WO2004078373A1 - Foam pellet catcher and retriever and method implementing the same - Google Patents

Foam pellet catcher and retriever and method implementing the same Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2004078373A1
WO2004078373A1 PCT/US2004/000653 US2004000653W WO2004078373A1 WO 2004078373 A1 WO2004078373 A1 WO 2004078373A1 US 2004000653 W US2004000653 W US 2004000653W WO 2004078373 A1 WO2004078373 A1 WO 2004078373A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
pellet
tube
transfer tube
spent
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2004/000653
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
William O. Walters
Original Assignee
The Boeing Company
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 The Boeing Company filed Critical The Boeing Company
Publication of WO2004078373A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004078373A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16L55/00—Devices or appurtenances for use in, or in connection with, pipes or pipe systems
    • F16L55/26—Pigs or moles, i.e. devices movable in a pipe or conduit with or without self-contained propulsion means
    • F16L55/46—Launching or retrieval of pigs or moles
    • 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
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
    • 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
    • B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
    • B08B9/057—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices being entrained discrete elements, e.g. balls, grinding elements, brushes
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C11/00—Selection of abrasive materials or additives for abrasive blasts
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C3/00—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants
    • B24C3/32—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks
    • B24C3/325—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks for internal surfaces, e.g. of tubes
    • B24C3/327—Abrasive blasting machines or devices; Plants designed for abrasive blasting of particular work, e.g. the internal surfaces of cylinder blocks for internal surfaces, e.g. of tubes by an axially-moving flow of abrasive particles without passing a blast gun, impeller or the like along the internal surface
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B24—GRINDING; POLISHING
    • B24C—ABRASIVE OR RELATED BLASTING WITH PARTICULATE MATERIAL
    • B24C9/00—Appurtenances of abrasive blasting machines or devices, e.g. working chambers, arrangements for handling used abrasive material
    • B24C9/006—Treatment of used abrasive material
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P70/00—Climate change mitigation technologies in the production process for final industrial or consumer products
    • Y02P70/10—Greenhouse gas [GHG] capture, material saving, heat recovery or other energy efficient measures, e.g. motor control, characterised by manufacturing processes, e.g. for rolling metal or metal working

Definitions

  • This invention relates to an apparatus for the cleaning of tubes. More particularly, to an attachment used in the cleaning of tubes using pellets and the retrieval and reuse thereof Thereby reducing the cost and providing a savings from loss of down time and cost of recovery.
  • a vapor degreaser is a large organic solvent still in which the solvent vapor condenses on and drains off the parts to be cleaned.
  • Vapor degreaser Systems are large, fixed installations that have a high purchase price and maintenance costs. Companies which use this method must also must obtain a yearly operating permit for their facilities from the Clean Air Agencies because of its potential air pollution and health risks. Replacing these vapor degreasers with a small, low-cost cleaning methods allow installations to consolidate sites and save money
  • the pellet system is currently used to clean tubes at a relatively high rate in close quartered work cells. Tubes are bent into a large variety of complicated shapes and lengths. Pellets must be loaded, launched/retrieved and examined with a minimum of operator movement. Equipment that requires the operator to find and fetch the spent pellet lowers productivity. Safety and noise consideration require that the pellets be fired into a containment device and that the noise be reduced to acceptable levels.
  • One method is to propel a polyurethane foam pellet through the tube using compressed air.
  • the tight fitting foam scrubs the interior wall of the tube as it passes through. This is a widely used technique and there are at least 3 makers of pellets and pellet launching equipment worldwide.
  • One component lacking from the vendors is equipment to capture and return the spent pellet to the operator so that it may be examined.
  • One aspect of the present invention regards a foam pellet catcher and retriever having a transfer tube that receives the foam pellet from a cleaned tube.
  • the transfer tube transfers the foam pellet to a chamber under air-pressure.
  • the foam pellet remains in the chamber until the air-pressure is removed at which time the foam pellet then exits the chamber.
  • Another aspect of the present invention regards a method of retrieving spent cleaning pellets used in a tube cleaning process by introducing the pellets via a jet stream into one end of the tube.
  • a fitting is placed over the other end of the tube to allow the pellets to pass into a transfer tube.
  • a cyclonic effect is created at the other end of the transfer tube within a chamber that is attached to that end of the transfer tube. Stopping the jet stream allows the pellets to exit the chamber.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a foam pellet catcher and retriever, according to the present invention
  • Fig. 2A shows a plan view of an embodiment of a cyclone chamber, according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cyclone chamber of Fig 2A.
  • Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a foam pellet catcher and retriever
  • the FPCR 100 includes a bell fitting 102, transfer tube 103, cyclone chamber 104 and a pass through muffler 105.
  • the cyclone chamber 104 includes an input opening 106 and an output opening 107, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.
  • the cyclone chamber 104 is also known as a collection chamber.
  • the bell fitting 102 is a standard bell fitting and is connected to one end of the transfer tube 103.
  • the transfer tube 103 may be bent into a large variety of complicated shapes and lengths and is typically made of copper or other bendable material that can withstand high air-pressure.
  • the bell fitting 102 has a flexible seal opening to receive the exit end of a tube being cleaned and is connected to the transfer tube by clamps; however other types connections may be used provide they are non-obstructive.
  • the other end of the transfer tube 103 is connected to the input opening 106 of the cyclone chamber 104 and is connected to the transfer tube 103 by clamps; however other types connections may be used provide they are non-obstructive.
  • the pass through muffler 1 Os is connected to output opening 107 of the cyclone chamber 104.
  • the muffler 1 Os is a standard auto glass packed muffler; however other types of mufflers know in the art may be use.
  • the muffler I Os may be connected to output opening 107 by screwing the muffler 1 Os into the output opening 107, by soldering the muffler
  • the muffler 105 is used to control and reduce noise to acceptable levels for safety reasons because the present invention is used to clean tubes at a relatively high rate in close quartered work cells.
  • Fig. 2 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a cyclone chamber 104, according to the present invention.
  • a spent pellet 108 enters the cyclone chamber 104 through the input opening 106.
  • the spent pellet 108 emerges from a cleaned tube (not shown) and is propelled into the transfer tube 103 via the bell fitting 102 under air-pressure.
  • the spent pellet 108 is then transferred from the transfer tube 103 into the cyclone chamber 104 through the input opening 106.
  • the spent pellet 108 moves in a circular pattern within the cyclone chamber 104 as long as there is air-pressure from the transfer tube 103.
  • the air- pressure carries the spent pellet 108 on a path tangent to the cyclone chamber 104 wall.
  • the spent pellet is a foam pellet made of polyurethane.
  • the spent pellet 108 falls through the muffler 105.
  • the spent pellet 108 may then be examined by an operator, at which time appropriate action can be taken.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

A foam pellet catcher and retriever (100) having a transfer tube (103) that receives the foam pellet from a cleaned tube. The transfer tube transfers the foam pellet to a chamber under air-pressure (104). The foam pellet remains in the chamber until the airpressure is removed at which time the foam pellet then exits the chamber.

Description

FOAM PELLET CATCHER AND RETRIEVER AND METHOD IMPLEMENTING THE SAME
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is a follow on filing from the provisional patent application number 60/439,440, filed on January 13, 2003.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to an apparatus for the cleaning of tubes. More particularly, to an attachment used in the cleaning of tubes using pellets and the retrieval and reuse thereof Thereby reducing the cost and providing a savings from loss of down time and cost of recovery.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Industry has been looking for ways to clean hydraulic tubing and other tubing, that can replace the current method of vapor degreasing. A vapor degreaser is a large organic solvent still in which the solvent vapor condenses on and drains off the parts to be cleaned. Vapor degreaser Systems are large, fixed installations that have a high purchase price and maintenance costs. Companies which use this method must also must obtain a yearly operating permit for their facilities from the Clean Air Agencies because of its potential air pollution and health risks. Replacing these vapor degreasers with a small, low-cost cleaning methods allow installations to consolidate sites and save money
The pellet system is currently used to clean tubes at a relatively high rate in close quartered work cells. Tubes are bent into a large variety of complicated shapes and lengths. Pellets must be loaded, launched/retrieved and examined with a minimum of operator movement. Equipment that requires the operator to find and fetch the spent pellet lowers productivity. Safety and noise consideration require that the pellets be fired into a containment device and that the noise be reduced to acceptable levels.
One method is to propel a polyurethane foam pellet through the tube using compressed air. The tight fitting foam scrubs the interior wall of the tube as it passes through. This is a widely used technique and there are at least 3 makers of pellets and pellet launching equipment worldwide. One component lacking from the vendors is equipment to capture and return the spent pellet to the operator so that it may be examined.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the present invention regards a foam pellet catcher and retriever having a transfer tube that receives the foam pellet from a cleaned tube. The transfer tube transfers the foam pellet to a chamber under air-pressure. The foam pellet remains in the chamber until the air-pressure is removed at which time the foam pellet then exits the chamber.
Another aspect of the present invention regards a method of retrieving spent cleaning pellets used in a tube cleaning process by introducing the pellets via a jet stream into one end of the tube. A fitting is placed over the other end of the tube to allow the pellets to pass into a transfer tube. A cyclonic effect is created at the other end of the transfer tube within a chamber that is attached to that end of the transfer tube. Stopping the jet stream allows the pellets to exit the chamber.
Each aspect of the present invention provides an innovative, unique and useful attachment to commercially available foam pellet launchers for tube cleaning. This attachment speeds up the process for retrieval and provides productivity improvements because the pellet method allows the user to go from the current batch- processing method to one-piece processing in work cells. Additional embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims when considered with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a foam pellet catcher and retriever, according to the present invention;
Fig. 2A shows a plan view of an embodiment of a cyclone chamber, according to the present invention; and
Fig. 2B shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the cyclone chamber of Fig 2A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a foam pellet catcher and retriever
("FPCR") 100. The FPCR 100 includes a bell fitting 102, transfer tube 103, cyclone chamber 104 and a pass through muffler 105. The cyclone chamber 104 includes an input opening 106 and an output opening 107, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. The cyclone chamber 104 is also known as a collection chamber. The cyclone chamber
104 is typically constructed of metal or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the bell fitting 102 is a standard bell fitting and is connected to one end of the transfer tube 103. The transfer tube 103 may be bent into a large variety of complicated shapes and lengths and is typically made of copper or other bendable material that can withstand high air-pressure. Typically, the bell fitting 102 has a flexible seal opening to receive the exit end of a tube being cleaned and is connected to the transfer tube by clamps; however other types connections may be used provide they are non-obstructive. The other end of the transfer tube 103 is connected to the input opening 106 of the cyclone chamber 104 and is connected to the transfer tube 103 by clamps; however other types connections may be used provide they are non-obstructive. The pass through muffler 1 Os is connected to output opening 107 of the cyclone chamber 104. Typically, the muffler 1 Os is a standard auto glass packed muffler; however other types of mufflers know in the art may be use. The muffler I Os may be connected to output opening 107 by screwing the muffler 1 Os into the output opening 107, by soldering the muffler
105 to the output opening 107 or other attachment methods known in the art. The muffler 105 is used to control and reduce noise to acceptable levels for safety reasons because the present invention is used to clean tubes at a relatively high rate in close quartered work cells.
Fig. 2 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a cyclone chamber 104, according to the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, a spent pellet 108 enters the cyclone chamber 104 through the input opening 106. In a preferred embodiment the spent pellet 108 emerges from a cleaned tube (not shown) and is propelled into the transfer tube 103 via the bell fitting 102 under air-pressure. The spent pellet 108 is then transferred from the transfer tube 103 into the cyclone chamber 104 through the input opening 106. The spent pellet 108 moves in a circular pattern within the cyclone chamber 104 as long as there is air-pressure from the transfer tube 103. The air- pressure carries the spent pellet 108 on a path tangent to the cyclone chamber 104 wall. When the air-pressure is removed, forces holding the spent pellet 108 within the cyclone chamber 104 disappear and the spent pellet 108 falls through the output opening 107 of the cyclone chamber 104, as shown in Fig. 2A. Typically, the spent pellet is a foam pellet made of polyurethane.
With the muffler 105 attached to the output opening 107 the spent pellet 108 falls through the muffler 105. The spent pellet 108 may then be examined by an operator, at which time appropriate action can be taken.
The foregoing description is provided to illustrate the invention, and is not to be construed as a limitation. Numerous additions, substitutions and other changes can be made to the invention without departing from its scope as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for the retrieval and inspection of a spent pellet used in tube cleaning comprising:
a transfer tube comprising a first end and a second end; said first end connected to said tube; and
a chamber comprising an input opening and an output opening;
said input opening attached to said second end of said transfer tube; wherein when said spent pellet enters said first end of said transfer tube under air- pressure from said tube, said spent pellet is transferred to said chamber through said input opening of said chamber;
wherein said spent pellet exits said output opening of said chamber when said air-pressure is removed.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said transfer tube further comprises a fitting connected to said first end of said transfer tube and said tube.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said fitting comprises a bell fitting.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chamber comprises a cyclone chamber.
5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein when said spent pellet enter into said cyclone chamber a cyclonic effect is applied to said spent pellet.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chamber comprises a collection chamber.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said chamber further comprises a pass through muffler connected to said output opening of said chamber.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said spent pellet comprises a foam pellet.
9. The apparatus of claim I, wherein said spent pellet comprises a polyurethane foam pellet.
10. A method of retrieving spent cleaning pellets used in a tube cleaning process comprising the steps of;
(a) introducing said pellets via a jet stream into one end of said tuh~;
(b) attaching a fitting over the other end of said tube allowing said nellets to pass to a transfer tube;
(c) creating a cyclonic effect at the other end of said transfer tube whereby said cyclonic effect is achieved in a chamber attached to said transfer tube and collecting said pellets; and
(d) stopping said jet stream and allowing said pellets to exit said chamber.
PCT/US2004/000653 2003-01-13 2004-01-12 Foam pellet catcher and retriever and method implementing the same WO2004078373A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US43944003P 2003-01-13 2003-01-13
US60/439,440 2003-01-13
US75509404A 2004-01-09 2004-01-09
US10/755,094 2004-01-09

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004078373A1 true WO2004078373A1 (en) 2004-09-16

Family

ID=32965460

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/000653 WO2004078373A1 (en) 2003-01-13 2004-01-12 Foam pellet catcher and retriever and method implementing the same

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2004078373A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018080881A1 (en) * 2016-10-25 2018-05-03 Sandvik Special Metals Llc System and method for reduction of dimensional end-taper in abrasive blasted tubes

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3015516A1 (en) * 1980-04-23 1981-10-29 Horst W. 4000 Düsseldorf Steinhoff Porous cleaners for pipe interiors - polyurethane foam with pores coated with heavier synthetic rubber for reduced buoyancy
EP0634229A1 (en) * 1993-07-12 1995-01-18 Promotec AG Method, assembly and apparatus for internal cleaning and coating of pipelines
US5891260A (en) * 1997-02-05 1999-04-06 The Benham Group Product recovery system

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3015516A1 (en) * 1980-04-23 1981-10-29 Horst W. 4000 Düsseldorf Steinhoff Porous cleaners for pipe interiors - polyurethane foam with pores coated with heavier synthetic rubber for reduced buoyancy
EP0634229A1 (en) * 1993-07-12 1995-01-18 Promotec AG Method, assembly and apparatus for internal cleaning and coating of pipelines
US5891260A (en) * 1997-02-05 1999-04-06 The Benham Group Product recovery system

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2018080881A1 (en) * 2016-10-25 2018-05-03 Sandvik Special Metals Llc System and method for reduction of dimensional end-taper in abrasive blasted tubes
US11654531B2 (en) 2016-10-25 2023-05-23 Sandvik Special Metals Llc System for reduction of dimensional end-taper in abrasive blasted tubes

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