Abstract: A projectile launching apparatus for cleaning the inner surface of a tube by forcing a projectile through the tube, comprising: a main body containing a breech chamber terminating in an exit port, wherein the breech chamber is provided with a loading port in a side thereof for radially loading a projectile into the breech chamber; a slide disposed on an exterior surface of the main body, the slide being axially movable between a first position wherein the loading port is exposed for loading of a projectile into the breech chamber and a second position wherein the loading port and the breech chamber are sealed; a gas gun operatively connected to the main body in pneumatic communication with the breech chamber; and an exit nozzle connected to the exit port and being connectable to a first end of the tube to be cleaned.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and method for sterilizing an internal channel surface of an endoscope, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for sterilizing an internal channel surface of an endoscope, in which ultrasonic and infrared rays are irradiated to an internal channel of the endoscope to partially or entirely sterilize and removing a biofilm generated on the internal channel surface of the endoscope during a procedure or diagnosis.

Abstract: A dry ice blast cleaning system is disclosed. The system includes a dry ice feed apparatus, a mixing head, a supply of pressurized gas and a dispensing device. The apparatus has a hopper configured to store a supply of dry ice pieces with an anti-bridging device. A heat by-pass system is provided to heat the mixing head to prevent icing in the mixing head.

Abstract: This disclosure may relate generally to systems, devices, and methods for a injecting a solid compound in line with a pressurized fluid, through a sootblower burner or other utility furnace hardware, such that the compound can be delivered to targeted areas on the inside of a utility furnace.

Abstract: A pumping unit is provided that allows at least four passes to be made simultaneously with a single pumping unit. A single engine is used to drive two pumps, each connected into separate pumping circuits. Fluid flow in each of the pumping circuits is controlled by respective flow control elements on the pumping circuits, as for example a variable flow valve. Two engines may thus be used to drive four pumps.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving a pig (12) comprising: a receiver housing (2) arranged to enable connection to a pipeline; a pig retention mechanism (4) mounted within said receiver housing (2), said pig retention mechanism (4) arranged such that it is operable to retain the pig (12) within the housing (2); a first sealing member (6) operable to seal the portion of the receiver housing (2) through which the pig (12) can be removed from the apparatus; a second sealing member (5) operable to seal the portion of the housing (2) that connects said receiver (1) to the pipeline; a fluid inlet (7); and a fluidization and transportation device (8) arranged to receive the fluidized debris, wherein the apparatus is arranged such that, in use, pressurized fluid is introduced into the enclosed interior of the housing (2) via the fluid inlet in order to fluidize debris which is then removed from the receiver housing (2) via the fluidization and transportation device (8).

Abstract: Tapping device for beverage, including at least one beverage container, a tapping line and a tapping cock, wherein the tapping line extends at least to adjacent the tapping cock and a connector for connection of the tapping line to the at least one beverage container, wherein a cleaning element is provided in the beverage container or the connector, which cleaning element upon broaching of a beverage container is situated near an end of the tapping line proximal to the beverage container and is movable through the tapping line under pressure of beverage from the beverage container, while abutting against an inner side of the tapping line, such that beverage will propel the cleaning element in the tapping line, at least to near the tapping cock.

Abstract: A pipeline cleaning apparatus and method configured for use in cleaning and clearing a pipeline of transient fluids, hydrocarbons, and other unwanted debris is disclosed. The apparatus and method utilizes a vacuum assembly haying a collection tank connected to a pipeline by at temporary vacuum line. Negative pressure created by the vacuum assembly causes a compressible pig to move down the length of the pipeline and up the temporary vacuum line to push transient hydrocarbons, fluids, and other unwanted debris from within the pipeline to the collection tank. The removal of hydrocarbons and non-hydrocarbons from the pipeline cleans the pipeline and allows the pipeline to be abandoned while complying with federal regulations.

Abstract: A pig (10) for cleaning of a pipeline (1), the pig (10) comprising: a body (11) for passing through the pipeline (1), wherein the body (11) comprises a soft and preferably elastic material and has an outer surface (12) for cleaning an inner surface (2) of the pipeline (1); and a vibration unit (20) within the body (11) for generating vibrations and for transmitting the vibrations to the outer surface (12) of the body (11), wherein the vibration unit (20) is enclosed by the outer surface (12).

Abstract: An endoscope cleaning system comprises a sheath and a window cleaning feature. The sheath is configured to receive a shaft of an endoscope. The window cleaning feature is configured to clean the window of the endoscope. The window cleaning feature may include an absorptive material that is configured to soakingly wipe liquids and/or debris from the window when the absorptive material is passed over the window. The window cleaning feature may also include a hydrophilic wiper that is configured to drivingly wipe liquids and/or debris away from the window when the wiper is passed over the window. The lends cleaning feature may also include a fluid washing feature, a suction feature, and/or a pressurized gas feature to assist in cleaning the window of the endoscope.

Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated solar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for launching one or more pigs (5) for cleaning of production flow lines, or tubing, on the sea bed is shown. The apparatus includes a lifting frame (1) retaining a charging pipe (3) which is able to carry a train of pigs (51-510) resting stand-by in the charging pipe (3), a plurality of valves (V1-V4) which on the one side is in fluid communication with the charging pipe (3), and on the other side is in fluid communication with a high pressure drive fluid different from the production flow, a connecting means (2) for connecting of the apparatus (10) to a closable pipe sub leading to the production flow line to be pigged, and an actuatable piston (4) which is able to displace the train of pigs within the charging pipe (3).

Abstract: Solar energy generates steam in a “once-through” configuration without recirculation, with closely managed steam quality, to produce wet steam from high-contaminant feed water without scaling or fouling. Feed water is pressurized, preheated, and evaporated in a series of pipes exposed to concentrated soar energy to produce a water-steam mixture for direct distribution to an industrial process such as enhanced oil recovery or desalination. Water flow rates are managed based on measurements of solar energy and steam production to manage variations in the solar energy. Steam generator piping system uses continuous receiver pipe that is illuminated by segmented parabolic mirrors enabled to track the sun. Provisions for steam generator piping recurring maintenance are provided. Thermal energy from hot condensate and/or from low quality steam is recaptured and warms inlet water.

Abstract: A sealing element for a pipeline pig includes rigid first and second cup supports having outer peripheral edges. A resilient sealing element protrudes beyond the outer peripheral edge of each of the first cup support and the second cup support. Means are provided for clamping the sealing element between the first cup support and the second cup support.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for removing condensed metal from the surfaces of metal processing chambers, such as, vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces having, for example, condensed Mg or Ti, are disclosed. The methods and apparatus provide a robotic arm end positioned in the furnace having a nozzle operatively connected to a source of dry ice. The robotic arm end directs a stream of dry ice particles against the surface of the furnace to displace condensed metal. The displaced metal is collected for reuse or disposal. Aspects of the invention provide a safe and automated process for cleaning process chambers and recovering metal that can typically be dangerous when performed by conventional methods.

Abstract: A pig receiver and method retrieve pigs in pipeline pigging operations. In one embodiment, a pig receiver includes a pig receiver unit. The pig receiver also includes a pig gate valve assembly disposed on the pig receiving unit. The pig gate valve assembly includes a gate valve. The pig gate valve assembly also includes a first actuator and a second actuator. The pig gate valve assembly further includes a cylinder guide. In addition, the pig gate valve assembly includes a tie bar. Actuation of the tie bar actuates the gate valve. An end of the tie bar is attached to the first actuator, and an opposing end of the tie bar is attached to the second actuator.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a chimney preferably includes a rod assembly, cleaning arms, fan blades, a camera, and a stabilizing/positioning assembly. The cleaning arms are provided on an assembly that includes a rotatable hub with the cleaning arms extending from the hub. The fan blades may also extend from the hub or they may be provided separately. The camera is continuously rotatable around the longitudinal axis to allow an uninterrupted 360° scan of the chimney. The stabilizing/positioning assembly is effective to position the cleaning assembly hub a pre-selected stabilizing/positioning distance from an interior wall of a chimney while the hub rotates in the chimney. The cleaning and fan hub(s) is driven by a cable surrounded by a casing that allows the cable to rotate in the casing without rotating the casing. Controls allow the operator to control the speed and direction of the cleaning arms and the camera.

Abstract: A resin removal tooling system for electric generator parallel rings including: a non-rotating sheath; a shaft mounted in the non-rotating sheath; a cleaning ball attached to the shaft, the non-rotating sheath positioning the cleaning ball; a high speed motor coupled to the shaft for rotating the shaft; a variable power supply connected to the high speed motor; and a tachometer for measuring a rotational speed of the high speed motor and the cleaning ball. A process of cleaning resin out of an electrical generator parallel ring including the following steps: inserting a cleaning ball mounted on a shaft into the parallel ring; verifying a location of the cleaning ball; rotating the shaft; measuring a rotational speed of the cleaning ball with a tachometer; and removing resin with the cleaning ball.

Abstract: A closure for pipeline pig sender or receiver includes a primary closure body and a secondary closure body. The primary closure body has an outer face, an inner face and a port extending therethrough from the outer face to the inner face. The primary closure body is secured to the pipeline pig sender or receiver sealing a closure end when the primary closure body is in the closed position. The secondary closure body closes the port on the primary closure body. The secondary closure body is movable between a closed position and an open position to enable an operator to insert a tool through the port into the diversionary passage to manipulate the pipeline pig and release trapped pressure prior to opening the closure. The secondary closure body is secured to the primary closure body sealing the port when the secondary closure body is in the closed position.

Abstract: A bi-directional pig apparatus for removing wax and hydrate deposits in subsea hydrocarbon production flowlines including a pig arranged for movement inside a pipe, the pig having a tubular body and one or more magnets arranged in a circumferential wall of said body, each of the one or more magnets includes an elongated bar having a succession of teeth and slots, arranged such that the succession of teeth are facing radially outwards. The apparatus having a through-going opening between opposite ends of said tubular body to allow fluids (F) in the pipe to flow through and propulsion means arranged and configured for imparting a motive force to the pig, whereby the pig is movable inside the pipe.

Abstract: A carrier assembly having at least one sealing cup, a fluid bypass and adjustable wash nozzles, as well as a spear assembly having a central through bore, are attached to the distal end of a length of continuous tubing and inserted in to the flow bore of a pipeline. Fluid is pumped through the annular space between the carrier assembly and the pipeline, providing motive force for advancing the carrier assembly within the pipeline. Fluid can bypass the carrier assembly, enter the central bore of the spear assembly, and return to the surface through the central bore of the continuous tubing. A stuck pig or other obstruction is speared, and thereafter retrieved from the pipeline on the continuous tubing.

Abstract: A cleaning material is disposed over a substrate. The cleaning material includes solid components dispersed within a liquid medium. A force is applied to the solid components within the liquid medium to bring the solid components within proximity to contaminants present on the substrate. The force applied to the solid components can be exerted by an immiscible component within the liquid medium. When the solid components are brought within sufficient proximity to the contaminants, an interaction is established between the solid components and the contaminants. Then, the solid components are moved away from the substrate such that the contaminants having interacted with the solid components are removed from the substrate.

Abstract: A hole cleaning apparatus includes a member, a brush, and a vacuum source. The brush rotates around a longitudinal axis of the member, or translates in a direction which is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the member. The vacuum source provides vacuum suction within the member.

Abstract: Fluid is circulated through a heat exchange system for heat exchange to occur at a bundle of tubes making up a portion of the heat exchange system. Heat exchange efficiency at the bundle of tubes requires debris and fouling deposits accumulated therewithin to be substantially removed. Taking the heat exchange system off-line for physical flushing is not only ineffective but also disallow use of the heat exchange system for the duration it remains off-line. Described herein is an embodiment of a cleaning system which uses a displacement system for displacing cleaning balls carried in fluid into the bundle of tubes for cleaning thereof. A flow diverting system is configured and operable for introducing the cleaning balls to the bundle of tubes when in a first operating mode and for retrieving the cleaning balls from the plurality of tubes when in a second operating mode.

Abstract: A system includes an installation to be cleaned which has at an inlet a fluid feed pipe fed with fluid and at an outlet a fluid evacuation pipe. A cleaning device is arranged to cause cleaning bodies to flow in the installation, the cleaning device including on an inlet filter elements for filtering the fluid and on an evacuation pipe separator elements for collecting the cleaning bodies. The separator and filter elements are static and include separate filters, the separator elements including a filter member, the cleaning device including a circuit for recovering cleaning bodies circulating in the evacuation pipe and a circuit for reinjecting them into the inlet, the two circuits having in common the filter member and being used alternately by actuating a set of controlled valves in order to cause the fluid to flow either in the recovery circuit or in the reinjection circuit.

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide “working device for internal pipe and working method for the same” characterized in that the travelling force in pipe is very large. SOLUTION: The working device for internal pipe is equipped with an annular pressure boundary seal of which the free end part comes into contact with the wall of the pipe and the seal divides the internal space of the pipe into two spaces, that is, a space A and a space B using the seal as a boundary. One end part of the space A close to the seal is connected to a suction pump through a hose and also connected to the space B through a vacuum breaking valve mechanism for adjusting the negative pressure in the space A, while the other end part of the space A far from the seal is closed, and the hose is arranged in the space B.

Abstract: A launcher for heat exchanger tube cleaning projectiles using operator selected compressed air application for manipulating launcher operating components including hydraulic bolt, projectile plunger, and water valve to fire projectile with pressurized water, and to reset operating components for subsequent projectile firings. Launcher has means for venting heat exchanger tube over- or under-pressure occurring in practice, and further has visual indicator of force applied in firing projectiles, and of tube being clear after exiting of projectile from the tube.

Abstract: A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: Solutions for limiting the undesirable spread of pathogens by indirect contact are provided. The solutions involve event-controlled self-sterilization of contact surfaces on articles or fixtures. A self-sterilizing contact surface structure allows chemical sterilizing agents to controllably flow in response to a contact event, from within the article to exude upon a portion of the contact surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method of treating a tubular string using a pigtrain. In one embodiment, a method of treating a tubular string includes injecting working fluid between a lead pig and a trail pig of a pigtrain. A bypass pig of the pigtrain is in a first position between the lead pig and trail pig and closer to the lead pig. The method further includes injecting propellant behind the trail pig, thereby driving the pigtrain through the tubular string. The bypass pig gradually moves from the first position to a second position closer to the trail pig, thereby agitating the working fluid.

Abstract: A method for operating a cleaning device or a cleaning system is proposed. In this case, the cleaning device is set up for carrying out a process for cleaning an article with a germicidal action. The method includes the following steps: information on a target germ with which the article could be contaminated is received; at least one process parameter of the cleaning process is selected according to the target germ in such a way that the target germ is killed with a high degree of probability during the cleaning process; and the cleaning process is carried out with the process parameter.

Abstract: The polisher shuttle serves to polish the inside walls of cylindrical tubes, in particular tubes for medical use. It comprises radial projections that are flexible along the axial direction, suitable for polishing the inside walls of tubes merely by relative movement between the shuttle and the tube, the shuttle passing inside the tube. In a longitudinal section, the sections of the projections form a series of separate undulations that are long and thin in the radial direction. The polishing method made possible by the shuttle is particularly simple, since a single pass of the shuttle can suffice for performing polishing; the method is thus fast and easy to automate, e.g. in a polisher device of the invention.

Abstract: A drain system for a pigging device on a pipeline includes a pig receiving body connected to the pipeline by at least one pigging valve and being elevated above the pipeline. A drain is connected between the pig receiving body and the pipeline. The drain has a drain valve for selectively opening the drain and the drain drains fluids from the pig receiving body to the pipeline when the drain valve is open and the pressure in the pig receiving body is equalized to the pipeline.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in cleaning a drill string comprises a body portion (10) having a tubular side wall and a resiliently compressible cleaning member (11) mounted inside the hollow interior thereof under compression, the body portion (10) comprising an open lower end adapted to engage the drill string. A separate actuator (13) is provided for fitting to the body portion (10) for displacing the cleaning member (11) out of the tubular side wall of the body portion (10) into the drill string. In use, the cleaning member (11) can be loaded into the body portion (10) at a remote location prior to the cleaning operation thereby reducing the time taken to insert the cleaning member (11) into the drill string and alleviating the risk of injury.

Abstract: The various embodiments herein provide a mechanism for cleaning the interior surfaces of pipes/tubes. The mechanism comprises a power transfer shaft, a power generator, a power transmission means attached to the power generation means and the power transfer shaft, an electrical valve and pump, an electrical unit to generate a dynamic force, a controller for remote force controlling, a liquid guidance system integrated to the power transfer shaft, a movement conditioner for the power transfer shaft; and at least one cleaning tool removably attached to the power transfer shaft. The at least one cleaning tool includes a predefined structure to convert a turning movement of the cleaning tool into a rotational movement of the power transfer shaft for cleaning of the deposits in the pipe/tubes without any damage to an internal body of the pipe & tube.

Abstract: A method and system for launching a pipeline pig includes the steps of compressing a modulating bypass valve of a pipeline pig and installing a locking means to temporally maintain the bypass valve in the compressed state. Once the pig has travelled a predetermined distance through the pipeline, the locking means is released and retrieved through the launch trap door. The locking means is preferably a launching pin having a clip attachment that receives the clips of a retractable lead. The lead is housed by a retraction device that is detachably secured to the launch trap door. The modulating valve has sufficient mass and aerodynamic drag to overcome the force of a gas spring. The valve moves between a retracted and compressed position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig stalling and between the compressed and retracted position substantially instantaneously upon the pipeline pig accelerating.

Abstract: A liquid transport system has a number of access points, referred to generally as nodes, connected to an endless loop of piping such that liquid flowing in the system, to move the liquid from one node to another, flows in two generally discrete paths from a source node to a destination node. In general, any node can be associated with either a liquid source or a liquid destination. A source in a first liquid transfer can act as a destination in a subsequent liquid transfer, and vice versa. A single pigging system can be used to clean substantially the entirety of the liquid transport system among all sources and all destinations, except for leads from the nodes to the sources and/or destinations. The liquid transport system can be cleaned in place, thus to clean all of the piping which runs between the respective nodes in the liquid transport system.

Abstract: A system includes: an installation to be cleaned has at the inlet a fluid feed pipe fed with fluid and at the outlet a fluid evacuation pipe, a cleaning device arranged to cause cleaning bodies to flow in the installation, the cleaning device including on the inlet filter elements for filtering the fluid and on the evacuation pipe separator elements for collecting the cleaning bodies, wherein the separator and filter elements are static and include separate filters, the separator elements including a filter member, the cleaning device including a circuit for recovering cleaning bodies circulating in the evacuation pipe and a circuit for reinjecting them into the inlet, the two circuits having in common the filter member and being used alternately by actuating a set of controlled valves in order to cause the fluid to flow either in the recovery circuit or in the reinjection circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of cleaning a pipe (12) by action of a fluid under very high pressure. It is characterised in that the fluid under very high pressure is caused to pass in a flexible tube (14); said tube is subjected to the action of motorisation means (5) for longitudinal advance, and means for driving the tube (14) in rotation around its longitudinal axis; these motorisation means (50) are regulated by management means (48) and rotation detection means (47) and/or pinpointing longitudinal advance, and these means of driving in rotation; the tube (14) is guided near the entrance of the pipe (12). The invention also relates to a device for implementing this method.

Abstract: An apparatus for the rapid loading, launching and retrieval of foam pellets for tube cleaning. The apparatus uses a block configuration to allow gravity feed and rapid firing of pellets into tubes. The apparatus includes a hopper feeder attachment, which is self-adjusting during pellet jams.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus useful for cleaning the interior of a pipeline contains: (A) a platform of a dimension sufficient to be inserted through an opening in the pipeline, the platform containing one or more portions; (B) a fluid interrupter having one or more parts to provide a surface to contact fluid flow and thereby interrupt fluid flow, the fluid interrupter constructed and arranged to be attached to the platform; a downstream side of the fluid interrupter being supported by members connected to the platform to dispose the fluid interrupter against fluid flow; (C) runners attached to the underside of the platform to contact an inner diameter of the pipeline; whereby the supported fluid interrupter, platform and runners redirect fluid flow between an underside of the platform and an inner surface of the pipeline; and (D) a device located downstream of the fluid interrupter to constrict the volume of the redirected fluid and increase its flow rate; whereby fluid flow is increased to move solid waste in the p

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to an additive composition for dissolving hydrocarbons. The composition includes a peroxygen compound and surfactant compounds.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a pipe provides a tool within the pipe. The tool has a body of smaller diameter than the pipe such that the body and pipe define an annulus and a fluid guiding member located at the annulus and movable relative to the pipe. The fluid guiding member moves relative to the pipe to guide fluid forward of the fluid guiding member to a pipe outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for pushing a dual diameter pig through a conical reducer attached to a pig trap and into a pipeline includes a frame configured such that the pig rests and moves forward on the frame, which has a front end adapted for attachment to the trap. The vertical position of the frame can be adjusted to align the pig with the conical reducer. An actuator is supported on the frame rearward of, and aligned with, the pig and an actuator control extends the actuator into contact with the rear end of a pig, and also retracts the actuator. The actuator locks to the frame at lock locations spaced along the frame, and the lock locations are separated by a distance that is less than a stroke of the actuator. The pig is pushed into the trap in steps by repeatedly extending, retracting, and moving the actuator forward.

Abstract: A device for washing liquid turbulation for rotary jet heads, especially for water-cleaning machines. The head comprises a main body exhibiting an inlet, coupled with a closure body, exhibiting an outlet, and defining together with the main body, an internal chamber. A dispensing nozzle of the washing liquid is housed in the internal chamber and is mobile with a conical rotary motion having a vertex thereof in the frontal portion. The turbulation device, also located in the internal chamber upstream of the nozzle, comprises means for conveying for facilitating a flow of liquid from the inlet to the internal chamber with helical motion, impressing the conical rotary motion on the nozzle.

Abstract: A method and device for cleaning and decontaminating contaminated plastics, such as, for example, RPET or similar polymers, which have been crushed to flakes, where an ionized gas flows around the flakes.

Abstract: A pumping unit is provided that allows at least four passes to be made simultaneously with a single pumping unit. A single engine is used to drive two pumps, each connected into separate pumping circuits. Fluid flow in each of the pumping circuits is controlled by respective flow control elements on the pumping circuits, as for example a variable flow valve. Two engines may thus be used to drive four pumps.

Abstract: Techniques for cleaning the inside of complexly-bent tubing are disclosed using a combination of minimal amounts of solvent and pneumatically propelled foam pellets. In order to increase device efficiency, an escapement apparatus employs a vacuum-assisted loading mechanism and retaining pin to reliably load one pellet at a time.