Patent ID: 6726778
Filing Date: 2004-04-27
Classification: B08B,B24C

Abstract:
A method of cleaning a pipeline having open entry and exit ends, comprising steps of:introducing a flow of pressurized air into the entry end of the pipeline; introducing a plurality of abrasive particulates into the flow of pressurized air at the entry end of the pipeline by means of a back pressure of the pressurized air; controlling the flow of pressurized air at the entry end of the pipeline to have a speed of between 40 m/sec and 100 m/sec to induce a substantially helical flow pattern along an inner surface of the pipeline, thereby causing a substantial amount of the abrasive particulates to move along the inner surface of the pipeline; and introducing a liquid under a back pressure of the pressurized air into the flow of the pressurized air at the entry end of the pipeline when introducing the abrasive particulates, thereby generating or increasing a moisture content of flow of pressurized air and thereby increasing a density of the flow of pressurized air such that the flow of the pressurized air drives the abrasive particulates powerfully to remove the deposits on the inner surface of the pipeline.