Patent ID: 6123778
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: B08B

Abstract:
A method of mechanically cleaning a linear discharge pipe that extends from a tank containing liquid to a valve, wherein said valve is of a type in which an opening extends through said valve when said valve is open, with said opening being essentially as large as the cross-sectional size of said discharge pipe and with said opening being in axial alignment with said discharge pipe, said cleaning of said discharge pipe being accomplished while liquid remains in said tank, said method comprising the steps of(a) closing said valve;(b) removing a portion of a downstream piping system that is connected to the discharge side of said valve so as to provide working access to the discharge side of said valve;(c) attaching a cleaning apparatus to the discharge side of said valve, said cleaning apparatus having a rotating cutter head that has a diameter essentially the same as an inside diameter of the discharge pipe from the tank, with said rotating cutter head being positioned in axial alignment with said discharge pipe when said cleaning apparatus is attached to said valve;(d) creating a seal between said cleaning apparatus and said discharge side of said valve to inhibit leaking of liquid from said seal when said valve is open;(e) opening said valve;(f) advancing the rotating cutter head of said cleaning apparatus through the opening in said valve and into said discharge pipe;(g) continuing to advance said rotating cutter head through said discharge pipe until the cutter head has traversed the entire length of said discharge pipe;(h) withdrawing said rotating cutter head back through said discharge pipe and said opening in said valve;(i) closing said valve;(j) removing said cleaning apparatus from the discharge side of said valve; and(k) re-installing the portion of said downstream piping system that was removed in step (b) to said discharge side of said valve.