Patent · US Expired

Cleaning zebramussels from water pipes

US5069722A · kind A · utility

23Cited by
5References
13Claims
0Family size

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 5, 1990
Grant dateDec 3, 1991
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 5, 2010

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB08B9/0436
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Cleaning of water intake and outfall pipe passage wall incrustation is effected by propelling an incrustation dislodging device along the wall while running fluid through the pipe to flush the dislodged incrustation, which may be collected for disposition at the pipe discharge. A preferred form of the cleaning device comprises a circular stiff wire brush assembly through which the flushing fluid can flow at a greater speed than the propulsion speed of the device. A sea anchor may be used to run propulsion line for the device through the pipe passage. Before effecting operation of the device, a camcorder may be run along the incrusted passage wall for determining the nature of the incrustation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.