AU2011221384B2 - System for dispensing abrasives into a gas stream for cleaning pipe interiors - Google Patents
System for dispensing abrasives into a gas stream for cleaning pipe interiors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2011221384B2 AU2011221384B2 AU2011221384A AU2011221384A AU2011221384B2 AU 2011221384 B2 AU2011221384 B2 AU 2011221384B2 AU 2011221384 A AU2011221384 A AU 2011221384A AU 2011221384 A AU2011221384 A AU 2011221384A AU 2011221384 B2 AU2011221384 B2 AU 2011221384B2
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- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- pipe
- hopper
- valve
- gas stream
- abrasive particulate
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- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000003082 abrasive agent Substances 0.000 title description 7
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 55
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 46
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 14
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 20
- 239000011253 protective coating Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000010438 granite Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 abstract description 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 42
- 230000007797 corrosion Effects 0.000 description 14
- 238000005260 corrosion Methods 0.000 description 14
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 238000002360 preparation method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000011435 rock Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000004593 Epoxy Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005270 abrasive blasting Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009412 basement excavation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920002396 Polyurea Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011083 cement mortar Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003651 drinking water Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000020188 drinking water Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002223 garnet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007689 inspection Methods 0.000 description 1
- JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N iron(III) oxide Inorganic materials O=[Fe]O[Fe]=O JEIPFZHSYJVQDO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000873 masking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008188 pellet Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003226 polyurethane urea Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002829 reductive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005488 sandblasting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012360 testing method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013024 troubleshooting Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
- B24C3/00—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants
- B24C3/32—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks
- B24C3/325—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks for internal surfaces, e.g. of tubes
- B24C3/327—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks for internal surfaces, e.g. of tubes by an axially-moving flow of abrasive particles without passing a blast gun, impeller or the like along the internal surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
- B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
- B24C7/00—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts
- B24C7/0046—Equipment for feeding abrasive material; Controlling the flowability, constitution, or other physical characteristics of abrasive blasts the abrasive material being fed in a gaseous carrier
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Cleaning In General (AREA)
Abstract
A system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas for introduction into the pipe for the purpose of cleaning the pipe and preparing the inner surface for coating or lining. The system comprises an air blower coupled to the pipe, and generates the stream of air or gas, and a three component feed assembly for dispensing the abrasive particulate material. The feed assembly operates at atmospheric pressure and is in fluid communication with each of the pipe and the air blower, and is used to meter the abrasive particulate material into the stream of gas for introduction into the pipe. The system further comprises a shut-off valve that is in fluid communication with the feed assembly, the air blower and the pipe and is cycled to isolate the feed assembly from the air blower during pipe drying and maintenance operations. Ln~ c'I
Description
AUSTRALIA Patents Act COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (ORIGINAL) Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority Related Art: Name of Applicant: Randall J. Cooper Actual Inventor(s): Randall J. Cooper Address for Service and Correspondence: PHILLIPS ORMONDE FITZPATRICK Patent and Trade Mark Attorneys 367 Collins Street Melbourne 3000 AUSTRALIA Invention Title: SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING ABRASIVES INTO A GAS STREAM FOR CLEANING PIPE INTERIORS Our Ref: 924615 POF Code: 485906/512752 The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to applicant(s): -1-1 TITLE SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING ABRASIVES INTO A GAS STREAM FOR CLEANING PIPE INTERIORS FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas that is introduced into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the internal pipe walls, as well as preparing surfaces of the internal pipe circumference for the later application of an immediate, protective coating or lining. BACKGROUND [0002] It is well known that contaminants and corrosion products, such as tubercles, rust, scale and the like, can form inside metallic water mains and pipes as a result of corrosion, and can form layers, which can build up over time to form lumps and mounds, masking areas of internal metal loss. [00031 These occlusive build ups can severely reduce the internal bore of pipes, leading to reduced flow capacity and a necessary increase in pumping pressure to maintain a sufficient supply of water or other fluid flowing through the pipe. Moreover, the build-up of corrosion products can adversely affect the quality of the fluid flowing in the pipe, creating problems such as "red water" in drinking water systems. [0004] The use of abrasives in a flowing air or gas stream for pipe cleaning to remove the above-noted contaminants and corrosion products is well known. The generic process of "sandblasting" is a mature technology frequently used in larger-diameter, man-entry pipes for surface preparation, and the process of injecting garnet grit (beach-sand consistency) into a la flowing compressed airstream has been used previously in small diameter pipes to facilitate the removal of corrosion products as well as the surface preparation of the internal pipe circumference for immediate, protective coating. In fact, the U.S. Navy used this process for numerous years to remove corrosion from the internal bore of small-diameter pipes installed on its aircraft carrier fleet, after which, the pipes were remotely coated with a protective epoxy. Recently, various combinations of gases and abrasives, such as the use of frozen gas pellets and different propliant gases, have been combined to attempt to remove contaminants and corrosion products, as well as to prepare surfaces of the internal pipe circumference for the later application of an immediate, protective coating or liner. [0005] The process of abrasive blasting becomes more complex wherever pipeline entry is not possible by virtue of pipe diameter (too small) or location (inaccessible). The deployment of an abrasive from a single entry point, over medium / long pipe distances, requires a novel process. This process uses special equipment and produces a different surface blast pattern and outcome. [0006] More recently, larger-sized abrasives (e.g. stones versus grit), in combination with larger air movers (compressors / blowers), have been used to clean corroded water pipes in diameter ranges of 4" through 8" in the UK. This process deploys an abrasive in a gas stream and was (again) used to remove heavy corrosion products in small diameter pipes and prepare the internal circumference for immediate protective coating. [0007] However, these conventional systems to have drawbacks and limitations. For one thing, cleaning systems that deploy an abrasive in a gas stream, such as that described in United States Patent Application Publication No. 2009/270016 (Christopher), disclose the use of a pressurized hopper for dispensing the abrasive particulate material into the air or gas stream. Such pressurized vessels require periodic inspections, maintenance and testing to preclude deterioration and rupture that could pose a significant safety hazard. Pressurized vessels that contain rocks are potentially unsafe and are therefore typically fabricated with 2 heavy-walled, welded steel. [0008] Furthermore, with such pressurized vessels, when that vessel has been filled (charged) with rocks and abrasive particulate matter, and is thereafter pressurized, it is not possible to add more rock or material to the pressurized hopper without de-energizing the feed system altogether, thus slowing down the system operation. [00091 In addition, such conventional abrasive blasting systems utilize an axial-feed screw for dispensing abrasive particulate material from the pressurized hopper into the air or gas stream. While the use of such systems provides a steady controlled rate of insertion of abrasive particulate, the operator cannot visually observe the process. As such, operators of such systems cannot visually perceive problems such as hang-ups or jamming of or other sensory cues, or de-energize the system to investigate a feed problem. [00101 It would, therefore, be advantageous to have an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas that utilizes a hopper (containing the abrasive particulate material) that is open to the atmosphere (unpressurized), whereupon an operator can readily add more abrasive particulate material into the air or gas stream as required or needed, without the need to de-energize the system or shut down, thus increasing the efficiency and speed of the system in accomplishing the task. [0011] It would be further advantageous to have an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas that provides no pressure blow black, by virtue of using a hopper that is open to the atmosphere, and which is easily portable, lighter in weight, and safer than current pressurized screw feed system configurations. [0012] It would also be further advantageous to have an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas that utilizes a valve 3 body and a sliding gate (two controls) to keep variable control of the introduction of abrasive particulate material into the hopper, rather than a feed screw, thus giving an operator better control of the dosing rate into the hopper, both mechanically and visually, and thus better control of the pipe cleaning and preparation process. [0013] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved system and method of delivery of abrasive material into a gas stream for the purpose of cleaning, preparing and coating or lining the interior surface of in-service, small-diameter pipes. There is a further need for a pipe cleaning system which is operably able to introduce abrasive from a vessel under one set pressure (for example, atmospheric pressure), into a gas stream in a measured, highly controlled and safe manner. To this end, the present invention effectively addresses these needs. SUMMARY [00141 An important advantage and object of the present invention is that it provides an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas that utilizes a hopper (containing the abrasive particulate material) that is open to the atmosphere, through use of which an operator can add more abrasive particulate material into the air or gas stream as required or needed, without the need to de-energize the system or shut down, thus increasing the speed of the system in accomplishing the task. [0015] Another important advantage and object of the present invention is that it provides an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of air or gas that provides no potential for pressurized abrasive blow-back, by virtue of using a hopper that is open to the atmosphere, and which is lighter in weight than the current, pressurized configurations, and therefore more flexible (portable) in use. [0016] Another important advantage and object of the present invention is that it 4 provides an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of gas that utilizes a valve body and a sliding gate (two controls) to keep variable control of the introduction of abrasive particulate material into the hopper, rather than a feed screw, thus giving an operator better control of the dosing rate into the hopper, and thus the pipe to be cleaned. [0017] According to a first broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a system for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of gas to be introduced into a pipe for cleaning an interior of the pipe, comprising an air blower coupled to the pipe, the air blower generating the stream of gas to be introduced into the pipe; a hopper for dispensing the abrasive particulate material, the hopper being constructed and arranged for operation at atmospheric pressure and constructed and arranged for connection and fluid communication with each of the pipe and the air blower, the hopper further comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving the abrasive particulate material and an outlet for delivery of the abrasive particulate material from the hopper; and valve feed means positioned within the hopper and in fluid transporting the abrasive particulate material from the hopper into the stream of gas for introduction into the pipe. {0018] According to a second broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, there is disclosed a method for cleaning an interior of a pipe, said method comprising providing an air or gas stream and connecting it to the pipe to be cleaned; providing a hopper at atmospheric pressure in fluid communication with each of the air or gas stream and the pipe; providing valve feed means in communication with the hopper for regulating a flow of abrasive particulate material from the hopper to the air or gas stream and the pipe; dispensing abrasive particulate material into the hopper; and selectively operating the valve feed means so as to transport the abrasive particulate material from the hopper into the air or gas stream and the pipe. [0019] According to a third broad aspect of an embodiment of the present invention, 5 there is disclosed a method of cleaning an interior of a pipe, said method comprising isolating the pipe from other pipe sections; providing an air or gas stream and connecting it to the pipe to be cleaned; utilizing the air or gas stream to dry out the pipe; de-energizing the air or gas stream; providing a hopper at atmospheric pressure in fluid communication with each of the air or gas stream and the pipe providing valve feed means in communication with the hopper for regulating a flow of abrasive particulate material from the hopper to the air or gas stream and the pipe; re-energizing the air or gas stream; dispensing abrasive particulate material into the hopper; and selectively operating the valve feed means so as to transport the abrasive particulate material from the hopper into the air or gas stream and then into the pipe. DRAWINGS [00201 The embodiments of the present invention will now be described by reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which: [0021] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the system and method of the present invention; [0022] Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of the system and method of the present invention shown in Figure 1; [00231 Figure 3 is a top view of another embodiment of the system and method of the present invention; and [0024] Figure 4 is a side view of the embodiment of the system and method of the present invention shown in Figure 3. DESCRIPTION 6 [0025] The invention will be described for the purposes of illustration only in connection with certain embodiments; however, it is to be understood that other objects and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent by the following description of the drawings according to the present invention. While a preferred embodiment is disclosed, this is not intended to be limiting. Rather, the general principles set forth herein are considered to be merely illustrative of the scope of the present invention and it is to be further understood that numerous changes may be made without straying from the scope of the present invention. [0026] The present invention consists of an improved system and method for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a stream of gas that is introduced into a pipe for the purpose of cleaning the internal pipe walls, as well as to prepare surfaces of the internal pipe circumference for the subsequent application of a protective coating or liner. [0027] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, there is shown a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, as hereinafter described, the system and method of the present invention comprises a hopper 1, a gate valve 2, a rotary airlock valve 3, a shut off valve 4, and an air blower / drier 8, as hereinafter described. [00281 In operating the system of the present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, a target pipe section 9 is taken out of service and then accessed at either end of the pipe using dug pits. Once the pipe section 9 is opened and isolated, it is then drained and visually pre inspected, such as through closed circuit television or a remote camera (not shown). As would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, typically all service taps are opened so that they can back-drain into the pipe. The upstream and downstream in-service piping is then capped with protective, pressure sleeves (not shown). The target pipe section is inspected to verify the extent of the contaminants and corrosion products that are present, although usually the extent of blockage can be pre-determined from service records. 7 [0029] An air blower / drier is then coupled, by way of pressure-rated piping connections, to the isolated pipe section 9 at 11 (shown in Figures 3 and 4) and the air blower / drier 8 is used to clean out excess water and dry the in situ contaminants and corrosion products (e.g. tubercles) on the interior of the pipe section 9. It is conveniently thought that the application of high-volume, low-pressure, clean, heated air from the outset will speed drying and make the contaminants and corrosion products (not shown) more brittle / friable in preparation for the introduction of a selected grade / size of abrasive particulate material, as hereinafter described. [0030] Once the pipe section 9 is suitably dry, the air blower / drier 8 is then de energized and a suitably designed three component feeder assembly, comprised of a hopper 1, gate valve 2 and rotary air lock valve 3, and is connected at the upstream end of the pipe. In an exemplary embodiment, the feeder assembly is positioned between the air blower / drier 8 and the target pipe section 9 using a portable transport device such as a truck 10, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Hopper 1 is not pressurized, as opposed to other conventional feed design systems, but rather is at atmospheric pressure. In this embodiment, such a feeder assembly comprised of hopper 1, gate valve 2 and rotary air lock 3 can be loaded onto a truck 10, as shown in Figure 4, and moved about quite readily and easily. [0031] The air blower / drier 8 is then energized so as to provide an air or gas stream (seen in Figure 1 at 6), and suitable quantities of abrasive particulate materials (not shown are progressively introduced into the hopper 1 at hopper opening 5 for later propulsion in a downstream flow 7 of the air or gas stream (as shown in Figure 1). Examples of abrasive particulate material that could be used are flint, chert, granite, sand, rock, though it will be understood that numerous variations to these are possible, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. [0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the feeder assembly comprises hopper 1, gate 8 valve 2 and a rotary air lock valve 3, which work in conjunction so as to allow the operator to meter out a selected quantity of abrasive particulate material from the hopper 1 to enter the air or gas stream 6 and be directed downstream 7 to the target pipe section 9, as hereinafter described. [00331 During the start of the pipe cleaning process it is desirable not to "flood" or "choke" the pipe with too much abrasive particulate material and potentially create a blockage. As such, when beginning to progressively introduce abrasive particulate materials into the hopper 1, only a minimal amount of this material is first introduced, with the material that is introduced going to the bottom of the hopper 1 through gravity and first coming to contact with the gate valve 2 at the bottom of the hopper, which is fundamentally a slide gate through which the operator can initially regulate the amount of abrasive particulate materials that the rotary air lock valve 3 will be exposed to. When it is desired to add additional abrasive particulate material into the system, the operator turns handle 13, wherein the gate valve 2 slides horizontally to allow the abrasive particulate material to fall into the rotary air lock valve 3, which operates essentially as a sealed dispensing device, in that when a certain level of material accumulates, the rotary air lock valve can be rotated by the operator to introduce the abrasive particulate material downstream 7 (as shown in Figure 1) to the pipe section 9. The gate valve 2 and the rotary air lock valve 3 could be hydraulically powered, if desired, or may be mechanically driven or driven by any other suitable means known to the skilled person. In an exemplary embodiment, not only does the rotary air lock valve 3 meter the amount of abrasive particulate material introduced, but it also, in doing so, moves this material from (atmospheric) into another (in this example, a pipe having a pressure higher than atmospheric pressure). Because of the tolerances and the number of vanes on the valve, there is a sealing effect from the inlet to the outlet side of the valve. Typically, this is in the range of between 15 - 40 pounds per square inch (psi), though variations to this will of course be possible. [0034] In this manner, the operator is able to keep visual contact with and variable 9 control of the introduction of abrasive particulate material into the air or gas stream 6 from hopper 1, rather than using a pressurized, enclosed feed screw, thus giving an operator better control of the dosing process into the pipe section 9 to be cleaned. Further, the operator can add more abrasive particulate material into the air or gas stream 6 as required or needed, without the need to de-energize the system or shut down, thus increasing the speed of the system in accomplishing the task. Moreover, the advantage of introducing abrasive particulate material through a rotating air-lock valve delivery such as that disclosed in the present invention, as opposed to a more conventional Archimedes axial-feed screw, is that the rotating air-lock valve acts as the pressure block while, by its design, an Archimedes axial feed screw cannot. Hence, there is a need for such conventional, axial-feed screw systems and their supplies of abrasive particulate stone supply to be contained within a pressurized zone, such as pressurized hopper, in order to function. Operators or such conventional axial feed screw systems can achieve a good rate of control in introducing abrasive particulate matter into the system by screw rotation, but they cannot visually observe the dosing process. If there is a problem, or if the feed rate needs to be altered in any manner, the operator is limited to making adjustments by rotating the feed screw forwards or backwards to address these matters; otherwise, the feed system must be de-energized, thus slowing down the entire operation. By contrast, the present invention, by using gate valve 2 and rotary air lock valve 3 in conjunction with unpressurized hopper 1, the operator has two methods of feed control; visual contact with the feed process, and the ability to make adjustments without de energizing the feed system, thereby realizing increasing operational efficiencies through decreased probability of system shut downs. [0035] Once the abrasive particulate materials have been metered from the three component feed system (hopper 1, gate valve 2 and rotary air lock valve 3) into air or gas stream 6 and downstream 7 (as shown in Figure 1) to the pipe section 9, these charged abrasive particulate materials impact the contaminants and corrosion products on the interior of the pipe section 9 and remove them from the pipe walls. Of course, it will be understood that the downstream "receiving pit" excavation) can be,.before the air blower / drier 8 is 10 energized, covered (at surface) to prevent or substantially inhibit any energized abrasive particulate materials from escaping the downstream excavation. Abrasive particulate, corrosion products, and dust can otherwise be collected in the "receiving pit" from pipe section 9 using conventional collection boxes and dust separators known to those skilled in this cleaning process. [0036] In addition, the movement and action of the hardened angular abrasive particulate materials also scrapes the internal walls of the pipe section 9, thereby providing a degree of surface preparation for a subsequently applied, protective coating or liner. The hot / warm / dry air that propels the abrasive also acts to heat the pipe to a temperature that will keep it dry and prevent condensation. [00371 Once the cleaning process is completed, the upstream hardware (air blower / drier 8, three-component feed system comprising hopper 1, gate valve 2 and airlock valve 3 and connecting pipes) is de-energized, disconnected and removed from the upstream location. The target pipe section 9 is then ready for immediate coating or lining using a variety of methods including, for example, cement mortar, sprayed epoxy, sprayed advanced polymers (polyurethane or polyurea) or cured-in-place pipe lining, though it will be understood that numerous variations to this are possible, as would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art. [0038] In an alternative embodiment, the system further comprises a shut off valve 4 (as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4) and preferably is manually operated. The purpose of the shut off valve 4 is to isolate the rotary airlock valve 3 from the system, when system troubleshooting or maintenance is required, or when higher pressures will be used to dry and clean out the pipe. For example, when the air blower / drier 8 is used at higher pressures during the process of using the air blower / drier 8 to clean out excess water and dry the in situ contaminants and corrosion products, the air lock valve 3 can be isolated by engaging shut off valve 4, minimizing the potential for pressure loss out through the hopper 1 at these 11 higher drying pressures. Similarly by engaging shut off valve 4 anytime during feed system operation, blockage or feed problems with abrasive particulate can be quickly rectified without system shutdown. [0039] It will be apparent to those skilled in this art that various modifications and variations may be made to the embodiments disclosed herein, consistent with the present invention, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [00401 Other embodiments consistent with the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the specification and the practice of the invention disclosed therein. [0041] Accordingly, the specification and the embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the invention being disclosed by the following claims. 12
Claims (18)
1. A system for dispensing abrasive particulate material into a gas stream to be introduced into a pipe for cleaning an interior of the pipe, comprising: a) a blower coupled to the pipe, the blower generating the stream to be introduced into the pipe at a first pressure; b) a hopper for dispensing the abrasive particulate material, the hopper being constructed and arranged for operation at another pressure differing from the first set pressure and constructed and arranged for connection and fluid communication with each of the pipe and the blower, the hopper further comprising a housing having an inlet for receiving the material and an outlet for delivery of the material the hopper; and c) a valve feed positioned within the hopper and both in contact with the material and in fluid communication with each of the pipe and the blower, for transporting the material from the hopper into the gas stream for introduction into the pipe.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the valve feed further comprises a gate valve and a rotary air lock valve.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the gate valve further comprises a handle can be rotated to deliver the material within the hopper to the rotary air lock valve.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the rotary air lock valve is rotatable to transport the material into the gas stream for introduction into the pipe.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein, when the rotary air lock is rotated to transport the material into the gas stream, the material being moved from one set pressure into a. differing set pressure.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the material comprises at least one selected from 13 flint, chert, and granite.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the system further comprises a shut off valve to selectively isolate the rotary airlock valve from a remainder of the system.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the shut off valve is manually operated.
9. The system of claim 5, wherein the gas stream set pressure ranges between 15 and 45 pounds per square inch (psi).
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising, after the interior of the pipe has been cleaned, applying one of a protective coating and liner to the interior of the pipe.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the hopper is positioned between the blower and the pipe to be cleaned.
12. A method of cleaning an interior of a pipe, said method comprising: a) providing a gas stream at one set pressure and connecting it to the pipe to be cleaned; b) providing a hopper at a differing set pressure and in fluid communication with the gas stream and the pipe; c) providing a valve feed in communication with the hopper for contacting and_ regulating a flow of abrasive particulate material from the hopper to the gas stream and the pipe; d) dispensing abrasive particulate material into the hopper; and e) selectively operating the valve feed so as to transport the abrasive particulate material from the hopper into the gas stream and the pipe.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of providing the valve feed further comprises providing a gate valve and providing a rotary air lock valve in fluid 14 communication with each other so as to regulate the flow of the material.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the step of selectively operating the valve feed so as to transport the abrasive particulate material further comprises a step of opening the gate valve to deliver the material within the hopper to the rotary air lock valve.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the step of opening the gate valve to deliver the material within the hopper to the rotary air lock valve further comprises a step of then rotating the rotary air lock valve to transport the material into the gas stream for introduction into the pipe.
16. A method of cleaning an interior of a pipe section, said method comprising: a) isolating the pipe section from other pipe sections; b) providing and connecting a gas stream to the pipe to be cleaned; c) streaming gas into the pipe section to dry out the pipe section; d) stopping the gas streaming; e) providing a hopper at one set pressure in fluid communication with each of the stream and the pipe; f) providing a valve feed in communication with the hopper for contacting and_ regulating a flow of abrasive particulate material from the hopper to the stream and the pipe; g) re-starting the gas streaming into the pipe at another set pressure differing from the first set pressure; h) dispensing the material into the hopper; and i) selectively operating the valve feed so as to transport the material from the hopper at the one set pressure into the gas stream and then into the pipe at the differing pressure.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of, after pipe interior cleaning completion, applying at least one selected from a protective coating and liner to the pipe interior. 15
18. The method of claim 16, further comprising a step of positioning the hopper between the gas stream connection and the pipe section to be cleaned. 16
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA2714831A CA2714831C (en) | 2010-09-09 | 2010-09-09 | System for dispensing abrasives into a gas stream for cleaning pipe interiors |
| CA2,714,831 | 2010-09-09 |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2011221384A1 AU2011221384A1 (en) | 2012-03-29 |
| AU2011221384B2 true AU2011221384B2 (en) | 2013-08-01 |
| AU2011221384B8 AU2011221384B8 (en) | 2013-09-05 |
Family
ID=45804297
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2011221384A Ceased AU2011221384B8 (en) | 2010-09-09 | 2011-09-07 | System for dispensing abrasives into a gas stream for cleaning pipe interiors |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2011221384B8 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2714831C (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN106761495B (en) * | 2017-01-16 | 2023-01-17 | 济宁学院 | A hole washing device for coal mine gas drainage hole |
| CN113799005A (en) * | 2021-09-22 | 2021-12-17 | 广州文船重工有限公司 | Sand blasting device for wind power tower cylinder pile foundation |
Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1025489A (en) * | 1964-03-23 | 1966-04-14 | Vacu Blast Ltd | Abrasive blasting apparatus for the cleaning of tubes |
| US20030199232A1 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2003-10-23 | Cold Jet, Inc. | Feeder assembly for particle blast system |
| US20040106366A1 (en) * | 2002-08-26 | 2004-06-03 | Robinson Robert A. | Portable pipe restoration system |
-
2010
- 2010-09-09 CA CA2714831A patent/CA2714831C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2011
- 2011-09-07 AU AU2011221384A patent/AU2011221384B8/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB1025489A (en) * | 1964-03-23 | 1966-04-14 | Vacu Blast Ltd | Abrasive blasting apparatus for the cleaning of tubes |
| US20030199232A1 (en) * | 2002-04-17 | 2003-10-23 | Cold Jet, Inc. | Feeder assembly for particle blast system |
| US20040106366A1 (en) * | 2002-08-26 | 2004-06-03 | Robinson Robert A. | Portable pipe restoration system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| CA2714831C (en) | 2015-03-17 |
| CA2714831A1 (en) | 2012-03-09 |
| AU2011221384B8 (en) | 2013-09-05 |
| AU2011221384A1 (en) | 2012-03-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC1 | Assignment before grant (sect. 113) |
Owner name: ENVIROLOGICS ENGINEERING Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): COOPER, RANDALL |
|
| TH | Corrigenda |
Free format text: IN VOL 27 , NO 29 , PAGE(S) 4370 UNDER THE HEADING APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED - NAME INDEX UNDER THE NAME ENVIROLOGICS ENGINEERING, APPLICATION NO.2011221384, UNDER INID (71) CORRECT THE APPLICANT NAME TO READ ENVIROLOGICS ENGINEERING INC. |
|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |