Patent ID: 6857158
Filing Date: 2005-02-22
Classification: B08B

Abstract:
1. A pig apparatus for removing deposits from the interior surface of a conduit while being advanced through said conduit by impetus provided by an upstream activating liquid of adjustable pressure and flow exerting a primary operating pressure upon said apparatus, said apparatus comprising: a) a rear assembly bounded by upstream and downstream faces and a circular cylindrical sidewall, thereby defining an interior region, and intensifier means located in said interior region for increasing said primary operating pressure to a second operating pressure, b) a front assembly bounded by front and rear faces in spaced apart parallel relationship on a centered axis and a pliable circular cylindrical sidewall having an outside diameter that closely matches the diameter of the interior surface of said conduit and is outwardly expandable by pressure applied from within said front assembly, said front face having nozzle means adapted to rotate upon said axis under the impetus of said second operating pressure liquid, said nozzle means having a forward extremity equipped with a plurality of orifices which produce high velocity jets of liquid directed toward said interior surface, c) valved flow control means which divert a portion of the liquid at said second operating pressure, causing said diverted liquid to have a third operating pressure which is less than said second operating pressure but higher than said primary pressure, and causing said third operating pressure liquid to activate said pliable sidewall, and d) coupling means interactive between the downstream face of said rear assembly and the rear face of said front assembly for facilitating transfer of liquid at said second and third operating pressure and permitting limited movement between said front and rear assemblies.