Abstract: A pig for movement within a pipeline comprising a cylindrical housing with annular seals circumferentially mounted to the housing and extending outwards for sealing engagement between the pipeline and the housing. An internal flow cavity passes through the housing, with a gate positioned within the internal flow cavity, initially obstructing flow through the cavity. A locking device, connected to the gate, prevents the gate opening. A sensing device is capable of receiving a signal and is connected to an unlocking device. The sensing device receives a signal activating the unlocking device, thereby removing the locking device, permitting the gate to open and flow to pass through the cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) is provided for use in internal cleaning of at least one pipe (10), which apparatus (50) is arranged for connection to a first pipe end (14) of the at least one pipe (10) and to a second pipe end (15) of the at least one pipe, wherein the apparatus (50) at least comprises a coupling device designed for connection to a reservoir of pressurized gas, a pressure chamber (20) for introduction of cleaning pigs (21) and a pig receiver (23) for receiving cleaning pigs (21) which have passed through the at least one pipe (10). The apparatus (50) further comprises a pressure booster (29) for pressurizing a liquid fluid and at least one valve means (16,17) so as to allow a cleaning pig (21) to be driven through the at least one pipe (10) by means of either the pressurized gas or the pressurised liquid fluid.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic barrel pig launcher with an actuated ball valve and a rotating magazine that contains one or more pigs. The automatic barrel pig launcher comprises a plate bore, bottom plate bore, upper case bore, and throughbore of a ball that, when aligned, provide loading of the pig into the throughbore of the ball. The pig is launched by opening the ball valve. Also disclosed herein are systems and methods of use of the automatic barrel pig launcher.

Abstract: As shown a carrier module (2) includes a magazine (9) having five chambers (10) each adapted to receive a pipeline pig, rotatably mounted on a blind hub (8) attached to a frame (7). A hanging eye 14 allows the module to be lowered to an undersea location where, guided by a ROV via a grab handle, its frame member (16) is received by guides (17) of a launcher module (1). The magazine passes through a large connector (4) which engages the blind hub. The ROV operates a bucket drive (22) causing the connector to engage the blind hub in sealing fashion thus enclosing the magazine in a launch chamber (3). A hydraulic ram (11) indexes the magazine to select a chamber from which a pig is to be launched or an empty chamber to receive a pig. Indexing is achieved by a roller on the free end of the ram shaft engaging in a cusped track (26) on the magazine. A pressure connection (12) for launching fluid goes through the center of the magazine, through the blind hub and back into a selected chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is a pipeline pig for cleaning the interior of a pipeline, the pipeline pig having a longitudinal pig body with forward and rearward elastomeric propulsion members affixed to and supporting the pig body substantially concentrically in a pipeline, the propulsion members functioning to move the pig body through a pipeline by the force of fluid flow and a plurality of spaced apart elastomeric diagonally oriented scrapers radially extending from the pig body, each scraper member having a semi-circular outer peripheral edge configured and dimensioned to engage the interior wall of a pipeline to thereby scrape and clean the interior pipeline wall as the pig is moved through the pipeline and provide additional support for the pig substantially concentrically in a pipeline. Orientation of the scraper enhances scraping effectiveness by slicing through any debris buildup, separating the debris from the inner pipe wall so that it can be pushed out of the pipeline by the pig discs or cups.

Abstract: A front end water box with an on-line rubber ball cleaning function in a tubular condenser of a water cooled chiller is provided. A front end water box and an automatic on-line rubber ball cleaning device are integrated. Besides the structure of a normal front end water box, a ball receiving device, a rubber ball collection cavity, a ball sending device, a division drainage device, a ball sending division separator, a ball observer, an automatic rubber ball receiving-and-sending control valve, an automatic terminal temperature difference (TTD) monitoring and recording device, and an automatic rubber ball cleaning controller are further included. Therefore, division cleaning, on-line observation, and rubber ball replacement are automatically realized, the operation TTD of the chiller is automatically displayed and recorded, and a function of manually adjusting the cleaning frequency, period, and start and stop is achieved, so as to ensure that the TTD increase of the chiller does not exceed 0.3° C.

Abstract: A closure for pipeline pig sender or receiver includes a primary closure body and a secondary closure body. The primary closure body has an outer face, an inner face and a port extending therethrough from the outer face to the inner face. The primary closure body is secured to the pipeline pig sender or receiver sealing a closure end when the primary closure body is in the closed position. The secondary closure body closes the port on the primary closure body. The secondary closure body is movable between a closed position and an open position to enable an operator to insert a tool through the port into the diversionary passage to manipulate the pipeline pig and release trapped pressure prior to opening the closure. The secondary closure body is secured to the primary closure body sealing the port when the secondary closure body is in the closed position.

Abstract: A controlled aperture ball drop includes a ball cartridge that is mounted to a frac head or a high pressure fluid conduit. The ball cartridge houses a ball rail having a bottom end that forms an aperture with an inner periphery of the ball cartridge through which frac balls of a frac ball stack supported by the ball rail are sequentially dropped from the frac ball stack as a size of the aperture is increased by an aperture controller operatively connected to the ball rail.

Abstract: This extractor is a simple-to-use tool that aids in removing a pipeline inspection gauge (“pig”) from a pipeline. A standard hitch ball (or other protuberance) is affixed to the pig providing an attachment point for the extractor. Upon arrival of the pig into a receiver, the extractor is inserted into the receiver and centered over the pig's hitch ball. When pushed onto the hitch ball, the extractor's pulling bars are forced apart and out in angled pulling bar slots. Once the extractor's pulling bars pass the midpoint of the hitch ball, extension springs provide tension to the ends of the pulling bars urging them to slide closer together in the angled pulling bar slots. The angled pulling bar slots ensure the pulling bars are at their narrowest point and securely attached to the hitch ball when the extractor is pulled from the receiver thereby permitting pig removal.

Abstract: A pig launching and retrieval valve, which is adapted to be mounted within a pipeline for fluid flow control and for inserting and retrieving pig devices, such as round nosed cylinders, balls, scrapers and the like, for pipeline cleaning, for separation of fluids within the pipeline and for other pipeline inspection and servicing activities. The pig valve is of universal nature, having sub flanges for adaptation of special flange mounting and/or API standard flange mounting. The pig valve has a trunnion supported valve ball and pressure energized seat members that are enabled to shift laterally within respective seat recesses and thus establish self-centering with the valve ball.

Abstract: A firearm cleaning device comprises a flexible cable and threaded coupling assembly, to which a plurality of components may be attached individually or in combination for optimal configuration based on cleaning need and firearm type. A spear-point piercing adapter may be threadably attached to a cable with a coupling portion fixed thereto. The piercing adapter includes a threaded shank with a sharp tip, on which a cleaning patch is speared and a jag is threadably attached thereto, thereby sandwiching the cleaning patch between a body of the piercing adapter and the jag. The cleaning device and various components and attachments can be packaged and sold as a single compact device, which provides mobility for field use, configurability for use with a wide range of firearm types, and cost savings due to fewer components and reduced packaging size.

Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a first pipe portion connected to a second pipe portion at a pipe intersection; a pig carrier located at the pie intersection; and the pig carrier comprising a plurality of pigs in a cylinder, an opening in the carrier aligned with the first pipe portion, and an indexing system adapted to move one of the pigs to the opening.

Abstract: A pig launching system comprising a pipe loop comprising a first end and a second end; a pig shuttle connected to the first end and the second end; a first opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the first end of the pipe loop; a second opening in the pig shuttle aligned with the second end of the pipe loop; and a slot within the pig shuttle movable between the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of producing gaseous and liquid component streams from at least two multi-phase streams in at least two pipelines, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) passing a first multi-phase stream along a first pipeline and through a first slugcatcher system; (b) passing a second multi-phase stream through a second pipeline and a second slugcatcher system; (c) passing a first pig down the first pipeline to create a first pig-slug mass in the first pipeline; and (d) passing at least a fraction of the first multi-phase stream upstream of the first pig-slug mass to the second pipeline along a crossover line.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a system for removing contaminants from the pig receiver.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a pig (12) comprising: a receiver housing (2) arranged to enable connection to a pipeline; a pig retention mechanism (4) mounted within said receiver housing (2), said pig retention mechanism (4) arranged such that it is operable to retain the pig (12) within the housing (2); a first sealing member (6) operable to seal the portion of the receiver housing (2) through which the pig (12) can be removed from the apparatus; a second sealing member (5) operable to seal the portion of the housing (2) that connects said receiver (1) to the pipeline; a fluid inlet (7); and a fluidisation and transportation device (8) arranged to receive the fluidised debris, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that, in use, pressurized fluid is introduced into the enclosed interior of the housing (2) via the fluid inlet in order to fluidise debris which is then removed from the receiver housing (2) via the fluidisation and transportation device (8).

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for launching one or more pigs (5) for cleaning of production flow lines, or tubing, on the sea bed is shown. The apparatus includes a lifting frame (1) retaining a charging pipe (3) which is able to carry a train of pigs (51-510) resting stand-by in the charging pipe (3), a plurality of valves (V1-V4) which on the one side is in fluid communication with the charging pipe (3), and on the other side is in fluid communication with a high pressure drive fluid different from the production flow, a connecting means (2) for connecting of the apparatus (10) to a closable pipe sub leading to the production flow line to be pigged, and an actuatable piston (4) which is able to displace the train of pigs within the charging pipe (3).

Abstract: A ball catcher for recovering balls from wellbore fluids containing sand during flow back operations. The ball catcher has a receiving chamber for receiving the wellbore fluids containing sand, a first flow outlet for discharging a portion of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein, and a diverter for redirecting balls entrained within the wellbore fluids. The redirected balls and a balance of the wellbore fluids also containing sand are received in a ball-retaining chamber. A blocker fit to the ball-retaining chamber retains the recovered balls therein while the balance of the wellbore fluids and sand contained therein is discharged from a second flow outlet and directed to downstream equipment through an auxiliary flow line. The retaining chamber can be isolated allowing the balls to be removed from the ball catcher without disrupting the flow back operation.

Abstract: A system for maintaining production flow in a subsea pipeline having a proximate and a distal end, the pipeline being in fluid communication with a production facility on a distal end, the system comprising a flow loop comprising an inlet in fluid communication with at least one subsea well adapted to receive a hydrocarbon production flow, and an outlet in fluid communication with the proximate end of the pipeline; a pig launching system, adapted so that a pig may be selectively placed into the flow loop inlet; and a pig receiving system, adapted so that a pig may be removed from the hydrocarbon production flow from the flow loop outlet; wherein the flow loop has an inner surface roughness less than about 1000 micro-inches.

Abstract: A pipeline pig and pig launching apparatus which allow the automatic launching of multiple pigs into a pipeline are claimed. The pipeline pig comprises an elongate body having first and second ends and a fluid passage defined therein. The fluid passage has an inlet at the first end of the body and an outlet at the second end of the body. At least two support members project radially outwardly from the body and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the body. A valve means is located within the passage and adapted to selectively move between a first position in which fluid is free to flow through the outlet and a second position in which fluid cannot flow through the outlet. A projecting member extends longitudinally from the first end of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and launching down-hole actuation devices that has a body, a bottom end, a top end and a long bore between the ends. Moveable and protruding into the long bore are retainers upon which down-hole actuation devices may rest. Retainers are moved by a lockable hydraulic drive system. Additionally, a method for loading the apparatus with down-hole actuation devices and for launching said devices into a well bore is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a pig into a fluid system is provided. The method comprises providing a coupling in a fluid system. The coupling itself can include a sleeve coupled to a pipe and an end cap. The end cap may include a collar handle and at least one engagement member. The engagement member facilitates selective engagement of the end cap with the sleeve. The end cap is rotated relative to the sleeve to disengage the engagement member from the groove and to open the end cap relative to the sleeve. The groove is configured so that the engagement member can be opened only when the line is de-pressurized. A pig is inserted through the sleeve and into the pipe. The end cap is then coupled to the sleeve by engaging the engagement member with the sleeve and rotating the end cap relative to the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pipeline pig (10) comprising an elongate body (12) and annular front and rear supports (26,30) projecting radially from the body (12). Each support (26,30) has an upstream side and a downstream side, with the front support (26) including at least one first fluid passage (18) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side, and the rear support (30) including at least one second fluid passage (22) permitting fluid flow from the upstream side to the downstream side. The pig further comprises a launch valve (50) adapted to move from an open position to a closed position to close the at least one first fluid passage (18), and a control means adapted to control the closing of the launch valve (50). A launch trap for launching pigs into a pipeline is also provided.

Abstract: A fitting for inserting a pig into a pipeline. The fitting comprises a cast body having a first end for connecting to a first end of a pipeline and a second end for connecting to a second end of the pipeline. The cast body further comprises a third end arranged at a predetermined angle to the first and second end of the cast body. A retractable guide within the cast body can be at least partially inserted into a run portion of the cast body for delivery or retrieval of the pig.

Abstract: A piggable pipeline system is disclosed. One or more pig launcher/receivers may be coupled to a pipeline. At least one fitting may be coupled to the pipeline. The fitting may include a body and at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages. The pipeline may allow a pig to be launched from at least one of the pig launcher/receivers and returned through the pipeline to at least one of the pig launcher/receivers.

Abstract: An apparatus for successively releasing balls into a wellbore during wellbore operations is disclosed. The apparatus has a radial housing having at least one radial ball array having two or more radial bores. Each radial bore houses a ball cartridge adapted to receive and release balls and an actuator for operably aligning or misaligning the ball cartridge with an axial bore in fluid communication with the wellbore. The ball cartridge is moveable along the radial bore and is operable between an aligned position, for releasing a ball and a misaligned position for storing the ball.

Abstract: A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator. The pig receiver also includes a pressure equalization system that adjusts the pressure downstream of the gate valve when the gate valve is in a closed position.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transporting a pipeline pig provides a housing having an interior. A jacking mechanism is contained within the housing interior. A carriage is supported by the jacking mechanism for movement between an upper extended and a lower retracted position. The carriage has a concave surface that generally cradles a pipeline pig to be transported. A pulling device on the housing enables a pipeline pig to be pulled from a location that is not on the carriage to a position that is on the carriage. The position that is not on the carriage can be for example a pig trap. As part of the method of the present invention, the pulling device pulls the pig from the pig trap or other location to the carriage and then the carriage is retracted into the housing for transport to a remote location.

Abstract: The polisher shuttle serves to polish the inside walls of cylindrical tubes, in particular tubes for medical use. It comprises radial projections that are flexible along the axial direction, suitable for polishing the inside walls of tubes merely by relative movement between the shuttle and the tube, the shuttle passing inside the tube. In a longitudinal section, the sections of the projections form a series of separate undulations that are long and thin in the radial direction. The polishing method made possible by the shuttle is particularly simple, since a single pass of the shuttle can suffice for performing polishing; the method is thus fast and easy to automate, e.g. in a polisher device of the invention.

Abstract: A portable device for extracting a pig from a pipeline which uses a lifting means to raise or lower the device and wheels or other suitable means to allow for the device to be easily and quickly moved into position with minimal man power improving the efficiency and safety of the pig extraction process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and system for inserting a larger diameter foam pig into a tubular member, such as a pipe or pipeline, through a smaller diameter access connection when the tubular member contains a pressurized product flow. A foam pig sized appropriately for the tubular member is reduced in size so as to reside within a canister or vacuum-packed bag within the canister. The canister is located above an access connection to the tubular member. The reduced size foam pig is then injected from the canister through the small diameter access connection. As the foam pig enters into the interior space of the tubular member, the pig expands and turns and travels downstream of the access connection. The expanded foam pig has a diameter substantially equal to that of the tubular member and a volume substantially greater than that of the foam pig prior to its injection.

Abstract: A polymerisation reactor (1) comprising a circulation loop (2), an inlet for raw material (3), an outlet (5), driving means for (6) circulating a reactor charge within the circulation loop (2), and a pig station (7) for storing, launching, and receiving cleaning pigs. The pig station (7) comprises a lid to cover an opening enabling removal of the cleaning pig. The pig station (7) is constructed as a box with a cylindrical bore connected at both ends to the circulation loop, the bore having a central part with a diameter which is larger than the inner diameter of the circulation loop. At a transitional part at the outer ends of the bore the bore diameter narrows down to be substantially equal to the inner tube diameter of the circulation vloop. Over at least a part of the inner bore substantially half of the circular cross-section is formed in the removable lid.

Abstract: A wiper plug has a telescoping feature to allow it to be shorter while in a lubricator so as to reduce lubricator length as compared to an extended length for proper propulsion past off center openings such as side pocket mandrels in the string. The wiper has a telescoping feature that allows it to extend when dropping or being pumped from a lubricator. Once extended, it can lock in the extended position so that it doesn't collapse on the way down the string. Centralizers can optionally be used between an upper and a lower wiping section.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of moving a pig through pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the pig into the pipeline; b) causing a chemical reaction between two or more reagents to produce at least one reaction product that would be in a gaseous state at STP, wherein the reagents would be in a non-gaseous state at STP; and c) introducing the gaseous reaction product into the pipeline. The invention also provides a method of moving a pig through a pipeline, the method comprising the steps of: a) introducing the pig into the pipeline; b) introducing into the pipeline two or more reagents capable of chemically reacting to produce at least one reaction product that would be in a gaseous state at STP, wherein the reagents would be in a non-gaseous state at STP.

Abstract: A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.

Abstract: A ball catcher is adapted to be fluidly connected to a wellhead port to receive wellbore fluids and balls carried therewith. A diverter is fit to the catcher body and has a wellhead end positioned to intercept the fluid flow from the wellhead port so as to divert debris and balls carried therein into a ball recovery chamber. The diverter has a bore in fluid communication with the flow outlet and the wellhead end has flow passages formed therethrough to the bore for receiving the fluid flow free of debris and balls and discharging the fluid flow from the catcher body. The diverter and the ball recovery chamber can be connected to quick removal for replacement, repair or cleaning.

Abstract: The method of retrieving a pig which is stuck in a pipeline including the steps of piercing the pig, establishing a circulation from the near end to the far end of the pig, gripping the central portion of the pig, and pulling the pig back to the proximate end of the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for pushing a dual diameter pig through a conical reducer attached to a pig trap and into a pipeline includes a frame configured such that the pig rests and moves forward on the frame, which has a front end adapted for attachment to the trap. The vertical position of the frame can be adjusted to align the pig with the conical reducer. An actuator is supported on the frame rearward of, and aligned with, the pig and an actuator control extends the actuator into contact with the rear end of a pig, and also retracts the actuator. The actuator locks to the frame at lock locations spaced along the frame, and the lock locations are separated by a distance that is less than a stroke of the actuator. The pig is pushed into the trap in steps by repeatedly extending, retracting, and moving the actuator forward.

Abstract: A pipeline pig and pig launching apparatus which allow the automatic launching of multiple pigs into a pipeline are claimed. The pipeline pig (30,32,34) comprises an elongate body (40) having first and second ends (46,44) and a fluid passage (42) defined therein. The fluid passage (42) has an inlet (47) at the first end (46) of the body (40) and an outlet (49) at the second end (44) of the body (40). At least two support members (48,50) project radially outwardly from the body (40) and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the body (40). A valve means (52) is located within the passage (42) and adapted to selectively move between a first position in which fluid is free to flow through the outlet (49) and a second position in which fluid cannot flow through the outlet (49). A projecting member (54) extends longitudinally from the first end (46) of the body (40).

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for cleaning tubes, in particular the internal surfaces of tubes in heat exchange systems. The device comprises a mass (2) with an optionally provided central through-hole (10) disposed thereon, and optionally provided a plurality of protrusions (20, 21) mounted and/or moulded on the mass (2). The through-hole (10) is preferably of a conical shape-like configuration. A plurality of first protrusions (20) is disposed in a fin-like arrangement on the mass (2). A plurality of second protrusions (21) is disposed in a spiral arrangement on the mass (2), and the lengths of the second protrusions (21) are relatively longer than the length of the first protrusions (20). The mass may consist of an asymmetrically positioned weighted core (15) of different weights and sizes to provide a variety of relative density to the device and to serve as a geometrical manipulation to impart rotational momentum and random dynamic motion to the device.

Abstract: A piggable pipeline system is disclosed. One or more pig launcher/receivers may be coupled to a pipeline. At least one fitting may be coupled to the pipeline. The fitting may include a body and at least two passages through the body. The passages are in fluid communication within the body. A diverter is located in at least one of the passages. The diverter is movable between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the diverter allows open flow between two of the passages. In the closed position, the diverter inhibits flow between the two passages. The pipeline may allow a pig to be launched from at least one of the pig launcher/receivers and returned through the pipeline to at least one of the pig launcher/receivers.

Abstract: A method of providing access to the interior of a cross-line that intersects with a primary pipeline of equal or greater diameter, including the steps of attaching a branch fitting to the exterior of the primary pipeline on the side thereof opposite the point of intersection of the cross-line, affixing a full opening valve to the branch fitting, securing a hot tap machine to the valve, by use of the hot tap machine, cutting an opening in the primary pipeline diametrically opposite of the cross-line and of a diameter at least equal to the internal diameter of the cross-line, and removing the hot tap machine leaving an access through the valve and diametrically through the primary pipeline into the interior of the cross-line.

Abstract: A method for removal of deposits such as hydrate plugs from a pipeline is provided including inserting a thruster pig connected to a return flow line into the pipeline The pig is then advanced forward into the pipeline by pumping a thrusting fluid into an annulus between the pipeline and the return flow line while removing deposits continuously or intermittently and returning flow as appropriate from ahead of the pig through the return flow line. The return flow line is then disconnected from the pig after sufficient deposit removal and retrieved from the return flow line. Next, the pig may then be transported through the pipeline by the pipeline fluid to a pig receiving location once the pipeline flow is resumed.

Abstract: A conduit breach location detector for detecting leaks in a conduit is disclosed. The conduit breach location detector includes a shuttle cage for connection to the conduit. A sounding shuttle is provided in the shuttle cage. A sounding cable may be connected to the sounding shuttle. A pressurization system is connected to the shuttle cage for pressurizing the shuttle cage and pushing the sounding shuttle through the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for pushing a dual diameter pig through a conical reducer attached to a pig trap and into a pipeline includes a frame configured such that the pig rests and moves forward on the frame, which has a front end adapted for attachment to the trap. The vertical position of the frame can be adjusted to align the pig with the conical reducer. An actuator is supported on the frame rearward of, and aligned with, the pig and an actuator control extends the actuator into contact with the rear end of a pig, and also retracts the actuator. The actuator locks to the frame at lock locations spaced along the frame, and the lock locations are separated by a distance that is less than a stroke of the actuator. The pig is pushed into the trap in steps by repeatedly extending, retracting, and moving the actuator forward.

Abstract: A paint pellet gun able to replace a pellet tube quickly includes a pellet tube holder assembled on the pellet-dropping hole of a gun body. The pellet tube holder is bored with a pellet-dropping hole, an insert hole having one side cut with a horizontal insert slot, and a vertical engage groove communicating with the horizontal insert slot. A pellet tube combined with the pellet tube holder has its interior formed with an accommodating chamber and its front end bored with a pellet intake and a bolt-sliding groove and is further provided with a projecting rod. A pellet stopping block is fixed with the front end of the pellet tube by a bolt, having one side formed with a stop member for blocking up the pellet intake, convenient in paint pellet loading and able to replace the pellet tube quickly.

Abstract: In a pipe-cleaning system for sludge pumps, which comprises an importation station that is installed in a delivery line and has a movable component driven by an external drive for introducing a cleaning element into the delivery line, the safety means include, according to the invention, at least one switching element that registers the insertion or removal process and at least one switching means actuated by said switching element, said switching means preventing movement of the movable component by the external drive in the event of the at least one switching element being in a state or generating a signal representative of an insertion or removal process.