Abstract: A method for clearing natural gas service lines includes providing an independently operable vacuum clearing unit having a frame supporting a centrifugal blower, an internal combustion engine for operating the blower and a bag separator connected to an air intake on the blower. The blower is exhausted above the truck through an absolute (HEPA) filter. A drum top separator selectively mounted on the open upper end of one of a plurality of waste barrels releasably secured in fixed position on the truck is connected between the vacuum clearing unit and an inlet port accessible externally of the truck. The inlet port is connected by an elongated flexible service hose and a service hose adapter to a gas service line to be cleared. The vacuum clearing unit is then operated, thereby drawing any debris present in the gas line through the unit and into one of the plurality of waste barrels.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 12, 2000
Date of Patent:
June 12, 2001
Assignees:
The Spencer Turbine Company, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation
Inventors:
James E. Burns, Jr., James S. Yablonski, Crawford Allen, Brian Martin, Christopher Malone, Edward LaPointe
Abstract: A truck mounted vacuum system for clearing natural gas service lines includes an independently operable vacuum clearing unit having a frame supporting a centrifugal blower, an internal combustion engine for operating the blower and a bag separator connected to an air intake on the blower. The blower is exhausted above the truck through an absolute (HEPA) filter. A drum top separator selectively mounted on the open upper end of one of a plurality of waste barrels releasably secured in fixed position on the truck is connected between the vacuum clearing unit and an inlet port accessible externally of the truck. The inlet port is connected by an elongated flexible service hose and a service hose adapter to a gas service line to be cleared.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
June 12, 1998
Date of Patent:
May 16, 2000
Assignees:
The Spencer Turbine Company, Connecticut Natural Gas Corporation
Inventors:
James E. Burns, Jr., James S. Yablonski, Crawford Allen, Brian Martin, Christopher Malone, Edward LaPointe