Pipeline pig launch pin and retraction system
US8052801B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 8, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 8, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16L55/46
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.