US4498932A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pipeline pig with restricted fluid bypass
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
•
Filing: 1983-12-14
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Granted: 1985-02-12
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Expires: 2003-12-14
Abstract
Abstract A pipeline pig is provided having a restricted fluid bypass channel which serves to bring fluid from the back of the pig to its front, the fluid agitating and suspending discrete solids such as sand or rust, or commingling with scraped paraffinic and asphaltic deposits accumulated by the pig as it moves through the line, thereby preventing the buildup of a solid bed or plug of sufficient thickness or viscosity in front of the pig so as to cause the pig to partially collapse and ride over it or to become stuck.
Inventors
- 👤 Vitold R. Kruka
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 15:33
CPC Classifications
B; B08; B08B; B08B9/00; B08B9/02; B08B9/027; B08B9/04; B08B9/053; B08B9/055; B08B9/0553
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
60 words
A pipeline pig comprising a compressible polymeric cylindrical body having a restricted fluid bypass channel therethrough which is formed with two tubes respectively bonded to the cylindrical body at opposite ends thereof, each tube having a free end positioned within the channel, with one tube being partially inserted into the other to allow for axial compression of the pipeline pig.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
60 words
A pipeline pig comprising a compressible polymeric cylindrical body having a restricted fluid bypass channel therethrough which is formed with two tubes respectively bonded to the cylindrical body at opposite ends thereof, each tube having a free end positioned within the channel, with one tube being partially inserted into the other to allow for axial compression of the pipeline pig.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The pipeline pig of claim 1 wherein the restricted fluid bypass channel is formed by an elastic, impervious skin.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The pipeline pig of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body has a conical section at one end.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The pipeline pig of claim 3 wherein the cylindrical body has a concave section at the other end.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The pipeline pig of claim 4 wherein the restricted fluid bypass channel extends from the conical section to the concave section.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The pipeline pig of claim 1 wherein the restricted fluid bypass channel is axially centrally located.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The pipeline pig of claim 1 wherein the restricted fluid bypass channel has a nozzle located at one end.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The pipeline pig of claim 7 wherein the nozzle has at least one replaceable jet of selected size.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
12 words
The pipeline pig of claim 8 wherein the jet is axially directed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
12 words
The pipeline pig of claim 8 wherein the jet is tangentially directed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The pipeline pig of claim 1 wherein the cylindrical body is polyurethane foam covered with a high durometer hardness skin of polyurethane.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for cleaning a pipeline comprising: inserting a pig into the pipeline, said pig being a compressible polymeric cylindrical body having a restricted fluid bypass channel therethrough; applying fluid pressure to the pig to force the pig through the pipeline; passing a limited amount of fluid through the restricted fluid bypass channel; and allowing the pig to axially compress by forming the bypass channel with two tubes respectively bonded to the cylindrical body at opposite ends thereof, each tube having a free end positioned within the channel, with one tube being partially inserted into the other tube.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
98 words
A method for cleaning a pipeline comprising: inserting a pig into the pipeline, said pig being a compressible polymeric cylindrical body having a restricted fluid bypass channel therethrough; applying fluid pressure to the pig to force the pig through the pipeline; passing a limited amount of fluid through the restricted fluid bypass channel; and allowing the pig to axially compress by forming the bypass channel with two tubes respectively bonded to the cylindrical body at opposite ends thereof, each tube having a free end positioned within the channel, with one tube being partially inserted into the other tube.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 12 wherein the fluid passing through the bypass channel is tangentially directed at the walls of the pipe.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-02-12 | 1988-08-13 | 1989-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-02-12 | 1992-08-13 | 1993-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-02-12 | 1996-08-13 | 1997-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |