Multi-stage Pipe Cleaning Apparatus with Scale Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equipment for cleaning oilfield pipes is ineffective in removing scale of varying densities and hardnesses, often creates toxic dust, and fails to prevent environmental contamination, posing health risks due to radioactive scale particles.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage pipe cleaning apparatus featuring tool-bearing lances with a mill for bulk scale removal, an air-driven tube cleaner for residual scale, and a jet nozzle for interior blasting, along with a collector system to contain and safely dispose of scale particles, preventing environmental contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional single-stage cleaning equipment is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is insufficient and cannot effectively remove scale of varying densities and hardnesses
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus is divided into multiple sequential stages, each with a specialized tool: a mill for bulk scale removal, an air-driven tube cleaner for residual scale, and a jet nozzle for final blasting. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, collectively achieving comprehensive scale removal capability that exceeds what any single tool could accomplish alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple cleaning tools with different mechanisms (mechanical milling, pneumatic rattling, and hydraulic jetting) into a single integrated multi-stage apparatus. By merging these complementary cleaning approaches in sequence, the system achieves the ability to handle scale of varying densities and hardnesses that would be ineffective for any individual tool type.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cleaning equipment is used, then the device complexity is low, but harmful factors are generated through toxic dust and environmental contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus extracts and removes scale particles from the pipe interior through its multi-stage cleaning process, and the collected scale is then extracted from the work area through a dedicated collection system. This prevents scale particles from being released into the environment as toxic dust, thereby eliminating the harmful environmental contamination effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collection system as an intermediary between the cleaning process and the environment. This intermediary component captures scale particles during and after cleaning, preventing them from becoming airborne contaminants. The collection system acts as a mediator that controls the interaction between cleaning operations and environmental protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional cleaning equipment is used, then the device complexity is low, but workers are exposed to radioactive NORM materials
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning apparatus extracts scale containing radioactive NORM materials from within the pipe through its multi-stage cleaning tools. The extracted scale is then immediately directed into a enclosed collection system, removing the hazardous material from areas where workers could be exposed. This extraction and containment approach minimizes human contact with radioactive substances.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection system employs enclosed structures that form protective barriers between workers and radioactive scale particles. These enclosed spaces with controlled access points prevent the dispersion of radioactive dust and minimize worker exposure to NORM materials during the cleaning operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a pipe cleaning apparatus of relatively uncomplicated construction. The apparatus includes a pipe support assembly having a number of cradles for supporting oilfield pipe. The cradles are positioned side-by-side with one pair of cradles supporting the opposite ends of each pipe. A number of lances are positioned side-by-side and are adapted to simultaneously penetrate the oilfield pipe in the pipe support. A mill is affixed to the free end of one of the lances. An air-driven tube cleaner is affixed to the free end of another one of the lances. A water jet nozzle is affixed to the free end of still another one of the lances.