Apparatus for moving a pipe inspection probe through piping
- Martinez, GA
- Aiken, SC
- North Augusta, SC
A method and apparatus 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.
- Research Organization:
- Savannah River Site (SRS), Aiken, SC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC09-89SR18035
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5433236
- OSTI ID:
- 869981
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
moving
pipe
inspection
probe
piping
method
controllably
devices
cleaning
systems
including
numerous
bends
therein
hydrostatic
pressure
fluid
introduced
comprises
reservoir
source
supplying
launch
tube
admitting
device
launcher
reversible
positive
displacement
pump
controlling
direction
flow
rate
moves
attaches
valved
fluids
recirculate
closed
loop
attaching
pumping
desired
removing
collecting
contained
piping systems
positive displacement
launch tube
closed loop
method comprises
apparatus comprises
flow rate
static pressure
apparatus comprise
method comprise
fluid contained
pipe inspection
fluid introduced
displacement pump
inspection probe
hydrostatic pressure
moving device
bends therein
controllably moving
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