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Method and apparatus for cleaning pressure vessels while under operation

  • US 5,876,512 A
  • Filed: 10/07/1996
  • Issued: 03/02/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/07/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method for excavating solid materials from a pressurized multi-use tank, while the tank is on-line, comprising the following steps:

  • a) providing a valved flow line flangable to at least one outlet of the tank;

    b) introducing a nozzle member into the flow line to a point so that the nozzle member is positioned within the interior of the tank while maintaining pressure within the tank;

    c) providing a point of discharge adjacent the entry point of the nozzle member;

    d) introducing a fluid flow through the nozzle under sufficient pressure to overcome the pressure in the tank and to break up the material within the tank and to create a reduced pressure area adjacent the point of discharge to enhance liquid/solid flow from the point of discharge; and

    e) flowing the fluid containing the solids from the point of discharge while the tank continues to be pressurized so that the fluids can then be separated from the solids after removal from the tank.

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