METHOD OF IN-LINE TRANSPORT OF PIG IN MAIN PIPELINE WITH PRESET UNIFORM SPEED AND DEVICE TO THIS END Russian patent published in 2009 - IPC B08B9/55 

FIELD: transport.

SUBSTANCE: proposed method includes feeding air or gas flow from outer source to the pig, forcing the pig forward and generating braking force depending upon terrain relief. Pig speed is controlled and, if required, corrected by varying braking force produced by transforming a portion of flow power in hydraulic and electric power. Proposed device comprises sealing sleeve gasket made from elastomer, speed control device and air source, for example turbo compressor or a natural gas source that can regulate pressure of medium forced into the pipeline and communicate with plugged section of pipeline to be tested. In-line pig comprises coupling device, front and rear centering wheels with spring mechanisms and hydraulic drives that press aforesaid wheels against pipe inner surface. It comprises also hydraulic system consisting of hydraulic tank, accumulator bottles, hydraulic pump with chain drive, heat exchanger, hydraulic system control hardware, hydraulic cylinders to press shoes against pipe inner surface and speed control device. Note here that the device additionally comprises microprocessor to control the pig via electric system consisting of electric generator driven via chain gear from the rear centering wheel, storage battery, control unit and speed and pressure pickups.

EFFECT: high-quality and efficient control of pipeline state.

2 cl, 7 dwg