Process and apparatus for remotely clearing a liquid-filled pipe
US4974617A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 1988 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE03F9/00
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
For clearing or unblocking a pipe (10) filled with a liquid (12) and in which a plug (14) has formed, an apparatus (16) is connected to said pipe. This apparatus applies to the liquid harmonic-rich longitudinal pressure waves and which are preferably constituted by a pulse train. By means of a regulatable compliance volume (28), the harmonic n of the resonant frequency of the incompressible mode of the liquid (12)-pipe (10) system is adjusted, so that its frequency is equal to that of harmonic 1 of the resonant frequency of the compressible mode of the system (n preferably being equal to 1, 2 or 3). This makes it possible to take advantage of the resonances of the compressible and incompressible modes of the system by using a low exciting frequency (below 20 Hz), which reduces the risks of the pipe (10) fracturing or bursting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.