Patent ID: 6170493
Filing Date: 2001-01-09
Classification: B08B,F28D,F28G

Abstract:
A method of cleaning tubing in an operating heater in a petrochemical installation, in which the tubing has an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising repeating the steps of:(a) while the heater is in operation in the petrochemical installation, running a pig through the tubing from the inlet to the outlet, the pig being dimension to fit compressed within the tubing; and(b) returning the pig to the inlet along return tubing, in parallel connection to the heater tubing, the return tubing being connected to a boost pump via a boost pump connection pipe to provide pressure for returning the pig to the inlet, and said return tubing being closed by return valve while the pig is running through the heater tubing, and the return valve is opened after the pig passes the boost pump connection pipe.