Apparatus for moving a pipe inspection probe through piping
A method and apparatus are disclosed for controllably moving devices for cleaning or inspection through piping systems, including piping systems with numerous piping bends therein, by using hydrostatic pressure of a working fluid introduced into the piping system. The apparatus comprises a reservoir or other source for supplying the working fluid to the piping system, a launch tube for admitting the device into the launcher and a reversible, positive displacement pump for controlling the direction and flow rate of the working fluid. The device introduced into the piping system moves with the flow of the working fluid through the piping system. The launcher attaches to the valved ends of a piping system so that fluids in the piping system can recirculate in a closed loop. The method comprises attaching the launcher to the piping system, supplying the launcher with working fluid, admitting the device into the launcher, pumping the working fluid in the direction and at the rate desired so that the device moves through the piping system for pipe cleaning or inspection, removing the device from the launcher, and collecting the working fluid contained in the launcher. 8 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5,433,236/A/
- Application Number:
- PAN: 8-089,648
- OSTI ID:
- 87746
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 18 Jul 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Flexible ultrasonic pipe inspection apparatus
Flexible ultrasonic pipe inspection apparatus