Patent ID: 6391121
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: B08B,F28D,F28G

Abstract:
A method of cleaning heater tubing in an operating heater, in which the heater tubing has an inlet and an outlet, the method comprising repeating the steps of:(a) while the heater is in operation, running a pig through the heater tubing from the inlet to the outlet, the pig being dimension to fit compressed within the heater tubing; and (b) returning the pig to the inlet along a 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 a 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.