Patent ID: 8726443

Claim:
A system for removing deposits in a pyrolysis process or other thermal conversion process, comprising: i) a pipeline fluidly coupled between a high temperature zone and a low temperature zone in the pyrolysis process or other thermal conversion process, wherein the pyrolysis process or other thermal conversion process produces a first vapor stream that flows through the pipeline; and ii) a reamer coupled to the pipeline, wherein the reamer is configured to remove deposits from the pipeline during the pyrolysis process or other thermal conversion process; said reamer comprising: a) a rod; b) a ram head, wherein the ram head interior surface is coupled to the exterior surface of one end of the rod defining an opening of at least 30% of the total cross-sectional area of the pipeline, wherein the opening is adapted to allow the first vapor stream to pass through the ram head and the pipeline; and c) a mechanical actuator coupled to the other end of the rod, wherein the mechanical actuator is configured to reciprocate the rod and the ram head within the pipeline.