A conduit cleaning jetting pig is provided, the pig having a central axis that can be aligned with a central axis of a conduit to be cleaned, the pig including: a seal means having an upstream side and a downstream side, the seal means effective to prevent a significant flow of fluids from the upstream side of the pig to the downstream side of the pig between the pig and the inside of the conduit when a differential pressure exists between the upstream side and the downstream side of the pig; a rotating element rotatably connected to the downstream side of the seal means; a plurality of nozzles connected to the rotating element each nozzle defining a flowpath through the nozzle for fluids to pass through each of the nozzles, and the flowpath in communication with a channel from the upstream side of the seal means to the flowpath with the flowpath through the nozzle aligned in part tangential to a cylinder around the central axis of the pig and aligned in part toward the inside wall of the conduit; and a friction creating element capable of being urged against an inside surface of a conduit, the friction creating element allowing a limited and controlled rate of movement down the pipe when fluid is provided on the upstream side of the pig wherein the friction created decreases with increasing fluid flow through the flowpaths defined by the nozzles. This pig is useful for removing solids such as wax from the inside of pipes.
An apparatus for removing deposits from the interior surface of a conduit while being advanced through the conduit by virtue of pressurized upstream liquid includes front and rear assemblies interconnected in a manner to permit limited movement there between. The rear assembly contains a mechanism for receiving the upstream liquid and increasing its pressure. The liquid of increased pressure is fed to a rotating nozzle in the front assembly. High velocity water jets emergent from the nozzle strike the interior surface of the conduit to dislodge deposits. A resilient sidewall in one or both assemblies expands by virtue of the liquid of increased pressure to apply a controlled braking force against the interior surface of the conduit.
A method and apparatus for cleaning passageways such as air ducts or flues. The apparatus includes a body having a nozzle, or plurality of nozzles, rotatably coupled to it. A cage is coupled to the body and circumscribes the rotative path of the nozzle or nozzles. The nozzles are configured such that passage of fluid through the nozzle's orifice propels the apparatus along a defined axis. The nozzles may be further configured such that passage of fluid through the nozzle's orifice imparts a rotating motion of the nozzle about the defined axis. The apparatus is placed in a duct or ventilation passageway, preferably at the highest vertical location of the passageway. Fluid is then passed through the nozzle spraying and cleaning the interior of the duct. The propelling force of the spray causes the apparatus to maneuver its way through the duct system, including through angular transitions, until it travels the entire pathway of the duct.
A method for inhibiting corrosion (18) in the arch of a pipe (10) carrying a multiphase corrosive liquid containing a liquid phase (12) which flows off at the lower part of the pipe (10) and a gaseous phase (14) which flows off at the upper part of the pipe. The method includes the following: a scraper (16) is introduced into the pipe, a joint (27) is provided between the scraper (16) and the inner wall of the pipe in such a way that the scraper is moved along the pipe from top to bottom as a result of the effect of the pressure difference between the top and bottom, a liquid that inhibits corrosion is introduced into the scraper or the liquid is injected into the pipe where it is mixed with the liquid phase (12), the scraper is provided with an uptake and projection device (22) that enable the corrosion-inhibiting liquid contained in the scraper or the mixture contained in the pipe to be taken up, whereby the liquid is projected onto the inner wall of the arch of the pipe as the scraper advances in the pipe.
A method and apparatus for cleaning passageways such as air ducts or flues. The apparatus includes a body having a nozzle, or plurality of nozzles, rotatably coupled to it. A cage is coupled to the body and surrounds the rotative path of the nozzle or nozzles. The nozzles are configured such that passage of fluid through the nozzle's orifice imparts a rotating motion of the nozzle about the defined axis. The apparatus is placed in a duct or ventilation passageway, preferably at the highest vertical location of the passageway. Fluid is then passed through the nozzle spraying and cleaning the interior of the duct. The rotating motion of the spray causes the apparatus to maneuver its way through the duct system, including through angular transitions, until it travels the entire pathway of the duct.
In a first embodiment the invention comprises a method for cleaning deposits from the interior of a pipe in which a pig is propelled through the pipe by pressure from a fluid mixture of at least one liquid and at least one gas applied to the pig from the rear end of the pig. A portion of the fluid mixture is conducted from the rear of the pig to at least one nozzle on the forward end of said pig and propelled through the nozzle to clean the deposits from the interior of said pipe.
