Ultra-high pressure waterjets efficient in removing coatings

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Pipeline and Gas Journal

OSTI ID:392260

Little if any thought was given to pipeline rehabilitation 50 years, a time when pipe manufacturers often coated the external diameter of pipe with coal tar to help eliminate corrosion. Unfortunately, contractors rehabilitating these pipelines today encounter major difficulties when attempting to remove coal tar with traditional removal processes. A leading pipeline rehabilitation firm, F.F. Yockey Company, Inc. of Magnolia, Texas, faced a constant challenge stripping coal tar with rotating knives and brushes. The process generated heat that melted the tar and caused the machines to jam. Another problem was the damage to the substrate caused by the friction-based cleaning techniques of rotating knives and brushes. The knives also failed to completely clean the substrate, leaving behind a significant amount of residue. Contractors learned that new coating bonded poorly to the substrates covered with residual contaminants, thus yielding unsatisfactory results. As he looked for a solution, Dick Yockey, president and CEO of R.F. Yockey, began exploring the use of ultra-high pressure waterjet surface preparation equipment. This system involved water pressurized at levels ranging from 35,000 to 55,000 psi. The water travels through small orifices in a high-speed rotating nozzle, forming a cohesive stream of water. This paper reviews the design and performance of this system.

• OSTI ID: 392260
• Journal Information: Pipeline and Gas Journal, Journal Name: Pipeline and Gas Journal Journal Issue: 6 Vol. 223; ISSN PLGJAT; ISSN 0032-0188
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
CUTTING TOOLS
NATURAL GAS INDUSTRY
PERFORMANCE
PETROLEUM INDUSTRY
PIPELINES
PROTECTIVE COATINGS
REMOVAL
REPAIR