Abstract: A pipe fitting includes a run tube having a cylindrical wall defining a first end opening, a second end opening, and an elongated throat, a branch tube fitting defining a fluid passage, and a tapered throat section fixed between the elongated throat opening and the branch tube fitting. Optionally, there is a branch tube interposed between the throat section and the branch tube fitting. The first end opening and the second end opening also can include fittings. The run tube, in combination with the throat section defines a body having a generally triangular inner chamber. The pipe fitting prevents clogging in piping systems transporting liquid/solid mixtures, such as in a winery. Clogs are prevented because the cross sectional area of the throat opening is substantially (e.g., at least 1.25) larger than the cross sectional area of the fluid passage defined by the branch tube fitting.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A barrel washing apparatus (10) for cleaning barrels, particularly wine barrels (16). A wand assembly (14) has a spray head (22) mounted on a fluid supply tube (28) which is bent in a particular fashion such that it can be inserted through a bung hole (20) of a wine barrel (16). A suction tube (24) has a cut away portion (38) in a distal end (36) thereof for abutting the bottom of the wine barrel (16). The suction tube (24) is also bent in a particular fashion. A barrel stopper (26) is adapted for holding the fluid supply tube (28) and the suction tube (24) in position in the bung hole (20) of the wine barrel (16). A service cart (12) has a pressure pump (55) for providing fluids under pressure to the spray head (22) via a fluid line (50), A vacuum apparatus (62) provides vacuum for removing fluids from the wine barrel (16) via the suction tube (24) and a vacuum line (52) and for depositing the fluids in a sump (63). A sump pump (64) removes the fluids from the sump (63).

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling systems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.

Abstract: A novel method for bending tubes suitable for use in high-purity fluid handling sygtems includes selecting a tube made from a material having a grain-size number of at least 5, and forming a bend in the tube with a bend radius of greater than 1.5 times the diameter of the tube. Tubes bent according to the present invention are incorporated into high-purity systems as supply lines, product lines, and vacuum forelines, without the need for post-bend heat treatment or polishing.