Method and clean-in-place system for conveying tubes
AssigneeQuickdraft, Inc.
InventorsJoseph M. Ovnic, Kenneth J. Erskine, Robert Prachar, Michael R. Webb, Christopher L. Tokarcik
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A clean-in-place system for piping systems uses a pig train having a dry ice and glycol section. The pig train is moved through the piping system as part of a cleaning sequence. The system and method of the disclosure provide an alternative, effective clean-in-place system that significantly reduces water, chemical and energy usage as well as significantly reducing the related environmental impact.
Claims20
A method of cleaning a section of tubing in a piping system;
- the method comprising the steps of:
- moving a first pig train through the section of tubing wherein the first pig train includes a mixture of dry ice and glycol disposed between a leading pig member and a trailing pig member.
An apparatus used to form a cleaning pig train used to clean a section of tubing in a conveying piping system;
- the apparatus comprising:
- a first pig carrier that carries at least one leading pig member;
- the first pig carrier adapted to position the leading pig member in a first position aligned with the section of tubing to be cleaned;
- a second pig carrier that carries at least one trailing pig member;
- the second pig carrier adapted to position the trailing pig member in a second position aligned with the section of tubing to be cleaned;
- the second position being spaced from the first position;
- a mixing chamber disposed between the first and second positions;
- the mixing chamber having a loading inlet;
- a supply of dry ice in selective communication with the loading inlet;
- and
- a supply of glycol in selective communication with the loading inlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.