US3608974A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Gelling additive injection arrangement for preventing pipeline slumping
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1969-09-23
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Granted: 1971-09-28
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Expires: 1989-09-23
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for preventing downhill slumping in a shutdown slurry pipeline. Upon pipeline shutdown, a gelling agent is introduced into the slurry mixture to prevent the solid phase of the slurry from sliding downhill within the pipeline under the influence of gravity.
Inventors
- 👤 Moye Wicks
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 20:56
CPC Classifications
F; F17; F17D; F17D1/00; F17D1/08; F17D1/088; B; B65; B65G; B65G53/00; B65G53/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
49 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said second means defining a flow path comprises manifold means in communication with the interior of said pipeline at a plurality of locations along said pipeline where slumping of said slurry solid-phase material under the influence of gravity is likely to occur.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said means for breaking said slurry material solid phase into small subparticles is said pump means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said slurry material solid phase which is broken into small subparticles is taken from the interior of said pipeline.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
107 words
A method for preventing downhill slumping of solid-phase material in a shutdown pipeline adapted to transport slurry material including a liquid phase and a solid phase, said method comprising: establishing a flow path between a source of gelling agent material and the interior of said pipeline; transporting said gelling agent material from said source along said flow path; and injecting said gelling agent material into said pipeline when the slurry flow rate drops below a predetermined level whereby slurry solid-phase material in said pipeline is retained in suspension by said gelling agent and is prevented from slumping and compacting in said line under the influence of gravity.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said gelling agent material is Napalm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said gelling agent material comprises solid-phase slurry material and said source comprises the interior of said pipeline, said solid-phase material being broken into small subparticles prior to injection into said pipeline.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-09-27 | 1975-03-29 | 1975-09-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-09-27 | 1979-03-29 | 1979-09-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-09-27 | 1983-03-29 | 1983-09-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |