Methods and apparatus for purging liquid from an offshore pipeline and/or scanning a pipeline interior
US3961493A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 22, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jun 8, 1976 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 22, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/4891
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for purging water from a submerged pipeline including means for handling pipeline "pigs" (i.e., sphere, plug, or other device movable through a pipeline interior in sliding peripheral engagement therewith). In the system of the invention a pig launcher is attached at a first pipeline means end and a pig receiver is attached at a second, submerged pipeline means end. The pig launcher is operable to propel a plurality of pig elements in sequence through the pipeline under the urging of pressurized gas in order to displace fluid and/or locate obstructions. The pig receiver is arranged to exhaust such displaced fluid and receive and store the propelled pig elements. The pig receiver may include a fluid discharge system for exhausting propulsion gas into the ambient water in response to the arrival of a pig element and thus provide means to signal such arrival. The pig launcher may include a fluid discharge system for exhausting pressurized propulsion gas into the ambient water to signify a successful pig launch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.