[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2010112808A1 - Improved pig with adjustable turbine blades and cutting head - Google Patents

Improved pig with adjustable turbine blades and cutting head Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2010112808A1
WO2010112808A1 PCT/GB2010/000482 GB2010000482W WO2010112808A1 WO 2010112808 A1 WO2010112808 A1 WO 2010112808A1 GB 2010000482 W GB2010000482 W GB 2010000482W WO 2010112808 A1 WO2010112808 A1 WO 2010112808A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cleaning apparatus
cleaning
cutting head
carrier
turbine blades
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2010/000482
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Jane Palmer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Industrial Brushware Ltd
Original Assignee
Industrial Brushware Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Industrial Brushware Ltd filed Critical Industrial Brushware Ltd
Priority to GB1116136.1A priority Critical patent/GB2480221B/en
Publication of WO2010112808A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010112808A1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
    • B08B9/047—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes the cleaning devices having internal motors, e.g. turbines for powering cleaning tools
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • B08B9/0551—Control mechanisms therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • B08B9/0553—Cylindrically shaped pigs
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning pipes.
  • the invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to the cleaning of pipes in the oil, gas and water drilling industries.
  • the invention will be understood to include apparatus for the cleaning of other pipes.
  • Pipes may often require cleaning while fluid is flowing in the pipes, if the pipes are not to be decommissioned and drained while cleaning occurs. It will be understood that, for example, in oil pipelines this is a solution to be avoided and that cleaning while fluid flow occurs is highly desirable.
  • Accumulations of detritus or deposits may be significant. Some water pipes may have been lined with deposits to such an extent that 90% of the volume is lost to unwanted material. These deposits may be very hard and difficult to remove.
  • the build up of detritus or deposits within a pipe may not be uniform such that intermittent isolated build up occurs.
  • Known cleaning apparatus may become jammed or trapped against such build up, leading to the loss of the cleaning apparatus.
  • the cleaning apparatus can be mounted on a carrier to draw the cleaning apparatus back along the pipe should an obstruction be encountered. However, the cleaning apparatus must either be drawn back against the fluid flow or the fluid flow halted.
  • the former option may be particularly difficult where the cleaning apparatus is adapted to be driven forward by the fluid flow through the pipe or where long runs of pipe, of the order of 20 to 30 km, are involved.
  • a cleaning apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical carrier, a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means and a radially inner portion of the carrier being provided with at least one set of turbine blades, in which the turbine blades are adjustable.
  • the carrier comprises a generally helical member extending between first and second toroidal end members.
  • the cleaning means comprises one or more brushes.
  • a cleaning apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical carrier and a cutting head located at a first end of the carrier, a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means.
  • the cutting head comprises a plurality of outwardly extending cutting tips. More preferably sets of the cutting tips are aligned longitudinally to form spokes. More preferably the spokes are disposed equidistantly about the cutting head.
  • the cutting head comprises a generally tubular tapered boss.
  • the tapered cutting action will allow even relatively large accumulations of detritus to be removed.
  • the cutting head is provided with generally elongate apertures. More preferably the elongate apertures are spaced equidistantly about the cutting head. Conveniently, the elongate apertures are located between the cutting tip spokes.
  • the cleaning means comprises one or more brushes.
  • Figure 1 shows a side view of a cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention
  • Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1 along line A-A;
  • Figure 3 shows a side view of a cutting head for use with the present invention
  • Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the cutting head of Figure 3 along line B-B;
  • Figure 5 shows an end view of the cutting head shown in Figures 3 and 4.
  • the cleaning apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical carrier 2 with a cutting head 4 provided at a first leading end.
  • the generally cylindrical carrier 2 comprises a combination of cleaning elements 6 and turbine elements 8.
  • Each of the cleaning elements 6 comprises a generally helical part 10 terminating at each end with a generally toroidal flange 12. Each flange 12 is provided with a number of openings (not shown).
  • the helical part 10 is provided with a plurality of bristles 14 to form a pattern of brushes. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the bristles may be arranged to form a continuous brush extending from the helical part.
  • the bristles 14 may be secured to the helical part 10 in any suitable manner.
  • Each of the turbine elements 8 comprises a central generally cylindrical boss 20 with a radially outwardly directed flange 22 provided at a first end.
  • the flange 22 is provided with a number of openings (not shown).
  • An internal surface 24 of the cylindrical boss 20 is provided with a plurality of adjustable turbine blades 26.
  • the turbine blades 26 are secured to the boss 20 in any suitable manner. Control of the turbine blades 26 may be achieved in any suitable manner, for example by utilising known variable vane turbine technology from turbo diesel engines.
  • the cleaning elements 6 and turbine elements 8 may be combined as desired to create the desired configuration for the cleaning apparatus.
  • two cleaning elements 6 and three turbine elements 8 have been utilised.
  • the cleaning elements 6 and the turbine elements 8 may be secured together using any suitable means.
  • the cleaning elements 6 and the turbine elements 8 are secured together by fasteners 28 such as bolts extending through the openings in the respective flanges 12, 22 of the cleaning elements 6 and the turbine elements 8.
  • the boss 20 of the turbine element 8 is sized to fit snugly within the flange 12 of the cleaning element 6.
  • the turbine blades 26 are oriented to convert the pressure drop encountered along the length of the cleaning apparatus into rotational energy. Depending upon their orientation the turbine blades 26 can be used to drive the cleaning apparatus in the direction of fluid flow. Alternatively where energy is extracted from the fluid flow and used to overcome drag produced by the fluid flow on the cleaning apparatus the turbine blades 26 can be used to create movement against the direction of fluid flow.
  • An instrumentation package (not shown) can be mounted to a non-rotating apparatus (not shown).
  • the non-rotating apparatus may be connected to the cleaning apparatus by a universal joint acting between a trailing end of the cleaning apparatus and the non-rotating apparatus.
  • the non-rotating apparatus may be equipped with an instrumentation and control system and also an emergency electronic brake.
  • the instrumentation and control system will enable control of the turbine blades 26 to control progress of the cleaning apparatus and thus the cleaning rate. In the past the cleaning rate has been a largely arbitrary rate determined by the pressure caused by fluid flow and the resistance encountered due to detritus accumulation.
  • the cleaning apparatus is provided with a cutting head 4 secured to a first end of the cleaning apparatus.
  • the cutting head 4 is shown in more detail in Figures 3 to 5.
  • the cutting head 4 comprises a central hollow boss 30 having a radially outwardly flange 32 at a first end.
  • the flange 32 is adapted to enable the cutting head 4 to be secured to the carrier of the cleaning apparatus.
  • the boss 30 is in the form of a truncated cone.
  • the cutting tips 34 extend at an angle slightly offset from a radial direction.
  • the cutting tips 34 may be of any suitable material, such as tungsten carbide.
  • the cutting tips 34 are conveniently inclined to the longitudinal axis of the cutting head 4.
  • Sets of the cutting tips 34 are disposed longitudinally to form spokes 36.
  • the spokes 36 may be disposed equidistantly about the exterior surface of the boss 30.
  • the boss 30 is further provided with a plurality of longitudinally elongate openings 38 extending therethough. As in the illustrated embodiment, these openings 38 alternate with the spokes 36 about the boss 30.
  • the spokes 36 and openings 38 allow fluid, together with swarf produced during the cutting operation, to flow through the cutting head 4.
  • the cutting tips 34 may also act as turbine blades to provide some of the rotational forces required by the cleaning apparatus. Added to the rotational movement produced by the remainder of the cleaning apparatus, for example by the adjustable turbine blades 26, an improved cleaning action is provided.
  • the cutting tips 34 also act to centre the cleaning apparatus within the pipe being cleaned, thereby eliminating the need for sizing plates.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

A cleaning apparatus comprising a generally cylindrical carrier (6), a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means (14) and a radially inner portion of the carrier being provided with at least one set of turbine blades (26), in which the turbine blades are adjustable.

Description

Improved Pig with Adjustable Turbine Blades and Cutting Head
The present invention relates to a cleaning apparatus for cleaning pipes. The invention has particular, but not exclusive, application to the cleaning of pipes in the oil, gas and water drilling industries. The invention will be understood to include apparatus for the cleaning of other pipes.
Pipes may often require cleaning while fluid is flowing in the pipes, if the pipes are not to be decommissioned and drained while cleaning occurs. It will be understood that, for example, in oil pipelines this is a solution to be avoided and that cleaning while fluid flow occurs is highly desirable.
To meet this need, apparatus known as cleaning pigs have been developed. Such apparatus are introduced into the pipe to be cleaned and caused to travel the length of the pipe. The apparatus is provided with means to clean, for example by scouring or abrasion, the interior surface of the pipe. However, known apparatus suffer from a number of disadvantages.
Accumulations of detritus or deposits may be significant. Some water pipes may have been lined with deposits to such an extent that 90% of the volume is lost to unwanted material. These deposits may be very hard and difficult to remove.
The build up of detritus or deposits within a pipe may not be uniform such that intermittent isolated build up occurs. Known cleaning apparatus may become jammed or trapped against such build up, leading to the loss of the cleaning apparatus.
It is important to allow for fluid flow through the cleaning apparatus. Otherwise a head of pressure can build up causing the cleaning apparatus to jam within the pipe causing a further obstruction to the desired fluid flow. It is important that the correct amount of fluid flow or "bypass" is allowed for in order that the cleaning apparatus will travel at an optimum cleaning speed. In extreme cases, the cleaning apparatus may fail to travel the length of the pipe.
The cleaning apparatus can be mounted on a carrier to draw the cleaning apparatus back along the pipe should an obstruction be encountered. However, the cleaning apparatus must either be drawn back against the fluid flow or the fluid flow halted. The former option may be particularly difficult where the cleaning apparatus is adapted to be driven forward by the fluid flow through the pipe or where long runs of pipe, of the order of 20 to 30 km, are involved.
It is an advantage of the present invention that it seeks to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, such problems.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cleaning apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical carrier, a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means and a radially inner portion of the carrier being provided with at least one set of turbine blades, in which the turbine blades are adjustable.
This has as an advantage that the turbine blades may be adjusted to use the fluid flow in a pipe to control the speed and direction of the movement of the cleaning apparatus in the pipe.
Preferably, the carrier comprises a generally helical member extending between first and second toroidal end members.
Preferably the cleaning means comprises one or more brushes.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, a cleaning apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical carrier and a cutting head located at a first end of the carrier, a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means.
This has as an advantage that the cutting head can remove any detritus build up in a pipe that would otherwise block the progress of the cleaning aparatus through the pipe.
Preferably, the cutting head comprises a plurality of outwardly extending cutting tips. More preferably sets of the cutting tips are aligned longitudinally to form spokes. More preferably the spokes are disposed equidistantly about the cutting head.
Preferably the cutting head comprises a generally tubular tapered boss. The tapered cutting action will allow even relatively large accumulations of detritus to be removed. More preferably, the cutting head is provided with generally elongate apertures. More preferably the elongate apertures are spaced equidistantly about the cutting head. Conveniently, the elongate apertures are located between the cutting tip spokes.
Preferably, the cleaning means comprises one or more brushes.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-
Figure 1 shows a side view of a cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention;
Figure 2 shows a sectional view of the cleaning apparatus shown in Figure 1 along line A-A;
Figure 3 shows a side view of a cutting head for use with the present invention;
Figure 4 shows a sectional view of the cutting head of Figure 3 along line B-B; and
Figure 5 shows an end view of the cutting head shown in Figures 3 and 4.
Referring first to Figures 1 and 2 a cleaning apparatus in accordance with the present invention is shown.
The cleaning apparatus comprises a generally cylindrical carrier 2 with a cutting head 4 provided at a first leading end. In the illustrated embodiment the generally cylindrical carrier 2 comprises a combination of cleaning elements 6 and turbine elements 8.
Each of the cleaning elements 6 comprises a generally helical part 10 terminating at each end with a generally toroidal flange 12. Each flange 12 is provided with a number of openings (not shown). The helical part 10 is provided with a plurality of bristles 14 to form a pattern of brushes. In an alternative embodiment (not shown) the bristles may be arranged to form a continuous brush extending from the helical part. The bristles 14 may be secured to the helical part 10 in any suitable manner. Each of the turbine elements 8 comprises a central generally cylindrical boss 20 with a radially outwardly directed flange 22 provided at a first end. The flange 22 is provided with a number of openings (not shown). An internal surface 24 of the cylindrical boss 20 is provided with a plurality of adjustable turbine blades 26. The turbine blades 26 are secured to the boss 20 in any suitable manner. Control of the turbine blades 26 may be achieved in any suitable manner, for example by utilising known variable vane turbine technology from turbo diesel engines.
The cleaning elements 6 and turbine elements 8 may be combined as desired to create the desired configuration for the cleaning apparatus. In the illustrated embodiment two cleaning elements 6 and three turbine elements 8 have been utilised. The cleaning elements 6 and the turbine elements 8 may be secured together using any suitable means. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning elements 6 and the turbine elements 8 are secured together by fasteners 28 such as bolts extending through the openings in the respective flanges 12, 22 of the cleaning elements 6 and the turbine elements 8. As may be seen from the Figures, the boss 20 of the turbine element 8 is sized to fit snugly within the flange 12 of the cleaning element 6.
The turbine blades 26 are oriented to convert the pressure drop encountered along the length of the cleaning apparatus into rotational energy. Depending upon their orientation the turbine blades 26 can be used to drive the cleaning apparatus in the direction of fluid flow. Alternatively where energy is extracted from the fluid flow and used to overcome drag produced by the fluid flow on the cleaning apparatus the turbine blades 26 can be used to create movement against the direction of fluid flow.
An instrumentation package (not shown) can be mounted to a non-rotating apparatus (not shown). The non-rotating apparatus may be connected to the cleaning apparatus by a universal joint acting between a trailing end of the cleaning apparatus and the non-rotating apparatus. The non-rotating apparatus may be equipped with an instrumentation and control system and also an emergency electronic brake. The instrumentation and control system will enable control of the turbine blades 26 to control progress of the cleaning apparatus and thus the cleaning rate. In the past the cleaning rate has been a largely arbitrary rate determined by the pressure caused by fluid flow and the resistance encountered due to detritus accumulation. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the cleaning apparatus is provided with a cutting head 4 secured to a first end of the cleaning apparatus. The cutting head 4 is shown in more detail in Figures 3 to 5.
The cutting head 4 comprises a central hollow boss 30 having a radially outwardly flange 32 at a first end. The flange 32 is adapted to enable the cutting head 4 to be secured to the carrier of the cleaning apparatus. The boss 30 is in the form of a truncated cone.
About an exterior surface of the boss 30 there are provided a plurality of outwardly extending cutting tips 34. As can best be seen from Figure 5 the cutting tips 34 extend at an angle slightly offset from a radial direction. The cutting tips 34 may be of any suitable material, such as tungsten carbide. The cutting tips 34 are conveniently inclined to the longitudinal axis of the cutting head 4. Sets of the cutting tips 34 are disposed longitudinally to form spokes 36. As in the illustrated embodiment, the spokes 36 may be disposed equidistantly about the exterior surface of the boss 30. The boss 30 is further provided with a plurality of longitudinally elongate openings 38 extending therethough. As in the illustrated embodiment, these openings 38 alternate with the spokes 36 about the boss 30. The spokes 36 and openings 38 allow fluid, together with swarf produced during the cutting operation, to flow through the cutting head 4.
The cutting tips 34 may also act as turbine blades to provide some of the rotational forces required by the cleaning apparatus. Added to the rotational movement produced by the remainder of the cleaning apparatus, for example by the adjustable turbine blades 26, an improved cleaning action is provided.
The cutting tips 34 also act to centre the cleaning apparatus within the pipe being cleaned, thereby eliminating the need for sizing plates.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1 A cleaning apparatus comprising a generally cylindrical carrier, a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means and a radially inner portion of the carrier being provided with at least one set of turbine blades, in which the turbine blades are adjustable.
2 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 , in which the carrier comprises a generally helical member extending between first and second toroidal end members.
3 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2 in which the cleaning means comprises one or more brushes.
4 A cleaning apparatus comprising a generally cylindrical carrier and a cutting head located at a first end of the carrier, a radially outer portion of the carrier being provided with cleaning means.
5 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 4, in which the cutting head comprises a plurality of outwardly extending cutting tips.
6 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 5, in which sets of the cutting tips are aligned longitudinally to form spokes.
7 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 6, in which the spokes are disposed equidistantly about the cutting head.
8 A cleaning apparatus according to any of claim 4 to 7, in which the cutting head comprises a generally tubular tapered boss.
9 A cleaning apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 8, in which the cutting head is provided with generally elongate apertures.
10 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 9, in which the elongate apertures are spaced equidistantly about the cutting head. 11 A cleaning apparatus according to claim 10 when dependant upon either claim 6 or claim 7, in which the elongate apertures are located between the cutting tip spokes.
12 A cleaning apparatus according to any of claims 4 to 11 , in which the cleaning means comprises one or more brushes.
PCT/GB2010/000482 2009-03-31 2010-03-17 Improved pig with adjustable turbine blades and cutting head Ceased WO2010112808A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1116136.1A GB2480221B (en) 2009-03-31 2010-03-17 Improved pig with adjustable turbine blades and cutting head

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0905504A GB2469058A (en) 2009-03-31 2009-03-31 Pipe cleaning apparatus
GB0905504.7 2009-03-31

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010112808A1 true WO2010112808A1 (en) 2010-10-07

Family

ID=40672004

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2010/000482 Ceased WO2010112808A1 (en) 2009-03-31 2010-03-17 Improved pig with adjustable turbine blades and cutting head

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (2) GB2469058A (en)
WO (1) WO2010112808A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3753642A1 (en) 2019-06-17 2020-12-23 Sea to Sky Energy Solutions Corp. Conduit cleaner
CN112354987A (en) * 2020-10-14 2021-02-12 国网山东省电力公司潍坊供电公司 Pipe well dredging device

Families Citing this family (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CO6790240A1 (en) * 2012-05-11 2013-11-14 Univ Ind De Santander Robotic platform for internal pipe inspection
CN105127217B (en) * 2015-08-12 2017-04-12 浙江中五钢管制造有限公司 Degreasing device for steel pipes
PL422541A1 (en) * 2017-08-11 2019-02-25 Karpiński Waldemar Zakład Usługowy Konserwacji Urządzeń Energetycznych Terwal Working piston for cleaning pipings
GB2566055B (en) 2017-08-31 2021-12-01 Subsea 7 Norway As Subsea pig launchers
NO348027B1 (en) * 2022-10-17 2024-06-24 Genera2R As An apparatus for operation in a tubular, a method of operating the apparatus, and use of the apparatus as a cleaning and/or inspection tool in a tubular

Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE422574C (en) * 1925-12-03 Heinrich Baumann Pipe cleaning device with a water turbine rotating within a housing to drive the drill head for steam boiler, condenser, preheater u. Like. Pipe systems
GB814517A (en) * 1957-08-26 1959-06-03 Cement Linings Pty Ltd Improved pipe cleaner
US2972156A (en) * 1959-01-05 1961-02-21 Williamson Inc T Pipeline cleaning device
DE2141349A1 (en) * 1971-08-18 1973-03-01 Schmieding Ernst DEVICE FOR CLEANING PIPELINES
DE8712494U1 (en) * 1987-09-16 1987-10-29 Müller Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co KG, 4938 Schieder-Schwalenberg Device for cleaning the inside of sewer or pipe sections
US5406666A (en) * 1994-03-07 1995-04-18 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Water driven turbine/brush pipe cleaner
EP1044733A2 (en) * 1999-03-19 2000-10-18 International Westar Limited Apparatus for cleaning and removing deposits from internal walls of ducts for conveying fluids of any kind
WO2000063606A1 (en) * 1999-04-17 2000-10-26 P.A.C.T. Engineering (Scotland) Limited Pipe cleaning device
WO2004028714A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-04-08 Ibex Geo-Tech Limited Apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of bores
US20050016302A1 (en) * 2003-04-30 2005-01-27 Simpson Neil Andrew Abercrombie Traction apparatus
WO2005093204A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-10-06 Downhole Products Plc Downhole apparatus for mobilising drill cuttings

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB628850A (en) * 1947-02-24 1949-09-06 Gotthard Allan Lewenhagen An improved device for cleaning pipes or tubes

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE422574C (en) * 1925-12-03 Heinrich Baumann Pipe cleaning device with a water turbine rotating within a housing to drive the drill head for steam boiler, condenser, preheater u. Like. Pipe systems
GB814517A (en) * 1957-08-26 1959-06-03 Cement Linings Pty Ltd Improved pipe cleaner
US2972156A (en) * 1959-01-05 1961-02-21 Williamson Inc T Pipeline cleaning device
DE2141349A1 (en) * 1971-08-18 1973-03-01 Schmieding Ernst DEVICE FOR CLEANING PIPELINES
DE8712494U1 (en) * 1987-09-16 1987-10-29 Müller Umwelttechnik GmbH & Co KG, 4938 Schieder-Schwalenberg Device for cleaning the inside of sewer or pipe sections
US5406666A (en) * 1994-03-07 1995-04-18 The United States Of America As Represented By The Administrator Of The National Aeronautics And Space Administration Water driven turbine/brush pipe cleaner
EP1044733A2 (en) * 1999-03-19 2000-10-18 International Westar Limited Apparatus for cleaning and removing deposits from internal walls of ducts for conveying fluids of any kind
WO2000063606A1 (en) * 1999-04-17 2000-10-26 P.A.C.T. Engineering (Scotland) Limited Pipe cleaning device
WO2004028714A1 (en) * 2002-09-24 2004-04-08 Ibex Geo-Tech Limited Apparatus for cleaning the surfaces of bores
US20050016302A1 (en) * 2003-04-30 2005-01-27 Simpson Neil Andrew Abercrombie Traction apparatus
WO2005093204A1 (en) * 2004-03-26 2005-10-06 Downhole Products Plc Downhole apparatus for mobilising drill cuttings

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3753642A1 (en) 2019-06-17 2020-12-23 Sea to Sky Energy Solutions Corp. Conduit cleaner
CN112354987A (en) * 2020-10-14 2021-02-12 国网山东省电力公司潍坊供电公司 Pipe well dredging device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB0905504D0 (en) 2009-05-13
GB201116136D0 (en) 2011-11-02
GB2469058A (en) 2010-10-06
GB2480221A (en) 2011-11-09
GB2480221B (en) 2013-04-24

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
WO2010112808A1 (en) Improved pig with adjustable turbine blades and cutting head
EP0528958B1 (en) Tube cleaner
US6792641B1 (en) Pipeline pig
US4361282A (en) Pulsating nozzle
CN104334289B (en) filter cleaning
US9346085B2 (en) Pipe and tubes cleaning mechanism
EP3004708B1 (en) Improvement to material flow
CA1161607A (en) Method and implement for cleaning drains
US9221084B2 (en) Cleaning brush
US2201680A (en) Interior pipe cleaner
US12240020B2 (en) Pipeline pigging apparatus and methods of use
US1717986A (en) Apparatus for cleaning sewers and pipes
WO2011070321A2 (en) Pipe cleaning apparatus
US20050028306A1 (en) Apparatus and bit for cleaning pipes
GB2342372A (en) Apparatus for cleaning well casings or pipes
US4184220A (en) Conduit cleaner
CN115365239B (en) Pipe cleaning device
US8739345B2 (en) Down hole cleaning tool
EP1861581B1 (en) Arrangement for the cleaning of a pipe separator
RU2365436C1 (en) Device for cleaning of pipeline internal surface
EP3753642A1 (en) Conduit cleaner
US20250389367A1 (en) Pipeline scale removal
RU2177377C1 (en) Apparatus for cleaning inner surface of tubes
MXPA97001727A (en) Tool for cleaning pipes and method of
AU653725B2 (en) Tube cleaner

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 10710095

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 1116136

Country of ref document: GB

Kind code of ref document: A

Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20100317

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1116136.1

Country of ref document: GB

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 10710095

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1