Patent ID: 9662691
Date: 2017-05-30
CPC Classifications: B08B

Claim:
1. A bi-directional pig apparatus for removing wax and hydrate deposits in subsea hydrocarbon production flowlines, the apparatus comprising: a pig arranged for movement inside at least a portion of a pipe wherein the pig comprises: at least one through-going opening between opposite ends of said tubular body to allow fluids (F) in the pipe to flow through said body; a propulsion means arranged and configured for imparting a motive force to the pig, whereby the pig is movable in either direction inside the portion of the pipe independently of fluid flow in the pipe; and the propulsion means comprises a vehicle having at least one magnet and being arranged and configured for movement along at least a part of the portion of the pipe, whereby, when the vehicle is moved along the portion of the pipe, the pig is moved along with the vehicle due to magnetic force generated between the magnet and magnetic material in the pig.