System and method for cleaning pneumatic convey lines

A method for cleaning a pneumatic conveyance system used to transport particulate material, wherein the pneumatic conveyance system includes a material-introduction device for introducing particulate material into a convey line, and a motive air source for generating an air flow to propel the particulate material through the convey line and to a receiver, wherein the method comprises the steps of:

• (a) injecting a projectile into the convey line, wherein the projectile comprises a cleaning surface for cleaning an interior of the convey line as the projectile travels through the convey line, wherein the projectile is injected via a launcher that is coupled with the convey line at a position upstream from the material-introduction device;
• (b) propelling the projectile through the convey line;
• (c) diverting the projectile from being directed towards the receiver to being directed towards a catcher vessel;
• and
• (d) catching the projectile in the catcher vessel.

A cleaning system for cleaning a pneumatic conveyance system used to transport particulate material, wherein the pneumatic conveyance system includes a material-introduction device for introducing particulate material into a convey line, and a motive air source for generating an air flow to propel the particulate material through the convey line, wherein the cleaning system comprises:

• a projectile comprising a cleaning surface for cleaning an interior of the convey line as said projectile travels through the convey line;
• a launcher for injecting said projectile into the convey line, wherein said launcher is coupled with the convey line at a position upstream from the material-introduction device;
• a catcher vessel for receiving said projectile upon said projectile exiting the convey line;
• an isolation valve positioned downstream of the material-introduction device for fluidly isolating portions of the convey line upstream and downstream from said isolation valve;
• a first air source associated with said launcher for propelling said projectile through a first portion of the convey line;
• and
• a second air source associated with said isolation valve for propelling said projectile through a second portion of the convey line.