WO2009070135A1 - Procédé et systèmes de nettoyage abrasif, de réalisation de revêtement protecteur et d'étanchement de tuyaux - Google Patents

Procédé et systèmes de nettoyage abrasif, de réalisation de revêtement protecteur et d'étanchement de tuyaux Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009070135A1
WO2009070135A1 PCT/US2007/024504 US2007024504W WO2009070135A1 WO 2009070135 A1 WO2009070135 A1 WO 2009070135A1 US 2007024504 W US2007024504 W US 2007024504W WO 2009070135 A1 WO2009070135 A1 WO 2009070135A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
approximately
pipes
abrasive
piping
cleaning
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2007/024504
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Larry Gillanders
Steve Williams
John Laborde
Original Assignee
Pipe Restoration Technologies, L.L.C.
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 Pipe Restoration Technologies, L.L.C. filed Critical Pipe Restoration Technologies, L.L.C.
Priority to CA2707023A priority Critical patent/CA2707023C/fr
Priority to PCT/US2007/024504 priority patent/WO2009070135A1/fr
Priority to EP07862294A priority patent/EP2214869A4/fr
Publication of WO2009070135A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009070135A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • 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
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/0321—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing using pressurised, pulsating or purging fluid
    • B08B9/0326—Using pulsations
    • 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
    • B08B9/032—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing
    • B08B9/035—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages by the mechanical action of a moving fluid, e.g. by flushing by suction
    • 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
    • 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
    • F16L58/00—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation
    • F16L58/02—Protection of pipes or pipe fittings against corrosion or incrustation by means of internal or external coatings
    • F16L58/04—Coatings characterised by the materials used
    • F16L58/10—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics
    • F16L58/1009—Coatings characterised by the materials used by rubber or plastics the coating being placed inside the pipe
    • 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
    • F16L2101/00—Uses or applications of pigs or moles
    • F16L2101/10—Treating the inside of pipes
    • 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
    • F16L2101/00—Uses or applications of pigs or moles
    • F16L2101/10—Treating the inside of pipes
    • F16L2101/12—Cleaning

Definitions

  • This invention relates to renovating of the interiors of pipes, and in particular to methods, systems and apparatus for abrasive cleaning and providing protective barrier coatings in a single operation to the interior walls of small diameter metal, PEX type, CPVC and plastic type pressurized pipes such as pressurized drain lines, hot water lines, cold water lines, potable water lines, natural gas lines, HVAC piping systems, fire sprinkler system lines, and the like, that are used in multi-unit residential buildings, office buildings, commercial buildings, and single family homes and the like.
  • PEX type, CPVC and plastic type pressurized pipes such as pressurized drain lines, hot water lines, cold water lines, potable water lines, natural gas lines, HVAC piping systems, fire sprinkler system lines, and the like, that are used in multi-unit residential buildings, office buildings, commercial buildings, and single family homes and the like.
  • compressed air carrying particles of abrasive material is blown through the pipe.
  • abrasive cleaning method involved the use of compressed air alone with a continuous feed of abrasive material.
  • an adhesive resin such as an epoxy resin, which is also applied by use of compressed air to blow it through the pipe.
  • the Reimelt technique of only using a suction(low pressure) at one end of a pipe section can also result in blockages and other problems.
  • an abrasive agent When an abrasive agent is repeatedly moved back and forth, it will gradually become mixed with the debris removed from the pipe surface, diluting or reducing the cleaning effect.
  • the Reimelt techniques require the use of heating devices such as wires that must be pulled or towed through pipe sections which adds additional expense and can also result in the dragged heating device damaging the interior of the pipes or even getting stuck in the pipes.
  • the Reimelt technique cannot be used with cleaning entire piping systems having bends and t-branches cannot be cleaned unless every pipe section is potentially taking apart and separately cleaned.
  • Reimelt cannot be used with small pipes that need to be cleaned since the suction and heating devices cannot easily pass through pipes smaller than approximately 2 & 1 A inches in diameter.
  • a primary objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning and preparation to the interior walls of the pipe and providing a protective barrier coating of pressurized pipes in buildings without having to physically remove and replace the pipes, where the pipes are cleaned, deburred, leaks sealed and the barrier coating is applied in a single operation.
  • a secondary objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning and repairing interior walls and sealing leaks, in a single operation in pipes by initially cleaning the interior walls of the pipes.
  • a third objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning and repairing interior walls and sealing leaks, in a single operation in pipes by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes that provides a barrier coating and seals leaks in one operation.
  • a fourth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, in pipes in buildings in a cost effective and efficient manner.
  • a fifth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, in pipes which is applicable to small diameter piping systems up to approximately 2 inches in diameter in piping systems made of various materials such as galvanized steel, black steel, lead, brass, copper or other materials such as CPVC(Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) type, PVC(polyvinyl chloride) type, PEX(cross-linked polyethylene) type and composites including plastics, as an alternative to pipe replacement or repair.
  • CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • PEX cross-linked polyethylene
  • a sixth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation which is applied to pipes, "in place” or insitu minimizing the need for opening up walls, floors ceilings, or grounds.
  • a seventh objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, which minimizes the disturbance of asbestos lined piping or walls/ceilings that can also contain lead based paint or other harmful materials.
  • An eighth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where once the existing piping system is restored with a durable epoxy barrier coating the common effects of corrosion from water passing through the pipes will be substantially delayed if not stopped entirely.
  • a ninth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, to clean out blockage where once the existing piping system is restored, users will experience an increase in the flow of water, which reduces the energy cost to transport the water. Additionally, the barrier epoxy coating leak sealant being applied to the interior walls of the pipes can create enhanced hydraulic capabilities again giving greater flow of water with reduced energy costs.
  • a tenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where customers benefit from savings in time associated with restoration of an existing piping system.
  • An eleventh objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where customers benefit from the economical savings associated with the restoration and in-place leak repair of an existing piping system, since walls, ceilings, floors, and/or grounds would not need to be broken and/or cut through.
  • a twelfth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where income producing commercial properties experience savings by remaining commercially usable, and any operational interference and interruption of commercial income-producing activities is minimized.
  • a thirteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where health benefits accrue, as the water to metal contact will be stopped by a barrier coating thereby preventing the leaching of metallic and potentially other harmful products from the pipe into the water supply such as but not limited to lead from solder joints and from lead pipes, and any excess leaching of copper, iron and lead.
  • a fourteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation where the pipes are being restored and repaired, in-place, thus causing less demand for new metallic pipes, which is a non-renewable resource.
  • a fifteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, using a less intrusive method of repair where there is less building waste and a reduced demand on expensive landfills.
  • a sixteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where the process uses specially filtered air that reduces possible impurities from entering the piping system during the process.
  • a seventeenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where the equipment package is able to function safely, cleanly, and efficiently in high customer traffic areas.
  • An eighteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation where the equipment components are mobile and maneuverable inside buildings and within the parameters typically found in single-family homes, multi unit residential buildings and various commercial buildings.
  • a nineteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where the equipment components can operate quietly, within the strictest of noise requirements such as approximately seventy four decibels and below when measured at a distance of approximately several feet away.
  • a twentieth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation where the barrier coating leak sealant material is applied to a variety of piping environments, and operating parameters such as but not limited to a wide temperature range, at a wide variety of airflows and air pressures, and the like.
  • a twenty first objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation where the barrier coating leak sealant material and the process is functionally able to deliver turnaround of restored piping systems to service within approximately twenty four hours or less.
  • a twenty second objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation, where the barrier coating material is designed to operate safely under NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) Standard 61 criteria in domestic water systems, with adhesion characteristics within piping systems in excess of approximately 400 PSI.
  • NSF National Sanitation Foundation
  • a twenty third objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, repairing interior walls, sealing leaks in pipes, by applying a corrosion protection barrier coating to the interior walls of the pipes in a single operation where the barrier coating material is designed as a long-term, long-lasting, durable solution to pipe corrosion, pipe erosion, pinhole leak repair and related water damage to piping systems where the barrier coating extends the life of the existing piping system.
  • a twenty fourth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for both cleaning and coating interiors and leak sealing, the interior of pipes having diameters of up to approximately 2 inches using dry particulates, such as sand and grit, prior to coating the interior pipe walls.
  • a twenty fifth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, coating interiors and sealing leaks of pipes having diameters of up to approximately 2 inches, in or around buildings, without having to section off small sections of piping for abrasive cleaning, coating and leak sealing applications.
  • a twenty sixth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning the interiors of an entire isolated piping system in a building in a single pass run operation.
  • a twenty seventh objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for applying a barrier coating and leak sealing compound to the interiors of an entire isolated piping system in a building in a single pass run operation.
  • a twenty eighth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning, of pipes having diameters of approximately 3/8 of an inch up to approximately 2 inches, in or around buildings, without having to section off small sections of piping for abrasive cleaning, where the abrasive cleaning reduces or eliminates the lip or burr associated with unreamed pipe, i.e.: deburring installed pipe.
  • a twenty ninth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for abrasive cleaning the inside walls of piping systems having bends of up to approximately ninety degrees and branches, such as t-branches coming out from the pipes, using a compressed gas source at one end in combination with a vacuum generator at another end of the piping system so that the entire system can be cleaned in a single pass run.
  • a thirteenth objective of the invention is to provide methods, systems and devices for barrier coating and leak sealing the inside walls of piping systems having bends of up to approximately ninety degrees and branches, such as t-branches coming out from the pipes, using a compressed gas source at one end in combination with a vacuum generator at another end of the piping system so that the entire system can be cleaned in a single pass run.
  • the novel method and system of abrasive cleaning during pipe restoration prepares small diameter piping systems such as those within the diameter range of up to approximately 2 inches which can include straight and bent sections of piping and t- branches for the application of a protective barrier coating leak sealant.
  • the novel method of abrasive cleaning allows for a method of abrasive cleaning in pressurized pipes up to 2 inches in diameter that reduces the amount of abrasive material required, reduces the physical impact and damage to the interior pipe wall and reduces clogging of abrasive material and debris in the pipe, during the cleaning stage.
  • the novel method of abrasive cleaning allows for a method of abrasive cleaning in pressurized pipes up to 2 inches in diameter that reduces or eliminates the unreamed lip inside an unreamed or improperly reamed pipe.
  • the novel method of abrasive cleaning with the use of a vacuum air filter reduces the effects of friction loss in small diameter pipes up to 2 inches, enhancing exiting of the abrasive material and debris and enhancing impact effectiveness of the abrasive material.
  • the novel use of the vacuum air filter used without the compressor enhances the drying of the pipe, during the pre cleaning drying stage, enhances the release of spent abrasive and debris during the cleaning stage and enhances the drying of the barrier coating, during the drying stage.
  • the novel method of abrasive cleaning and application of an epoxy barrier coating leak sealant is applied to pipes right within the walls eliminating the traditional and expected destruction of the walls that is usually associated with a re-piping job.
  • a piping system or section of pipe can be isolated and the restoration of the system or section of pipe can be completed in less than one to four days (depending upon the building size and type of application) with piping fluid flow(such as water) restored within less than approximately 24 to approximately 96 hours.
  • a common barrier coating used on steel pipe is the application of a zinc based barrier coat commonly called galvanizing.
  • New copper pipes usually have no barrier coating protection.
  • copper pipes were thought to be corrosion resistant offering a lifetime trouble free use as a piping system.
  • the invention can also be used with piping systems having plastic pipes, PEX(cross-linked polyethylene) type pipes, CPVC(Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) type pipes, PVC(polyvinyl chloride) type pipes, composite material, and the like.
  • PEX cross-linked polyethylene
  • CPVC Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the invention includes novel methods and equipment for abrasive cleaning and providing barrier coating corrosion and repair methods for sealing leaks for the interior walls of small diameter piping systems in the same operation.
  • the novel process method and system of abrasive cleaning and internal leak repair and corrosion control includes at least three basic steps: Air Drying a piping system to be serviced; profiling the piping system using an abrasive cleaning agent; and applying the barrier coating leak sealant to selected coating thickness layers inside the pipes.
  • the novel invention can also include two additional preliminary steps of: diagnosing problems with the piping system to be serviced, and planning and setting up the barrier coating leak repairs project onsite.
  • the novel invention can include a final end step of evaluating the system after applying the barrier coating leak repair and re-assembling the piping system.
  • a preferred method of cleaning out pipe systems can include the steps of generating pressurized gas into one end of a piping system having pipes, intermittently injecting bursts of abrasive particles into the pressurized gas into the end of the piping system, cleaning interior wall surfaces of the pipes with the intermittent bursts of the abrasive particles, reducing burrs, interior lips and excess seam joint edges in the interior wall surfaces of the pipes, and generating a vacuum suction at another end of the piping system to remove the abrasive particles and debris caused by the cleaning of the interior walls of the pipes.
  • the pipes can be small pipes having diameters of approximately 3/8 of an inch to approximately 2 inches, and preferably diameters of approximately 3/8 of an inch to approximately 1 & 3 A inches.
  • the pipes can be metal pipes such as copper pipes and steel pipes, as well as other types of pipes such as but not limited to CPVC(Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) type, PVC(polyvinyl chloride) type, PEX(cross-linked polyethylene) type and composites including plastics.
  • the intermittent bursts can include introducing a cumulative amount between approximately 0.15 kg to less than 5 kg of abrasive particulates per a piping length of between approximately 1/3 m to approximately 100m. For pipes having diameters of between approximately 3/8 inch to approximately 1 inch, the cumulative amount of the abrasive particles can be between approximately 0.15kg to less than approximately 3kg.
  • the cumulative amount of the abrasive particles can be between approximately 0.5kg to less than 5kg.
  • the cumulative amount of the abrasive particles can be between approximately 0.5kg to less than 5 kg.
  • the method can include cleaning the interior walls of the pipes while the pipes have a temperature of between approximately 25C to approximately 4OC.
  • the abrasive particulates can be selected from at least one of: Silica, Garnett and Aluminum Oxide, with Garnet and Aluminum Oxide are most preferable since Aluminum Oxide is hard and Garnet is readily available and is environmentally desirable.
  • the mesh size for particulates for copper pipes can be a range between 12 to 45 mesh sizes.
  • the abrasive particles can be selected from at least one of: Silica, Garnett, Silicon Carbide and Aluminum Oxide, with Silica, Silicon Carbide and Aluminum would be most preferable in view of the their hardness for steel pipes.
  • the mesh size for particulates for steel pipes can be a range between 12 to 60 mesh sizes.
  • the air pressure can be approximately 2 to approximately 6 bar, and the abrasive particulates per shot are approximately 25 to approximately 80 grams.
  • the air pressure can be approximately 2 to approximately 6 bar, and the abrasive particulates per shot are approximately 40 to approximately 120 grams.
  • the air pressure generated can be approximately 2 to approximately 6 bar, and the abrasive particulates per shot are approximately 60 to approximately 160 grams.
  • the air pressure generated can be approximately 3 to approximately 7 bar, and the abrasive particulates per shot are approximately 75 to approximately 200 grams.
  • the air pressure generated can be approximately 3 to approximately 7 bar, and the abrasive particulates per shot are approximately 75 to approximately 200 grams.
  • the novel method can also include the steps of coating the interior walls of the cleaned piping system with a barrier coating leak sealant with the compressed air source and the vacuum source attached to the piping system.
  • a preferred system of cleaning out building pipe systems having pipes with bends of approximately 90 degrees and t-branches would include a generator for generating pressurized/compressed gas into one end of a piping system, a source for intermittently injecting bursts of abrasive particles into the pressurized gas and into the end of the piping system, the intermittent bursts for cleaning interior wall surfaces of the pipes and reducing burrs, interior lips and excess seam joint edges in the interior wall surfaces of the pipes, and a vacuum source for generating a vacuum suction at another end of the piping system to remove the abrasive particles and debris caused by the cleaning of the interior walls of the pipes.
  • Another source can be added for coating the interior walls of the cleaned pipes with a barrier coating using the pressurized/compressed gas generator and vacuum source.
  • Fig. 1 shows the general six steps that is an overview for profiling and abrasively cleaning interior walls of pipes and applying the barrier coating leak sealant to the walls.
  • Figures 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D shows a detailed process flowchart using the steps of Fig. 1 for providing the abrasive cleaning and applying the barrier coating leak sealant.
  • Fig. 3 shows a flow chart of the set up of the invention.
  • Fig. 4 shows an illustration of the effects of deburring and water turbulence, before and after the cleaning and coating process is used.
  • Fig. 1 shows the general six steps for a project overview for applying the barrier coating leak sealant to an existing piping system, which include step one, 10 program diagnosis, step two, 20 project planning, step three, 30 drying piping system, step four 40, profiling and deburring the piping system, step five, 50 applying barrier coating leak sealant to the interior walls of the pipes in the piping system, and final step six 60 evaluation and return to operation of the piping system.
  • step one 10
  • steps can be done to diagnose the problem with a piping system in a building, and can include: (a) Interview onsite engineering staff, property managers, owners or other property representatives as to the nature of the current problem with the piping system.
  • step one Corrosion control, leak sealing proposal development for client, including options for pipe and fitting replacement where necessary.
  • step one the project planning and setup step 20 can be started.
  • Step Two Project Planning and Setup 20
  • step two 20
  • steps can be followed for planning and setup for restoring the integrity of the piping system in a building, and can include:
  • Step Three Air Drying — Step 1 Method of Corrosion Control and Leak Repair 30
  • the piping system to be prepared for the coating by drying the existing pipes can include : (a) Piping systems are mapped. (b) Isolation of piping systems or pipe sections are prepared and completed.
  • the isolated piping system to receive the barrier coating leak sealant is adapted to be connected to the barrier coating equipment.
  • Piping system is then dried with heated, moisture and oil free compressed air.
  • the piping system is heated in the approximate range of approximately 25 to approximately 40 degrees Celsius
  • Length of drying sequence is determined by pipe type, diameter, length complexity, location and degree of corrosion contained within the piping system, if any.
  • Exiting debris is captured with use of an air filter vacuum, drawing air, which can be used simultaneously with the compressor.
  • Inspections are completed to assure a dry piping system ready for the barrier coating and sealant.
  • Step Four Piping System Profiling - Step 2 of Method of Corrosion Control and Leak Sealant 40
  • the piping system is to be profiled, and can include:
  • Dried pipes can be profiled using an abrasive agent in varying quantities and types.
  • the abrasive medium can be introduced into the piping system by the use of the moisture and oil free heated compressed air using varying quantities of air and varying air pressures.
  • the amount of the abrading agent is controlled by the use of a pressure generator.
  • the abrading agent is introduced into the air stream using a burst technique wherein small amounts of the abrasive are introduced into the air stream, travel through the pipe and exit, wherein the next amount or shot of abrasive is introduced.
  • the abraded pipe when viewed without magnification, must be generally free of all visible oil, grease, dirt, mill scale, and rust. Generally, evenly dispersed, very light shadows, streaks, and discolorations caused by stains of mill scale, rust and old coatings can remain on no more than approximately 33 percent of the surface. Also, slight residues of rust and old coatings can be left in the craters of pits if the original surface is pitted.
  • Step Five Corrosion Control Epoxy Sealing Leak Repair and Protection of the Piping - Step 3 of the Method of Corrosion Control and Leak Repair 50
  • the piping system is protected with a barrier coating and leaks sealed and can include: (a) Piping system can be heated with hot, pre-filtered, moisture and oil free compressed air to an appropriate standard for an epoxy coating application. Pipes can be heated to approximately 25 to approximately 40 degrees Celsius
  • Coating and leak sealing material can be prepared and metered to manufacturer's specifications using a proportionator.
  • the barrier coating leak sealant and fillers are placed into the epoxy carrying tube or injection device.
  • the coating and leak sealant material can be injected into the piping system using hot, pre-filtered, moisture and oil free compressed air at temperatures, air volume and pressure levels to distribute the epoxy barrier coating leak sealant throughout the pipe segment, in sufficient amounts to eliminate the water to pipe contact in order to create an epoxy barrier coating on the inside of the pipe and seal the leak in a single operation.
  • a vacuum filter can be used in conjunction with the compressor to assist the wetting out of the coating material.
  • a neutral or positive pressure must be maintained on the inside of the pipe.
  • the coating can be applied to achieve a coating of at least approximately 4 mils and sealing leaks up to approximately 125 mils in size.
  • Step Six System Evaluation and Re-Assembly 60
  • the final step six, 60 allows for restoring the piping system to operation and can include:
  • FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D show a detailed process flowchart using the steps of Fig. 1 for cleaning the interior walls of the pipes and for providing the barrier coating leak sealant.
  • FIG. 1 show a preferred method of applying a novel barrier coating leak sealant for the interior of small diameter piping systems following a specific breakdown of a preferred application of the invention.
  • components 100-900 can be located and used at different locations in or around a building.
  • the invention allows for an entire isolated building piping system to be cleaned in one single pass through run without having to dismantle either the entire or multiple sections of the piping system.
  • the piping system can include pipes having diameters of up to approximately 2 inches in diameter with the piping including bends up to approximately ninety degrees or more throughout the building and include at t-branches in the piping systems.
  • the invention allows for an entire isolated building piping system to have the interior surfaces of the pipes cleaned, coated and leaks sealed in one single pass through run without having to dismantle either the entire or multiple parts of the piping system.
  • Each of the components will now be defined.
  • the air compressors 100 can provide filtered and heated compressed air.
  • the filtered and heated compressed air employed in various quantities is used, to dry the interior of the piping system, as the propellant to drive the abrasive material used in cleaning of the piping system and is used as the propellant in the application of the epoxy barrier coating leak sealant and the drying of the epoxy barrier coating leak sealant once it has been applied.
  • the compressors 100 also provide compressed air used to propel ancillary air driven equipment.
  • a main header and distributor 200 referred to in Figures 3 can be one Manufactured By: Media Blast & Abrasives, Inc. 591 W. Apollo Street Brea, CA 92821.
  • the Main Header 200 provides safe air management capability from the air compressor for both regulated and unregulated air distribution (or any combination thereof) to the various other equipment components and to both the piping system risers and fixture outlets for a range of piping configurations in residential and/or commercial buildings that can range from a single family home to a multi-story building.
  • a floor or mini manifold 300 can be one Manufactured By: M & H Machinery 45790 Airport Road, Chilliwack, BC, Canada
  • the floor manifolds 300 can be pressure rated vessels designed to evenly and quietly distribute the compressed air to at least 5 other points of connection, typically being the connections to the piping system. Airflow from each connection at the manifold is controlled by the use of individual full port ball valves.
  • a pressure generator sander 400 that can be used with the invention can be one Manufactured By: Media Blast & Abrasives, Inc.591 W. Apollo Street Brea, CA 92821.
  • the pressure generating sander system 400 can provide easy loading and controlled dispensing of a wide variety of abrasive medium.
  • the pressure generator sander can include operational controls that allow the operator to easily control the amount of air pressure and control the quantity of the abrasive medium to be dispersed in a single or multiple application.
  • the abrasive medium can be controlled in quantity and type and is introduced into a moving air steam, using small bursts of material, that is connected to a pipe or piping systems that are to be sand blasted clean by the abrasive medium.
  • the abrasive medium can be introduced by the pressure generator sander system 400 by being connected to and be located outside of the piping system depicted in Fig. 3.
  • the novel application of the sander system 400 allows for cleaning small pipes having diameters up to approximately 2 inches.
  • Table 1 shows a list of preferred dry particulate materials with their hardness ratings from 1 to 10 (being the hardest), and grain shapes that can be used with the sand generator 400, and
  • Table 2 shows a list of preferred dry particulate particle sieve sizes that can be used with the invention. TABLE 1.
  • Table 1 shows the hardness and shapes of the typical types of particulates used in the cleaning and sanding process. Based on the Moh scale of hardness, it is found that a 5 or higher hardness particulate can be used in this process. A particulate such as silicon carbide is recommended over a softer garnet particulate when used to clean and profile harder metal pipes, such as steel, where the metal is a softer, such as copper it can be cleaned and profiled with a less hard particulate such as garnet.
  • Silica, Garnet and Aluminum Oxide can be used to clean copper, preferably Garnet and Aluminum Oxide are most preferable since Aluminum Oxide is hard and Garnet is readily available and is environmentally desirable.
  • the mesh size for particulates for copper pipes can be a range between 12 to 45 mesh sizes.
  • Silica, Garnett, Silicon Carbide and Aluminum Oxide can be used for cleaning steel pipes.
  • Silica, Silicon Carbide and Aluminum would be most preferable in view of the their hardness for steel pipes.
  • the mesh size for particulates for steel pipes can be a range between 12 to 60 mesh sizes. TABLE 2.
  • Table 2 describes the various standards for measuring particulate size.
  • an operator will decide to use particulate of various sizes depending on the size of pipe, the type of piping material i.e. steel or copper and the degree and type of build up inside the pipe.
  • a copper pipe situation it is common to use a 24 mesh size.
  • an operator might use a small particulate such as a 45 or 60 mesh to bore a hole through the build up without getting clogged or plugged up inside the pipe.
  • larger particulate sizes can be used.
  • Table 4 illustrates the amount of abrasive material introduced into a metal piping system in the form of a shot or intermittent bursts to adequately profile the pipe for the barrier coating. Note: the number of shots depends on pressure applied, actual conditions of the pipe, degree of any existing buildup inside the pipe, length of pipe, # of angles ie: bends, hardness and type and size of abrasive. For this illustration the abrasive was aluminum oxide and the length of pipe was 30 meters for 25 mesh.
  • Table 5 shows results for 16 mesh using Aluminum Oxide.
  • a pre-filter that can be used with the invention can be one Manufactured By: Media Blast & Abrasives, Inc. 591 W. Apollo Street Brea, CA 92821
  • the Pre-Filter 500 allows the filtering of air and debris from the piping system.
  • fine dust particles and air are captured and filtered
  • An example of an air filter vacuum 600 used with the invention can be one Manufactured By: Media Blast & Abrasives, Inc. 591 W. Apollo Street, Brea, CA 92821.
  • the air filter vacuum or dust collector 600 is the final stage of the air filtration process.
  • the dust collector 600 filters the passing air of fine dust and debris from the piping system after the contaminated air first passes through the pre-filter 500 (abrasive reclaim separator module).
  • the filter 600 can be used simultaneously with compressor 100 which aids in drawing air through the piping system.
  • the filter 600 can be used with compressor 100 the filter 600 which assists by drawing air through the piping system.
  • the filter 600 can be used simultaneously with the compressor 100 to create a pressure differential in the piping system which is used to reduce the effects of friction loss and assists in a pulling action within the pipe during the drying and sanding or cleaning stages as well as the coating stage.
  • a metering and dispensing unit 700 used with the invention can be one Manufactured by: Lily Corporation, 240 South Broadway, Aurora, Illinois 60505-4205.
  • the unit 700 can be very mobile and can be used both indoors and outdoors.
  • the unit 700 requires only a single operator.
  • the epoxy 800 can be metered to control the amount of epoxy being dispensed.
  • a preferred epoxy barrier coating that can be used with the invention can be one Manufactured by: CJH, Inc. 2211 Navy Drive, Stockton, CA 95206.
  • the barrier coating product used in this process can be a 2-part thermo set resin with a base resin and a base- curing agent.
  • the preferred thermo set resin is mixed as a two-part epoxy that is used in the invention. When mixed and applied, it forms a durable barrier coating leak sealant on pipe interior surfaces and other substrates.
  • the barrier coating leak sealant provides a barrier coating that protects those coated surfaces from the effects caused by the corrosive activities associated with the chemistry of water and other reactive materials on the metal and other substrates and seal leaks in the pipe.
  • the epoxy barrier coating sealant can be applied to create a protective barrier coating and leak sealant to pipes ranging in size up to approximately 6"and greater.
  • the barrier coating can be applied around bends intersections, elbows, tees, to pipes having different diameters and make up.
  • the barrier coating leak sealant can be applied to pipes in any position e.g.: vertical or horizontal and can be applied as a protective coating leak sealant to metal and plastic type pipes used in fire sprinkler systems and natural gas systems. At least an approximately 4 mils coating layer can be formed on the interior walls of the pipes.
  • the barrier coating leak sealant protects the existing interior walls and can also stop leaks in existing pipes which have small openings and cracks, and the like, of up to approximately 125 mils in size.
  • the process of application described in this invention includes application of thermo set resins other types of thermo set resins can be used.
  • thermo set resins can be applied in the process, and can vary depending upon viscosity, conditions for application including temperature, diameter of pipe, length of pipe, type of material pipe comprised of, application conditions, potable and non potable water carrying pipes, and based on other conditions and parameters of the piping system being cleaned, coated and leaks sealed by the invention.
  • thermo set type resins that can be used include but are not limited to and can be one of many that can be obtained by numerous suppliers such as but not limited to: Dow Chemical, Huntsmans Advances Material, formerly Ciba Giegy and Resolution Polymers, formerly Shell Chemical.
  • Fillers used in the process preferably can contain a mixture of low and high aspect ratio particles, acicular shaped particles, and plate like particles.
  • the fillers can be inert material comprised of any one of the group of epoxy, glass, plastic foam parts, cork, clay.
  • the novel invention can be applied to all types of metal pipes such as but not limited to copper pipes, steel pipes, galvanized pipes, and cast iron pipes, the invention can be applied to pipes made of other materials such as but not limited to plastics, PEX(cross-linked polyethylene) type pipes, CPVC(Chlorinated Polyvinyl Chloride) type pipes, PVC(polyvinyl chloride), composite materials, polybutidylene, and the like.
  • a coating of at least approximately 4 mils on the interior pipe walls, can be used for sealing leaks up to approximately 125 mils in size.
  • Fig. 4 shows an illustration of the effects of deburring and water turbulence, before and after the cleaning and coating process is used.
  • water turbulence can be created by water flowing against and over an unburred joint or excess solder at a joint, which can become further clogged and/or damaged as described above.
  • the burr or excess solder is reduced or eliminated in place, substantially improving water flow, flow of coating material and reducing effects of water turbulence, that can include excessive wear and damage.
  • the abrasive technique in the subject invention greatly reduces or eliminates the lip(s) associated with undreamed or improperly reamed pipes.
  • Table 7 shows a comparison of prior art techniques(Japanese A-S Method Table 4-3 and NAF patent 5,007,461) compared to the novel ACE method described in the subject invention.
  • the kg amounts are cumulative for the total amount of abrasive used.
  • the unique combination of using small bursts of abrasive material combined with compressed air pushing and a vacuum pulling the material greatly improved the overall sanding performance, hi the case of pipes having a diameter of .5" to 1" diameter, the same (similar) cleaning results were achieved using about 74 to about 83% less abrasive material, hi the case of 1.25"to 1.75" diameter pipes approximately 80 to approximately 92% efficiencies were noted.
  • the push/pull method also reduced the overall impact on the inside walls of the piping system.
  • the operator noted that they were able to clean pipes using this method that had thinner side walls, resulting in less damage to the interior of the pipe when compared to the conventional streaming of larger qualities of abrasive into the one directional pushing air stream.
  • burst sanding in which the abrasive material is sent through the pipe in smaller quantities and is allowed to exit before introducing the next burst makes the process more efficient, reduces the negative effects of simply adding a stream of material which in turn reduces the air flow and pressure inside the pipe which and reduces the impact associated with the abrasive material striking the inside walls of the pipe.
  • the vacuum assists by reducing friction loss in the run of the pipe, assist as well by drawing debris and the abrasive out of the pipe.
  • the subject invention's (ACE's) lower end of the scale air pressures were within the average range when compared to the A-S Method for respective pipe diameters i.e.: 3 bar on average, but the subject invention(ACE) used a vacuum drawing air to assist.
  • the preferred applications for the invention are described with building piping systems, the invention can have other applications such as but not limited to include piping systems for swimming pools, underground pipes, in-slab piping systems, piping under driveways, various liquid transmission lines, tubes contained in heating and cooling units, tubing in radiators, radiant in floor heaters, chillers and heat exchange units, and the like.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Application Of Or Painting With Fluid Materials (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention se rapporte à des procédés et à des systèmes destinés au nettoyage abrasif, à l'ébavurage de tuyaux, à la mise en place de revêtements protecteurs et au colmatage des fuites dans des tuyaux existants, en une seule opération. Un système de tuyauterie peut être nettoyé en un seul passage par des jets intermittents de particules sèches qui sont poussées et tirées par l'air tout au long du système de tuyauterie par un générateur et un aspirateur. Les tuyaux peuvent être protégés des effets de la corrosion, de l'érosion-corrosion et de l'électrolyse de l'eau, prolongeant la durée de vie des systèmes de tuyauterie tels que la tuyauterie en cuivre, en acier, en plomb, en laiton, en fonte et matériaux composites. Les techniques de nettoyage et de revêtement protecteur décrites sont efficaces dans des tuyaux faisant jusqu'à 2 pouces (5,08 cm) de diamètres, si bien que l'ensemble des systèmes de tuyauterie peut être nettoyé de façon abrasive, revêtu et colmaté. Le produit de colmatage de fuite d'une épaisseur d'environ 4 mils (0,10 mm) peut recouvrir l'intérieur des tuyaux. Les systèmes de tuyauterie peuvent être remis en service approximativement dans les 24 à 96 heures.
PCT/US2007/024504 2007-11-28 2007-11-28 Procédé et systèmes de nettoyage abrasif, de réalisation de revêtement protecteur et d'étanchement de tuyaux WO2009070135A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

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CA2707023A CA2707023C (fr) 2007-11-28 2007-11-28 Procede et systemes de nettoyage abrasif, de realisation de revetement protecteur et d'etanchement de tuyaux
PCT/US2007/024504 WO2009070135A1 (fr) 2007-11-28 2007-11-28 Procédé et systèmes de nettoyage abrasif, de réalisation de revêtement protecteur et d'étanchement de tuyaux
EP07862294A EP2214869A4 (fr) 2007-11-28 2007-11-28 Procédé et systèmes de nettoyage abrasif, de réalisation de revêtement protecteur et d'étanchement de tuyaux

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PCT/US2007/024504 WO2009070135A1 (fr) 2007-11-28 2007-11-28 Procédé et systèmes de nettoyage abrasif, de réalisation de revêtement protecteur et d'étanchement de tuyaux

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WO2013070156A1 (fr) * 2011-11-07 2013-05-16 Hwq Relining Systems Aktiebolag Revêtement d'une conduite ou d'un système de conduites avec un matériau polymère
WO2020176272A3 (fr) * 2019-02-13 2020-12-03 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Compositions de revêtement pour l'atténuation de l'érosion, et composants revêtus et procédés utilisant lesdits revêtements

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US9700967B2 (en) 2014-03-13 2017-07-11 Honeywell International Inc. Heat exchanger and method of repairing thereof
CN108073769A (zh) * 2017-12-19 2018-05-25 贵州省水利水电勘测设计研究院 大体积混凝土结构的水化热计算方法

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2013070156A1 (fr) * 2011-11-07 2013-05-16 Hwq Relining Systems Aktiebolag Revêtement d'une conduite ou d'un système de conduites avec un matériau polymère
WO2020176272A3 (fr) * 2019-02-13 2020-12-03 Chevron U.S.A. Inc. Compositions de revêtement pour l'atténuation de l'érosion, et composants revêtus et procédés utilisant lesdits revêtements

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CA2707023A1 (fr) 2009-06-04
EP2214869A1 (fr) 2010-08-11
CA2707023C (fr) 2013-05-28
EP2214869A4 (fr) 2012-10-10

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