Apparatus and method for removing undesired coatings from the interior of tubes
OwnerGerald H. Lawtherinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method of removing undesired coatings from the interior surface of tubes includes inserting a fluid-dynamically unstable impact head into the tube, providing or maintaining fluid flow through the tube and altering the length of a tether attached to the impact head to move the impact head along the tube. As a result of the fluid flow, the impact head moves chaotically within the tube, impacting the interior surface of the tube and removing undesired coatings therefrom. An apparatus for accomplishing the method preferably includes an impact head, a flexible retaining line and a carriage moveable within the tube, the carriage aiding in the centering of the retaining line.
Claims23
A method of removing a coating from an interior surface of a tube through which a fluid flows, comprising:
- selecting a tube through which a fluid flows, said tube having an interior surface with a coating formed thereon;
- placing a fluid-dynamically unstable impact head within said tube, said impact head capable of impacting said interior surface of said tube as a result of the fluid flow thereby removing the coating from said interior surface;
- flowing a fluid through said tube;
- and
- moving said impact head through said tube to remove said coating along the entire length of said tube.
An apparatus for removing a coating from an interior surface of a tube through which a fluid flows, comprising:
- a fluid-dynamically unstable impact head;
- a centering means capable of being inserted into the tube to center said apparatus therein, said centering means being disposed upstream from said impact head;
- a flexible restraining means connected between said impact head and said centering means, said flexible restraining means being sufficient length to enable said impact head to chaotically impact the interior surface of the tube to dislodge the coating therefrom when said apparatus is placed into the tube and the fluid is flowing therethrough;
- and,
- a tethering means attached to said centering means to control the longitudinal movement of said apparatus in the tube.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.