Pipeline Exterior Treatment System and Method

Abstract

A pipeline exterior blasting system includes a containment enclosure, a blasting subsystem, and a waste material removal subsystem. The containment enclosure is configured to enclose a section of a pipeline. The blasting subsystem is configured to propel blasting material at an exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure. The waste material removal subsystem configured to remove blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure. A method of treating an exterior surface of a section of pipeline includes enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure. Blasting material is propelled at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure, after which blasting waste material is removed from within the containment enclosure.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/683,257, which was filed on Nov. 13, 2019, which in turns claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application for Patent No. 62/766,993, which was filed on Nov. 14, 2018.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to the field of pipeline exterior treatment, and more particularly to systems and methods of blasting a welded or otherwise joined site of a pipeline, to clean and prepare the surface for coating.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pipeline construction generally requires the joining of pipe sections to form a length of pipeline that spans a great distance. The pipeline is typically placed on the ground or buried underground and therefore must be coated with a sealant or other protective substance to protect the metal piping from corrosion or other harmful effects. It is usually most efficient to coat the piping sections prior to delivery of the piping to the pipeline site, where the pipe sections will be joined. The pipe sections are typically welded together, but regardless of the manner of joining the sections, portions of the pipe are stripped of coating and exposed by the joining process. Therefore, prior to being placed or buried, the exposed portions of the pipeline at the pipe section joints must be re-coated. For example, at a welded pipe connection, uncoated portions at the weld must be coated. However, coating at the weld site is most effective if the site is cleaned and otherwise prepared prior to application of the coating material.

The welded site of two pipes in a pipeline are usually blasted with grit material to clean and prepare the surface prior to coating the pipeline section before being placed on or in the ground. Impact of the blasting material on the pipe clears the surface of any debris or contaminant and prepares the surface but also pulverizes the blasting material, resulting in the release of dust in the air and grit waste on the ground surrounding the blasting operation. This occupational and environmental hazard is typically addressed in a way that is ineffective, unwieldy, time-consuming, and expensive.

Conventional techniques try to mitigate for environmental hazards inherent in the process and provide for protection from human safety hazards presented by grit-blasting materials and dust in the atmosphere. Current systems use tents to cover blast areas and tarps on the ground to catch used grit and control dust, after which waste material must be collected and disposed of. In addition, people involved in the process of blasting must wear full-body hazard suits. Because clean air filters to scrub the air in the tented areas are not used, dust created in these areas can reduce visibility to unacceptable levels in the confined space and the temperature inside the hazmat suits can easily reach 120 degrees during certain times of the year.

Many methods and systems are currently utilized to clean and prepare pipes for coatings, but they all fall short in enabling environmental and safe working conditions. Therefore, any easy to use system that provides safety for workers as well as environmental protection would be beneficial in the industry.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is an improved system and method of treating the surface of pipe sections at welding sites and other joinder regions, which overcomes deficiencies of conventional systems and methods, providing benefits and advantages in the field.

According to an aspect of the invention, a pipeline exterior blasting system includes a containment enclosure, a blasting subsystem, and a waste material removal subsystem. The containment enclosure is configured to enclose a section of a pipeline. The blasting subsystem is configured to propel blasting material at an exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure. The waste material removal subsystem configured to remove blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure.

The containment enclosure preferably includes a first element and a second element. The first and second elements are coupled so as to be movable between an open position in which the section of pipeline can be received in the containment enclosure, and a closed position in which the section of pipeline is enclosed in the containment enclosure. For example, the first and second elements can be hingedly coupled.

The containment enclosure preferably includes a fixed portion configured to remain stationary with respect to the section of pipeline, and a movable portion configured to be moved around a circumference of the section of pipeline. The containment enclosure can also include a curtain arrangement configured to provide isolation between respective interiors of the fixed portion and the movable portion.

The system can also include a rotation assembly configured to move the movable portion of the containment enclosure around the circumference of the section of pipeline. The rotation assembly can includes a motor having a drive output, a linkage assembly arranged to impart motion of the motor drive output to the movable portion of the containment enclosure, and a power interface configured to couple with a power source to power the motor.

The movable portion can be configured to be aligned with a weld joint in the section of pipeline.

The system can also include an observation assembly configured to provide an image of the weld joint to an observer outside the containment enclosure. For example, the observation assembly can include an imaging subsystem having a camera mounted within the movable portion, a display device, and a communication subsystem to provide imaging data from the camera to the display device.

The blasting subsystem can be arranged to move with the movable portion to propel the blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion. As the movable portion moves around the section of pipeline, the waste material removal subsystem is arranged to remove blasting waste material from within the movable portion, and can be arranged to move with the movable portion. The waste material removal subsystem can include a tray or barrel arranged to catch falling grit debris.

The blasting subsystem can include, for example, a blasting nozzle configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a blasting port in the containment enclosure and to a blasting hose outside the containment enclosure. The system need not but can include the blasting hose, configured to couple with an output of an abrasive pressure blaster.

The waste material removal subsystem can include, for example, a vacuum coupler configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a vacuum port in the containment enclosure and to a vacuum hose outside the containment enclosure. The waste material removal subsystem can also include an air pressure port configured to couple to compensate for a pressure difference at the vacuum port. The waste material removal subsystem need not but can include the vacuum hose, configured to couple with an input of a vacuum device.

The system can also include a transport assembly, which can include a lifting assembly configured to suspend the containment enclosure when mounting and dismounting, from the pipeline, and a mobile platform configured to support the containment enclosure. The transport assembly can also include a drive device configured to move the containment enclosure along a length of the pipeline.

According to another aspect of the invention, a method of treating an exterior surface of a section of pipeline includes enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure. Blasting material is propelled at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure, after which blasting waste material is removed from within the containment enclosure.

Enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure can include opening the containment enclosure, receiving the section of pipeline within the open containment enclosure, and closing the containment enclosure around the section of pipeline, thereby enclosing the section of pipeline.

Propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure can include fixing a first portion of the containment enclosure with respect to the section of pipeline. A second portion of the containment enclosure is moved around a circumference of the section of pipeline while propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion.

The movable portion can be aligned with a weld joint in the section of pipeline.

Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure preferably includes suctioning grit dust from an interior of the containment enclosure, either while propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure or after the blasting process is complete.

Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure can include catching falling grit debris in a tray or barrel.

Numerous objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of the invention disclosed herein, having exemplary embodiments illustrated by the accompanying drawings. The description is not intended to be limiting of the invention, the scope of which is set forth in the language of the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a longitudinal cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows a transverse cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of the process of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, a pipeline blasting system 10 is releasably mounted to a pipeline welded section 11, and includes a blasting containment enclosure 12 connected to an electrical power generator 14, a blasting device 16, and a vacuum device 18. The blasting containment enclosure 12 is an enclosure that includes a fixed portion 22 that remains static with respect to the pipe, a rotating containment portion 24 that is movable about the pipe during the blasting procedure, a heavy grit capture portion 26, a blasting nozzle portion 27, and one or more hinges 30 or other fixtures that allow the blasting containment enclosure 12 to be opened and closed over the pipe. Electrical power lines 34 couple elements that require power for operation to the generator 14 or other external source of power. Preferably the blasting containment enclosure 12 includes one or more ports that connect to the power source via external cabling, whereas internal cabling and harnesses route wiring as necessary to powered components within the blasting containment enclosure 12.

As shown, a blasting material hose 36 can be coupled to deliver blasting material to the nozzle portion 27 at a blasting port in the sidewall of the blasting containment enclosure 12. Similarly, vacuum hose 38 can be coupled to the vacuum device 18 and to the blasting containment enclosure 12 at a vacuum port. The electrical power generator 14, the grit blasting device 16, and the grit vacuum device 18 along with their respective connections 107, make up an external support assembly 106 that can be interchangeable with any similar assembly to be connected to the blasting containment enclosure 12 to provide power, blasting material and propulsion, and suction for dust eradication, respectively. There is also a catch element 26 such as a tray or barrel for catching heavy blast material and grit waste when the blasting containment enclosure 12 is opened.

In order to securely close the blasting containment enclosure 12 during operation, the blasting containment enclosure 12 can include one or more cooperative closure elements, such as releasable holder elements 35, illustrated in the form of rings, mounted to the fixed portion 22 and the rotating containment portion 24, such that a connector 33, illustrated in the form of a rod, can be inserted through some or all of the releasable holder elements 35 to hold of the rotating containment portion 24 in place with respect to the fixed portion 22, preventing movement around the pipe. When the connector 33 is pulled out from the releasable holder elements 35 that are attached to the rotating containment portion 24, rotation of the rotating containment portion 24 is enabled relative to the fixed portion 22 for operation of the system.

Further, referring to FIG. 3, a releasable lift connector 31, such as the lift cable shown, can be attached to the releasable holder elements 35, and thus to allow a connected lifting device 32 to lift, remove, elevate, and relocate the entire system 10 from its current location on the pipeline 20 to a subsequent selected operational work site. In summary, there are two positions for the connector 33 to allow for two different operations of the entire system 10, namely, rotation of the rotating containment portion 24, and transportation of the system 10. If the system is fabricated so as to be large in scale or of heavy materials, the system 10 can be placed on a dolly or on motorized transport for delivery to the next site. If the system 10 is built on a smaller scale or from lightweight materials, the system 10 can be carried by hand by one or more people, with or without the use of the releasable lift connector 31 and the connected lifting device 32.

Referring to FIG. 2, the system 10 can include a motor 40 arranged within the fixed portion 22, for example attached to a wall 22A of the blasting containment enclosure 12. The motor 40 can be of the type including, for example, a typical rotor shaft 42 extending therefrom, and can be coupled to the electric power line 34 to be powered by the generator 14. A first coupling device 46 (such as a gear) can be mounted on the rotor shaft 42, configured to positively engage a linkage device 44 (for example, a chain) that can positively engage a second coupling device 50 (such as a second gear) that is mounted to a first portion 48 coupled to the rotating containment portion wall 24A. This exemplary linkage system 43 can be substituted by any other similar linkage system that is configured to cause rotation of the rotating containment portion 24, and any such linkage system is contemplated for use with the system 10of the invention.

Thus, as the motor 40 is activated, the rotor shaft 42 rotates accordingly, thereby causing the first coupling device 46 also to rotate, engaging the linkage device 44 and thereby causing the first portion 48 to rotate because the second coupling device 50 is fixed thereto and coupled to the linkage device 44. As a result, the entire rotating containment portion 24 rotates around the pipe 20. Rotational stabilization devices such as wheel mechanisms 68 can be included at the outside ends of the blasting containment enclosure 12 around the pipe opening to aid in the smooth movement 90 of the rotating containment portion 24 around the pipe.

It is noted that in this exemplary embodiment, the linkage device 44 would be wrapped completely around the first and second coupling devices if there is a chain and gearing arrangement configured to enable the rotation of the first portion 48 and thus couple the rotating containment portion 24. As noted above, however, there are many other mechanical systems that can enable the desired described rotation. For example, a screw-type gear can be used to replace the typical tooth gears 46 and 50, and a rod with matching screw-type teeth to engage in known fashion. Alternatively, a simple belt drive like used on a car cooling fan belt system can be used, or the linkage device 44 can be altogether eliminated to arrange the rotatable shaft 42 in direct contact with the first portion 48 so that the first and second couple devices 46 and 50 positively mutually engage. In such an embodiment, the motor 40 can be repositioned in a closer orientation to enable the requisite positive engagement between as commonly known by one skilled in the art of gearing mechanisms

The system 10 can also include a curtain device 52, for example in the form of a brush, coupled to the first circular wall portion 48 to separate atmospheric conditions within and between the fixed portion 22 and the rotating containment portion 24, by which airborne elements in the rotating containment portion 24 can be deterred or prevented from entering the fixed portion 22 from the rotating containment portion 24. A releasable fixing device 66 can also be included, such as in the form of clamps, configured to temporally and releasably hold the position of the fixed portion 22 relative to the pipe section 22A and thus prevent relative motion therebetween when the motor 40 is activated. It is noted that the fixing device 66 can take any physical design, form, or arrangement that would allow for the function of securing the fixed positioning of the fixed portion 22 relative to the pipe 20 during the rotational operation of the rotating containment portion 24.

A containment cavity 60 within the blasting containment enclosure 12 is defined by the containment wall 23B, and a vacuum hose mounting device 37 is configured to releasably mount the vacuum hose 38 through the containment wall 23B. Rotational stabilization devices or support device 68, for example in the form of wheels or a wheel mechanism, are arranged to abut the pipeline 20 and allow for smooth rotation of the rotating containment portion 24. Another curtain device 64, such as a circular brush, can be positioned between the containment wall 23B and the pipeline 20, configured to be fitted around the periphery of the pipe 20, taking any form able to prevent dust created within the containment cavity 60 from being released to the outside atmosphere where the workers are located.

Elements of the pipeline 20 can include a first pipe 20A and a second pipe 20B, each having a protective covering 58 thereon that does not cover the exposed end section 56 of each pipe 20A and 20B. A weld bead 54 that spans the circumference of the two uncovered pipe end sections 56, joining the pipes 20A and 20B. These exposed end sections 56 and weld bead 54 together form the work area 11 for the pipeline blasting system 10.

In operation, referring to FIG. 4, the material blasting nozzle portion 27 projects a blast material 72 at high speed toward the work area 11, where it impinges thereon at an impact zone 73. The propelled impacting blast material 72 cleans the pipe sections 56 in the work zone 11 and pits the surface to prepare the pipe for subsequent environmental protection coating process 122 material, such as or similar to the pipe coating 58. As a consequence, the blast material 72 upon high impact generally is pulverized into smaller particles, creating dust 62 and larger less pulverized waste particles 84, which fill the containment cavity 60. During this process or afterward, the grit vacuum device 18 is activated, automatically or by the operator, to suction out the dust particles 62 through the vacuum hose 38 in known vacuum process operation. Additionally, the blasting nozzle portion 27 is fixed into the container wall 23B and moved around the circumference of the pipe with the rotating containment portion 24 with operation of the motor 40and linkage device 44. Thus, as the motor 40 operates, the rotating containment portion 24 rotates preferably completely 360 degrees around the circumference of the pipe work site 11 while the blasting material 72 impacts the blast zone 73, the pulverized blasting dust material 62 is suctioned out of the containment cavity 60 through the vacuum hose 38, and the heavy less pulverized waste material 84 is collected toward a bottom portion of the cavity 60. Upon completion of the entire 360 degrees of rotation the system can reverse direction and eventually return to the original starting position of the blasting nozzle 27, completing the blasting operation.

During operation of the system 10 and rotation of the rotating containment portion 24, the exterior hoses and cords 107 have sufficient excess length to wrap around the rotational containment portion 24 before becoming unwrapped with the reverse rotation. Preferably, the wheels 68 assist in the rotation and hold the relative positioning for all associated elements. Other methods of controlling the rotation, including using stoppers, position sensors, and switches, are contemplated for use within the scope of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a separation, interface, or cut 43 extending down the center of the blasting containment enclosure 12 has a top cut position starting at the hinge device 30 and extending down to a bottom section located proximate a mounted catch device 26. Thus, the cut 43 separates the blasting containment enclosure 12 into a first half wall 23A and a second half wall 23B. A coupling device 80 is configured to hold together the two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12 and specifically the walls 23A and 23B during operation thereof. Upon closure of the robotic grit blasting device 12, the wheels 68 come into contact with the pipe 20 for friction-reduced rotation thereof. The hinge 30 facilitates the smooth opening and closing of the two half walls 23A and B. Dashed lines 41 illustrate a possible open position of the cut 43, wherein the opening is a sufficient distance to allow for the lifting of the blasting containment enclosure 12 off of the pipe 20 during some moving operations. The two half walls 23A and 23B open in an arcuate motion 83 to be repositioned to an open position 41 of the cut 43. Also, as the motor 40 is activated, the associated linkage system 42, 44, 46, 50 causes the containment portion 24 to rotate in a rotational direction 90 relative to the pipe 20 and to the fixed portion 22 that is releasably coupled to the pipe 20A via the holder 66.

When mounting the blasting containment enclosure 12 at the pipe work site 11, personnel mounting the system 10 can visually position the blasting containment enclosure 12 with respect to the weld location and the surrounding pipe work site 11, to ensure that the entire pipe work site is treated. Alternatively, an imaging system can be used to assist personnel, for example by providing visual information even when the blasting containment enclosure 12 is closed, and/or to provide visual aids to help align the blasting containment enclosure 12 or even to provide automated alignment. For example, a camera system 133 coupled for communication with an external display (via radio, internet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other known connection protocol 135, and a rotatable protective cover 131) can be mounted within the blasting containment enclosure 12. The camera system 135 can be positioned to view inside the cavity 60 to aid in positioning the grit blasting nozzle 27 in line with the work site 11. The cover 131 can be opened for viewing a display, and closed during blasting operation via any known remote-control method and associated mechanical mechanisms.

FIG. 3 shows the blasting containment enclosure 12 as having a round outer wall in cross-section. However, the outer wall can have any suitable shape. Further, the interior of the blasting containment enclosure 12 can also take any cross-sectional shape, as long as the blasting containment enclosure 12 conforms to the enclosed piping for smooth movement around the piping during the blasting operation.

Referring to FIG. 4, a pipeline 20 coupling process site 150 includes the blasting containment enclosure 12, the support devices assembly 106, a pipe welding system 110, a pipe protective coating application system 120, and a blasting system transporter 100 and its working arm 101. The welding system 110 can include typical pipeline welding equipment and personnel, all located at a welding site 111 where two unconnected pipe section will be welded together in any known fashion. Moreover, the support devices assembly 106 can also include a vehicle and driver 109 for transport and support of the assembly. Additionally, the protective coating application system will include known pipeline coating devices, materials, and personnel, including any spray guns, spray material containers, and associated power systems.

The remote viewing system 200 includes a communication device 201, for example a cell phone using any known remote camera monitoring software system. The remote viewing system 200 receives real-time viewing images using any known data transfer protocol (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, radio, etc.) from the camera 133 when the protective flap 131 is opened. Additionally, there is shown a typical viewing screen 202 that will display the camera-generated image, so that a user can perform accurate positioning of grit blasting containment enclosure 12 to properly orient the blasting nozzle 27 to blast the two pipe ends 56 at the welding site 11. A remote-control device 210 can be used to communicate and control the operation of the alignment system 170 by controlling the forward and backward alignment movement thereof to properly align the grit blasting containment enclosure 12. If the alternative alignment system 170 is used, the blasting system transporter 100, in the form of a vehicle like a truck, will not be needed for each relocation process of the entire system to the subsequent blasting work site 11.

In operation, the entire process site 150 is configured to generally move from a current work site 102 to a subsequent work site 104 and continue in this manner along a gas pipeline 20 construction project, which could span dozens and even hundreds of miles of weld sites 11. For example, pipe 20 can be laid out in a linear orientation as shown, and the welding system 110 is used to weld together two pipe ends 56 and move on to a subsequent un-welded dual pipe interface work site 111. As part of the process, the welded pipe section 11 is cleaned by the blasting system 10.

To move the blasting system 10, the two halves 23A and 23B are opened in an arcuate path 83 like a clam shell at the hinge 30 into the resulting opened position at the dividing cut 41 and transferred along the pipe to a subsequent work site 11, at which point it will be properly oriented and closed via a releasable fixing device 66 and the wall-coupling device 80, removably anchoring the blasting container 12 to the pipe 20. All of the connections 107 can then be reattached to the blasting system 10 if decoupled during the transfer, and the connector 33 can be uncoupled from holder elements 35 mounted to the rotating containment portion 24. On activation of the motor 40, the blasting system 10 actuates the rotating containment portion 24 to move around the circumference of the pipe. As a result, the welded pipe section 11 is treated by being blasted and cleaned by the blasting material 72 expelled from blasting nozzle 27. The vacuum system 18, via the hose 38, removes the particle dust 62 from the containment cavity 60. Preferably after a 360-degree cleaning of the pipe section 11, the rotating containment portion 24 reverses to rotate back into the starting position by reversing operation of the motor 40.

After treatment, all of the connections 107 can be disconnected from the blasting system 10 and the releasable fixing device 66 and the wall-coupling device 80 can be disengaged, the rod connector 33 reinserted into the holder elements 35, and the releasable gripper 31 reattached. The transporter 100 lifts the connected lifting device 32 via the arm 101, which opens the two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12 along the cut 43 and around the hinges 30 a sufficient amount to enable the two halves to clear the pipe 20, thus simultaneously allowing heavy waste materials 84 that were not captured by the vacuum system 18 to fall into the catch tray 26 or barrel. The system 10 is then ready to be moved to a subsequent work site 104, where the blasting containment enclosure 12 is lowered onto the pipe 20, causing the two halves to close around the pipe 20. The releasable fixing device 66 is then recoupled to the pipe 20 to enable the rotational stabilization devices 68 to contact the pipe 20 and the curtain devices 52 and 64 to contact proximate to the pipe 20. The wall-coupling device 80 is then engaged to releasably hold the two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12 together while performing the next blasting operation. The pipe protective coating application system 120 can be moved along after the blasting operation is performed to perform coating operations at the coating site 122 to protect the remaining exposed and now cleaned pipe ends 56.

Alternatively, the blasting system transporter 100 might not be used every step of the subsequent cleaning operation and movement thereof, and might not consistently use the connector 33 and holder elements 35. Instead, the alternative alignment system 170 can optionally be mounted thereto as illustrated and used in all subsequent operations, and could be actuated for automatic operation. It should be apparent that other modifications to the particular operation of the system will be made in using the alternative alignment system 170. For example, the disconnection and reconnection of the connections 107 might not be required or desired. Also, to prepare for movement, the alternative alignment system 170 can be engaged to be activated first to extend the carriage device wheels 175 to contact the pipe 20 so as to force open the two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12. The carriage device 175 can then be remotely activated via camera visualization device 200 and moved along the pipe 20 via a motion control system 210 until the appropriate position is reached to properly position the blasting nozzle 27 for accurate blasting operations. At that point, the carriage device wheels 175 are retracted to enable the two halves of the blasting containment enclosure 12 to close around the pipe 20, and are retained in a retracted non-engaging position as shown in FIG. 3. All other previously described operational steps can be performed as previously described.

Alternatively, there could be only be a single side mounted system on the leading or trailing side relative to the lateral movement shown in FIG. 4, rather than the illustrated two-sided system (one on the leading side and the other on the trailing side) as long as lateral movement of the blasting system 10 along the pipeline to subsequent weld sites is enabled.

It is noted that there are many variations to the invention as described that are included within the intended scope of the invention. For example, although the description discusses using “grit”, the invention is not limited to use of any particular grit-type material as that term might be understood by those of skill in the art, and can encompass any blasting material for treatment of piping. As non-limiting examples, materials known to be usable as blasting material include glass beads, coal material, sand, and any other material that can treat the surface of the piping without damaging the piping material. Additionally, the linkage engagement portion 43 that is described is only one of many linkage assemblies that can be used to couple the motor 40 to the rotating containment portion 24 to enable rotation 90 during blasting operations.

It is further noted, the number of certain elements described for inclusion in the exemplary embodiments is selected for illustrative purposes only, and any number of such elements can be used advantageously as part of the system. For example, multiple blasting nozzles, holding devices 66, etc. can be included although inclusion of only one has been described.

In general, the pipeline exterior blasting system of the invention includes a containment enclosure, a blasting subsystem, and a waste material removal subsystem. The containment enclosure is configured to enclose a section of a pipeline. The blasting subsystem is configured to propel blasting material at an exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure. The waste material removal subsystem configured to remove blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure. Thus, the basic system contains the region of the blast operation, provides the elements needed to perform the blasting operation, and removes waste material generated during the blasting operation to avoid harm to the environment and protect personnel.

In general, the containment enclosure preferably includes a first element and a second element, which are mutually coupled so as to be movable between an open position in which the section of pipeline can be received in the containment enclosure, and a closed position in which the section of pipeline is enclosed in the containment enclosure. For example, the first and second elements can be coupled by a hinge or any connector that allows the elements to be opened so that the piping can be put in place and then closed around the piping. For example, the first and second elements can be concentric shells that can be rotated to align respective gaps providing a slot for receiving the piping and then rotated to close the outer surface and hold the piping in place. More than two such elements can be included if advantageous to enclose the piping section. One or more sealing elements can be included to provide an air-tight connection to the piping, and to more securely couple the containment enclosure to the piping.

The containment enclosure also preferably includes a fixed portion configured to remain stationary with respect to the section of pipeline, and a movable portion configured to be moved around a circumference of the section of pipeline. This enables the containment enclosure to remain stable with respect to the piping during the blasting operation, while enabling the blasting operation to take place around the full circumference of the piping if necessary. The containment enclosure can also include a curtain arrangement or other apparatus configured to provide isolation between respective interiors of the fixed portion and the movable portion, so that waste material generated during the blasting operation does not enter the fixed portion. The material forming the walls of the movable portion in particular should be durable enough to withstand the blasting operation, and formed so as to be impervious to the blasting material and any waste generated during operation. Of course, the containment enclosure can include more than one fixed portion if beneficial to the particular treatment application.

In order to enable operation, the system can also include a rotation assembly configured to move the movable portion of the containment enclosure around the circumference of the section of pipeline. For example, the rotation assembly can include a motor, such as an electric motor, having a drive output such as a rotating drive shaft, a linkage assembly arranged to impart motion of the motor drive output to the movable portion of the containment enclosure, and a power interface configured to couple with a power source to power the motor. The motor can be mounted anywhere that will allow it to impart the motion necessary to perform the blasting operation. Instead, the movable portion of the containment enclosure can be moved manually around the circumference of the section of pipeline instead of through the use of a motor, or a wound bias-driven assembly, such as a hand-cranked spring-loaded assembly, can be used to drive the motion of the movable portion of the containment enclosure, and the invention is not limited to use of any particular drive mechanism.

The movable portion can be configured to be aligned with a weld joint in the section of pipeline. By selective coupling of the system to the piping and orientation of the system along the length of the piping, optimum alignment of the movable portion with respect to the weld joint for most effective treatment of the piping can be accomplished.

The system can also include an observation assembly configured to provide an image of the weld joint to an observer outside the containment enclosure, so as to aid in providing optimum alignment. For example, the observation assembly can include an imaging subsystem having a camera mounted within the movable portion, a display device, and a communication subsystem to provide imaging data from the camera to the display device. The communication subsystem can be wireless and configured to wirelessly transmit through the material forming the containment enclosure, or it can be wired through a harness passing through a portal in the containment enclosure. Alternatively, the display can be at least partially arranged within the containment enclosure such that it is visible through a portal to personnel. In any case, the observation assembly includes any equipment necessary to provide imaging to personnel, such as a transmitter, receiver, antennas, wiring, and any other elements required for the particular design.

The blasting subsystem can be arranged to move with the movable portion to propel the blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion. As the movable portion moves around the section of pipeline and propels the blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline, waste material is generated, and therefore the waste material removal subsystem is arranged to remove the blasting waste material from within the movable portion. Like the blasting subsystem, the waste material removal subsystem can be arranged to move with the movable portion. Some of the waste material can be particulate matter that is too heavy to be airborne within the movable portion, and therefore the waste material removal subsystem can include a tray or barrel arranged to catch and isolate falling grit debris.

The blasting subsystem can include, for example, a blasting nozzle configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a blasting port in the containment enclosure and to a blasting hose outside the containment enclosure. The blasting port is configured to allow easy coupling and decoupling of the blasting hose for easy transport of the containment enclosure between operations. The blasting subsystem system need not but can include the blasting hose, configured to couple with an output of an abrasive pressure blaster. The blasting nozzle receives blasting material via the blasting hose and is configured to direct the blasting material for optimum treatment of the target surface of the enclosed piping. The abrasive pressure blaster includes a reservoir to contain the blasting material, and an impeller configured to propel the blasting material through the blasting hose coupled to the abrasive pressure blaster. The blasting hose is made from a material that can withstand the impact of the propelled blasting material without appreciable damage and that is resilient to the extent necessary to move with the movable portion of the containment enclosure.

The waste material removal subsystem can include, for example, a vacuum coupler configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a vacuum port in the containment enclosure and to a vacuum hose outside the containment enclosure. The vacuum port is configured to allow easy coupling and decoupling of the vacuum hose for easy transport of the containment enclosure between operations. The waste material removal subsystem can also include an air pressure port configured to couple to compensate for a pressure difference at the vacuum port. Equalizing the pressure in the containment enclosure in this way enables easier vacuum removal of dust. The air pressure port can include a valve assembly to prevent dust from escaping through the port. The waste material removal subsystem need not but can include the vacuum hose, configured to couple with an input of a vacuum device. The vacuum device receives blasting waste material, typically grit dust, via the vacuum hose and is configured to provide negative pressure adequate to remove substantially all the dust from within the containment enclosure via the vacuum hose. The vacuum device includes a bag or other dust trap to contain the removed blasting waste material for disposal, and an impeller or other device configured to provide the negative pressure. The vacuum hose is made from a material that impervious to dust and any other waste material it might transport and that is resilient to the extent necessary to move with the movable portion of the containment enclosure.

The system can also include a transport assembly, which can include a lifting assembly configured to suspend the containment enclosure when mounting and dismounting from the pipeline, and a mobile platform configured to support the containment enclosure. The transport assembly can also include a drive device configured to move the containment enclosure along a length of the pipeline. The transport assembly can be manually operated, mechanism-driven, and/or automated, completely or in part. If the system is fabricated from durable but lightweight materials, a drive device might not be necessary and the system can be manually transported.

Generally, the method of treating an exterior surface of a section of pipeline according to the invention includes enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure. Blasting material is propelled at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure, after which blasting waste material is removed from within the containment enclosure. Thus, the method can be performed to contain the region of the blast operation, perform the blasting operation, and remove waste material generated during the blasting operation to avoid harm to the environment and protect personnel.

Enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure can include opening the containment enclosure, receiving the section of pipeline within the open containment enclosure, and closing the containment enclosure around the section of pipeline, thereby enclosing the section of pipeline. Thus, the treatment region of the piping is defined for treatment in a way that isolates it from the outside environment.

Propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure can include fixing a first portion of the containment enclosure with respect to the section of pipeline. A second portion of the containment enclosure is moved around a circumference of the section of pipeline while propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion. Thus, the system is secured to the piping but is also movable about the piping so as to cover the entirety of the intended treatment region. To this end, the movable portion can be aligned with a weld joint in the section of pipeline for optimum blasting.

Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure preferably includes suctioning grit dust from an interior of the containment enclosure, either while propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure or after the blasting process is complete. Removal of the grit dust from the containment enclosure prevents the grit dust from being dispersed in the outside environment when the containment enclosure is opened after treatment. Removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure can also include catching falling grit debris in a tray or barrel. The falling grit debris typically is particulate waste material that is too heavy to be removed by suctioning. Preferably, the grit debris is trapped in the tray or barrel for later collection and disposal.

The invention has been described generally, as well as by way of example and in terms of preferred embodiments. However, the present invention as contemplated by the inventors is not strictly limited to the particularly disclosed embodiments. To the contrary, various modifications, as well as similar arrangements, are included within the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the appended claims, therefore, should be accorded the broadest reasonable interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and similar arrangements.

Claims

1. A pipeline exterior blasting system, comprising:

a containment enclosure configured to enclose a section of a pipeline;

a blasting subsystem configured to propel blasting material at an exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure; and

a waste material removal subsystem configured to remove blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the containment enclosure includes a first element and a second element, wherein the first and second elements are coupled so as to be movable between an open position in which the section of pipeline can be received in the containment enclosure, and a closed position in which the section of pipeline is enclosed in the containment enclosure.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the first and second elements are hingedly coupled.

4. The system of claim 1. wherein the containment enclosure includes:

a fixed portion configured to remain stationary with respect to the section of pipeline; and

a movable portion configured to be moved around a circumference of the section of pipeline.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the containment enclosure further includes a curtain arrangement configured to provide isolation between respective interiors of the fixed portion and the movable portion.

6. The system of claim 4, further comprising a rotation assembly configured to move the movable portion of the containment enclosure around the circumference of the section of pipeline, wherein the rotation assembly includes:

a motor having a drive output,

a linkage assembly arranged to impart motion of the motor drive output to the movable portion of the containment enclosure, and

a power interface configured to couple with a power source to power the motor.

7. The system of claim 4, wherein the movable portion is configured to be aligned with a weld joint in the section of pipeline.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising an observation assembly configured to provide an image of the weld joint to an observer outside the containment enclosure, wherein the observation assembly includes:

an imaging subsystem having a camera mounted within the movable portion,

a display device, and

a communication subsystem to provide imaging data from the camera to the display device.

9. The system of claim 4, wherein the blasting subsystem is arranged to move with the movable portion to propel the blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the waste material removal subsystem is arranged to remove blasting waste material from within the movable portion.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the waste material removal subsystem is arranged to move with the movable portion.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes a tray arranged to catch falling grit debris.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes a barrel arranged to catch falling grit debris.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the blasting subsystem includes a blasting nozzle configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a blasting port in the containment enclosure and to a blasting hose outside the containment enclosure.

15. The system of claim 14, further comprising the blasting hose, configured to couple with an output of an abrasive pressure blaster.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes a vacuum coupler configured to couple to the containment enclosure at a vacuum port in the containment enclosure and to a vacuum hose outside the containment enclosure.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the waste material removal subsystem includes an air pressure port configured to couple to compensate for a pressure difference at the vacuum port.

18. The system of claim 16, further comprising the vacuum hose, configured to couple with an input of a vacuum device.

19. The system of claim 1, further comprising a transport assembly, including:

a lifting assembly configured to suspend the containment enclosure when mounting and dismounting from the pipeline, and

a mobile platform configured to support the containment enclosure.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the transport assembly further includes a drive device configured to move the containment enclosure along a length of the pipeline.

21. A method of treating an exterior surface of a section of pipeline, comprising:

enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure;

propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure; and

removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein enclosing the section of pipeline within a containment enclosure includes:

opening the containment enclosure,

receiving the section of pipeline within the open containment enclosure, and

closing the containment enclosure around the section of pipeline, thereby enclosing the section of pipeline.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure includes:

fixing a first portion of the containment enclosure with respect to the section of pipeline, and

moving a second portion of the containment enclosure around a circumference of the section of pipeline while propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the movable portion.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising aligning the movable portion with a weld joint in the section of pipeline.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure includes suctioning grit dust from an interior of the containment enclosure.

26. The method of claim 25, further comprising suctioning grit dust from an interior of the containment enclosure while propelling blasting material at the exterior surface of the section of pipeline within the containment enclosure.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein removing blasting waste material from within the containment enclosure includes catching falling grit debris in a tray or barrel.