Bidirectional bristle pig with sliding collar
US8316500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 14, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 12, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB08B9/04
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A bidirectional bristle pig provides a means for collapsing or restraining the bristles so that the pig may be used in a reciprocating manner or, when the pig becomes stuck, the pig may be easily retrieved in a direction opposite that of the initial direction of travel. The bristle pig has at least one set of outwardly projecting cleaning wires or bristles located toward one end of the pig body and a sliding collar. The sliding collar moves between a first position and a second position to restrain the bristles at the desired leading end of the pig and forces the bristles downward and away from the inner wall surface of the pipeline. In the restrained state, the bristles no longer interfere with the movement of the pig in the desired direction. The sliding collar may move in response to pipeline pressure or may include a tether line.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.