or aver presstu ization, xnd releasing environmentally unsafe vapors when the steam is vented. Use of a pipeline pig would resolve many of these problems.
Over the past century, a number of different pipeline pigs have been developed for cleaning the interior of pipelines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION _ Irr the petrnIaum refi.nnng process, lengths of furnace pipeline are heated in order to separate the various hydrocarbons into various petroleum products. In this separation -process, the internal walls of furnace pipes become encrusted with baked on scale, restricting the flow rate and overheating the furnace pipelines. For years, steam "decoking" has been the normal procedure for removing these scab buildups by blasting super heated steam through the pipelines to thernoally crack the scale buildup, followed -by washing with water t4 flush the loosened deposits fronrA the pipeline. This steam decoldng process, however, presents a number of potential problems, including potential damage to the pipciinc from overheating or over pressurization, and releasing environmentally unsafe vapors when the steam i s vented. Use of a pipeline pig would resolve many of these problems, hut existing pipeline pigs often present even more problems. Under heavy scaling conditions, the pipeline pig often gets stuck in the pipeline and pressure must be increased in an attempt to free the pipeline pig. This process often requires pressures in excess of manufacturets recommendations, occasionally causing blow outs of the pipeline, causing damage and/or personal injury, a Alternatively, the pipeline must be cut to remove a stuck pipeline pig.
Additionally, the placemczat of scrapers around the perimeter of many pipeline pigs is such that they do not cover the Entire circumference of the pipe, leading to tracking in the scale, with each successive pipeline pig tending to follow the same tracks, eventually causing damage to the interior of the pips.
Accordingly, it is a principal objxt of the invention to provide a pipeline pig which is economical to use.
It is ar~othcr object of the invention to provide a pipeline pig vuhich is easily removable if it becomes stuck in a pipeline.
F
n-It is a further object of the invention to provide a pipeline pig which provides effoetive cleaning of the full perimeter of the interior walls of a pipeline.
Still anothar object of the invention is to provide a pipeline pig which can be used in a variety of sizes of pipe.
An additional object of the invention is to pmvide a pipeline pig which can be used in a variety of types of pipes.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in ayt apparatus for the purposes dESCribcd which is inexpensive, dependable and filly effective in accomplishing its iz~tez~dcd purposes.
Still az~otl~er object of tlae invention is to provide a pipeline pig which carp easily navigate 5 sharper bends in pipelines.
These arid other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings 1b BRIEF DESCRIPTIaN dF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the Same biomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyiuxg drawiuags, i~a which like z~e;ference Characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a langitudinaZ cross section of the invention at line 2--Z of FIG.
1.
~.0 FIG. 3 is a lateral cross section of the invention at line 3--3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a view o~the invention as it travels though a pipeline.
FIG. S is a view of tha invention caught in a pipeline with excessive scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows pipeftne pig 10, having a generally cylindrical central portion 21, with a plurality of evenly spaced, concave ridges 25 tapering from each end of central portion 21 in a rotational pattern, joining to form mundcd ends 20. Pressure release valves 27 are -.
located at thG confluence of concave ridges 25 in each rounded end 20. A
plurality of pxot~'udix~g xibs 23, az~ integral part of central portion 21, are evenly spaced, encircling central portion 21. The body 28, FIG. 3, of pipeline pig 10 is constructed of a flexible material, preferably a polyurethane rubber-like material, with pressure release valves 27 constructed of a thinner layer of the same material. A plurality of metallic scrapers 26 are evenly spaced along the length of each protruding rl'b 23 and set into protruding ribs 23.
To ensure complete cleaning ofthe pipeline, metallic scrapers 26 of each succeeding protruding rib 23 arc offset such that they are situated half way between the xnctallic scrapers 26 of the preceding protruding rib 23.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 display pipeline pig 3 0 in cross section, showing the fluid/gel 30 filled core 22 and pressure release valves 27.
In rIG_ 4, pipeline pig 10 traveling through pipeline 70, propelled by motivational fluid 60, afi it engages scale buildup 40. The flexibility of the polyurethane body of pipeline pig 10 allows pipeline pig 10 to navigate non~littear sections SO ofpipeline 70.
In FIG. 5, shows pipeline pig 1 D caught in an excessive buildup of scale 40, unable to proceed further through pipeline 70. ,As the pressure of motivational fluid 60 increases _ due to the blockage created by pipeline pig 10's inability to proceed causes prrssurc release valves 27 to rupture, allowing the fluidlgel 30 contained in core 22 (not shown) to escape into pipeline 70. With the release ofinteraal pressure, pipeline pig 10 collapses, freeing it from the buildup of srate 40, allozrring pipeline pig 10 to be flushed from pipeline 70.
t In its preferred application, pipeline pig 10 is introduced il~to pipeline 70 such that protruding ribs 23 are in contact with the inner walls of pipelipe 70. Under pressure, nnotivational fluid 60 forces pipeline pig 10 forward through pipeline 70 such that metallic scrapers 26 in pxotrudxng ribs 23 scrape scales 40 buildups i~rom the internal vwalls of pipeline 70. The spiral shape of concave ridges 25 give pipeline pig 14 the te=ndency to rotate as it travels through pipeline 70, increasing the possibility that the entire perimctct of pipeline 70 is scraped by metallic scrapers 26. Pipeline pig 10, being unade of a flexible material, is able to navigate relatively sharp bends in pipeline 70 and buildups of scale in the pipeline. 1f pipeline pig 10 becomes lodged in an excessive buildup of scale 40, the pressure on motivational fluid 60 increases until a) pipeline pig A
is deformed and forced through the restriction caused by the excessive buildup of scale 40, or b) pressure release valves 27 in pipeline pig 10 rupture, allowing the fluidlgcl 30 contained in core 22 to escape into pipeline 70. With the release of internal pressure, pipeline pig 10 collapses slightly, freeing it from the buildup of scale 40, allowing 5 pipeline pig 1 Q to be flushed from pipeline 70.
It would be evident to one skilled in the art that pipeline pig 10 could be produced of a variety of different flexible materials. It would also be evident to oae skilled in the art that metallic Scrapers 26 could be of x number of different designs and composition. It _ 10 would further be evident that pipeline pig X 0 could be produced in a variety of different dimensions for use in pipelines of varying diameters. It would be further evident to ane skilled in the art that pipeline pig 3 0 could be used in pipelines for a variety of difFerent uses. Likewise, it would be cvidart to orlc skilled in the art that hollow core 22 could be filled rwith a number of different liquids or gels, as well as air or a gas.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the cnibodimarts described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the refinery industry and the removal of buildups of scale on the interior walls of refinery pipelines and furnaces produced by the refining of hydracarbans. More particularly, the invention comprises a pipeline pig, a device with metallic scrapers for removing the built up scale from the interior walls of pipelines and fiunace pipes. _ 2. Description of the Prior Art c ,..
Iii the petroleau~ re~~raz~g pz~ocess, lengths of furnace pipeline arc heated in order to separate the various hydrocarbons into various petroleum products. In this separation process, the internal walls of furnace pipes become encrusted with baked on scale, restricting the flow rate and overheating the furnace pipelines. For years, steam "decoking" has been the normal praGedure for removing these scale buildups by blasting super heated steam through the pipelines to thermally crack the scale buildup, followed by washing with water to flush the loosened deposits from the pipeline. This steam clecoking process, however, presents a number of potential problems, including potential damage to the pipeline from overheating or aver presstu ization, xnd releasing environmentally unsafe vapors when the steam is vented. Use of a pipeline pig would resolve many of these problems.
Over the past century, a number of different pipeline pigs have been developed for cleaning the interior of pipelines.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION _ Irr the petrnIaum refi.nnng process, lengths of furnace pipeline are heated in order to separate the various hydrocarbons into various petroleum products. In this separation -process, the internal walls of furnace pipes become encrusted with baked on scale, restricting the flow rate and overheating the furnace pipelines. For years, steam "decoking" has been the normal procedure for removing these scab buildups by blasting super heated steam through the pipelines to thernoally crack the scale buildup, followed -by washing with water t4 flush the loosened deposits fronrA the pipeline. This steam decoldng process, however, presents a number of potential problems, including potential damage to the pipciinc from overheating or over pressurization, and releasing environmentally unsafe vapors when the steam i s vented. Use of a pipeline pig would resolve many of these problems, hut existing pipeline pigs often present even more problems. Under heavy scaling conditions, the pipeline pig often gets stuck in the pipeline and pressure must be increased in an attempt to free the pipeline pig. This process often requires pressures in excess of manufacturets recommendations, occasionally causing blow outs of the pipeline, causing damage and/or personal injury, a Alternatively, the pipeline must be cut to remove a stuck pipeline pig.
Additionally, the placemczat of scrapers around the perimeter of many pipeline pigs is such that they do not cover the Entire circumference of the pipe, leading to tracking in the scale, with each successive pipeline pig tending to follow the same tracks, eventually causing damage to the interior of the pips.
Accordingly, it is a principal objxt of the invention to provide a pipeline pig which is economical to use.
It is ar~othcr object of the invention to provide a pipeline pig vuhich is easily removable if it becomes stuck in a pipeline.
F
n-It is a further object of the invention to provide a pipeline pig which provides effoetive cleaning of the full perimeter of the interior walls of a pipeline.
Still anothar object of the invention is to provide a pipeline pig which can be used in a variety of sizes of pipe.
An additional object of the invention is to pmvide a pipeline pig which can be used in a variety of types of pipes.
It is an object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in ayt apparatus for the purposes dESCribcd which is inexpensive, dependable and filly effective in accomplishing its iz~tez~dcd purposes.
Still az~otl~er object of tlae invention is to provide a pipeline pig which carp easily navigate 5 sharper bends in pipelines.
These arid other objects of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings 1b BRIEF DESCRIPTIaN dF THE DRAWINGS
Various other objects, features, and attendant advantages of the present invention will become more fully appreciated as the Same biomes better understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyiuxg drawiuags, i~a which like z~e;ference Characters designate the same or similar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:
FIG. 1 is an environmental perspective view of the invention.
FIG. 2 is a langitudinaZ cross section of the invention at line 2--Z of FIG.
1.
~.0 FIG. 3 is a lateral cross section of the invention at line 3--3 of FIG. 1.
FIG. 4 is a view o~the invention as it travels though a pipeline.
FIG. S is a view of tha invention caught in a pipeline with excessive scale.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows pipeftne pig 10, having a generally cylindrical central portion 21, with a plurality of evenly spaced, concave ridges 25 tapering from each end of central portion 21 in a rotational pattern, joining to form mundcd ends 20. Pressure release valves 27 are -.
located at thG confluence of concave ridges 25 in each rounded end 20. A
plurality of pxot~'udix~g xibs 23, az~ integral part of central portion 21, are evenly spaced, encircling central portion 21. The body 28, FIG. 3, of pipeline pig 10 is constructed of a flexible material, preferably a polyurethane rubber-like material, with pressure release valves 27 constructed of a thinner layer of the same material. A plurality of metallic scrapers 26 are evenly spaced along the length of each protruding rl'b 23 and set into protruding ribs 23.
To ensure complete cleaning ofthe pipeline, metallic scrapers 26 of each succeeding protruding rib 23 arc offset such that they are situated half way between the xnctallic scrapers 26 of the preceding protruding rib 23.
FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 display pipeline pig 3 0 in cross section, showing the fluid/gel 30 filled core 22 and pressure release valves 27.
In rIG_ 4, pipeline pig 10 traveling through pipeline 70, propelled by motivational fluid 60, afi it engages scale buildup 40. The flexibility of the polyurethane body of pipeline pig 10 allows pipeline pig 10 to navigate non~littear sections SO ofpipeline 70.
In FIG. 5, shows pipeline pig 1 D caught in an excessive buildup of scale 40, unable to proceed further through pipeline 70. ,As the pressure of motivational fluid 60 increases _ due to the blockage created by pipeline pig 10's inability to proceed causes prrssurc release valves 27 to rupture, allowing the fluidlgel 30 contained in core 22 (not shown) to escape into pipeline 70. With the release ofinteraal pressure, pipeline pig 10 collapses, freeing it from the buildup of srate 40, allozrring pipeline pig 10 to be flushed from pipeline 70.
t In its preferred application, pipeline pig 10 is introduced il~to pipeline 70 such that protruding ribs 23 are in contact with the inner walls of pipelipe 70. Under pressure, nnotivational fluid 60 forces pipeline pig 10 forward through pipeline 70 such that metallic scrapers 26 in pxotrudxng ribs 23 scrape scales 40 buildups i~rom the internal vwalls of pipeline 70. The spiral shape of concave ridges 25 give pipeline pig 14 the te=ndency to rotate as it travels through pipeline 70, increasing the possibility that the entire perimctct of pipeline 70 is scraped by metallic scrapers 26. Pipeline pig 10, being unade of a flexible material, is able to navigate relatively sharp bends in pipeline 70 and buildups of scale in the pipeline. 1f pipeline pig 10 becomes lodged in an excessive buildup of scale 40, the pressure on motivational fluid 60 increases until a) pipeline pig A
is deformed and forced through the restriction caused by the excessive buildup of scale 40, or b) pressure release valves 27 in pipeline pig 10 rupture, allowing the fluidlgcl 30 contained in core 22 to escape into pipeline 70. With the release of internal pressure, pipeline pig 10 collapses slightly, freeing it from the buildup of scale 40, allowing 5 pipeline pig 1 Q to be flushed from pipeline 70.
It would be evident to one skilled in the art that pipeline pig 10 could be produced of a variety of different flexible materials. It would also be evident to oae skilled in the art that metallic Scrapers 26 could be of x number of different designs and composition. It _ 10 would further be evident that pipeline pig X 0 could be produced in a variety of different dimensions for use in pipelines of varying diameters. It would be further evident to ane skilled in the art that pipeline pig 3 0 could be used in pipelines for a variety of difFerent uses. Likewise, it would be cvidart to orlc skilled in the art that hollow core 22 could be filled rwith a number of different liquids or gels, as well as air or a gas.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the cnibodimarts described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
Claims (5)
1. A pipeline pig for removing scale and debris from the interior walls of a pipeline, comprising:
a generally cylindrical central portion, having a hollow core and a rounded end on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, said pipeline pig being produced of a flexible material to facilitate the movement of said pipeline pig through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, and said hollow core being filled with a solution said pipeline pig having a body which is completely peripherally closed and formed as a one-piece body composed as a whole of said flexible material.
a generally cylindrical central portion, having a hollow core and a rounded end on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, said pipeline pig being produced of a flexible material to facilitate the movement of said pipeline pig through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, and said hollow core being filled with a solution said pipeline pig having a body which is completely peripherally closed and formed as a one-piece body composed as a whole of said flexible material.
2. A pipeline pig for removing scale and debris from the interior walls of a pipeline, comprising:
a generally cylindrical central portion, having a hollow core and a rounded end on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, said pipeline pig being produced of a flexible material to facilitate the movement of said pipeline pig through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, and said hollow pore being filled with a solution selected from the group consisting of a fluid solution and a gel solution, said cylindrical central portion having a plurality of evenly spaced protruding ribs, produced of said flexible material, raised around the circumference thereof, said protruding ribs providing an increased diameter oven that of said cylindrical center portion, so as to reduce the surface arcs in contact with the interior walls of a pipeline, and each protruding rib having a plurality of evenly spaced metallic scrapers disposed along the length of said protruding rib and projecting from the outer surface of said protruding rib, said metallio scrapers intended to scape buildups of scale and debris from the interior surface of a pipeline, and said rounded ends having a plurality of evenly spaced concave ridges, produced of said flexible material, tapering from each of said two ends of said central portion in a rotational pattern, joining at a common point to form said rounded ends, said tapering concave ridges providing a tendency to rotate as said pipeline pig travels through a pipeline.
a generally cylindrical central portion, having a hollow core and a rounded end on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, said pipeline pig being produced of a flexible material to facilitate the movement of said pipeline pig through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, and said hollow pore being filled with a solution selected from the group consisting of a fluid solution and a gel solution, said cylindrical central portion having a plurality of evenly spaced protruding ribs, produced of said flexible material, raised around the circumference thereof, said protruding ribs providing an increased diameter oven that of said cylindrical center portion, so as to reduce the surface arcs in contact with the interior walls of a pipeline, and each protruding rib having a plurality of evenly spaced metallic scrapers disposed along the length of said protruding rib and projecting from the outer surface of said protruding rib, said metallio scrapers intended to scape buildups of scale and debris from the interior surface of a pipeline, and said rounded ends having a plurality of evenly spaced concave ridges, produced of said flexible material, tapering from each of said two ends of said central portion in a rotational pattern, joining at a common point to form said rounded ends, said tapering concave ridges providing a tendency to rotate as said pipeline pig travels through a pipeline.
3. A pipeline pig, as defined in claim 2, wherein said metallic scrapers of each succeeding of said protruding ribs are offset such that said metallic scrapers are laterally situated half way between said metallic scrapers of the preceding of said protruding ribs to ensure thorough scraping of the interior surface of a pipeline, and said hollow core extends into said rounded ends such that said flexible material of which said pipeline pig is produced is thinner at said rounded ends than in said central portion, creating a pressure release valve in each of said rounded ends, said pressure release valves intended to blow out should said pipeline pig become stuck in a pipeline and pressure build up behind said pipeline pig, releasing said solution from said hollow core, allowing said pipeline pig to collapse slightly, freeing said pipeline pig from entrapment within a pipeline.
4. A pipeline pig for removing scale and debris from the interior walls of a pipeline, comprising;
a generally cylindrical central portion, and having a hollow core filled with a solution selected from the group consisting of a fluid solution and a gel solution, and a plurality of evenly spaced protruding ribs raised around the circumference thereof, said protruding ribs providing an increased diameter over that of said cylindrical center portion so as to reduce the surface area in contact with the interior surface of a pipeline, and each protruding rib having a plurality of evenly spaced metallic scrapers disposed along the length of said protruding rib and projecting from the outer surface of said protruding rib, said metallic scrapers intended to scrape buildups of scale and debris form the interior surface of a pipeline, and said metallic scrapers of each succeeding of said protruding ribs are situated such that said metallic scrapers arc laterally situated half way between said metallic scrapers of the preceding of said protruding ribs to ensure more thorough scraping of the interior surfaces of a pipeline; and a rounded end on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, having a plurality of evenly spaced concave ridges tapering from each of said two ends of said central portion in a rotational pattern, joining at a common point to form said rounded ends, said tapering concave ridges providing the tendency to rotate as said pipeline pig travels through a pipeline, and a pressure release valve in each of said rounded ends, said pressure release valves being formed by said hollow core being extended into said rounded ends such that said flexible material of which said pipeline pig is produced is thinner at said rounded ends than in said central portion, said pressure release valves intended to blow out should said pipeline pig become stuck in a pipeline and pressure build up behind said pipeline pig, freeing said solution from said hollow core, allowing said pipeline pig to collapse slightly, freeing said pipeline pig from entrapment within the pipeline, said cylindrical central portion, protruding tabs and rounded ends being produced of a flexible material to facilitate travel through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline.
a generally cylindrical central portion, and having a hollow core filled with a solution selected from the group consisting of a fluid solution and a gel solution, and a plurality of evenly spaced protruding ribs raised around the circumference thereof, said protruding ribs providing an increased diameter over that of said cylindrical center portion so as to reduce the surface area in contact with the interior surface of a pipeline, and each protruding rib having a plurality of evenly spaced metallic scrapers disposed along the length of said protruding rib and projecting from the outer surface of said protruding rib, said metallic scrapers intended to scrape buildups of scale and debris form the interior surface of a pipeline, and said metallic scrapers of each succeeding of said protruding ribs are situated such that said metallic scrapers arc laterally situated half way between said metallic scrapers of the preceding of said protruding ribs to ensure more thorough scraping of the interior surfaces of a pipeline; and a rounded end on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, having a plurality of evenly spaced concave ridges tapering from each of said two ends of said central portion in a rotational pattern, joining at a common point to form said rounded ends, said tapering concave ridges providing the tendency to rotate as said pipeline pig travels through a pipeline, and a pressure release valve in each of said rounded ends, said pressure release valves being formed by said hollow core being extended into said rounded ends such that said flexible material of which said pipeline pig is produced is thinner at said rounded ends than in said central portion, said pressure release valves intended to blow out should said pipeline pig become stuck in a pipeline and pressure build up behind said pipeline pig, freeing said solution from said hollow core, allowing said pipeline pig to collapse slightly, freeing said pipeline pig from entrapment within the pipeline, said cylindrical central portion, protruding tabs and rounded ends being produced of a flexible material to facilitate travel through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline.
5. A method for removing scale and debris from the interior walls of a pipeline, comprising the steps of;
a) placing a pipeline pig inside of a pipeline, wherein said pipeline pig comprises:
a generally cylindrical central portion produced of a flexible material to facilitate travel through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, having a hollow core and a plurality of evenly spaced protruding ribs, produced of said flexible material, raised around the circumference thereof, said protruding ribs providing an increased diameter over that of said cylindrical central portion so as to reduce the surface are in contact with the interior surface of a pipeline, each protruding rib having a plurality of evenly spaced metallic scrapers disposed along the length of said protruding rib and projecting from the outer surface of said protruding rib, said metallic scrapers intended to scrape buildups of scale and debris form the interior surface of a pipeline, and said metallic scrapers of each succeeding of said protruding ribs are situated such that said metallic scrapers are laterally situated half way between said metallic scrapers of the preceding of said protruding ribs to ensure more thorough scraping of the interior surface of a pipeline; and a rounded end, produced of said flexible material, on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, having a plurality of evenly spaced concave ridges tapering from each of said two ends of said central portion in a a rotational pattern, joining at a common point to form said rounded ends, said tapering concave ridges providing a tendency to rotate as said pipeline pig travels through a pipeline, and a pressure release valve in each of said rounded ends, said pressure release valves being formed by said hollow core being extended into said rounded ends such that said flexible material of which said pipeline pig is produced is thinner at said rounded ends than in said central portion, said pressure release valve intended to blow out should said pipeline pig become stuck in a pipeline and pressure build up behind said pipeline pig, freeing said pipeline pig from entrapment within the pipeline, said hollow core being filled with a solution selected from the group consisting of a fluid solution and a gel solution;
b) introducing a motivational fluid into said pipeline, under pressure, c) said motivational fluid causing said pipeline pig tending to travel through said pipeline with a rotating motion due to said tapering of said concave ridges, d) said metallic scrapers scraping the scale from said interior walls of said pipeline, the loosened scale then being carried by said motivational fluid to a point in said pipeline where said pipeline pig and loosened scale can be removed; further, e) should said pipeline pig become stuck in an excessive buildup of said scale in said pipeline, said pressure on said motivational fluid could be increased until one of the following occurs;
1) said pipeline pig is forced free from said excessive buildup 2) said pressure release valves in said pipeline pig rupture, allowing said fluid/gel contained in said core to escape into said pipeline, allowing said pipeline pig to collapse slightly, freeing said pipeline pig from the excessive buildup of scale such that said pipeline pig can again be moved by said motivational fluid.
a) placing a pipeline pig inside of a pipeline, wherein said pipeline pig comprises:
a generally cylindrical central portion produced of a flexible material to facilitate travel through non-linear sections of a pipeline and buildups of scale and debris in a pipeline, having a hollow core and a plurality of evenly spaced protruding ribs, produced of said flexible material, raised around the circumference thereof, said protruding ribs providing an increased diameter over that of said cylindrical central portion so as to reduce the surface are in contact with the interior surface of a pipeline, each protruding rib having a plurality of evenly spaced metallic scrapers disposed along the length of said protruding rib and projecting from the outer surface of said protruding rib, said metallic scrapers intended to scrape buildups of scale and debris form the interior surface of a pipeline, and said metallic scrapers of each succeeding of said protruding ribs are situated such that said metallic scrapers are laterally situated half way between said metallic scrapers of the preceding of said protruding ribs to ensure more thorough scraping of the interior surface of a pipeline; and a rounded end, produced of said flexible material, on each of two ends of said cylindrical central portion, having a plurality of evenly spaced concave ridges tapering from each of said two ends of said central portion in a a rotational pattern, joining at a common point to form said rounded ends, said tapering concave ridges providing a tendency to rotate as said pipeline pig travels through a pipeline, and a pressure release valve in each of said rounded ends, said pressure release valves being formed by said hollow core being extended into said rounded ends such that said flexible material of which said pipeline pig is produced is thinner at said rounded ends than in said central portion, said pressure release valve intended to blow out should said pipeline pig become stuck in a pipeline and pressure build up behind said pipeline pig, freeing said pipeline pig from entrapment within the pipeline, said hollow core being filled with a solution selected from the group consisting of a fluid solution and a gel solution;
b) introducing a motivational fluid into said pipeline, under pressure, c) said motivational fluid causing said pipeline pig tending to travel through said pipeline with a rotating motion due to said tapering of said concave ridges, d) said metallic scrapers scraping the scale from said interior walls of said pipeline, the loosened scale then being carried by said motivational fluid to a point in said pipeline where said pipeline pig and loosened scale can be removed; further, e) should said pipeline pig become stuck in an excessive buildup of said scale in said pipeline, said pressure on said motivational fluid could be increased until one of the following occurs;
1) said pipeline pig is forced free from said excessive buildup 2) said pressure release valves in said pipeline pig rupture, allowing said fluid/gel contained in said core to escape into said pipeline, allowing said pipeline pig to collapse slightly, freeing said pipeline pig from the excessive buildup of scale such that said pipeline pig can again be moved by said motivational fluid.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2416396 CA2416396A1 (en) | 2003-01-16 | 2003-01-16 | Pipeline pig |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2416396 CA2416396A1 (en) | 2003-01-16 | 2003-01-16 | Pipeline pig |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2416396A1 true CA2416396A1 (en) | 2004-07-16 |
Family
ID=32660926
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2416396 Abandoned CA2416396A1 (en) | 2003-01-16 | 2003-01-16 | Pipeline pig |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2416396A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010065478A1 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Pipeline pig with internal flow cavity |
| CN113751435A (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2021-12-07 | 中国计量大学 | Non-contact pipeline dust cleaning method and system |
-
2003
- 2003-01-16 CA CA 2416396 patent/CA2416396A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2010065478A1 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2010-06-10 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Pipeline pig with internal flow cavity |
| US8087119B2 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2012-01-03 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Pipeline pig with internal flow cavity |
| US8715423B2 (en) | 2008-12-03 | 2014-05-06 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Pipeline pig with internal flow cavity |
| CN113751435A (en) * | 2021-08-03 | 2021-12-07 | 中国计量大学 | Non-contact pipeline dust cleaning method and system |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |