Abstract: A pipeline treating apparatus (10) is disclosed which is used to clean the exterior of a pipeline (12) with high pressure air with entrained abrasive. The apparatus has an improved classifier and separator to separate the abrasive grit from lighter debris which includes a classifier and separator within a manifold duct (56) which returns the grit to a collection pan (40) for recovery and causes the lighter airborne dust to be removed through a return duct (58). A series of pressure relief filters (82) reduce the air pressure within a blast chamber (28) and resist debris escaping from the blast chamber past the triple seals (76, 78, 80). The blast nozzle assemblies (834) are attached to the nozzle oscillating frames by snap fittings (74) which avoids threaded connections which may become contaminated by the debris.

Abstract: A pipeline treating apparatus (350) is disclosed which includes a main frame (352) and a pair of wings (354, 356) pivotally mounted to the main frame for surrounding a pipeline to be treated. Each wing mounts at least one bracket (390, 392) for oscillating motion about a portion of the exterior of the pipeline surface. Each bracket mounts at least one nozzle (382) for treating the outer surface of the pipeline. A single drive motor on each wing can drive a pair of brackets, each bracket being oscillated a different arcuate length than the other bracket, if desired. The number of nozzles mounted on each bracket can be varied to address a specific treatment problem.

Abstract: A pipeline treating apparatus (600) is disclosed which has a pair of pivotally mounted housing sections (604,608) and a pair of separately pivotal nozzle frames (610, 612). A nozzle plate is mounted on each of the nozzle frames and carries a plurality of nozzles (622). A drive mechanism on the nozzle frames oscillates the nozzle plate a predetermined arcuate distance around the circumference of the pipeline so that the nozzles treat the entire outer surface of the pipeline. The housing sections and nozzle frames are separately pivotal from a removal position, to allow removal of an installation of the apparatus on the pipeline, to a operational position concentric about the pipeline for performing the treating operation.

Abstract: A direct drive motor and swivel assembly is provided. The assembly comprises a motor with a modified motor shaft extending through the motor. The motor shaft has a longitudinal passageway extending therethrough and a first end which is disposed outside of the motor and a second end opposite thereto. The swivel shaft of a swivel is axially aligned with the first end of the motor shaft and coupled thereto at a point outside of the motor such that the motor shaft passageway and swivel shaft passageway are in communication. The second end of the motor shaft may be connected to nozzles such that fluid flowing through the swivel housing into the swivel shaft and motor shaft will exit the second end of the motor shaft and flow through nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame defining a longitudinal passage of a size sufficient to permit the pipeline to extend longitudinally therethrough. A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are mounted on the frame. Each cleaning unit includes a plurality of jet modules. In turn, each jet module includes a rotatable jet nozzle mounted to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid toward the pipeline exterior surface. A high pressure cleaning liquid source is also provided and is connected to the rotatable jet nozzles to provide high pressure cleaning liquid to the nozzles.

Abstract: Apparatus for the cleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame defining a longitudinal passage of a size sufficient to permit the pipeline to extend longitudinally therethrough. A first cleaning unit and a second cleaning unit are mounted on the frame. Each cleaning unit includes a plurality of jet modules. In turn, each jet module includes a rotatable jet nozzle mounted to deliver a jet of cleaning liquid toward the pipeline exterior surface. A high pressure cleaning liquid source is also provided and is connected to the rotatable jet nozzles to provide high pressure cleaning liquid to the nozzles.

Abstract: A machine and method are provided for reconditioning pipelines. The machine comprises parts and modules which are easily stowed, manually portable into and out of excavations, and easily installed together to form a machine for reconditioning the outer surface of pipelines. A frame construction capable of assembly around a pipeline is provided. A travel module is attachable to the frame to move the frame along the pipeline. A traction module is attachable to the frame to provide substantially constant traction during travel regardless of surface irregularities. A ring construction is provided for placement around the pipeline and rotation about rollers attachable to the frame that engage the inside of the ring construction. Retaining arms and reconditioning devices can be mounted on the ring construction and a rotating module is attachable to the frame to engage and rotate or oscillate the ring construction around the pipeline.

Abstract: A plurality of liquid jet nozzles are positioned in spaced apart relation to each other about a portion of the exterior surface of a pipe to be cleaned. High pressure liquid is supplied to the nozzles to cause liquid jets to be emitted, with the liquid jets being directed toward the exterior surface of the pipe. Each nozzle can be rotated about an axis which is at least substantially normal to the exterior surface of the pipe, while the nozzles are being moved longitudinally relative to the pipe. The liquid jets from the nozzles simultaneously impinge on the exterior surface of the pipe along prescribed paths located in an annular region extending around the circumferential extent of the pipe.

Abstract: Hydrocleaning apparatus for pipelines and the like includes a frame capable of advancing lengthwise of the pipeline, such frame carrying a plurality of liquid jetting modules which, in use, are disposed in an array around the pipeline surface to enable cleaning of the entire surface to be effected. The frame can be opened of the entire surface to be effected. The frame can be opened up to allow the apparatus to be fitted to or removed from a continuous pipeline. The frame arrangement and module mounting system are designed to provide good cleaning efficiency and proper orientation of the various modules in spite of pipeline irregularities including out-of-round conditions, uneven coating thicknesses and wrinkles. A pivoting module mount helps to maintain cleaning efficiency in the case where thick coatings are being removed. The frame drive wheels are disposed forwardly of the modules to avoid contamination of the cleaned surfaces by deposits that may build up on the wheels.

Abstract: Hydrocleaning apparatus for pipelines and the like includes a frame capable of advancing lengthwise of the pipeline, such frame carrying a plurality of liquid jetting modules which, in use, are disposed in an array around the pipeline surface to enable cleaning of the entire surface to be effected. The frame can be opened up to allow the apparatus to be fitted to or removed from a continuous pipeline. The frame arrangement and module mounting system are designed to provide good cleaning efficiency and proper orientation of the various modules in spite of pipeline irregularities including out-of-round conditions, uneven coating thicknesses and wrinkles. A pivoting module mount helps to maintain cleaning efficiency in the case where thick coatings are being removed. The frame drive wheels are disposed forwardly of the modules to avoid contamination of the cleaned surfaces by deposits that may build up on the wheels.