JP2015150513A

JP2015150513A - Pig-cleaning device

Info

Publication number: JP2015150513A
Application number: JP2014027070A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 博昭水野; Hiroaki Mizuno; 尚純江目; Naozumi Gonome
Original assignee: Omori Machinery Co Ltd
Current assignee: Omori Machinery Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-02-15
Filing date: 2014-02-15
Publication date: 2015-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2034-02-15
Also published as: JP5659311B1

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a pig-cleaning device suitable for CIP (stationary cleaning) and SIP (stationary sterilization), by placing a system for cleaning a pig in a closed space/closed environment, with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A pig-cleaning device includes: a pig launcher 10 connected to a fluid transfer pipe for transferring fluid and launching the pig 3 existing in a standby state to the fluid transfer pipe; and a pig-setting device 20 for reciprocatably moving a position of the pig in the pig launcher between a position (see Fig.(a)) of the standby state and a cleaning position (see Fig.(b)) for communicating between an inside space of the fluid transfer pipe and an inside space of the pig launcher by retreating movement from the standby state. The pig-setting device comprises a diaphragm 22 and an actuator 21 for displacing the diaphragm, and is configured so that the pig is displaced between the position of the standby state and the cleaning position, in response to displacement of the diaphragm.

Description

本発明は、ピグ洗浄装置に関するもので、より具体的には、例えば流動製品等を移送する流体移送管内でピグを移動させることによって流体移送管内に残留する製品等の回収や除去を行うピグ・システムにおけるピグ洗浄装置に関するものである。 The present invention relates to a pig cleaning apparatus, and more specifically, for example, a pig / pig that collects or removes a product remaining in a fluid transfer pipe by moving the pig in a fluid transfer pipe that transfers a fluid product or the like. The present invention relates to a pig cleaning apparatus in the system.

化学工場や食品工場、医薬品工場等において、原料流体（例えば、ペーストやクリーム等の粘性の高い液体）を配合槽まで移送したり、原料流体を配合して得られた中間製品流体を中間貯蔵タンクまで移送したり、あるいは、貯蔵タンクに貯蔵される製品流体を、チューブ容器や瓶詰め等を行うために充填装置まで移送したりする場合には、流体移送配管を用いたパイプラインにより直接移送することが行われている。 In chemical factories, food factories, pharmaceutical factories, etc., raw material fluids (for example, highly viscous liquids such as pastes and creams) are transferred to mixing tanks, or intermediate product fluids obtained by mixing raw material fluids are intermediate storage tanks. When the product fluid stored in the storage tank is transferred to the filling device for tube containers or bottling, it is directly transferred by the pipeline using the fluid transfer piping. Has been done.

そして、係る流体移送管の内径に略等しい外径を有するピグを流体移送管内に配置し、当該ピグに対して水圧等をかけ、ピグを流体移送管内で移動させ、流体移送管内に残留している製品等の回収や除去を行うピグ・システムが開発されている。 Then, a pig having an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the fluid transfer pipe is disposed in the fluid transfer pipe, water pressure is applied to the pig, the pig is moved in the fluid transfer pipe, and remains in the fluid transfer pipe. Pig systems have been developed to collect and remove existing products.

このピグ・システムを利用すると、管内に残留する流体を製品として回収することができて、製品の歩留りを向上させることができ、管内に残留する流体が少なくなるので、管内の洗浄に使用する洗浄液量を節約できると同時に、洗浄処理に要する時間を短縮することができ、更には、廃液処理設備の負荷を軽減することができるなどのさまざまなメリットを有する。 By using this pig system, the fluid remaining in the tube can be recovered as a product, the yield of the product can be improved, and the fluid remaining in the tube is reduced. Therefore, the cleaning liquid used for cleaning the tube At the same time as the amount can be saved, the time required for the cleaning process can be shortened, and further, the load of the waste liquid treatment facility can be reduced.

ところで、ピグ・システムが用いられるようなプロセス設備は、厳しい衛生管理が要求される場合が多く、ＣＩＰ（定置洗浄）およびＳＩＰ（定置滅菌）システムの導入が望まれる。よって例えば、衛生品質を維持するために、管路の洗浄処理等も、管路を分解せずに実施できるように整備することが多い。係る厳しい衛生管理に対応するためには、ピグ自体も十分に洗浄する必要がある。 By the way, a process facility in which a pig system is used often requires strict hygiene management, and introduction of a CIP (in-place sterilization) and SIP (in-place sterilization) system is desired. Therefore, for example, in order to maintain sanitary quality, it is often arranged that the cleaning process of the pipe line can be performed without disassembling the pipe line. In order to cope with such strict hygiene management, it is necessary to sufficiently wash the pig itself.

ピグの洗浄を行う一形態として、例えば特許文献１に開示されたピグ洗浄装置のように、流体移送管の端部、より具体的には流体移送管に対してピグを出入り可能に収容保持するステーションに隣接して、ピグの外径よりも広く広げたピグ洗浄室を設け、ピグを当該ピグ洗浄室内に位置させ、そこでピグの外周面を洗浄し、次いで、押し棒によりピグを押して洗浄後のピグをステーションに戻し、洗浄後のピグを流体移送管に対して出入り可能に復帰させるようにしたものがある。このようにすることで、ピグの洗浄を、流体移送管・ステーションから外部に取り出すことなく行える。 As one form of cleaning the pig, for example, as in the pig cleaning apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, the pig is accommodated and held in an end portion of the fluid transfer pipe, more specifically, with respect to the fluid transfer pipe. Next to the station, there is a pig cleaning chamber that is wider than the outer diameter of the pig, and the pig is positioned in the pig cleaning chamber, where the outer peripheral surface of the pig is cleaned, and then the pig is pushed by a push rod and then cleaned. In some cases, the pig is returned to the station, and the washed pig is returned to the fluid transfer pipe so that it can enter and exit. By doing so, the pig can be washed without taking it out of the fluid transfer pipe / station.

特開平９−１９２６２０JP 9-192620 A

特許文献１に開示されたピグ洗浄装置は、ピグ洗浄室内に位置するピグを流体移送管の洗浄後に、ピグを流体移送配管に対して出入り可能に復帰させるために、押し棒を配管内に挿入し、当該押し棒の先端をピグに接触させ、その状態で押し棒を下方に押してピグを復帰させていた。そのため、押し棒が配管の内外を貫通するようにセットされるため、当該押し棒が配管の壁部を貫通する部分での密閉性の問題が生じる。その結果、ＣＩＰ（定置洗浄）およびＳＩＰ（定置滅菌）システムの導入が困難になる。 In the pig cleaning apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a push rod is inserted into the pipe so that the pig located in the pig cleaning chamber is returned to the fluid transfer pipe after the cleaning of the fluid transfer pipe. Then, the tip of the push rod is brought into contact with the pig, and in this state, the push rod is pushed downward to return the pig. Therefore, since the push rod is set so as to penetrate the inside and outside of the pipe, there arises a problem of hermeticity at a portion where the push rod penetrates the wall portion of the pipe. As a result, it becomes difficult to introduce CIP (in-place cleaning) and SIP (in-place sterilization) systems.

また、押し棒の操作により復帰させるため、作業が繁雑であるとともに、押し棒の押し下げ量が一定でないと、ピグの復帰位置も一定にならない。さらに、ピグ洗浄室内の洗浄液は、上方に向けて流して廃棄する構造となっているため、吸引ポンプ等が必要となり、装置が大型化するという問題もある。 Moreover, since the return is performed by operating the push rod, the work is complicated, and the return position of the pig is not constant unless the push-down amount of the push rod is constant. Further, since the cleaning liquid in the pig cleaning chamber is structured to flow upward and is discarded, there is a problem that a suction pump or the like is required and the apparatus becomes large.

上述した課題を解決するために、本発明のピグ洗浄装置は、（１）流体を移送する流体移送配管に接続され、その流体移送配管に対して待機状態にあるピグを発射するためのピグ発射装置と、そのピグ発射装置内における前記ピグの位置を前記待機状態の位置と、その待機状態から後退移動して前記流体移送配管の内部空間と前記ピグ発射装置の内部空間を連通する洗浄位置との間で往復移動させるピグセット装置と、を備え、前記ピグセット装置は、ダイヤフラムとそのダイヤフラムを変位させるアクチュエータと備え、前記ダイヤフラムの変位に伴い前記ピグが前記待機状態の位置と前記洗浄位置との間で変位するように構成した。 In order to solve the above-described problems, a pig cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is (1) a pig firing for firing a pig that is connected to a fluid transfer pipe for transferring a fluid and is in a standby state with respect to the fluid transfer pipe. An apparatus, a position of the pig in the pig launcher in the standby state, and a cleaning position that moves backward from the standby state to communicate the internal space of the fluid transfer pipe and the internal space of the pig launcher. A pig set device that reciprocates between the diaphragm and the diaphragm, and an actuator that displaces the diaphragm, and the pig moves between the standby position and the cleaning position in accordance with the displacement of the diaphragm. It was configured to be displaced by.

本発明によれば、ダイヤフラムの変位を利用してピグの位置を調整するようにしたため、システムを閉空間・クローズな環境に置くことができ、ＣＩＰ（定置洗浄）およびＳＩＰ（定置滅菌）システムに適合させることができる。また、ピグは、ダイヤフラムの変位によりその位置を換えるため、ダイヤフラムの変位量を制御することで、ピグを所望の位置にセットすることができる。また、ピグのセットは、アクチュエータによりダイヤフラムを変位させることで行うので、作業・処理も簡単となる。 According to the present invention, since the position of the pig is adjusted by using the displacement of the diaphragm, the system can be placed in a closed space / close environment, and the CIP (in-place sterilization) and SIP (in-place sterilization) system can be used. Can be adapted. Further, since the position of the pig is changed by the displacement of the diaphragm, the pig can be set at a desired position by controlling the amount of displacement of the diaphragm. Moreover, since the setting of the pig is performed by displacing the diaphragm by the actuator, the work / processing is simplified.

（２）前記ピグ発射装置は、本体の下側に、下方に向けて突出する排出管を備え、前記ピグ発射装置の内部空間内に流入した洗浄液が、前記排出管を介して外部に排出可能とするとよい。このようにすると、洗浄後の洗浄液が、吸引ポンプ等を設けることなく排出管を介して排出することができるのでよい。洗浄液は、ピグ発射装置の内部を常時流すようにしてもよいし、（３）前記排出管からの流出を阻止し、前記ピグ発射装置の内部空間に洗浄液を貯留可能とするように構成してもよい。（４）洗浄液を貯留するようにした場合、例えば前記ピグの発射口側から洗浄液が供給されるようにし、前記ピグが前記洗浄位置に存在している場合には、前記発射口側から供給される前記洗浄液が前記ピグ発射装置の内部空間に流入可能とするように構成するとよい。 (2) The pig launcher includes a discharge pipe projecting downward on the lower side of the main body, and the cleaning liquid flowing into the internal space of the pig launcher can be discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe. It is good to do. If it does in this way, the washing | cleaning liquid after washing | cleaning should just be discharged | emitted via a discharge pipe, without providing a suction pump etc. The cleaning liquid may always flow inside the pig launcher, or (3) configured to prevent the outflow from the discharge pipe and store the cleaning liquid in the internal space of the pig launcher. Also good. (4) When the cleaning liquid is stored, for example, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the launch port side of the pig, and when the pig is present at the cleaning position, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the launch port side. The cleaning liquid may be allowed to flow into the internal space of the pig launcher.

（５）前記ピグ発射装置は、前記ピグの発射口と反対側の後端面が開口し、前記ダイヤフラムは前記後端面の開口部位を閉塞するように装着するとよい。このようにすると、密閉空間を簡単な構成で実現できるのでよい。
（６）前記ピグ発射装置は、前記ピグを収納する筒状の収納部を備え、前記収納部は、その側面にスリットが形成され、そのスリットを介して前記流体移送配管の内部空間と前記ピグ発射装置の内部空間とが連通可能とするとよい。 (5) The pig launcher may be mounted so that a rear end surface opposite to the pig launch port is opened, and the diaphragm is closed so as to close an opening portion of the rear end surface. In this case, the sealed space may be realized with a simple configuration.
(6) The pig launcher includes a cylindrical storage portion that stores the pig, and the storage portion has a slit formed on a side surface thereof, and the internal space of the fluid transfer pipe and the pig are interposed through the slit. It is preferable that communication with the internal space of the launching device is possible.

本発明によれば、簡単な構成で、ピグの洗浄を行うためのシステムを閉空間・クローズな環境に置くことができ、ＣＩＰ（定置洗浄）およびＳＩＰ（定置滅菌）システムに適合させることができる。 According to the present invention, a system for cleaning pigs can be placed in a closed space / close environment with a simple configuration, and can be adapted to CIP (in-place sterilization) and SIP (in-place sterilization) systems. .

（ａ）は本発明に係るピグ洗浄装置が組み込まれたシステムの一例を示す図であり、（ｂ）はピグの一例を示す図である。(A) is a figure which shows an example of the system in which the pig washing | cleaning apparatus based on this invention was integrated, (b) is a figure which shows an example of a pig. 本実施形態のピグ洗浄装置を示す図である。It is a figure which shows the pig washing | cleaning apparatus of this embodiment. ピグ洗浄装置の作用を説明する図である。It is a figure explaining the effect | action of a pig washing | cleaning apparatus. 本実施形態のピグ洗浄装置の分解図である。It is an exploded view of the pig cleaning apparatus of this embodiment. ピグ発射口要素とピグを示す図である。It is a figure which shows a pig launcher element and a pig.

以下、本発明の一実施形態について図面に基づき、詳細に説明する。なお、本発明は、これに限定されて解釈されるものではなく、本発明の範囲を逸脱しない限りにおいて、当業者の知識に基づいて、種々の変更、修正、改良を加え得るものである。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present invention is not construed as being limited thereto, and various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

図１は、本発明に係るピグ洗浄装置が実装されるピグ・システムの一例を示している。ピグ・システム１は、例えば化学・薬品・食品等におけるプロセス設備に実装される。係るプロセス設備は、流体の搬送経路となる流体移送配管２を備える。流体移送配管２には、例えば図示省略する原料流体・製品流体を貯留するタンクに貯留している原料流体等が流れ込み、その原料流体等が流体移送配管２内を移動し、図示省略する別のタンク等に移送する。流体移送配管２は、任意の配管レイアウトをとる。図では、水平に延びる第一配管部２ａと、その第一配管部２ａの両端にそれぞれ位置する第二配管部２ｂ，第三配管部２ｃと、第一配管部２ａの中央から上方にのびる第四配管部２ｄを備える。第四配管部２ｄの先には、別途配管が連結される。第二配管部２ｂと第三配管部２ｃは、下方傾斜状に配置され、第一配管部２ａとの連結部位よりも先端側の方が低位置になる。 FIG. 1 shows an example of a pig system in which a pig cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is mounted. The pig system 1 is mounted on a process facility in, for example, a chemical / drug / food product. The process equipment includes a fluid transfer pipe 2 that serves as a fluid transfer path. For example, a raw material fluid or the like stored in a tank for storing a raw material fluid / product fluid (not shown) flows into the fluid transfer pipe 2, and the raw material fluid or the like moves in the fluid transfer pipe 2, and is not shown in the drawing. Transfer to tank etc. The fluid transfer pipe 2 takes an arbitrary pipe layout. In the figure, the first piping portion 2a extending horizontally, the second piping portion 2b and the third piping portion 2c located at both ends of the first piping portion 2a, and the first piping portion 2a extending upward from the center of the first piping portion 2a. Four piping parts 2d are provided. A separate pipe is connected to the tip of the fourth pipe portion 2d. The 2nd piping part 2b and the 3rd piping part 2c are arrange | positioned at the downward inclination form, and the front end side becomes a low position rather than the connection site | part with the 1st piping part 2a.

本実施形態における流体は、例えばクリームなどの粘性の高い流体である。その液体は、第四配管部２ｄの先につながる別途配管から流れ込み、第一配管部２ａ内に進み、第二配管部２ｂや第三配管部２ｃに移動する。 The fluid in this embodiment is a highly viscous fluid such as a cream. The liquid flows from a separate pipe connected to the tip of the fourth pipe part 2d, proceeds into the first pipe part 2a, and moves to the second pipe part 2b and the third pipe part 2c.

一方、流体移送配管２の内部には、ピグ３を挿入配置する。ピグ３は、弾力性を有し、弾性変形して撓んだり元の形状に弾性復帰したりする可撓弾性体から構成する。可撓弾性体としては、例えばシリコンゴム・合成ゴム等を用いると良い。このピグ３は、外周を弾性変形させた状態で流体移送配管２内を移動する。 On the other hand, a pig 3 is inserted into the fluid transfer pipe 2. The pig 3 is made of a flexible elastic body that has elasticity and is elastically deformed to bend or return to its original shape. For example, silicon rubber or synthetic rubber may be used as the flexible elastic body. The pig 3 moves in the fluid transfer pipe 2 with its outer periphery elastically deformed.

ピグ３は、略円柱状の本体３ａの軸方向両端にそれぞれ首部３ｂを介して球状部３ｃを連結した外観構成をとる。本体３ａは軸方向の中央に行くに従って外径が徐々に細くなるくびれた形状となる。そして軸方向の両端の接触部位３ｅの外径Ｒ２が、流体移送配管２の内径より若干大きい設定とする。また、ガイドとして機能する球状部３ｃの外径Ｒ１は、流体移送配管２の内径より一回り小さい設定とする。これにより、流体移送配管２内に存在するピグ３は、接触部位３ｅが流体移送配管２の内周面に接触し、例えば第一配管部２ａのように直線部分に位置する球状部３ｃは当該内周面に非接触の状態となる。また、例えば第二配管部２ｂと第一配管部２ａの接続部分のように配管の進行方向が変位する部位では、進行方向前側に位置する球状部３ｃが配管の内周面に接触し、例えば首部３ｂが適宜屈曲しながら球状部３ｃが流体移送配管２内を前進し、それに続いて本体３ａも移動する。このとき、本体３ａの接触部位３ｅは、流体移送配管２の内周面に接触した状態のまま移動するため、例えばピグ３の進行方向の前方に位置する流体移送配管２内の流体は、ピグ３に押し出されて前方に移動する。 The pig 3 has an external configuration in which a spherical portion 3c is connected to both ends in the axial direction of a substantially cylindrical main body 3a via a neck portion 3b. The main body 3a has a constricted shape in which the outer diameter gradually becomes thinner toward the center in the axial direction. The outer diameter R2 of the contact part 3e at both ends in the axial direction is set to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the fluid transfer pipe 2. The outer diameter R1 of the spherical portion 3c that functions as a guide is set to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the fluid transfer pipe 2. As a result, the pig 3 existing in the fluid transfer pipe 2 has the contact portion 3e in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid transfer pipe 2, and the spherical portion 3c positioned at the straight portion, for example, the first pipe portion 2a It is in a non-contact state on the inner peripheral surface. Further, for example, in a portion where the traveling direction of the pipe is displaced, such as a connection portion between the second piping portion 2b and the first piping portion 2a, the spherical portion 3c located on the front side in the traveling direction is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the piping. While the neck portion 3b is appropriately bent, the spherical portion 3c advances in the fluid transfer pipe 2, and subsequently, the main body 3a also moves. At this time, since the contact portion 3e of the main body 3a moves while being in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the fluid transfer pipe 2, for example, the fluid in the fluid transfer pipe 2 positioned in the forward direction of the pig 3 is 3 is pushed forward and moved forward.

さらに一方の球状部３ｃ内には、磁石３ｄを埋め込み設置する。この磁石３ｄが発する磁界を流体移送配管２の外部に設けた磁気センサで検知することで、流体移送配管２における磁石３ｄひいてはピグ３の位置を検知する。 Furthermore, a magnet 3d is embedded in one spherical portion 3c. By detecting the magnetic field generated by the magnet 3d with a magnetic sensor provided outside the fluid transfer pipe 2, the position of the magnet 3d and thus the pig 3 in the fluid transfer pipe 2 is detected.

第二配管部２ｂと第三配管部２ｃの先端には、それぞれピグ発射装置１０を接続する。ピグ発射装置１０は、ガス圧・水圧等の圧力をピグ３に与え、その圧力を利用してピグ３を前方に押し出すものであり、本実施形態ではガス圧を利用している。 The pig launcher 10 is connected to the tips of the second piping part 2b and the third piping part 2c, respectively. The pig launcher 10 applies a pressure such as gas pressure or water pressure to the pig 3 and pushes the pig 3 forward using the pressure, and in this embodiment, the gas pressure is used.

一方のピグ発射装置１０から発射されたピグ３は、流体移送配管２内を移動し、他方のピグ発射装置１０に至る。そして、係る他方のピグ発射装置１０から発射されたピグ３は、流体移送配管２内を上記と逆方向に移動して一方のピグ発射装置１０に至る。このように本実施形態では、ピグ３は流体移送配管２内を往復移動するようになっている。そして本実施形態のピグ発射装置１０は、ピグ３を発射するランチャーとしての機能と、ピグ３を受け取るキャッチャーとしての機能を備える。 The pig 3 fired from one pig launcher 10 moves in the fluid transfer pipe 2 and reaches the other pig launcher 10. Then, the pig 3 fired from the other pig launcher 10 moves in the direction opposite to the above in the fluid transfer pipe 2 and reaches one pig launcher 10. Thus, in the present embodiment, the pig 3 reciprocates within the fluid transfer pipe 2. The pig launching device 10 of this embodiment has a function as a launcher that launches the pig 3 and a function as a catcher that receives the pig 3.

プロセス設備の稼働時、すなわち、流体移送配管２内を流体が移動する際には、ピグ３は、第二配管部２ｂ側のピグ発射装置１０と第三配管部２ｃ側のピグ発射装置１０のいずれかに位置している。そして、後述するようにピグ３が存在しているピグ発射装置１０に接続される第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃは、当該ピグ３により閉塞される。一方、ピグ３が存在していないピグ発射装置１０の内部空間は、接続される第三配管部２ｃあるいは第二配管部２ｂと連通している。よって、仮に第三配管部２ｃ側のピグ発射装置１０にピグ３が存在している場合、プロセス設備の稼働時では、第四配管部２ｄを経由して第二配管部２ｂ，第三配管部２ｃに流れ込んできた流体は、先端がピグ３により閉塞された第三配管部２ｃ内では貯留し、第二配管部２ｂ内ではさらに前進移動してピグ発射装置１０の内部空間に流れ込む。さらに、後述するように、ピグ発射装置１０は、排出管を備えており、ピグ発射装置１０内に流れ込んだ流体は、係る排出管から外部に排出される。また、第二配管部２ｂ側のピグ発射装置１０にピグ３が存在している場合、上記と逆に流体は第三配管部２ｃからピグ発射装置１０内に移動する。つまり、ピグ発射装置１０は、プロセス設備の稼働時では、流体の移動経路の一部を構成する。さらにピグ発射装置１０は、ピグ３を洗浄する機能も備える。それら各機能を備えたピグ発射装置１０の具体的な構成は、以下の通りである。 When the process equipment is in operation, that is, when the fluid moves in the fluid transfer pipe 2, the pig 3 is connected to the pig launcher 10 on the second pipe section 2 b side and the pig launcher 10 on the third pipe section 2 c side. Located in one. And the 2nd piping part 2b or the 3rd piping part 2c connected to the pig launcher 10 in which the pig 3 exists so that it may mention later is obstruct | occluded by the said pig 3. FIG. On the other hand, the internal space of the pig launcher 10 in which the pig 3 does not exist communicates with the third piping portion 2c or the second piping portion 2b to be connected. Therefore, if the pig 3 is present in the pig launching apparatus 10 on the third piping portion 2c side, the second piping portion 2b and the third piping portion are routed via the fourth piping portion 2d when the process equipment is in operation. The fluid that has flowed into 2c is stored in the third piping portion 2c whose tip is closed by the pig 3, and further moves forward in the second piping portion 2b to flow into the internal space of the pig launcher 10. Furthermore, as will be described later, the pig launcher 10 includes a discharge pipe, and the fluid that has flowed into the pig launcher 10 is discharged to the outside from the discharge pipe. In addition, when the pig 3 is present in the pig launching device 10 on the second piping part 2b side, the fluid moves from the third piping part 2c into the pig launching apparatus 10 contrary to the above. That is, the pig launcher 10 constitutes a part of the fluid movement path when the process facility is in operation. Furthermore, the pig launcher 10 also has a function of cleaning the pig 3. The specific configuration of the pig launcher 10 having these functions is as follows.

図２〜図５に示めすように、ピグ発射装置１０は、筒状の基部要素１１と、基部要素１１に装着されるピグ発射口要素１２を備える。基部要素１１は、前後が開口された筒状本体１１ａを有し、筒状本体１１ａ内に前端開口部１１ｂからピグ発射口要素１２が挿入配置される。筒状本体１１ａの外周面の後半部位には、その上方側にピグ発射用エア入口管１１ｃを突出形成する。このピグ発射用エア入口管１１ｃには、図示省略の圧縮空気用配管が接続され、ピグ発射用エア入口管１１ｃから筒状本体１１ａの内部空間内に圧縮空気が供給される。 As shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, the pig launcher 10 includes a cylindrical base element 11 and a pig launcher element 12 attached to the base element 11. The base element 11 has a cylindrical main body 11a that is open at the front and rear, and a pig launcher element 12 is inserted into the cylindrical main body 11a from the front end opening 11b. A pig launching air inlet tube 11c is formed on the upper half of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 11a so as to protrude. A compressed air pipe (not shown) is connected to the pig launching air inlet pipe 11c, and compressed air is supplied from the pig firing air inlet pipe 11c into the internal space of the cylindrical body 11a.

また、筒状本体１１ａの外周面の後半側には、その下方側に排出管１１ｄを突出形成する。この排出管１１ｄは、筒状本体１１ａの内部空間と連通している。さらに、排出管１１ｄの先端には、図示省略する配管が接続される。ピグ発射装置１０内に流入してきた流体は、排出管１１ｄを経由して外部の配管に流出可能となる。さらに図示省略するが、ピグ発射用エア入口管１１ｃ並びに排出管１１ｄ自身、あるいはそれらに接続される外部の配管には開閉バルブが設けられており、筒状本体１１ａを閉塞し、外部の配管等との間での流体の出入りを阻止することができる。 Further, a discharge pipe 11d is formed on the lower side of the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical main body 11a so as to protrude downward. The discharge pipe 11d communicates with the internal space of the cylindrical main body 11a. Further, a pipe not shown is connected to the tip of the discharge pipe 11d. The fluid that has flowed into the pig launcher 10 can flow out to an external pipe via the discharge pipe 11d. Further, although not shown in the figure, the pig launching air inlet pipe 11c and the discharge pipe 11d itself, or an external pipe connected to them, is provided with an open / close valve, which closes the cylindrical main body 11a to provide an external pipe or the like. The fluid can be prevented from entering and exiting between the two.

ピグ発射口要素１２は、前後が開口された円筒体を基本とし、外周面の軸方向中央部に外側に突出するフランジ部１２ａを有する。フランジ部１２ａの前方側が外部に露出する発射口部１２ｂとなり、フランジ部１２ａの後方側が収納部１２ｃとなる。発射口部１２ｂと収納部１２ｃは、連通している。ピグ発射口要素１２は、収納部１２ｃを基部要素１１の筒状本体１１ａ内に挿入した状態で、基部要素１１と連結する。この連結した状態では、フランジ部１２ａが筒状本体１１ａの前端開口部１１ｂを閉塞する。 The pig launcher element 12 is basically a cylindrical body that is open at the front and rear, and has a flange portion 12a that protrudes outward at the axially central portion of the outer peripheral surface. The front side of the flange portion 12a is a launch port portion 12b exposed to the outside, and the rear side of the flange portion 12a is a storage portion 12c. The launch port portion 12b and the storage portion 12c communicate with each other. The pig launcher element 12 is connected to the base element 11 in a state where the storage portion 12 c is inserted into the cylindrical main body 11 a of the base element 11. In this connected state, the flange portion 12a closes the front end opening portion 11b of the cylindrical main body 11a.

また、発射口部１２ｂの内径Ｒ３は、ピグ３の本体３ａの両端の接触部位３ｅの外径Ｒ２よりは小さく、球状部３ｃの外径Ｒ１よりは大きい設定とする。発射口部１２ｂの先端縁１２ｂ′を第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃの先端と付き合わせた状態で連結する。 The inner diameter R3 of the launch port 12b is set to be smaller than the outer diameter R2 of the contact portion 3e at both ends of the main body 3a of the pig 3, and larger than the outer diameter R1 of the spherical portion 3c. The tip edge 12b 'of the launch port 12b is connected with the tip of the second pipe part 2b or the third pipe part 2c attached.

そして本実施形態では、発射口部１２ｂの内径Ｒ３は、接続する第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃの内径と等しくしている。よって、発射口部１２ｂと第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃとを付き合わせて連結した状態では、内周面はスムーズに連続した状態となる。よって、ピグ３は、発射口部１２ｂと、第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃとの間でスムーズに行き来する。さらに、発射口部１２ｂの内径Ｒ３は、ピグ３の接触部位３ｅの外径Ｒ２よりも小さいため、ピグ３の接触部位３ｅが発射口部１２ｂ内に位置する状態では、接触部位３ｅが発射口部１２ｂの内周面に密着する。これにより、第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃ内を移動してきた流体は、そのまま発射口部１２ｂ内にも進入してくるが、ピグ３によりそれ以上の移動が阻止される。 In the present embodiment, the inner diameter R3 of the launch port 12b is equal to the inner diameter of the second piping portion 2b or the third piping portion 2c to be connected. Therefore, in the state where the launch port 12b and the second piping portion 2b or the third piping portion 2c are connected together, the inner peripheral surface is in a smoothly continuous state. Therefore, the pig 3 moves smoothly between the launch port 12b and the second piping portion 2b or the third piping portion 2c. Furthermore, since the inner diameter R3 of the launch port portion 12b is smaller than the outer diameter R2 of the contact site 3e of the pig 3, the contact site 3e is the launch port when the contact site 3e of the pig 3 is located in the launch port unit 12b. It closely adheres to the inner peripheral surface of the portion 12b. As a result, the fluid that has moved in the second piping portion 2b or the third piping portion 2c enters the launch port 12b as it is, but the pig 3 prevents further movement.

また、収納部１２ｃ内にピグ３が存在しない場合、ピグ発射口要素１２は前後が開口しているため、発射口部１２ｂ内に進入してきた流体は、さらにそのまま収納部１２ｃ側に進み、収納部１２ｃの先端開口部から排出される。そして、係る排出された流体は、基部要素１１の筒状本体１１ａの内部空間に至り、排出管１１ｄを経由して外部の配管に流出する。つまり、プロセス設備の稼働時では、ピグ発射口要素１２（発射口部１２ｂ，収納部１２ｃ）並びに基部要素１１（筒状本体１１ａ，排出管１１ｄ）も流体の移動経路の一部を構成する。 When the pig 3 is not present in the storage part 12c, the front and rear of the pig launcher element 12 are open, so that the fluid that has entered the launcher part 12b further proceeds to the storage part 12c side and is stored. It is discharged from the tip opening of the portion 12c. Then, the discharged fluid reaches the internal space of the cylindrical main body 11a of the base element 11 and flows out to an external pipe via the discharge pipe 11d. That is, when the process equipment is in operation, the pig launcher element 12 (launch port portion 12b, storage portion 12c) and the base element 11 (cylindrical body 11a, discharge pipe 11d) also constitute part of the fluid movement path.

また、収納部１２ｃには、その外周面に軸方向に延びるスリット１２ｄが形成される。このスリット１２ｄによっても収納部１２ｃの内外が連通する。よって、例えば収納部１２ｃ内にピグ３が存在しており、仮に収納部１２ｃの先端開口部が閉塞するようなことがあったとしても、スリット１２ｄを介して収納部１２ｃの内部と、筒状本体１１ａの内部空間とは連通する。 In addition, a slit 12d extending in the axial direction is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage portion 12c. The inside and outside of the storage portion 12c communicate with each other through the slit 12d. Therefore, for example, even if the pig 3 is present in the storage portion 12c and the front end opening of the storage portion 12c may be blocked, the inside of the storage portion 12c and the cylindrical shape via the slit 12d. It communicates with the internal space of the main body 11a.

さらに本実施形態では、収納部１２ｃの前後方向両側の端部１２ｅは、それぞれ先端に向けて径が広くなる拡開部となる。それぞれの端部１２ｅの広がった部分の内径は、ピグ３の接触部位３ｅの外径Ｒ２よりも大きくする。また、図４に示すように、スリット１２ｄの発射口部１２ｂ側の一端は、収納部１２ｃの端部１２ｅ形成領域にまで位置する。これにより、ピグ３の接触部位３ｅが収納部１２ｃに位置する状態では、発射口部１２ｂと筒状本体１１ａとは、端部１２ｅに位置するスリット１２ｄを介して連通する（図３（ｂ）参照）。 Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the end portions 12e on both sides in the front-rear direction of the storage portion 12c are expanded portions whose diameters increase toward the tip. The inner diameter of the widened portion of each end 12e is made larger than the outer diameter R2 of the contact portion 3e of the pig 3. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, one end of the slit 12d on the side of the launch port 12b is located up to the end 12e formation region of the storage portion 12c. Thereby, in the state where the contact part 3e of the pig 3 is located in the storage part 12c, the launch port part 12b and the cylindrical main body 11a communicate with each other through the slit 12d located in the end part 12e (FIG. 3B). reference).

ピグ発射装置１０は、ピグ３の洗浄機能を備えている。洗浄機能は、ピグ発射装置１０内に位置するピグ３を洗浄するものである。すなわち、上述したようにプロセス設備の稼働時では、ピグ３は、一方の接触部位３ｅが発射口部１２ｂに位置し、一方の配管部を閉塞する待機状態となる。この待機状態からピグ３が後退移動し、接触部位３ｅが発射口部１２ｂから離脱してピグ３の本体３ａの全体が収納部１２ｃに位置した状態でピグ発射装置１０の内部に洗浄液を充填し、ピグ３を洗浄する。よって、ピグ発射装置１０の内部空間が、洗浄室を構成する。 The pig launcher 10 has a function of cleaning the pig 3. The cleaning function is to clean the pig 3 located in the pig launcher 10. That is, as described above, when the process equipment is in operation, the pig 3 is in a standby state in which one contact portion 3e is located at the launch port 12b and one piping portion is closed. From this standby state, the pig 3 moves backward, the contact part 3e is detached from the launch port 12b, and the pig launcher 10 is filled with the cleaning liquid while the main body 3a of the pig 3 is positioned in the storage portion 12c. , Wash Pig 3. Therefore, the internal space of the pig launcher 10 constitutes a cleaning chamber.

本実施形態のピグ発射装置１０は、ピグ３を待機状態の位置と、洗浄する際の位置にそれぞれセットするためのピグセット装置２０を備えた。このピグセット装置２０は、アクチュエータ２１とダイヤフラム２２とを備える。アクチュエータ２１は、電磁石等の駆動源を内蔵し、外部に突出する出力ピン２１ａを軸方向に往復移動させる。また、この出力ピン２１ａが突出する面には、円筒状の外周壁２１ｂが設けられる。外周壁２１ｂは、その中心位置が、出力ピン２１ａと一致する。そして、外周壁２１ｂの先端面と、筒状本体１１ａの端面とを突き合せた状態でアクチュエータ２１と基部要素１１を連結する。 The pig launching apparatus 10 of this embodiment includes a pig setting apparatus 20 for setting the pig 3 at a standby position and a cleaning position. The pig set device 20 includes an actuator 21 and a diaphragm 22. The actuator 21 has a built-in drive source such as an electromagnet, and reciprocates the output pin 21a protruding outside in the axial direction. A cylindrical outer peripheral wall 21b is provided on the surface from which the output pin 21a protrudes. The center position of the outer peripheral wall 21b coincides with the output pin 21a. And the actuator 21 and the base element 11 are connected in the state which face | matched the front end surface of the outer peripheral wall 21b, and the end surface of the cylindrical main body 11a.

ダイヤフラム２２は、ダイヤフラム本体２４と、そのダイヤフラム本体２４に連結する台座部２３を備える。台座部２３の裏面の中央に設けた取付部２３ａに、出力ピン２１ａの先端を嵌め併せて連結する。これにより、出力ピン２１ａの往復動作に伴い、台座部２３も往復移動する。台座部２３の表面の頂部２３ｂは平面となり、頂部２３ｂの中心に凹部２３ｃを形成する。となる。 The diaphragm 22 includes a diaphragm body 24 and a pedestal 23 connected to the diaphragm body 24. The tip of the output pin 21a is fitted and connected to the mounting portion 23a provided at the center of the back surface of the pedestal portion 23. As a result, the pedestal portion 23 also reciprocates as the output pin 21a reciprocates. The top part 23b of the surface of the base part 23 becomes a plane, and the recessed part 23c is formed in the center of the top part 23b. It becomes.

皿状のダイヤフラム本体２４は、表面２４ｂが凸の状態（図３（ａ），図４等参照）と、裏面２４ｃが凸の状態（図３（ｂ）参照）を遷移する。ダイヤフラム本体２４の裏面２４ｃの中央に設けた凸部２４ａと、台座部２３の頂部２３ｂに形成した凹部２３ｃを符合させた状態で接着一体化する。また、ダイヤフラム本体２４の外径は、台座部２３の外径より一回り大きい寸法に設定しており、ダイヤフラム本体２４が表面２４ｂが凸の状態のとき、台座部２３はダイヤフラム本体２４の裏面２４ｃ側の内部空間に入り込み、台座部２３の頂部２３ｂがダイヤフラム本体２４の裏面に面接触して支える。よって、仮にダイヤフラム本体２４がゴム等の弾性体で剛性が比較的低くても、台座部２３が金属あるいは樹脂等の適宜の強度を持った材料で構成することで、台座部２３により荷重を受けることができる。 The dish-shaped diaphragm main body 24 transitions between a state in which the front surface 24b is convex (see FIGS. 3A and 4) and a state in which the rear surface 24c is convex (see FIG. 3B). The protrusion 24 a provided at the center of the back surface 24 c of the diaphragm main body 24 and the recess 23 c formed on the top 23 b of the pedestal 23 are bonded and integrated. The outer diameter of the diaphragm main body 24 is set to be slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pedestal portion 23. When the diaphragm main body 24 has a convex surface 24b, the pedestal portion 23 has a back surface 24c of the diaphragm main body 24. The top portion 23b of the pedestal portion 23 is in surface contact with and supported by the back surface of the diaphragm body 24. Therefore, even if the diaphragm main body 24 is an elastic body such as rubber and has a relatively low rigidity, the pedestal portion 23 is made of a material having an appropriate strength such as metal or resin, so that the load is received by the pedestal portion 23. be able to.

さらにダイヤフラム本体２４の外周縁は、アクチュエータ２１の外周壁２１ｂの先端面と、基部要素１１の筒状本体１１ａの端面との間で挟み込まれて支持・固定される。これにより、筒状本体１１ａの後端開口部１１ｅは、ダイヤフラム本体２４により閉塞される。そして、ダイヤフラム本体２４の外周縁が固定されることで、アクチュエータ２１の出力ピン２１ａが往動作により前進して大きく突出すると、図３（ａ）に示すように台座部２３がダイヤフラム本体２４を前方に付勢し、表面２４ｂが凸の状態にする。この状態でピグ３の球状部３ｃがダイヤフラム本体２４に接触すると、前側の接触部位３ｅが発射口部１２ｂ内に位置する待機状態となる。 Further, the outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm main body 24 is sandwiched between the distal end surface of the outer peripheral wall 21 b of the actuator 21 and the end surface of the cylindrical main body 11 a of the base element 11 to be supported and fixed. Accordingly, the rear end opening 11e of the cylindrical main body 11a is closed by the diaphragm main body 24. When the outer peripheral edge of the diaphragm main body 24 is fixed and the output pin 21a of the actuator 21 moves forward by the forward movement and protrudes greatly, the pedestal 23 moves the diaphragm main body 24 forward as shown in FIG. The surface 24b is in a convex state. In this state, when the spherical portion 3c of the pig 3 comes into contact with the diaphragm main body 24, a standby state in which the front contact portion 3e is located in the launch port 12b is entered.

一方、アクチュエータ２１の出力ピン２１ａが複動作により後退すると、図３（ｂ）に示すように台座部２３がダイヤフラム本体２４を後方に引っ張るように付勢し、裏面２４ｃが凸の状態にする。この状態でピグ３の球状部３ｃがダイヤフラム本体２４に接触すると、本体３ａが収納部１２ｃ内に位置することができるようになる。 On the other hand, when the output pin 21a of the actuator 21 is retracted by a double operation, the pedestal 23 urges the diaphragm body 24 to be pulled rearward as shown in FIG. When the spherical portion 3c of the pig 3 comes into contact with the diaphragm main body 24 in this state, the main body 3a can be positioned in the storage portion 12c.

次に、上述した構成からなるプロセス設備における洗浄方法を説明する。上述したようにプロセス設備の稼働時は、ピグ３は一方のピグ発射装置１０内で待機状態となっており、第四配管部２ｄから第一配管部２ａ内に流入した流体は、ピグ３が存在しないピグ発射装置１０の内部を下流側の経路に流出する。 Next, a cleaning method in the process equipment having the above-described configuration will be described. As described above, when the process equipment is in operation, the pig 3 is in a standby state in one of the pig launchers 10, and the fluid flowing into the first piping part 2a from the fourth piping part 2d The inside of the non-existing pig launcher 10 flows out to the downstream path.

そして、例えば使用する流体を換えるなど、流体移送配管２やピグ３を洗浄する必要が発生した場合には、まずピグ３が待機状態にあるピグ発射装置１０を動作させ、ピグ３を発射する。具体的には、当該ピグ発射装置１０の内部にピグ発射用エア入口管１１ｃから圧縮空気を供給する。すると、ピグ発射装置１０の基部要素１１の内部空間のエア圧力が上昇し、かかるエア圧力がピグ３にかかる。これにより、ピグ３は前方へ移動し、発射口部１２ｂから流体移送配管２に進み、反対側のピグ発射装置１０に至る。この移動時に、ピグ３は、進行歩行前方側にある流体移送配管２内に残っている流体を付勢し、流体を押しながら前進するこれにより、流体移送配管２内の流体は、ピグ発射装置１０内に流れ込み、排出管１１ｄを経由して外部の配管に押し出される。そして、ピグ３は、係る反対側のピグ発射装置１０内において待機状態となる。 When it is necessary to clean the fluid transfer pipe 2 or the pig 3, for example, by changing the fluid to be used, the pig launching apparatus 10 in which the pig 3 is in the standby state is first operated to launch the pig 3. Specifically, compressed air is supplied into the pig launching apparatus 10 from the pig launching air inlet pipe 11c. Then, the air pressure in the internal space of the base element 11 of the pig launcher 10 increases, and the air pressure is applied to the pig 3. As a result, the pig 3 moves forward, proceeds from the launch port 12b to the fluid transfer pipe 2, and reaches the pig launcher 10 on the opposite side. During this movement, the pig 3 urges the fluid remaining in the fluid transfer pipe 2 on the front side of the forward walking, and moves forward while pushing the fluid, so that the fluid in the fluid transfer pipe 2 is transferred to the pig launcher. 10 is pushed into the external pipe via the discharge pipe 11d. And the pig 3 will be in a standby state in the pig launching apparatus 10 on the opposite side.

次いで、当該反対側のピグ発射装置１０が動作し、待機状態にあるピグ３を発射させる。これにより、係るピグ３は、流体移送配管２内を移動し、元の一方のピグ発射装置１０に至る。このとき、一方のピグ発射装置１０側に接続したピグセット装置２０のアクチュエータ２１を作動させ、出力ピン２１ａを複動作させて後退させ、図３（ｂ）に示すように台座部２３がダイヤフラム本体２４を後方に引っ張るように付勢し、裏面２４ｃが凸の状態にする。すると、一方のピグ発射装置１０内に進入してきたピグ３は、球状部３ｃがダイヤフラム本体２４に接触するまで進み、本体３ａが収納部１２ｃ内に位置する。 Next, the opposite pig launching device 10 operates to launch the pig 3 in a standby state. Accordingly, the pig 3 moves in the fluid transfer pipe 2 and reaches the original one of the pig launching devices 10. At this time, the actuator 21 of the pig set device 20 connected to the one pig launching device 10 side is actuated to cause the output pin 21a to double-retreat and the pedestal 23 is moved to the diaphragm main body 24 as shown in FIG. The rear surface 24c is in a convex state. Then, the pig 3 that has entered the one pig launching apparatus 10 proceeds until the spherical portion 3c comes into contact with the diaphragm main body 24, and the main body 3a is positioned in the storage portion 12c.

また、適宜のタイミングで、ピグ発射装置１０の排出管１１ｄやピグ発射用エア入口管１１ｃに連係する開閉バルブを閉じ、その後、流体移送配管２内に洗浄液を供給する。すると、係る洗浄液は、流体移送配管２からピグ発射装置１０の発射口部１２ｂ内に進入する。そして、ピグ３の本体３ａが収納部１２ｃに位置しているため、発射口部１２ｂ内の洗浄液は、収納部１２ｃ側に進入し、さらに収納部１２ｃからスリット１２ｄを経由して筒状本体１１ａの内部空間に至る。排出管１１ｄが閉じているため、洗浄液の流出経路が無くなり、流体移送配管２並びにピグ発射装置１０の内部空間が洗浄液で充満する。これにより、ピグ３の外周面が洗浄される。 Further, at an appropriate timing, the open / close valve linked to the discharge pipe 11 d of the pig launcher 10 and the pig inlet air inlet pipe 11 c is closed, and then the cleaning liquid is supplied into the fluid transfer pipe 2. Then, the cleaning liquid enters the launch port 12 b of the pig launcher 10 from the fluid transfer pipe 2. Since the main body 3a of the pig 3 is located in the storage portion 12c, the cleaning liquid in the launch port portion 12b enters the storage portion 12c side, and further passes through the slit 12d from the storage portion 12c to the cylindrical main body 11a. To the interior space. Since the discharge pipe 11d is closed, there is no outflow path for the cleaning liquid, and the fluid transfer pipe 2 and the internal space of the pig launcher 10 are filled with the cleaning liquid. Thereby, the outer peripheral surface of the pig 3 is washed.

その後、排出管１１ｄに連係する開閉バルブを開くと、ピグ発射装置１０内に充填されていた洗浄液、ひいては、流体移送配管２の内周面内の洗浄液が、排出管１１ｄを経由して外部の配管側へ排出される。本実施形態では、排出管１１ｄを筒状本体１１ａの下側であって、下方に向けて突出するようにしたため、ピグ発射装置１０内に充填された洗浄液は、自重により外部に排出される。よって、特に吸引ポンプなど設けなくてもよく、装置の簡易化、小型化を図ることができるので良い。さらに、第二配管部２ｂあるいは第三配管部２ｃを下方傾斜状にし、ピグ発射装置１０自体も斜めに取り付けるようにしたため、流体移送配管２内の洗浄液も、自重によりピグ発射装置１０内に流れ込み、そのまま外部に排出できるので好ましい。続いて、再び開閉バルブを閉じ、蒸気を充満させることで滅菌を行う。 Thereafter, when the open / close valve linked to the discharge pipe 11d is opened, the cleaning liquid filled in the pig launcher 10, and consequently the cleaning liquid in the inner peripheral surface of the fluid transfer pipe 2, is externally passed through the discharge pipe 11d. It is discharged to the piping side. In this embodiment, since the discharge pipe 11d protrudes downward from the lower side of the cylindrical main body 11a, the cleaning liquid filled in the pig launcher 10 is discharged to the outside by its own weight. Therefore, there is no need to provide a suction pump in particular, and the apparatus can be simplified and downsized. Furthermore, since the second piping part 2b or the third piping part 2c is inclined downward and the pig launcher 10 itself is also attached obliquely, the cleaning liquid in the fluid transfer pipe 2 also flows into the pig launcher 10 by its own weight. It is preferable because it can be discharged to the outside as it is. Subsequently, sterilization is performed by closing the open / close valve again and filling with steam.

上記のようにしてピグ３の洗浄と滅菌が行われたならば、アクチュエータ２１を動作させ、出力ピン２１ａを往動作により前進して所定量突出させ、ダイヤフラム２２を前方に付勢し、ダイヤフラム本体２４を前方に凸、表面２４ｂが凸の状態にする。これにより、図３（ａ）に示すように、ピグ３は前方に押し出され、前側の接触部位３ｅが発射口部１２ｂ内に位置し、待機状態になる。 When the pig 3 has been cleaned and sterilized as described above, the actuator 21 is operated, the output pin 21a is advanced by a forward movement to protrude a predetermined amount, the diaphragm 22 is urged forward, and the diaphragm body 24 is convex forward and the surface 24b is convex. Thereby, as shown to Fig.3 (a), the pig 3 is extruded ahead, the front contact site | part 3e is located in the launch outlet part 12b, and it will be in a standby state.

上述した実施形態では、流体としてクリームのように粘性の高い流体としたが、本発明が適用される装置における流体は、これに限ることは無く粘性が低いものでも良いし、液体でも良い。また、上述した実施形態では、ピグ３の使用形態として、流体移送配管２内に残留する流体を押し出すようにしたが、本発明はこれに限ることは無く、例えば流体移送配管の内周壁に付着する付着物を除去するものなど各種のものに適用できる。 In the above-described embodiment, the fluid is a highly viscous fluid such as cream. However, the fluid in the apparatus to which the present invention is applied is not limited to this, and may be a fluid having a low viscosity or a liquid. In the above-described embodiment, as the usage pattern of the pig 3, the fluid remaining in the fluid transfer pipe 2 is pushed out. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, adheres to the inner peripheral wall of the fluid transfer pipe. It can be applied to various things such as those that remove adhered matter.

２流体移送配管
２ａ第一配管部
２ｂ第二配管部
２ｃ第三配管部
２ｄ第四配管部
３ピグ
３ａ本体
３ｃ球状部
３ｅ接触部位
１０ピグ発射装置
１１基部要素
１１ａ筒状本体
１１ｂ前端開口部
１１ｃピグ発射用エア入口管
１１ｄ排出管
１２ピグ発射口要素
１２ｂ発射口部
１２ｃ収納部
１２ｄスリット
２０ピグセット装置
２１アクチュエータ
２２ダイヤフラム
２３台座部
２４ダイヤフラム本体 2 fluid transfer piping 2a first piping portion 2b second piping portion 2c third piping portion 2d fourth piping portion 3 pig 3a body 3c spherical portion 3e contact area 10 pig launcher 11 base element 11a cylindrical body 11b front end opening 11c Pig launching air inlet tube 11d Discharge pipe 12 Pig launching element 12b Launching part 12c Storage part 12d Slit 20 Pig set device 21 Actuator 22 Diaphragm 23 Base 24 Diaphragm body

上述した課題を解決するために、本発明のピグ洗浄装置は、（１）流体を移送する流体移送配管に接続され、その流体移送配管に対して待機状態にあるピグを発射するためのピグ発射装置と、そのピグ発射装置内における前記ピグの位置を前記待機状態の位置と、その待機状態から後退移動して前記流体移送配管の内部空間と前記ピグ発射装置の内部空間を連通する洗浄位置との間で往復移動させるピグセット装置と、を備え、前記ピグセット装置は、ダイヤフラムとそのダイヤフラムを変位させるアクチュエータと備え、前記ダイヤフラムの変位に伴い前記ピグが前記待機状態の位置と前記洗浄位置との間で変位するように構成し、前記ピグ発射装置は、前記ピグの発射口と反対側の後端面が開口し、前記ダイヤフラムは前記後端面の開口部位を閉塞するように装着するように構成した。 In order to solve the above-described problems, a pig cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is (1) a pig firing for firing a pig that is connected to a fluid transfer pipe for transferring a fluid and is in a standby state with respect to the fluid transfer pipe. An apparatus, a position of the pig in the pig launcher in the standby state, and a cleaning position that moves backward from the standby state to communicate the internal space of the fluid transfer pipe and the internal space of the pig launcher. A pig set device that reciprocates between the diaphragm and the diaphragm, and an actuator that displaces the diaphragm, and the pig moves between the standby position and the cleaning position in accordance with the displacement of the diaphragm. in configured to be displaced, the pig launcher, the open is opposite the rear end face of the ejection port of the pig, the diaphragm opening of the rear end face Place was configured to be mounted so as to close.

本発明によれば、ダイヤフラムの変位を利用してピグの位置を調整するようにしたため、システムを閉空間・クローズな環境に置くことができ、ＣＩＰ（定置洗浄）およびＳＩＰ（定置滅菌）システムに適合させることができる。また、ピグは、ダイヤフラムの変位によりその位置を換えるため、ダイヤフラムの変位量を制御することで、ピグを所望の位置にセットすることができる。また、ピグのセットは、アクチュエータによりダイヤフラムを変位させることで行うので、作業・処理も簡単となる。さらにピグ発射装置は、ピグの発射口と反対側の後端面が開口し、前記ダイヤフラムは前記後端面の開口部位を閉塞するように装着したため、密閉空間を簡単な構成で実現できる。 According to the present invention, since the position of the pig is adjusted by using the displacement of the diaphragm, the system can be placed in a closed space / close environment, and the CIP (in-place sterilization) and SIP (in-place sterilization) system can be used. Can be adapted. Further, since the position of the pig is changed by the displacement of the diaphragm, the pig can be set at a desired position by controlling the amount of displacement of the diaphragm. Moreover, since the setting of the pig is performed by displacing the diaphragm by the actuator, the work / processing is simplified. Furthermore, since the rear end surface of the pig launching device opposite to the launch port of the pig is opened and the diaphragm is mounted so as to close the opening portion of the rear end surface, the sealed space can be realized with a simple configuration.

（５）前記ピグ発射装置は、前記ピグを収納する筒状の収納部を備え、前記収納部は、
その側面にスリットが形成され、そのスリットを介して前記流体移送配管の内部空間と前
記ピグ発射装置の内部空間とが連通可能とするとよい。 (5) before Symbol pig launching apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing part for accommodating the pig, the housing part,
It is preferable that a slit is formed on the side surface, and the internal space of the fluid transfer pipe and the internal space of the pig launcher can communicate with each other through the slit.

Claims

A pig launcher connected to a fluid transfer pipe for transferring a fluid and for firing a pig in a standby state with respect to the fluid transfer pipe;
The position of the pig in the pig launcher is between the position in the standby state and a cleaning position that moves backward from the standby state to communicate the internal space of the fluid transfer pipe and the internal space of the pig launcher. A reciprocating pig set device;
With
The pig set device includes a diaphragm and an actuator that displaces the diaphragm, and the pig is configured to be displaced between the standby position and the cleaning position in accordance with the displacement of the diaphragm. Cleaning device.

The pig launcher includes a discharge pipe projecting downward on the lower side of the main body,
The pig cleaning apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the cleaning liquid flowing into the internal space of the pig launching apparatus can be discharged to the outside through the discharge pipe.

3. The pig cleaning apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the apparatus is configured to prevent outflow from the discharge pipe and to store a cleaning liquid in an internal space of the pig launching apparatus.

The cleaning liquid is supplied from the launch port side of the pig,
2. The structure according to claim 1, wherein when the pig is present at the cleaning position, the cleaning liquid supplied from the launch port side can flow into the internal space of the pig launcher. 4. The pig cleaning apparatus according to any one of items 1 to 3.

The pig launcher has an open rear end surface opposite to the pig launcher,
The pig cleaning apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the diaphragm is mounted so as to close an opening portion of the rear end face.

The pig launcher includes a cylindrical storage portion for storing the pig,
6. The storage portion according to claim 1, wherein a slit is formed on a side surface of the storage portion, and the internal space of the fluid transfer pipe and the internal space of the pig launcher can communicate with each other through the slit. The pig cleaning apparatus according to any one of the above.