Abstract: A system and method for removing asbestos and other hazardous solids from a slurry collected during removal of coatings from pipelines, equipment and other structures. The slurry is collected in a collection pan that is attached to a shroud of a hydrocleaning machine. Contaminated air and the slurry is transferred to a vacuum hopper. The contaminated air is removed from the vacuum hopper. The contaminated air is filtered to remove solid particles. Solid particles are preferably separated from the slurry by passing the slurry through various stages of filters. Pumps are used to transfer the slurry from the collection pan through the filter stages. A first flocculent is injected into the slurry to coagulate the solid particles into individual masses. A second flocculent can be injected into the slurry in order to coagulate a majority of the remaining solid particles. The coagulated masses of solid particles are removed by passing the slurry through a weir or a screen shaker.

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 system and method for removing asbestos and other hazardous solids from a slurry collected during removal of insulation from pipelines, equipment and other structures. The slurry is collected in a collection pan that is attached to a shroud of a hydrocleaning machine. Solid particles are separated from the slurry by passing the slurry through various stages of filters. Pumps are used to transfer the slurry from the collection pan through the filter stages. A first flocculent is injected into the slurry to coagulate the solid particles into individual masses. A second flocculent is injected into the slurry, downstream from the injection point of the first flocculent, in order to coagulate a majority of the remaining solid particles. The coagulated masses of solid particles are removed by passing the slurry through a screen shaker. The slurry discharged from the screen shaker is then passed through further filters.

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.

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 construciton 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus for the hydrocleaning of the exterior surface of a pipeline or the like includes a frame adapted to surround a portion of a pipeline and defining a longitudinal passage through which, in use, the pipeline extends. A plurality of liquid jet nozzles are mounted to the frame in spaced apart relation so as to surround, in use, said pipeline in circumferentially spaced apart relationship to one another with each nozzle in spaced relation to the pipeline exterior surface. Means for supplying high pressure liquid to the nozzles to cause liquid jets to be emitted from the nozzles are provided.