METHOD FOR CLEANING CAVITY OF MAIN PIPELINE AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING THE SAME Russian patent published in 2004 - IPC

FIELD: machine engineering, possibly building and restoration of main pipelines. SUBSTANCE: method comprises steps of introducing cleaning device into cavity of main pipeline; supply steam-air mixture with temperature tc prepared by water injection into compressed air with temperature ta and pressure Pc and used for moving cleaning device; measuring flowrate of compressed air at temperature ta = (300-380)C and pressure Pc = (0.8 - 1.3)Mpa; determining water flowrate necessary for receiving compressed air with 100% percentage humidity at inlet of main pipeline; injecting water to compressed air; cooling it; further cooling steam-air mixture until temperature tc = (80 - 90)C in recuperative heat exchanger. Apparatus for performing the method includes gas-turbine engine; branch pipes for taking off compressed air behind compressor of gas-turbine engine; receptacle for accumulating compressed air; meters for measuring temperature and pressure of steam-air mixtures; first, second and third shut-off and regulating fittings; apparatus for injecting water in compressed air; pipeline with cleaning devices. Apparatus includes filter for taken off water, said filter is connected with low-pressure pump which is connected through fourth shut-off and regulating fitting with recuperative heat exchanger and also with high-pressure pump which is connected through fifth shut-off and regulating fitting with water flow rate meter and with apparatus for injecting water to compressed air. At outlet of air accumulator meters for measuring compressed air flow rate, temperature and pressure of compressed air are arranged. EFFECT: enlarged manufacturing possibilities of apparatus, lowered quantity of water fed into cavity of main pipeline, decreased energy consumption for supplying water, increased information content of apparatus. 2 cl, 1 dwg