Method, device and tool for cleaning, surveying, inspecting, etc. unpiggable pipelines
US8197611B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0463
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for introducing a pig-like tool into an operating pipeline, such as a fluid pipe. According to the invention the pipeline is drilled during operation and the tool is injected into the pipeline through the drilled hole. During a corresponding tool removal from the pipeline a method is provided for prereconnaissance for the determination of a degree of contamination, cleaning, surveying, inspecting, repairing, etc. of pipelines by means of a corresponding, pig-like tool. The invention also relates to a device and a tool permitting the performance of the inventive method. Thus, otherwise unpiggable pipelines can be worked in a cost-efficient manner.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.