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.
Claims25
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.
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 having a body having an unloading portion that is aligned with a section of tubing where a pig train is formed;
- the first pig carrier being adapted to carry a plurality of leading pig members;
- a second pig carrier having a body having an unloading portion that is aligned with a section of tubing where a pig train is formed;
- the second pig carrier being adapted to carry a plurality of trailing pig members;
- the unloading portion of the first pig carrier being spaced from the unloading portion of the second pig carrier along the length of the section of tubing where the pig train is formed;
- a mixing chamber defined by the section of tubing where the pig train is formed between the unloading portion of the first pig carrier and the unloading portion of the second pig carrier;
- 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.