METHOD FOR CLEANING CAVITY OF PIPELINES AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE SAME Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: machine engineering, possibly erection and repairing of main pipelines. SUBSTANCE: method comprises steps of mechanically acting upon cleaned surface; at first introducing cleaning devices to cavity of pipeline, then supplying steam-air mixture with temperature 60-80 C obtained by injection of water to compressed air with temperature 300-360 C and pressure 1.0-1.2 MPa for driving cleaning devices. Apparatus includes aircraft gas-turbine engine, branch pipes for taking off air joined with outlet of compressor of engine and with air collector. The last through first locking-regulating fitting is joined with device having hose and designed for injecting water to air. Outlet of device for injecting water to air is connected by means of flexible metallic hose with non-return valve in front of which pickup for detecting temperature of steam-air mixture is arranged. Behind non-return valve 8 second locking- regulating fitting 11 with branch pipe 12 for discharging steam-air mixture is joined by means of lateral branch pipe 10. Third locking-regulating fitting 13 is also mounted behind valve 8. Outlet of fitting 13 is joined with pipeline 14. Meter 15 for measuring pressure of steam-air mixture is placed on pipeline 14 in cavity of which cleaning devices are arranged. EFFECT: enlarged functional possibilities, simplified structure, enhanced reliability of method and apparatus due to taking off air directly behind compressor of aircraft gas-turbine engine, elimination of explosion-hazard conditions due to use of steam-air mixture. 2 cl, 1 dwg