Patent ID: 6485577
Filing Date: 2002-11-26
Classification: B08B,F16L,F28G

Abstract:
A method for a pipe pig for use in a piping system, including the steps of:a) providing a pipe pig within a launch chamber, the launch chamber having a junction with a pipe, the pipe for conducting a product stream past the launch chamber, and the pipe pig being substantially frozen and including at least a component of the product stream; b) providing a semisolid ice material, the semisolid ice material comprising of at least a component of the product stream; c) substantially freezing at least a component of the product stream to form a frozen material; d) converting the frozen material into shaved particles, the shaved particles combined to form the semisolid ice material; e) closing the release valve; f) introducing the semisolid ice material into the launch chamber g) opening a release valve from a closed position, the release valve positioned proximate the junction between the launch chamber and the pipe of the product stream; and h) releasing the pipe pig into the pipe of the product stream to purge the pipe of the product.