Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic pig advance system comprising a control volume chamber containing hydraulic fluid and a force transmitting member. The system further comprises two directional control valves which can be selectively repositioned to cause hydraulic fluid to cycle the force transmitting member back and force such that in each cycle, a metered amount of hydraulic is transmitted into a pig housing where it causes a pig to move a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically loading foam pellets which clean fluid carrying passages, such as hydraulic tubing, into a pneumatic launcher. The pellets are automatically transferred from a storage sleeve into the pneumatic launcher for subsequent propulsion through the tubing. Interior walls of the passages are scrubbed clean as the pellets pass therethrough. In addition, the method and system can easily convert a conventional foam cleaning pellet pneumatic launcher from a manual loading operation to a fully automatic loading operation, thereby increasing overall productivity of the cleaning operation.

Abstract: The ability to pig a pipeline is considered necessary and vital to most pipeline operations. The present invention provides a pig inserting apparatus and method designed to satisfy the need to Insert pigs for large diameter gasoline pipelines that are made of concrete and weigh in excess of 400 pounds. In the past, the industry has used ineffectively manpower or motorized vehicles to insert the pigs. This pig launcher uses a means for propelling the pig that includes: a spool rotatably mounted. The pair of cables is connected to the spool and engage the ends of the cantilevered arms for propelling the pig a pair of cantilevered arms, and a pair of cables of sufficient strength to firmly fasten onto the end of a pipeline.

Abstract: The cleaning member for a medical tube is shaped like a spherical body having a porous fibrous structure formed of a large number of superfine fibers aggregated and intertwined three-dimensionally. The spherical body moves along a lumen surface of the medical tube together with a cleaning liquid, with the cleaning member wiping and cleaning the lumen surface of the medical tube. The porous member for cleaning the treatment appliance insertion lumen of the endoscope is formed approximately spherically by molding a large number of superfine fibers. The porous member can be swelled with an aqueous cleaning liquid. When the porous member swells, the outer diameter of the porous member becomes larger than the inner diameter of a treatment appliance insertion lumen of an endoscope to be cleaned. Further because the porous member deforms, the porous member can be inserted into the treatment appliance insertion lumen of the endoscope.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a pipline by providing a filter or a number of filters adapted to reside in the pig launcher of the pipeline. The filters can be used to remove debris and impurities from the fluid flowing in the pipeline during a pigging operation. Alternatively, the filters may be retained in the pig launcher for extended periods of time.

Abstract: A device at a pipeline connection for connection of a pig launching/receiving device (34) and/or a connecting pipe (36) to a submerged pipeline (3), and where the pipeline (3) is communicatingly connected to a first deflection bend (4) from which a blind pipe (8) projects from the first deflection bend (4) substantially concentrically with and in the opposite direction of the pipeline (1), preferably not in communication with the deflection bend (4).

Abstract: An improved pipeline pig launcher method and use thereof for conveying a pig into a pipeline including an upright launch barrel having a lower end in communication with the pipeline, a valve affixed to an upper end of the launch barrel and having a full diameter passageway therethrough, an upright pig receiving chamber connected at a lower end to the valve and in vertical alignment with the valve and launch barrel, and a cover removably closing an upper end of the receiving chamber providing, when in an open position, provision for insertion of a pig so that when said valve is open, the pig can pass downwardly into the launch barrel and from there into the pipeline.

Abstract: A directional-control valve is connectable to a first main pipe and to a secondary pipe. The valve includes an upstream port and a downstream port connectable to the first main pipe and having identical diameters. A third connection port is connectable to the secondary pipe. A shut-off member is capable of moving at right angles to the main pipe between a closed position and a second open position. In the closed position, the shut-off member includes a first orifice, of a diameter identical to that of the upstream port and downstream port, positioned in line with the upstream port and the downstream port.

Abstract: A manual or automatic mechanism designed for the application of loading all types or displacement or cleaning pigs or pellets (here after known as projectiles) of open or closed cell elastomers with or without added cleaning materials as grinding, or scouring particles utilized to transverse all types of geometric tubes, piping, hose or conduit not necessarily round in cross section configuration. The loading mechanism utilizes a three-way diverter ball valve device, but with a straight through passage configured ball as opposed to the normal right angle passage found in a diverter valve. The ball may merely be replaced with a ball from a 2-way ball valve or the right angle path ball may be machined and plugged to provide the straight through passage desired. The loading mechanism may be fabricated in metal or any material required in accord with the specific application.

Abstract: A universal firearm cleaning system 4 is presented that includes a universal barrel fastener 6 and waste container 8 to catch cleaning patches and the splattering solvent that exits the barrel bore during the firearm cleaning process. The fastener 6 attaches the container 8 to the muzzle or breech of the gun barrel using tongs that can easily accommodate various diameters of gun barrels and virtually any sight system. The waste container 8 is attached to the fastener 6 and has removable end caps. One end cap 42 closes the container. The other end cap 38 forms an opening for receiving the end of the barrel of a gun and connects to the barrel fastener 6. When a cleaning rod is pushed through the bore 16, the waste container 8 catches the solvent, splatter and other debris that exits the bore 16. The end cap 42 may then be removed to easily clean out the waste container 8.

Abstract: The cleaning member for a medical tube is shaped like a spherical body having a porous fibrous structure formed of a large number of superfine fibers aggregated and intertwined three-dimensionally. The spherical body moves along a lumen surface of the medical tube together with a cleaning liquid, with the cleaning member wiping and cleaning the lumen surface of the medical tube.

Abstract: A quick load air gun for cleaning conduits by propelling a foam projectile through the conduit by means of a compressed air charge. The air gun includes a quick load port for inserting projectiles into the gun chamber, and a compressed air circuit including an air control valve operated by a trigger for admitting a compressed air charge into the chamber, and for venting the chamber to ambiance on release of the trigger.

Abstract: A piston pig for pushing pigs from a larger diameter conduit into a smaller diameter conduit, where one embodiment includes a cylindrical body with a first sealing disc attached to the body and adapted to seal against the larger diameter conduit and maintain a pressure differential across the body of the piston pig. The piston pig also includes a second sealing disc attached to the body and capable of sealing against the smaller diameter conduit and maintain a pressure differential across the body. Certain embodiments also include a pressure control device, such as a resilient flapper disc, to limit the differential pressure across the body. Some piston pig embodiments may also include an end cap attached to, and slidable relative to, the body, where the end cap has a closed position in which fluid cannot bypass the end cap and an open position in which fluid can bypass the end cap.

Abstract: A fiber optic communication cable is deployed in a pipeline from a static coil drawn from a rearwardly facing exit of a cassette carried by a pipeline pig as the pig is driven along the pipeline from a launcher having a drive fluid inlet and a cable anchorage with a pressure penetrator for connecting an instrumentation cable to the deployed cable.

Abstract: A subsea pig launching apparatus for launching one or more pigs into a flowline which is fluidly connectable to a source of well fluid comprises at least one first hub to which the source of well fluid is connectable and which is in communication with the flowline, a first valve which is positioned between the first hub and the flowline, a second hub which is in communication with the flowline, and a pig launcher which is removably connectable to the second hub and which comprises at least one pig, at least one launch valve which is positioned between a pressure source and the pig, and a launch actuator for selectively opening and closing the launch valve. The launch actuator is controlled by a signal which is communicated through at least one of a number of external control and service lines that are connected to a control and service umbilical for the source of well fluid.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for storing pipeline pigs and launching the pigs into a subsea production pipeline. The device is installed in line with a pipeline and includes a frame, a magazine containing several rotatable trays for storing and sequentially launching the pigs, and a connector for directing the pigs into a pipeline. Each magazine tray holds several pigs and rotates to align the pigs with a launching tube. The pigs travel through the launch tube and connector and into the pipeline.

Abstract: In a first embodiment the invention comprises a method for cleaning deposits from the interior of a pipe in which a pig is propelled through the pipe by pressure from a fluid mixture of at least one liquid and at least one gas applied to the pig from the rear end of the pig. A portion of the fluid mixture is conducted from the rear of the pig to at least one nozzle on the forward end of said pig and propelled through the nozzle to clean the deposits from the interior of said pipe.

Abstract: A remotely operable closure device is disclosed. The device includes a base hub, a clamping mechanism, a closure mechanism, and a drive mechanism. The base hub is attached to a conduit and allows access to the conduit. The clamping mechanism is disposed about the base hub and is actuatable to clamp or unclamp about the base hub and a blind hub. The closure mechanism is movably connected to the clamping mechanism and is actuatable therewith to move the blind hub into or out of engagement with the base hub. The drive mechanism is remotely operable to simultaneously actuate the clamping mechanism and the closure mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pipe pig that is employed in a piping system for the purpose of recovering product. The pipe pig, or simply “pig,” is utilized to flush or purge a piping system, which includes a pipe that is normally filled with a product stream. The pig is a substantially solid slug that is introduced into the flow within the pipe. The pipe pig includes at least a component of a product stream and the pig is at least partially frozen to achieve its substantially solid form. The pipe pig is inserted or alternatively formed within a launch chamber that junctions with a pipe. A release valve is opened to allow the pig to enter the pipe. An exterior surface of the launch chamber can be heated to prevent the pig from sticking within the launch chamber or refrigerated to form the pig. The pipe pig can be propelled into the product stream or allowed to fall by gravity or suction alone.

Abstract: A system for supplying pigs to a subsea pig launcher using a system carried and controlled by a remotely operated vehicle. The pigs are carried in racks that hold multiple pigs. The racks are extended and the pigs are allowed to drop into the barrel of the subsea pig launcher. The system is also equipped with a system that retracts the racks if hydraulic and electrical power is lost during the reloading process so that the remotely operated vehicle can be retrieved to the surface safely. The reloading process can be carried out by a remotely operated vehicle support vessel without the need for heavy lifting equipment or a large deck area.

Abstract: A multiple pig subsea pig launcher is disclosed. The pig launcher can be assembled on a production pipeline subsea with the aid of an ROV. In the preferred embodiment, the pigs are connected to each other and spaced apart by a spine. The pig launcher is configured to capture the next pig to be launched in such a manner that the spine behind it is in alignment with a shearing valve; for example, coiled tubing or wireline. Sequential valve operation shears the spine and applies pressure behind the pig to launch it from the launcher past the pig detector and onto a platform for recapture.

Abstract: A shuttle exchanger 22 exchanges a shuttle 19 circulating in a reentrant lumen 13 by actuating a channel selector 27 to alter the path of the shuttle to be exchanged. Following the altered path the to-be-exchanged shuttle impinges on a shuttle 42 stored in a storage channel 25 and drives it into the reentrant loop while the to-be-exchanged shuttle is retained in the storage channel. The enclosing wall 23 of the shuttle exchanger defines part of the reentrant lumen and includes therein the channel selector 27, the shuttle storage channel 25, a bypass channel 26, and a collector section 29.

Abstract: An applicator for cleaning the inside of pipes and hoses is disclosed. The applicator comprises a pressure chamber and a lid which is adjustable between open and closed positions, sealing the pressure chamber in the closed position. A sealed plane interfaces is provided between the pressure chamber and the lid which is guided for displacement transversely of the axis of the nozzle between the open and closed positions and is connected to a valve controlled double acting pneumatic cylinder for effecting the displacement. A nozzle to be connected to the pipe or the hose, is provided on the lid and in the closed position thereof communicates with the pressure chamber to be connected to a compressed air source through a valve for propulsion of a rinse projectile inserted into the nozzle, when the lid is open, through the pipe or the hose by means of compressed air being supplied to the pressure chamber with the lid in the closed position.

Abstract: A system for storing pigs and launching them into a pipeline comprises a pig storage barrel having an inlet end and an outlet end and an inside diameter sized to accommodate the pigs, the storage barrel including a pig parking chamber for controlling release of the pigs, and a pig launching chamber downstream of the storage barrel. The launching chamber is connected to the pipeline so as to be able to launch a pig into the pipeline. The apparatus also includes a hydraulic pig advancing system in fluid communication with the storage barrel and the launching chamber and a fluid flush system in fluid communication with the storage barrel chamber and the launching chamber. The method includes flushing the storage barrel and the launching chamber after each launching cycle so that between launchings the system is filled with hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: The pig launcher is installed subsea by coupling it to a launcher manifold. The launcher manifold is installed substantially permanently subsea as a part of a pipeline. The pig launcher includes a dual bore collet connector for coupling to the launcher manifold, and a rotary storage magazine for storing the pigs. The launcher manifold can be manufactured, for example, as part of an inline lateral tie-in sled or as part of a pipeline end manifold (PLEM). A branch connection from the pipeline to the pig launcher is provided in the launcher manifold via a piggable Y connection to a dual bore collet connector male hub. The pig launcher is landed and latched to the launcher manifold to complete the pig launching system. A closure valve between the Y connection and the hub prevents a pressure loss when the pig launcher is not installed, and the closure valve is opened to permit passage of the pigs during launching.

Abstract: A diverless process of tapping a pressurized subsea pipeline without removing the pipeline from service. The process includes the steps of lowering and landing a measurement tool onto the pipeline in order to check ovality and straightness of the pipeline with the measurement tool. Pipe lift frames are lowered and landed onto the pipeline spaced from a chosen location. The pipeline is lifted by hydraulic actuators or mechanical screws on the lift frames. A hot tap fitting and accompanying orientation frame are lowered and landed on the pipeline between the pipe lift frames. The pipe lift frames are incrementally raised until the pipeline is fully seated in the hot tap fitting and orientation frame. A fitting clamp is secured to the pipeline. A hot tap machine is lowered onto the hot tap fitting and orientation frame. The pipeline is then tapped with the hot tap machine. The pipeline is thereafter lowered by deflating the lift frame bags.

Abstract: A pipe system introduces an element launcher, which may be a pig, a foam-pig, an inflatable sphere, or a foam sphere, by mechanically displacing the element into the piping system.

Abstract: The invention comprises a tool for launching objects downhole, such as one or more plugs in a desired sequence. The movements leading to the release of the individual plugs are regulated by virtue of displacement of oil through at least one orifice. The wiper plugs are retained in the tool until such time as they are physically displaced beyond the lower end of the tool. The biased retainers holding the plugs within the tools are released upon a predetermined movement of the plugs beyond the lower end of the tool. If the retaining mechanism for the plug does not automatically release upon sufficient extension of the wiper plug from the tool, a pressure assist can be used to launch any given plug. The darts used to move an actuating piston to release the plugs are separated from the plugs and retained in the tool so that they do not need to be drilled out later.