Abstract An apparatus for the treatment of an exterior pipe surface includes one or more nozzles or other treating means which are carried by a frame. The frame can be mounted around the pipe to be treated and is capable of moving along the pipe surface in longitudinal direction thereof, due to the provision of travelling wheels. Disclosed are provisions for allowing the apparatus to keep itself in balance on the pipe during operation. Such provisions include detection means (e.g. a pendulum with sensors) for detecting undesired displacements of the frame in circumferential direction of the pipe, and control means (such as e.g. hydraulic cylinders with a common system of hydraulic lines and valves) for adjusting the wheel axes of one or more travelling wheels in angular position, in response to a signal delivered by the detection means.
Apparatus for treating an exterior pipe surface, comprising a frame adapted for being mounted around the pipe to be treated; means therein for treating the pipe surface; and means in the form of travelling wheels for moving the frame in longitudinal direction along the pipe surface, characterised by means for detecting undesired displacements of the frame in circumferential direction of the pipe, and control means for adjusting the wheel axes of one or more travelling wheels in angular position, in response to a signal delivered by the detection means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
89 words
Apparatus for treating an exterior pipe surface, comprising a frame adapted for being mounted around the pipe to be treated; means therein for treating the pipe surface; and means in the form of travelling wheels for moving the frame in longitudinal direction along the pipe surface, characterised by means for detecting undesired displacements of the frame in circumferential direction of the pipe, and control means for adjusting the wheel axes of one or more travelling wheels in angular position, in response to a signal delivered by the detection means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the detection means are arranged to deliver a signal only at a predetermined magnitude of the detected displacement.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection means comprise a pendulum suspended for free swinging movement and at least three sensors positioned in spaced relationship in the path of the pendulum.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control means are arranged to adjust the wheel axes of the travelling wheels in planes parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pipe to be treated.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or 4, wherein the control means comprise hydraulic cylinders having a common system of hydraulic lines and valves.