EP0384519A2 - Apparatus and method for the internal cleaning of a pipe - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for the internal cleaning of a pipe Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0384519A2
EP0384519A2 EP90200324A EP90200324A EP0384519A2 EP 0384519 A2 EP0384519 A2 EP 0384519A2 EP 90200324 A EP90200324 A EP 90200324A EP 90200324 A EP90200324 A EP 90200324A EP 0384519 A2 EP0384519 A2 EP 0384519A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
hose
pipe
head
spray head
spray
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP90200324A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP0384519A3 (en
Inventor
Bernardus Antonius Gemma Rijckholt Bakker
Cornelis Bijleveld
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Tata Steel Ijmuiden BV
Original Assignee
Hoogovens Groep BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Hoogovens Groep BV filed Critical Hoogovens Groep BV
Publication of EP0384519A2 publication Critical patent/EP0384519A2/en
Publication of EP0384519A3 publication Critical patent/EP0384519A3/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F28—HEAT EXCHANGE IN GENERAL
    • F28G—CLEANING OF INTERNAL OR EXTERNAL SURFACES OF HEAT-EXCHANGE OR HEAT-TRANSFER CONDUITS, e.g. WATER TUBES OR BOILERS
    • F28G3/00—Rotary appliances
    • F28G3/16—Rotary appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris
    • F28G3/163—Rotary appliances using jets of fluid for removing debris from internal surfaces of heat exchange conduits
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes
    • B08B9/045—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes the cleaning devices being rotated while moved, e.g. flexible rotating shaft or "snake"
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/049—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes having self-contained propelling means for moving the cleaning devices along the pipes, i.e. self-propelled
    • B08B9/0495—Nozzles propelled by fluid jets

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for the internal cleaning of a pipe, comprising a hose which is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, a driving mechanism for rotating the hose around said axis and at the head-end of the hose a spray head for spraying cleaning fluid onto a pipe wall, the spray head being attached to the hose for rotation therewith.
  • the invention also relates to a method of cleaning a pipe using such apparatus.
  • Such an apparatus is known from DE-A-3148225.
  • the hose is coupled to a high pressure source for supplying the cleaning fluid.
  • the cleaning fluid leaves the spray-head laterally via several cleaning nozzles and has a cleaning effect on the inside of the pipe.
  • the reaction forces of the cleaning fluid being sprayed keep the end of the hose positioned centrally in the pipe. This means that bends and constrictions may be passed easily as the hose is sent through the pipe.
  • This known apparatus is used in pipes with a maximum internal diameter of about 20 mm.
  • US-A-4687011 also shows an apparatus as described initially above, but in this case the spray head is not free to move transversely of the pipe, being held against the pipe wall by a snake-like sprung guide projecting obliquely ahead of the nozzle.
  • GB-A-784585 discloses a pipe cleaning apparatus in which the supply pipe is not rotated and in which the spray head is attached to the supply pipe by a rigid arm.
  • the supply pipe may be flexible or rigid.
  • the rigid arm is rotatable relative to the supply pipe. During spraying, the reaction forces of the sprays centre the spray head in the pipe being cleaned.
  • EP-A-156955 shows a pipe cleaning apparatus in which a flexible hose is rotated and carries a spray head. No measures for positioning the spray head relative to the wall of the pipe being cleaned are described.
  • the object of the invention is to solve this problem and in particular to provide a simple arrangement for cleaning of large pipes.
  • the apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the hose has a non-bending portion adjoining its head-end. This prevents the spray-head from wandering in the pipe and avoids the problem of the spray-head turning round in the tube and moving in the direction opposite to the intended direction of travel of the hose.
  • the apparatus in accordance with the invention is suitable for use in pipes with very large internal diameters, such as pipes for transporting blast furnace gas with an internal diameter of approx. 3200 mm.
  • the invention is especially applicable when the nozzle is free to move transversely of the pipe being cleaned.
  • the spray head effects non-symmetrical spraying with respect to the rotational axis of the non-bending portion of the hose in such a way that when spraying the spray head tends to stabilize in a position close to but spaced from the pipe wall, due to the reaction forces of the spray.
  • the spray head is provided with one or more cleaning nozzles which cause a first reaction force acting transversely to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion and at least one elevation nozzle which causes a second reaction force acting transversely to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion in opposition to said first reaction force.
  • Such nozzles in addition to spraying with a transverse component, may also spray with an axial component.
  • the cleaning nozzles may be located on one half side of the spray-head.
  • the opposite half may be provided with at least one elevation nozzle.
  • Both the cleaning nozzles and the elevation nozzle can project cleaning fluid laterally.
  • the elevation nozzle is aimed away from the wall and serves to compensate for the reaction forces of the cleaning nozzles and to counter the force of gravity of the non-bending hose and the cleaning fluid supplied through it.
  • the spray-head is provided with at least one propulsion nozzle directed away from the head-end and generally aimed in the longitudinal direction of the hose. This promotes the movement of the apparatus through the pipe.
  • Fig. 1 shows a pipe 1 which is to be cleaned internally. Over the length to be cleaned the pipe 1 has constrictions such as constriction 2 and bends (not shown).
  • a hose 4 for cleaning fluid is introduced slidably into the pipe 1 through a suitable entry port 3.
  • the end of the hose 4 inside the pipe 1 is provided with a spray-head 5 and a portion of the hose 4 adjacent the spray-head 5 is non-bending i.e. is substantially rigid, in comparison with the flexible remainder of the hose.
  • the non-bending part of the hose 4 joins the flexible part.
  • a motor 7 is arranged to which the hose 4 is coupled and which rotates the hose continuously.
  • a high pressure pump is also provided outside the pipe 1 for supplying the cleaning fluid which is sprayed from the hose 4 at spray-head 5 as a series of high-pressure jets.
  • the spray-head 5 rotates with the hose 4.
  • Fig. 2 shows an overhead view A and a side view B of the spray-head 5 as well as a part of the hose 4.
  • the spray-head 5 has a hemi-spherical front face in which are located two cleaning nozzles 8 and an elevation nozzle 9. Also the spray-head 5 has a flat rear face in which several rearwardly directed propulsion nozzles 10 are located for promoting advance of the hose 4 in the pipe 1. The spray head is free to move transversely of the pipe.
  • the nozzles 8,9 are so shaped and arranged that they spray non-­symmetrically relative to the rotational axis of the hose, in such a way that the cleaning nozzles 8 are directed continuously at the inner wall of pipe 1, while the elevation nozzle 9 is directed away from the inner wall of pipe 1 and ensures that the spray-head 5 is kept continuously close to and spaced from the wall of pipe 1, both while the hose 4 is at an upper part of the pipe 1 and while it is at a lower part (indicated by broken line 4′ in Fig. 1).
  • This is achieved because the cleaning nozzles together create a reaction force which is opposed by the reaction force of the elevation nozzle, in the plane perpendicular to the hose axis. At a certain distance from the pipe wall, these forces balance.
  • the apparatus has been found to be most satisfactory for cleaning a blast furnace gas main with a diameter of 3200 mm.
  • the non-bending portion of the hose 4 has a length greater than the largest diameter of the pipe 1.
  • the hose rotation speed is in this case 10 to 20 revolutions per minute.
  • the optimum number of revolutions depends on the thickness of the layer of dirt to be removed.
  • the speed of advance of the spray-head 5 of the hose 4 through the pipe 1 depends on the speed of revolution and may be about 1cm/revolution.
  • the cleaning fluid pressure applied is set at about 700 bar.

Abstract

Apparatus for the internal cleaning of a pipe (1) has a hose (4) which is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, a driving mechanism (7) for rotating the hose around said axis, and at the head-end of hose a spray head (5) for spraying cleaning fluid onto a pipe wall. The spray head is attached to the hose for rotation therewith. To achieve good self-location of the spray head in a simple manner, the hose has a non-­bending portion adjoining the head-end (5).

Description

  • The invention relates to an apparatus for the internal cleaning of a pipe, comprising a hose which is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, a driving mechanism for rotating the hose around said axis and at the head-end of the hose a spray head for spraying cleaning fluid onto a pipe wall, the spray head being attached to the hose for rotation therewith. The invention also relates to a method of cleaning a pipe using such apparatus.
  • Such an apparatus is known from DE-A-3148225. The hose is coupled to a high pressure source for supplying the cleaning fluid. The cleaning fluid leaves the spray-head laterally via several cleaning nozzles and has a cleaning effect on the inside of the pipe. The reaction forces of the cleaning fluid being sprayed keep the end of the hose positioned centrally in the pipe. This means that bends and constrictions may be passed easily as the hose is sent through the pipe. This known apparatus is used in pipes with a maximum internal diameter of about 20 mm.
  • US-A-4687011 also shows an apparatus as described initially above, but in this case the spray head is not free to move transversely of the pipe, being held against the pipe wall by a snake-like sprung guide projecting obliquely ahead of the nozzle.
  • GB-A-784585 discloses a pipe cleaning apparatus in which the supply pipe is not rotated and in which the spray head is attached to the supply pipe by a rigid arm. The supply pipe may be flexible or rigid. In the latter case, the rigid arm is rotatable relative to the supply pipe. During spraying, the reaction forces of the sprays centre the spray head in the pipe being cleaned.
  • EP-A-156955 shows a pipe cleaning apparatus in which a flexible hose is rotated and carries a spray head. No measures for positioning the spray head relative to the wall of the pipe being cleaned are described.
  • It has been found that it is not possible to use the apparatus of DE-A-3148225 for pipes with a larger internal diameter, for example in excess of about 20 cm because with such large internal diameters the centering function of the spray-head is lost, and the hose is no longer easy to send through the pipe. The other devices described above are also not suitable for large pipes, or are complex.
  • The object of the invention is to solve this problem and in particular to provide a simple arrangement for cleaning of large pipes.
  • The apparatus in accordance with the invention is characterized in that the hose has a non-bending portion adjoining its head-end. This prevents the spray-head from wandering in the pipe and avoids the problem of the spray-head turning round in the tube and moving in the direction opposite to the intended direction of travel of the hose.
  • This is achieved in particular if the non-­bending part of the hose has a length which at least corresponds to the diameter of the pipe to be cleaned. It has been found that the apparatus in accordance with the invention is suitable for use in pipes with very large internal diameters, such as pipes for transporting blast furnace gas with an internal diameter of approx. 3200 mm.
  • The invention is especially applicable when the nozzle is free to move transversely of the pipe being cleaned. In that case, preferably the spray head effects non-symmetrical spraying with respect to the rotational axis of the non-bending portion of the hose in such a way that when spraying the spray head tends to stabilize in a position close to but spaced from the pipe wall, due to the reaction forces of the spray. This may be achieved if, as is preferred, the spray head is provided with one or more cleaning nozzles which cause a first reaction force acting transversely to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion and at least one elevation nozzle which causes a second reaction force acting transversely to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion in opposition to said first reaction force. Such nozzles, in addition to spraying with a transverse component, may also spray with an axial component.
  • Thus the cleaning nozzles may be located on one half side of the spray-head. The opposite half may be provided with at least one elevation nozzle. Both the cleaning nozzles and the elevation nozzle can project cleaning fluid laterally. By the rotation of the hose and the effect of the nozzles, the spray-head moves closely along the inner wall of the pipe and the cleaning nozzles are continuously aimed at the wall. The elevation nozzle is aimed away from the wall and serves to compensate for the reaction forces of the cleaning nozzles and to counter the force of gravity of the non-bending hose and the cleaning fluid supplied through it.
  • It is preferable to design the apparatus in such a way that the spray-head is provided with at least one propulsion nozzle directed away from the head-end and generally aimed in the longitudinal direction of the hose. This promotes the movement of the apparatus through the pipe.
  • In the following an embodiment of the invention will be illustrated by way of non-limitative example with reference to the drawings, in which:-
    • Fig. 1 shows an apparatus embodying the invention.
    • Fig. 2 shows the spray-head of the apparatus of Fig. 1 in front view and side view.
  • Fig. 1 shows a pipe 1 which is to be cleaned internally. Over the length to be cleaned the pipe 1 has constrictions such as constriction 2 and bends (not shown). A hose 4 for cleaning fluid is introduced slidably into the pipe 1 through a suitable entry port 3. The end of the hose 4 inside the pipe 1 is provided with a spray-head 5 and a portion of the hose 4 adjacent the spray-head 5 is non-bending i.e. is substantially rigid, in comparison with the flexible remainder of the hose. At point 6 the non-bending part of the hose 4 joins the flexible part. Outside the pipe 1 a motor 7 is arranged to which the hose 4 is coupled and which rotates the hose continuously. A high pressure pump is also provided outside the pipe 1 for supplying the cleaning fluid which is sprayed from the hose 4 at spray-head 5 as a series of high-pressure jets. The spray-head 5 rotates with the hose 4.
  • Fig. 2 shows an overhead view A and a side view B of the spray-head 5 as well as a part of the hose 4. The spray-head 5 has a hemi-spherical front face in which are located two cleaning nozzles 8 and an elevation nozzle 9. Also the spray-head 5 has a flat rear face in which several rearwardly directed propulsion nozzles 10 are located for promoting advance of the hose 4 in the pipe 1. The spray head is free to move transversely of the pipe. The nozzles 8,9 are so shaped and arranged that they spray non-­symmetrically relative to the rotational axis of the hose, in such a way that the cleaning nozzles 8 are directed continuously at the inner wall of pipe 1, while the elevation nozzle 9 is directed away from the inner wall of pipe 1 and ensures that the spray-head 5 is kept continuously close to and spaced from the wall of pipe 1, both while the hose 4 is at an upper part of the pipe 1 and while it is at a lower part (indicated by broken line 4′ in Fig. 1). This is achieved because the cleaning nozzles together create a reaction force which is opposed by the reaction force of the elevation nozzle, in the plane perpendicular to the hose axis. At a certain distance from the pipe wall, these forces balance.
  • The apparatus has been found to be most satisfactory for cleaning a blast furnace gas main with a diameter of 3200 mm. The non-bending portion of the hose 4 has a length greater than the largest diameter of the pipe 1. During cleaning the hose rotation speed is in this case 10 to 20 revolutions per minute. The optimum number of revolutions depends on the thickness of the layer of dirt to be removed. The speed of advance of the spray-head 5 of the hose 4 through the pipe 1 depends on the speed of revolution and may be about 1cm/revolution. The cleaning fluid pressure applied is set at about 700 bar.
  • The invention is not limited to this application.

Claims (5)

1. Apparatus for the internal cleaning of a pipe, comprising a hose (4) which is rotatable around its longitudinal axis, a driving mechanism (7) for rotating the hose around said axis, and at the head-end of hose a spray head (5) for spraying cleaning fluid onto a pipe wall, said spray head being attached to the hose for rotation therewith, characterized in that the hose (4) has a non-bending portion adjoining the head-end.
2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein said spray head is free to move tranversely of the pipe and has spray nozzles which effect non-symmetrical spraying with respect to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion, so that when spraying in a pipe the spray head tends to occupy a position close to but spaced from the pipe wall.
3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein the spray head is provided with one or more cleaning nozzles (8) which cause a first reaction force acting transversely to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion and at least one elevation nozzle (9) which causes a second reaction force acting transversely to the rotational axis of said non-bending portion in opposition to said first reaction force.
4. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the spray head is provided with at least one propulsion nozzle acting in the direction of the rotational axis of said non-bending portion.
5. Method of internal cleaning of a pipe wherein apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims is employed, the length of said non-bending portion of the hose being not less than the minimum diameter of the cleaned pipe.
EP19900200324 1989-02-23 1990-02-13 Apparatus and method for the internal cleaning of a pipe Withdrawn EP0384519A3 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NL8900449A NL8900449A (en) 1989-02-23 1989-02-23 DEVICE FOR INTERNAL CLEANING OF A TUBE.
NL8900449 1989-02-23

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0384519A2 true EP0384519A2 (en) 1990-08-29
EP0384519A3 EP0384519A3 (en) 1992-08-05

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EP19900200324 Withdrawn EP0384519A3 (en) 1989-02-23 1990-02-13 Apparatus and method for the internal cleaning of a pipe

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EP (1) EP0384519A3 (en)
NL (1) NL8900449A (en)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4133208A1 (en) * 1991-08-12 1993-04-08 Shinzou Katayama CLEANING DEVICE FOR A TUBE
DE19913728C1 (en) * 1999-03-26 2000-10-26 Lufthansa Technik Ag Pipe cleaning nozzle
WO2011104021A3 (en) * 2010-02-24 2012-04-19 Plaesier Arnold Flushing head and flushing device
AU2008359977B2 (en) * 2008-07-28 2016-11-24 Mustang Nozzles Pty Ltd Drain clearing nozzle

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB784585A (en) * 1955-02-08 1957-10-09 Reiss Engineering Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to devices for cleaning tubes
GB1276591A (en) * 1969-09-12 1972-06-01 Myers Sherman Co Improvements in or relating to the cleaning of sewer pipes and catch basins
EP0156955A1 (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-10-09 Elmar M. Dipl.-Ing. Veltrup Cleaning device, especially for small tubes
US4687011A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-08-18 Uraki Masaru Rotary cleaning device for drain pipe and the like

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB784585A (en) * 1955-02-08 1957-10-09 Reiss Engineering Company Ltd Improvements in or relating to devices for cleaning tubes
GB1276591A (en) * 1969-09-12 1972-06-01 Myers Sherman Co Improvements in or relating to the cleaning of sewer pipes and catch basins
EP0156955A1 (en) * 1984-02-21 1985-10-09 Elmar M. Dipl.-Ing. Veltrup Cleaning device, especially for small tubes
US4687011A (en) * 1984-09-28 1987-08-18 Uraki Masaru Rotary cleaning device for drain pipe and the like

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4133208A1 (en) * 1991-08-12 1993-04-08 Shinzou Katayama CLEANING DEVICE FOR A TUBE
DE19913728C1 (en) * 1999-03-26 2000-10-26 Lufthansa Technik Ag Pipe cleaning nozzle
AU2008359977B2 (en) * 2008-07-28 2016-11-24 Mustang Nozzles Pty Ltd Drain clearing nozzle
WO2011104021A3 (en) * 2010-02-24 2012-04-19 Plaesier Arnold Flushing head and flushing device

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
NL8900449A (en) 1990-09-17
EP0384519A3 (en) 1992-08-05

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