EP2268424B1 - Method and device for treating fluids guided in pipelines - Google Patents

Method and device for treating fluids guided in pipelines Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2268424B1
EP2268424B1 EP09719856A EP09719856A EP2268424B1 EP 2268424 B1 EP2268424 B1 EP 2268424B1 EP 09719856 A EP09719856 A EP 09719856A EP 09719856 A EP09719856 A EP 09719856A EP 2268424 B1 EP2268424 B1 EP 2268424B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pig
pipeline
fluid
pipelines
fluids
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Not-in-force
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EP09719856A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2268424A1 (en
Inventor
Hartmut Evers
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KHS GmbH
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KHS GmbH
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Priority to SI200930219T priority Critical patent/SI2268424T1/en
Publication of EP2268424A1 publication Critical patent/EP2268424A1/en
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B08—CLEANING
    • B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
    • B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto 
    • B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
    • B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
    • B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
    • B08B9/043—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved by externally powered mechanical linkage, e.g. pushed or drawn through the pipes

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for the treatment of fluids carried in pipelines, in particular fluid mixtures of, for example, a product fluid and a cleaning fluid and / or two or more product fluids, after which at least one pig is moved inside the pipeline.
  • the treatment of piped fluids is not limited to the promotion of such fluids for filling, for example, containers or bottles.
  • a cleaning fluid which may be a liquid or a gas, such as water vapor.
  • Such methods are used in many ways, including only by way of example DE 197 06 578 A1 Reference is made, which deals with the beverage bottling and here in particular with a pressure surge compensation.
  • a pig inside the pipes is at least reciprocated.
  • the pig is used to clean the pipeline, as exemplified in the DE 10 2006 020 079 A1 or the DE 10 2006 020 079 A1 is described.
  • pigs can be used to test pipelines, such as the US 5,454,276 or even the DE 199 29 072 A1 reveal.
  • a pipeline pig by the DE 24 35 423 C2 which is used to indicate the distance between a point and one or more other points in the pipeline.
  • devices are finally known to detect the position of such a pig or pipe pig. This is done in such a way that a change of an electromagnetic field generated in the pipeline is registered by the presence of the metallic pig (see. JP 09287690 A ).
  • a pig which includes a signal generator, is out DE 10 2005 059 023 A1 known, this signal generator cooperates with a located in the pipe wall permeable window.
  • DE-A-3049014 is a pig revealed by magnetic fields in the tube is moved.
  • a newt is a device commonly used in gas, petroleum and product pipelines, ie in pipelines.
  • the pig more or less fills the cross-section of the pipe and either simply travels with the product stream through the pipe or is forced through the pipe with the help of extra pressure applied.
  • locks or pig traps are used, through which the pig is inserted into the pipeline and, for example, from the back is pressurized. Through such a lock, the pig can also be taken out.
  • the pigging technology is usually a conveying process for low-viscosity liquids but also for pasty media, powders, granules, etc. In addition to the promotion of the pig but also takes over service tasks and in particular the cleaning or measuring technology and detection of any pipe defects, as in the introduction has been described.
  • Newts have proven themselves in the described fields of use, but require for their drive either a flow of fluid guided inside the pipeline and / or a gas pressure flow as a propellant. Consequently, they have not been able to significantly affect the previously mentioned problems of lost fluid mixtures. This is where the invention starts.
  • the invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a method for the treatment of fluids conveyed in pipelines so that unwanted fluid mixtures are reduced to a minimum in terms of their quantity and consequently the costs are minimized.
  • the design is usually made so that means are provided for generating the said electromagnetic field in order to ensure the contactless drive of the pig.
  • These means are, on the one hand, at least one switchable electromagnet and, on the other hand, at least one permanent magnet and / or one magnetisable element.
  • the permanent magnet or the magnetizable element is arranged in or on the pig, whereas the switchable electromagnet undergoes an arrangement in or on the pipeline. But it can also be reversed procedure, namely such that the pig has the switchable electromagnet, whereas the pipe is equipped with the permanent magnet and / or the magnetizable element.
  • This method or the corresponding device for the treatment of fluids conducted in pipelines is particularly suitable for fluid mixtures of a product fluid and a cleaning fluid and / or of two or more product fluids.
  • the pig is moved by means of non-contact electromagnetic forces inside the pipeline. Magnetic attraction and repulsion forces are mostly used here. Since the electromagnetic field is usually defined by means of the switchable electromagnet or magnets, its strength and / or duration can be changed in this way. It has proven to be altogether good if the pig is moved by a trained as a traveling field electromagnetic field. This can be realized, for example, in such a way that a plurality of switchable electromagnets are arranged one behind the other along the pipeline and energized in succession. As a result, the pig, which is usually equipped with the permanent magnet, can be gradually attracted to the individual magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets and thus follows the traveling electromagnetic field along the electromagnets.
  • the electromagnet generates a magnetic field with substantially in the interior of the pipeline extending in its longitudinal extent Field lines.
  • the permanent magnet or the magnetizable element (for example, an iron core) of the pig is largely arranged in its longitudinal extent and in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline. This results in the longitudinal extent of the pipeline and when the electromagnet is turned on to form a north and south pole or a sequence of such magnetic poles.
  • this temporary magnetic field generated by means of the electromagnet for example, the north pole belonging to the permanent magnet is attracted or repelled.
  • the permanent magnet (the magnetizable element) and the one or more electromagnets taken together constitute a linear motor in which the pipeline regularly contains the stator, whereas the permanent magnet (the magnetizable element) constitutes the rotor.
  • the operation is similar to the "Transrapid".
  • the speed of the pig depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic traveling field. This can be made available as a whole the electrical power supply for the electromagnet as a whole by a control unit with or without an integrated voltage source.
  • the permanent magnet or the iron core can be embedded in the pig, z. B. bring in plastic.
  • the pig can, for example, also be moved transversely to the longitudinal extent in a cross-sectional widened (holding) region of the pipeline and be held here. This procedure is recommended in the event that the entire cross-section of the pipeline is needed to guide the fluid. In this case, the determination of the pig in this cross-sectional extended (holding) area is basically possible both mechanically and electromagnetically.
  • the pig is regularly designed so that it closes the pipeline fluid-tight. In this way, the pig can not only separate different areas of the pipe from each other, but also be used to convey the fluid. The separation is usually made between two fluids.
  • two or more pigs can be used within the pipeline. These can be moved against each other. This defines a preferably sealed space of any expansion between the pigs. This gap can be evacuated, for example, which requires at least a lateral discharge in the gap.
  • the invention also provides a device for the treatment of fluids carried in pipelines, as described in claim 8. Furthermore, the use of a drivable by an electromagnetic field pig as a separating and / or conveying element for pipelined fluids according to claim 10.
  • a completely redesigned possibility is provided to treat fluids within pipelines and in particular to reduce unwanted fluid mixtures from their amount to a minimum or to adjust the fluid mixture in a targeted manner.
  • At least one non-contact reciprocating pig is located in the pipeline, which can separate individual areas of the pipeline from each other, for example.
  • the pig can be driven directly into the area of a supply line of a product fluid and blocks this supply line from the pipeline.
  • the pipe located beyond the pig can be flushed, for example, via a scavenging line, or other product fluid previously present in this pipeline can be easily withdrawn without the risk of mixing with the product fluid to be subsequently conveyed.
  • a valve located, for example, in the supply line of the product fluid. Because this valve can be attached only in the free area of the supply, so that still remain residual volumes in which cleaning liquid, another product fluid, etc. may be located.
  • the invention has deliberately solved because the leads can be shut off immediately and seen over their entire length.
  • The also manages with one or more pigs, thus requires no expensive and structurally complex valve technology. Incidentally, this can be Vorhell- or mixing stages represent, for example, by the pig opens the supply line with the product fluid slightly.
  • the one or more cross-sectional widened holding areas also ensure that the overall product guidance is not influenced.
  • the pipe is equipped if necessary with one or more locks in order to bring the pig according to the invention or pipe pig into the pipeline can.
  • the pig according to the invention can, of course, additionally be supplemented or alternatively flown through and driven by the fluid flowing in the pipeline.
  • the fluids are not limitative liquids, in principle, gases or even flowing solids, such as granules which can be promoted in this way.
  • the main benefits are not limitative liquids, in principle, gases or even flowing solids, such as granules which can be promoted in this way.
  • an apparatus for the treatment of guided in pipes 1 fluids is shown.
  • the fluids are, for example, beverages but also pharmaceutical liquids or generally product liquids which are conveyed via the pipeline 1 to a filling location or the like.
  • the treatment of fluid mixtures of, for example, a product fluid and a cleaning fluid, as it is connected to the pipeline 1 according to the Fig. 3 connected purge line 2 can be introduced into the pipe 1.
  • one another supply line 3 and a discharge line 4 which for the admission of the pipeline 1 with a gas and its deduction in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 be used.
  • the device shown essentially uses at least one pig 5 which is movable inside the pipeline 1 and is additionally equipped according to the invention with means 6, 7 which generate an electromagnetic field for non-contact driving of the pig 5.
  • the means 6, 7 are on the one hand to one or more switchable electromagnets 7 and on the other hand one or two permanent magnets 6.
  • the permanent magnet 6 is supported in or on the pig 5 or by this.
  • a plurality of electromagnets 7 are provided, which are acted upon by a combined control unit and voltage source 8 and arranged in longitudinal extension on the outer wall of the pipe 1.
  • the electromagnets 7 generate an in Fig. 1 only indicated magnetic field against which the pig 5 aligns with its permanent magnet or its two permanent magnets 6 and is moved.
  • a metallic core for the pig 5 is simply realized.
  • the procedure can also be reversed, namely that the pig 5 is equipped with a switchable electromagnet 7, whereas the pipeline 1 has the metallic core or permanent magnet 6.
  • a continuous movement of the pig 5 can be represented by the fact that with the aid of several electromagnets 7 in the longitudinal extension of the pipeline 1, an electromagnetic traveling field is generated.
  • This can be represented in the simplest case so that the electromagnets 7 are connected in series and then turned off, the pig 5 follows with its metallic core and the permanent magnet 6 this advancing electromagnetic field along the pipe 1 in its longitudinal extent. As a result, the pig 5 long ago the pipe 1 are moved back and forth.
  • the electromagnet 7 generates a magnetic field with field lines extending substantially in the interior of the pipeline 1 in its longitudinal extent, like the Fig. 1 makes it clear.
  • the design is usually made such that the permanent magnet 6 or the magnetizable material is largely arranged in the longitudinal extension of the pipe 1 and the pig 5.
  • each cross-sectional widened area 9 of the pipe 1 can be seen.
  • the cross-sectional widened area 9 acts in the illustration Fig. 2a ) in such a way that the pig 5 is moved back and forth only within this cross-sectional widened region 9 and has correspondingly differently configured sliding elements 10.
  • These sliding or supporting elements 10 are configured circumferentially, so that the pig 5, the pipe 1 as a whole closes fluid-tight. In this way, the pig 5 is able to separate and possibly different fluids located in the pipeline 1 from each other. It is also possible, with the aid of the non-contact driven pig 5 to promote a befindliches in the pipeline 1 fluid. So this does not need to be under pressure.
  • Fig. 2b acts the cross-sectional widened region 9 as a holding area for the pig 5, which can take a kind of rest position in this context.
  • the pig 5 can be moved in the cross-sectional widened (holding) area 9 of the pipeline 1 transversely to the longitudinal extent of the pipeline 1 and held in place.
  • This in turn is done by appropriate magnetic attraction forces with the help of a local special electromagnet 7 and two-sided electromagnet 7 are applied. Since there are electromagnets 7 on both sides of the pig 5 in the cross-sectional widened region 9, both magnetically attractive and repulsive forces can be built up, so that the pig 5 can be easily moved transversely to the longitudinal extension of the pipeline 1. Its definition can be done magnetically and / or mechanically on the wall of the pipe 1.
  • the left pig 5 is in a position in which it closes a supply line 11 for a first product fluid 11 ', whereas another Supply line 12 for a second product fluid 12 'is kept open.
  • the second product fluid 12 ' can be conveyed via the pipeline 1.
  • the pipeline 1 can be flushed via the gas supplied through the line 3 or else with the aid of a cleaning liquid via the flushing line 2.
  • this movement can be assisted by the linear drive as it were formed by the electromagnets 7 in conjunction with the magnetizable elements or permanent magnets 6 of the pig 5.
  • the right of the first pig 5 possibly existing second product fluid is displaced.
  • the second product fluid flows past the second pig 5, which is located in a local cross-sectional widened region 9 and generally releases the cross-section of the pipeline 1.
  • the pigs 5 can not be moved past each other, but this is of course provided in a variant, not shown.
  • the newts 5 themselves have previously been introduced into the pipeline 1 via a lock (not shown).
  • An additional end lock may provide for its removal from the pipeline 1.
  • the at least one pig 5 or ideally all pigs 5 is provided with a central conduit which leads from one end of the pig 5 to the other side of the pig 5, in the manner of a short-circuit line.
  • This line can be closed by means of at least one valve and can be at least partially opened. In the opened state of the valve, the fluid present in the pipeline 1 can flow through the pig 5.
  • valves are ideally designed as a safety valve, which depends on the fluid pressure in the pipe 1 or the pressure difference, which on both sides of the pig. 5 prevails, be opened in whole or in part. This makes it possible to drive the pig against a stagnant fluid without promoting the fluid or to prevent damage to the piping system safely.
  • one or both sides of the rupture element is provided, which must be renewed after the rupture.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Cleaning In General (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and a device for treating fluids guided in pipelines. The invention further relates to the use of a pig displaceable by an electromagnetic field as a separating and/or transporting element for the fluid within the pipeline.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zur Behandlung von in Rohrleitungen geführten Fluiden, insbesondere Fluidmischungen aus beispielsweise einem Produktfluid und einem Reinigungsfluid und/oder aus zwei oder mehr Produktfluiden, wonach wenigstens ein Molch im Innern der Rohrleitung bewegt wird.The invention relates to a method for the treatment of fluids carried in pipelines, in particular fluid mixtures of, for example, a product fluid and a cleaning fluid and / or two or more product fluids, after which at least one pig is moved inside the pipeline.

Bei der Behandlung von in Rohrleitungen geführten Fluiden handelt es sich nicht einschränkend um die Förderung solcher Fluide zum Befüllen von beispielsweise Behältern oder Flaschen. Ebenso fällt hierunter die Reinigung der Rohrleitung mit einem Reinigungsfluid, bei welchem es sich um eine Flüssigkeit oder auch ein Gas, beispielsweise Wasserdampf, handeln kann. Solche Verfahren kommen vielfältig zum Einsatz, wozu nur beispielhaft auf die DE 197 06 578 A1 verwiesen sei, die sich mit der Getränkeabfüllung befasst und hier insbesondere mit einer Druckstoßkompensation.The treatment of piped fluids is not limited to the promotion of such fluids for filling, for example, containers or bottles. Also included here is the cleaning of the pipeline with a cleaning fluid, which may be a liquid or a gas, such as water vapor. Such methods are used in many ways, including only by way of example DE 197 06 578 A1 Reference is made, which deals with the beverage bottling and here in particular with a pressure surge compensation.

Auf ähnliche Vorgehensweisen wird auch bei der pharmazeutischen Industrie zurückgegriffen, bei der ebenfalls in Rohrleitungen geführte Fluide für die nachfolgende Portionierung bereitgestellt werden. Insbesondere beim Wechsel von einem Produktfluid auf ein anderes Produktfluid oder nach einer Reinigungsphase werden oftmals Fluidmischungen aus den beiden Produktfluiden oder einem Produktfluid und dem Reinigungsfluid beobachtet, die insgesamt nicht weiter eingesetzt werden können. Aufgrund dieser bisher zwangsläufigen Verlustmengen ergeben sich Kostennachteile.Similar approaches are also used in the pharmaceutical industry, where pipelined fluids are also provided for subsequent portioning. In particular, when changing from a product fluid to another product fluid or after a cleaning phase, fluid mixtures are often observed from the two product fluids or a product fluid and the cleaning fluid, which can not be used on the whole. Due to these previously inevitable loss amounts, there are cost disadvantages.

Ganz unabhängig davon kennt man Verfahren zur Behandlung von Rohrleitungen, bei denen ein Molch im Innern der Rohrleitungen zumindest hin- und herbewegt wird. Meistens dient der Molch zur Reinigung der Rohrleitung, wie es beispielhaft in der DE 10 2006 020 079 A1 oder der DE 10 2006 020 079 A1 beschrieben wird. Daneben können Molche zur Prüfung von Rohrleitungen eingesetzt werden, wie dies die US 5 454 276 oder auch die DE 199 29 072 A1 offenbaren. - Außerdem kennt man einen Rohrleitungsmolch durch die DE 24 35 423 C2 , welcher zum Anzeigen der Entfernung zwischen einem Punkt und einem oder mehreren anderen Punkten in der Rohrleitung eingesetzt wird.Quite independently, there are known methods of treatment of pipelines, in which a pig inside the pipes is at least reciprocated. Mostly, the pig is used to clean the pipeline, as exemplified in the DE 10 2006 020 079 A1 or the DE 10 2006 020 079 A1 is described. In addition, pigs can be used to test pipelines, such as the US 5,454,276 or even the DE 199 29 072 A1 reveal. - In addition one knows a pipeline pig by the DE 24 35 423 C2 which is used to indicate the distance between a point and one or more other points in the pipeline.

Ungeachtet dessen sind schließlich noch Einrichtungen bekannt, um die Position eines solchen Molches respektive Rohrmolches zu erfassen. Dies geschieht in der Weise, dass eine Änderung eines in der Rohrleitung erzeugten elektromagnetischen Feldes durch die Anwesenheit des metallischen Molches registriert wird (vgl. JP 09287690 A ). Ähnliches beschreibt die US 2004/0211443 A1 . Ein Rohrmolch, welcher einen Signalgeber umfasst, ist aus DE 10 2005 059 023 A1 bekannt, wobei dieser Signalgeber mit einem in der Rohrwandung befindlichen durchlässigen Fenster zusammenwirkt.
In der Druckschrift DE-A- 3049014 ist ein Molch offenbart der mittels Magnet feldern im Rohr bewegt wird.Regardless of this, devices are finally known to detect the position of such a pig or pipe pig. This is done in such a way that a change of an electromagnetic field generated in the pipeline is registered by the presence of the metallic pig (see. JP 09287690 A ). The same describes the US 2004/0211443 A1 , A pig, which includes a signal generator, is out DE 10 2005 059 023 A1 known, this signal generator cooperates with a located in the pipe wall permeable window.
In the publication DE-A-3049014 is a pig revealed by magnetic fields in the tube is moved.

Bei einem Molch handelt es sich bekanntermaßen um ein Gerät, das ganz allgemein in der Gas-, Erdöl- und Produkten-Pipeline-Technik, also in Rohrleitungen, eingesetzt wird. Der Molch füllt den Leitungsquerschnitt mehr oder minder aus und wandert entweder einfach mit dem Produktstrom durch die Leitung oder wird mit Hilfe von extra aufgewendetem Druck durch die Rohrleitung gepresst. Zum Einsetzen des Molches in die Rohrleitung kommen sogenannte Schleusen oder auch Molchfallen zum Einsatz, durch welche der Molch in die Rohrleitung eingesetzt und beispielsweise von hinten mit Druck belegt wird. Durch eine solche Schleuse kann der Molch aber auch herausgenommen werden.As is well known, a newt is a device commonly used in gas, petroleum and product pipelines, ie in pipelines. The pig more or less fills the cross-section of the pipe and either simply travels with the product stream through the pipe or is forced through the pipe with the help of extra pressure applied. To insert the pig into the pipeline so-called locks or pig traps are used, through which the pig is inserted into the pipeline and, for example, from the back is pressurized. Through such a lock, the pig can also be taken out.

Bei der Molchtechnik handelt es sich regelmäßig um ein Förderverfahren für niederviskose Flüssigkeiten aber auch für pastöse Medien, Pulver, Granulate etc.. Neben der Förderung übernimmt der Molch aber auch Serviceaufgaben und hier insbesondere die Reinigung oder Messtechnik sowie Detektion von eventuellen Rohrleitungsfehlern, wie einleitend bereits beschrieben wurde.The pigging technology is usually a conveying process for low-viscosity liquids but also for pasty media, powders, granules, etc. In addition to the promotion of the pig but also takes over service tasks and in particular the cleaning or measuring technology and detection of any pipe defects, as in the introduction has been described.

Molche haben sich in den geschilderten Einsatzgebieten bewährt, benötigen allerdings für ihren Antrieb entweder einen Strom des innerhalb der Rohrleitung geführten Fluids und/oder einen Gasdruckstrom als Treibmittel. Folglich haben sie die zuvor angesprochenen Probleme der verlorenen Fluidmischungen nicht wesentlich beeinflussen können. Hier setzt die Erfindung ein.Newts have proven themselves in the described fields of use, but require for their drive either a flow of fluid guided inside the pipeline and / or a gas pressure flow as a propellant. Consequently, they have not been able to significantly affect the previously mentioned problems of lost fluid mixtures. This is where the invention starts.

Der Erfindung liegt das technische Problem zugrunde, ein derartiges Verfahren zur Behandlung von in Rohrleitungen geführten Fluiden so weiter zu entwickeln, dass unerwünschte Fluidmischungen von ihrer Menge her auf ein Minimum reduziert sind und folglich die Kosten minimiert werden.The invention is based on the technical problem of further developing such a method for the treatment of fluids conveyed in pipelines so that unwanted fluid mixtures are reduced to a minimum in terms of their quantity and consequently the costs are minimized.

Zur Lösung dieser technischen Problemstellung ist bei einem gattungsgemäßen Verfahren vorgesehen, dass der Molch mittels eines elektromagnetischen Feldes berührungslos angetrieben wird.To solve this technical problem is provided in a generic method that the pig is driven without contact by means of an electromagnetic field.

Dabei ist die Auslegung in der Regel so getroffen, dass Mittel zum Erzeugen des besagten elektromagnetischen Feldes vorgesehen sind, um den berührungslosen Antrieb des Molches zu gewährleisten. Bei diesen Mitteln handelt es sich einerseits um zumindest einen schaltbaren Elektromagneten und andererseits wenigstens einen Permanentmagneten und/oder ein magnetisierbares Element. Üblicherweise ist der Permanentmagnet bzw. das magnetisierbare Element im oder am Molch angeordnet, wohingegen der schaltbare Elektromagnet eine Anordnung in oder an der Rohrleitung erfährt. Es kann aber auch umgekehrt verfahren werden, nämlich dergestalt, dass der Molch den schaltbaren Elektromagneten aufweist, wohingegen die Rohrleitung mit dem Permanentmagneten und/oder dem magnetisierbaren Element ausgerüstet ist.The design is usually made so that means are provided for generating the said electromagnetic field in order to ensure the contactless drive of the pig. These means are, on the one hand, at least one switchable electromagnet and, on the other hand, at least one permanent magnet and / or one magnetisable element. Usually, the permanent magnet or the magnetizable element is arranged in or on the pig, whereas the switchable electromagnet undergoes an arrangement in or on the pipeline. But it can also be reversed procedure, namely such that the pig has the switchable electromagnet, whereas the pipe is equipped with the permanent magnet and / or the magnetizable element.

Dieses Verfahren bzw. die entsprechende Vorrichtung zur Behandlung von in Rohrleitungen geführten Fluiden ist insbesondere für Fluidmischungen aus einem Produktfluid und einem Reinigungsfluid und/oder aus zwei oder mehr Produktfluiden geeignet.This method or the corresponding device for the treatment of fluids conducted in pipelines is particularly suitable for fluid mixtures of a product fluid and a cleaning fluid and / or of two or more product fluids.

In jedem Fall wird der Molch mit Hilfe berührungslos wirkender elektromagnetischer Kräfte im Innern der Rohrleitung bewegt. Hier kommen meistens magnetische Anziehungs- und Abstoßungskräfte zum Einsatz. Da das elektromagnetische Feld üblicherweise mit Hilfe des oder der schaltbaren Elektromagneten definiert wird, lässt sich auf diese Weise seine Stärke und/oder Dauer verändern. Dabei hat es sich insgesamt bewährt, wenn der Molch von einem als Wanderfeld ausgebildeten elektromagnetischen Feld bewegt wird. Dieses lässt sich beispielsweise dergestalt realisieren, dass entlang der Rohrleitung mehrere schaltbare Elektromagnete hintereinander angeordnet und nacheinander bestromt werden. Dadurch lässt sich der üblicherweise mit dem Permanentmagneten ausgerüstete Molch nach und nach von den einzelnen durch die Elektromagneten erzeugten magnetischen Felder anziehen und folgt so dem wandernden elektromagnetischen Feld entlang der Elektromagnete.In any case, the pig is moved by means of non-contact electromagnetic forces inside the pipeline. Magnetic attraction and repulsion forces are mostly used here. Since the electromagnetic field is usually defined by means of the switchable electromagnet or magnets, its strength and / or duration can be changed in this way. It has proven to be altogether good if the pig is moved by a trained as a traveling field electromagnetic field. This can be realized, for example, in such a way that a plurality of switchable electromagnets are arranged one behind the other along the pipeline and energized in succession. As a result, the pig, which is usually equipped with the permanent magnet, can be gradually attracted to the individual magnetic fields generated by the electromagnets and thus follows the traveling electromagnetic field along the electromagnets.

Im Allgemeinen erzeugt der Elektromagnet ein Magnetfeld mit im Wesentlichen im Innern der Rohrleitung in ihrer Längserstreckung verlaufenden Feldlinien. Der Permanentmagnet bzw. das magnetisierbare Element (beispielsweise ein Eisenkern) des Molches wird größtenteils in seiner Längserstreckung und in Längsrichtung der Rohrleitung angeordnet. Dadurch kommt es in Längserstreckung der Rohrleitung und bei eingeschaltetem Elektromagnet zur Ausbildung eines Nord- und Südpols bzw. einer Folge derartiger Magnetpole. Je nach der Polarität dieses temporären und mit Hilfe des Elektromagneten erzeugten Magnetfeldes wird beispielsweise der zum Permanentmagneten gehörige Nordpol angezogen oder abgestoßen.In general, the electromagnet generates a magnetic field with substantially in the interior of the pipeline extending in its longitudinal extent Field lines. The permanent magnet or the magnetizable element (for example, an iron core) of the pig is largely arranged in its longitudinal extent and in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline. This results in the longitudinal extent of the pipeline and when the electromagnet is turned on to form a north and south pole or a sequence of such magnetic poles. Depending on the polarity of this temporary magnetic field generated by means of the electromagnet, for example, the north pole belonging to the permanent magnet is attracted or repelled.

Jedenfalls bilden der Permanentmagnet (das magnetisierbare Element) und der eine oder die mehreren Elektromagneten zusammengenommen einen Linearmotor, bei welchem die Rohrleitung regelmäßig den Stator enthält, wohingegen der Permanentmagnet (das magnetisierbare Element) den Rotor darstellt. Die Funktionsweise ist ähnlich wie beim "Transrapid". Dabei hängt wie dort die Geschwindigkeit des Molches von der Frequenz des elektromagnetischen Wanderfeldes ab. Diese kann wie im Übrigen die elektrische Energieversorgung für den Elektromagneten insgesamt von einer Steuereinheit mit oder ohne integrierter Spannungsquelle zur Verfügung gestellt werden. Der Permanentmagnet bzw. der Eisenkern lässt sich in den Molch einbetten, z. B. in Kunststoff einbringen.In any case, the permanent magnet (the magnetizable element) and the one or more electromagnets taken together constitute a linear motor in which the pipeline regularly contains the stator, whereas the permanent magnet (the magnetizable element) constitutes the rotor. The operation is similar to the "Transrapid". Here as well as there the speed of the pig depends on the frequency of the electromagnetic traveling field. This can be made available as a whole the electrical power supply for the electromagnet as a whole by a control unit with or without an integrated voltage source. The permanent magnet or the iron core can be embedded in the pig, z. B. bring in plastic.

Neben einer linearen Hin- und Herbewegung in Längserstreckung der Rohrleitung kann der Molch beispielsweise auch in einem querschnittserweiterten (Halte-)Bereich der Rohrleitung quer zur Längserstreckung bewegt und hier festgehalten werden. Diese Vorgehensweise empfiehlt sich für den Fall, dass der gesamte Querschnitt der Rohrleitung für die Führung des Fluids benötigt wird. Dabei ist die Festlegung des Molches in diesem querschnittserweiterten (Halte-)Bereich grundsätzlich sowohl mechanisch als auch elektromagnetisch möglich.In addition to a linear reciprocating motion in the longitudinal extension of the pipeline, the pig can, for example, also be moved transversely to the longitudinal extent in a cross-sectional widened (holding) region of the pipeline and be held here. This procedure is recommended in the event that the entire cross-section of the pipeline is needed to guide the fluid. In this case, the determination of the pig in this cross-sectional extended (holding) area is basically possible both mechanically and electromagnetically.

Darüber hinaus ist der Molch regelmäßig so ausgelegt, dass er die Rohrleitung fluiddicht verschließt. Auf diese Weise kann der Molch nicht nur verschiedene Bereiche der Rohrleitung voneinander trennen, sondern auch zur Förderung des Fluids eingesetzt werden. Die Trennung wird dabei in der Regel zwischen zwei Fluiden vorgenommen.In addition, the pig is regularly designed so that it closes the pipeline fluid-tight. In this way, the pig can not only separate different areas of the pipe from each other, but also be used to convey the fluid. The separation is usually made between two fluids.

Darüber hinaus können aber auch zwei oder mehr Molche innerhalb der Rohrleitung Verwendung finden. Diese lassen sich gegeneinander verfahren. Dadurch wird ein vorzugsweise abgedichteter Zwischenraum beliebiger Ausdehnung zwischen den Molchen definiert. Dieser Zwischenraum kann beispielsweise evakuiert werden, was zumindest eine seitliche Ableitung in dem Zwischenraum voraussetzt.In addition, however, two or more pigs can be used within the pipeline. These can be moved against each other. This defines a preferably sealed space of any expansion between the pigs. This gap can be evacuated, for example, which requires at least a lateral discharge in the gap.

Gegenstand der Erfindung ist auch eine Vorrichtung zur Behandlung von in Rohrleitungen geführten Fluiden, wie sie im Anspruch 8 beschrieben wird. Des Weiteren die Verwendung eines durch ein elektromagnetisches Feld antreibbaren Molches als Trenn- und/oder Förderelement für durch Rohrleitungen geführte Fluide entsprechend dem Anspruch 10.The invention also provides a device for the treatment of fluids carried in pipelines, as described in claim 8. Furthermore, the use of a drivable by an electromagnetic field pig as a separating and / or conveying element for pipelined fluids according to claim 10.

In jedem Fall wird eine völlig neu konzipierte Möglichkeit zur Verfügung gestellt, Fluide innerhalb von Rohrleitungen zu behandeln und insbesondere unerwünschte Fluidmischungen von ihrer Menge her auf ein Minimum zu reduzieren bzw. die Fluidmischung gezielt einzustellen. Das gilt namentlich für Fluidmischungen aus verschiedenen Produktfluiden sowie solchen aus einem Produktfluid und einem Reinigungsfluid. Denn derartige Fluidmischungen können üblicherweise bei einer als Produktführungsleitung ausgeführten Rohrleitungen anschließend nicht (mehr) verwendet werden. Derartige Verluste lassen sich nun mit der Erfindung auf ein Minimum reduzieren.In any case, a completely redesigned possibility is provided to treat fluids within pipelines and in particular to reduce unwanted fluid mixtures from their amount to a minimum or to adjust the fluid mixture in a targeted manner. This applies in particular to fluid mixtures of different product fluids as well as those of a product fluid and a cleaning fluid. Because such fluid mixtures usually can not be used (more) in a pipeline designed as a product guide line. Such losses can now be reduced to a minimum with the invention.

Das gelingt im Kern dadurch, dass sich in der Rohrleitung zumindest ein berührungslos hin- und herbewegbarer Molch befindet, welcher einzelne Bereiche der Rohrleitung beispielsweise voneinander trennen kann. So lässt sich der Molch unmittelbar in den Bereich einer Zuleitung eines Produktfluids fahren und sperrt diese Zuleitung von der Rohrleitung ab. Als Folge hiervon kann die jenseits des Molches befindliche Rohrleitung beispielsweise über eine Spülleitung gespült werden oder kann in dieser Rohrleitung zuvor befindliches anderes Produktfluid problemlos abgezogen werden, ohne dass die Gefahr einer Mischung mit dem nachfolgend zu fördernden Produktfluid besteht. Derartiges ist mit einem beispielsweise in der Zuleitung des Produkfluids befindlichen Ventil nicht möglich. Denn dieses Ventil lässt sich lediglich im freien Bereich der Zuleitung anbringen, so dass immer noch Restvolumina verbleiben, in denen sich Reinigungsflüssigkeit, ein anderes Produktfluid etc. befinden können.This is achieved in essence by the fact that at least one non-contact reciprocating pig is located in the pipeline, which can separate individual areas of the pipeline from each other, for example. Thus, the pig can be driven directly into the area of a supply line of a product fluid and blocks this supply line from the pipeline. As a result, the pipe located beyond the pig can be flushed, for example, via a scavenging line, or other product fluid previously present in this pipeline can be easily withdrawn without the risk of mixing with the product fluid to be subsequently conveyed. Such is not possible with a valve located, for example, in the supply line of the product fluid. Because this valve can be attached only in the free area of the supply, so that still remain residual volumes in which cleaning liquid, another product fluid, etc. may be located.

Hiervon hat sich die Erfindung bewusst gelöst, weil die Zuleitungen unmittelbar und über ihre gesamte Länge gesehen abgesperrt werden können. Das gelingt darüber hinaus mit einem oder mehreren Molchen, erfordert somit keine teure und konstruktiv aufwendige Ventiltechnik. Im Übrigen lassen sich hierdurch Vorfüll- oder Mischstufen darstellen, indem beispielsweise der Molch die Zuleitung mit dem Produktfluid geringfügig öffnet. Dabei stellen insgesamt der eine oder die mehreren querschnittserweiterten Haltebereiche zudem sicher, dass die Produktführung insgesamt nicht beeinflusst wird.Of these, the invention has deliberately solved because the leads can be shut off immediately and seen over their entire length. The also manages with one or more pigs, thus requires no expensive and structurally complex valve technology. Incidentally, this can be Vorfüll- or mixing stages represent, for example, by the pig opens the supply line with the product fluid slightly. In addition, the one or more cross-sectional widened holding areas also ensure that the overall product guidance is not influenced.

Dabei versteht es sich, dass die Rohrleitung bei Bedarf mit einer oder mehreren Schleusen ausgerüstet ist, um den erfindungsgemäßen Molch respektive Rohrmolch in die Rohrleitung einbringen zu können. Außerdem kann der erfindungsgemäße Molch selbstverständlich ergänzend oder alternativ auch durch das in der Rohrleitung strömende Fluid angeströmt und angetrieben werden. Bei diesem Vorgang ist es selbstverständlich denkbar, dass sich an beiden Seiten des Molches unterschiedliche Fluide befinden, wobei ein Fluid zum Antrieb des Molches genutzt wird und das andere Fluid von ihm verdrängt wird. Bei den Fluiden handelt es sich nicht einschränkend um Flüssigkeiten, grundsätzlich auch Gase oder sogar fließende Feststoffe, beispielsweise Granulate die auf diese Weise gefördert werden können. Hierin sind die wesentlichen Vorteile zu sehen.It is understood that the pipe is equipped if necessary with one or more locks in order to bring the pig according to the invention or pipe pig into the pipeline can. In addition, the pig according to the invention can, of course, additionally be supplemented or alternatively flown through and driven by the fluid flowing in the pipeline. In this process, it is of course conceivable that there are different fluids on both sides of the pig, wherein a fluid is used to drive the pig and the other fluid is displaced by him. The fluids are not limitative liquids, in principle, gases or even flowing solids, such as granules which can be promoted in this way. Here are the main benefits.

Im Folgenden wird die Erfindung anhand einer lediglich ein Ausführungsbeispiel darstellenden Zeichnung näher erläutert; es zeigen:

  • Fig. 1 die erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung schematisch
  • Fig. 2 eine abgewandelte Ausführungsform im Bereich einer Querschnittserweiterung der Rohrleitung in zwei verschiedenen Ausgestaltungen a) und b) und
  • Fig. 3 die Rohrleitung bei einem typischen Fördervorgang für ein Fluid.
In the following the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to a drawing showing only one exemplary embodiment; show it:
  • Fig. 1 the device according to the invention schematically
  • Fig. 2 a modified embodiment in the region of a cross-sectional widening of the pipeline in two different embodiments a) and b) and
  • Fig. 3 the pipeline in a typical fluid delivery process.

In den Figuren ist eine Vorrichtung zur Behandlung von in Rohrleitungen 1 geführten Fluiden dargestellt. Bei den Fluiden handelt es sich um beispielsweise Getränke aber auch pharmazeutische Flüssigkeiten oder allgemein Produktflüssigkeiten, die über die Rohrleitung 1 zu einem Abfüllort oder dergleichen gefördert werden. Vorliegend geht es insbesondere um die Behandlung von Fluidmischungen aus beispielsweise einem Produktfluid und einem Reinigungsfluid, wie es über eine an die Rohrleitung 1 entsprechend der Fig. 3 angeschlossene Spülleitung 2 in die Rohrleitung 1 eingeleitet werden kann. Des Weiteren erkennt man eine weitere Zuleitung 3 und eine Ableitung 4, die für die Beaufschlagung der Rohrleitung 1 mit einem Gas und dessen Abzug im Ausführungsbeispiel nach Fig. 3 eingesetzt werden.In the figures, an apparatus for the treatment of guided in pipes 1 fluids is shown. The fluids are, for example, beverages but also pharmaceutical liquids or generally product liquids which are conveyed via the pipeline 1 to a filling location or the like. In the present case, in particular, the treatment of fluid mixtures of, for example, a product fluid and a cleaning fluid, as it is connected to the pipeline 1 according to the Fig. 3 connected purge line 2 can be introduced into the pipe 1. Furthermore, recognizes one another supply line 3 and a discharge line 4, which for the admission of the pipeline 1 with a gas and its deduction in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 be used.

Die dargestellte Vorrichtung greift im Wesentlichen auf wenigstens einen im Innern der Rohrleitung 1 bewegbaren Molch 5 zurück und ist zusätzlich erfindungsgemäß mit Mitteln 6, 7 ausgerüstet, welche ein elektromagnetisches Feld zum berührungslosen Antrieb des Molches 5 erzeugen.The device shown essentially uses at least one pig 5 which is movable inside the pipeline 1 and is additionally equipped according to the invention with means 6, 7 which generate an electromagnetic field for non-contact driving of the pig 5.

Bei den Mitteln 6, 7 handelt es sich einerseits um einen oder mehrere schaltbare Elektromagnete 7 und andererseits einen bzw. zwei Permanentmagnete 6. Der Permanentmagnet 6 wird in oder an dem Molch 5 bzw. von diesem getragen. Dagegen findet sich der schaltbare Elektromagnet 7 in einer Anordnung in oder an der Rohrleitung 1. Tatsächlich sind mehrere Elektromagneten 7 vorgesehen, die mittels einer kombinierten Steuereinheit und Spannungsquelle 8 beaufschlagt werden und in Längserstreckung an der Außenwandung der Rohrleitung 1 angeordnet sind. Auf diese Weise erzeugen die Elektromagneten 7 ein in Fig. 1 lediglich angedeutetes Magnetfeld, gegenüber dem sich der Molch 5 mit seinem Permanentmagneten bzw. seinen beiden Permanentmagneten 6 ausrichtet und bewegt wird. Das Gleiche gilt für den Fall, dass anstelle der Permanentmagneten 6 schlicht und ergreifend ein metallischer Kern für den Molch 5 realisiert ist. - Grundsätzlich kann auch umgekehrt verfahren werden, dass nämlich der Molch 5 mit einem schaltbaren Elektromagneten 7 ausgerüstet wird, wohingegen die Rohrleitung 1 den metallischen Kern respektive Permanentmagneten 6 aufweist.The means 6, 7 are on the one hand to one or more switchable electromagnets 7 and on the other hand one or two permanent magnets 6. The permanent magnet 6 is supported in or on the pig 5 or by this. In contrast, there is the switchable solenoid 7 in an arrangement in or on the pipe 1. In fact, a plurality of electromagnets 7 are provided, which are acted upon by a combined control unit and voltage source 8 and arranged in longitudinal extension on the outer wall of the pipe 1. In this way, the electromagnets 7 generate an in Fig. 1 only indicated magnetic field against which the pig 5 aligns with its permanent magnet or its two permanent magnets 6 and is moved. The same applies to the case that instead of the permanent magnet 6 a metallic core for the pig 5 is simply realized. In principle, the procedure can also be reversed, namely that the pig 5 is equipped with a switchable electromagnet 7, whereas the pipeline 1 has the metallic core or permanent magnet 6.

Eine kontinuierliche Bewegung des Molches 5 lässt sich dadurch darstellen, dass mit Hilfe mehrerer Elektromagneten 7 in Längserstreckung der Rohrleitung 1 ein elektromagnetisches Wanderfeld erzeugt wird. Dieses lässt sich im einfachsten Fall so darstellen, dass die Elektromagneten 7 hintereinander angeschaltet und dann ausgeschaltet werden, wobei der Molch 5 mit seinem metallischen Kern bzw. den Permanentmagneten 6 diesem fortschreitenden elektromagnetischen Feld entlang der Rohrleitung 1 in deren Längserstreckung folgt. Dadurch kann der Molch 5 längst der Rohrleitung 1 hin- und herbewegt werden.A continuous movement of the pig 5 can be represented by the fact that with the aid of several electromagnets 7 in the longitudinal extension of the pipeline 1, an electromagnetic traveling field is generated. This can be represented in the simplest case so that the electromagnets 7 are connected in series and then turned off, the pig 5 follows with its metallic core and the permanent magnet 6 this advancing electromagnetic field along the pipe 1 in its longitudinal extent. As a result, the pig 5 long ago the pipe 1 are moved back and forth.

Man erkennt, dass der Elektromagnet 7 ein Magnetfeld mit im Wesentlichen im Innern der Rohrleitung 1 in ihrer Längserstreckung verlaufenden Feldlinien erzeugt, wie die Fig. 1 deutlich macht. Außerdem ist die Auslegung meistens so getroffen, dass der Permanentmagnet 6 bzw. das magnetisierbare Material größtenteils in Längserstreckung der Rohrleitung 1 bzw. des Molches 5 angeordnet ist.It can be seen that the electromagnet 7 generates a magnetic field with field lines extending substantially in the interior of the pipeline 1 in its longitudinal extent, like the Fig. 1 makes it clear. In addition, the design is usually made such that the permanent magnet 6 or the magnetizable material is largely arranged in the longitudinal extension of the pipe 1 and the pig 5.

Im Rahmen der Fig. 2 sind bei beiden Varianten a) und b) jeweils querschnittserweiterte Bereiche 9 der Rohrleitung 1 zu erkennen. Dabei fungiert der querschnittserweiterte Bereich 9 bei der Darstellung nach Fig. 2a) in der Weise, dass der Molch 5 lediglich innerhalb dieses querschnittserweiterten Bereiches 9 hin und her bewegt wird und über entsprechend verschieden ausgestaltete Gleitelemente 10 verfügt. Diese Gleit- respektive Stützelemente 10 sind umlaufend ausgestaltet, so dass der Molch 5 die Rohrleitung 1 insgesamt fluiddicht verschließt. Auf diese Weise ist der Molch 5 in der Lage, in der Rohrleitung 1 befindliche und möglicherweise verschiedene Fluide voneinander zu trennen. Es ist auch möglich, mit Hilfe des berührungslos angetriebenen Molches 5 ein in der Rohrleitung 1 befindliches Fluid zu fördern. Dieses braucht also nicht selbst unter Druck zu stehen.As part of the Fig. 2 are in both variants a) and b) each cross-sectional widened areas 9 of the pipe 1 can be seen. In this case, the cross-sectional widened area 9 acts in the illustration Fig. 2a ) in such a way that the pig 5 is moved back and forth only within this cross-sectional widened region 9 and has correspondingly differently configured sliding elements 10. These sliding or supporting elements 10 are configured circumferentially, so that the pig 5, the pipe 1 as a whole closes fluid-tight. In this way, the pig 5 is able to separate and possibly different fluids located in the pipeline 1 from each other. It is also possible, with the aid of the non-contact driven pig 5 to promote a befindliches in the pipeline 1 fluid. So this does not need to be under pressure.

Bei der Variante nach Fig. 2b) fungiert der querschnittserweiterte Bereich 9 als gleichsam Haltebereich für den Molch 5, der in diesem Zusammenhang eine Art Ruheposition einnehmen kann. Tatsächlich lässt sich der Molch 5 in dem querschnittserweiterten (Halte-)bereich 9 der Rohrleitung 1 quer zur Längserstreckung der Rohrleitung 1 bewegen und an dieser Stelle festhalten. Das geschieht wiederum, indem entsprechende magnetische Anziehungskräfte mit Hilfe eines dortigen speziellen Elektromagneten 7 bzw. beidseitigen Elektromagneten 7 aufgebracht werden. Da im querschnittserweiterten Bereich 9 Elektromagneten 7 beidseitig des Molches 5 vorhanden sind, lassen sich sowohl magnetisch anziehende als auch abstoßende Kräfte aufbauen, so dass der Molch 5 problemlos quer zur Längserstreckung der Rohrleitung 1 bewegt werden kann. Seine Festlegung kann magnetisch und/oder mechanisch an der Wandung der Rohrleitung 1 erfolgen.In the variant after Fig. 2b ) acts the cross-sectional widened region 9 as a holding area for the pig 5, which can take a kind of rest position in this context. In fact, the pig 5 can be moved in the cross-sectional widened (holding) area 9 of the pipeline 1 transversely to the longitudinal extent of the pipeline 1 and held in place. This in turn is done by appropriate magnetic attraction forces with the help of a local special electromagnet 7 and two-sided electromagnet 7 are applied. Since there are electromagnets 7 on both sides of the pig 5 in the cross-sectional widened region 9, both magnetically attractive and repulsive forces can be built up, so that the pig 5 can be easily moved transversely to the longitudinal extension of the pipeline 1. Its definition can be done magnetically and / or mechanically on the wall of the pipe 1.

Bei der Variante nach Fig. 3 sind zwei Molche 5 entlang der Rohrleitung 1 platziert. Dabei findet sich der linke Molch 5 in einer Position, in welcher er eine Zuleitung 11 für ein erstes Produktfluid 11' verschließt, wohingegen eine weitere Zuleitung 12 für ein zweites Produktfluid 12' offengehalten wird. Auf diese Weise kann das zweite Produktfluid 12' über die Rohrleitung 1 gefördert werden. Außerdem ist es möglich, das zweite Produktfulid 12' in einen Zwischenraum zwischen den beiden Molchen 5 zu bevorraten. Das ist jedoch nicht dargestellt. Nach der Förderung lässt sich die Rohrleitung 1 über das durch die Leitung 3 zugeführte Gas spülen oder auch mit Hilfe einer Reinigungsflüssigkeit über die Spülleitung 2.In the variant after Fig. 3 two pigs 5 are placed along the pipeline 1. In this case, the left pig 5 is in a position in which it closes a supply line 11 for a first product fluid 11 ', whereas another Supply line 12 for a second product fluid 12 'is kept open. In this way, the second product fluid 12 'can be conveyed via the pipeline 1. In addition, it is possible to stock the second product vial 12 'in a space between the two pigs 5. This is not shown. After the conveyance, the pipeline 1 can be flushed via the gas supplied through the line 3 or else with the aid of a cleaning liquid via the flushing line 2.

Ferner kann so vorgegangen werden, dass der linke Molch 5 von dem durch die Zuleitung 11 in die Produktleitung 1 zugeführten ersten Produktfluid angeströmt wird und durch das strömende erste Produktfluid nach rechts in Richtung auf die zweite Zuleitung 12 eine Bewegung erfährt.Furthermore, it is possible to proceed in such a way that the left pig 5 is flown by the first product fluid supplied through the feed line 11 into the product line 1 and undergoes a movement to the right in the direction of the second feed line 12 by the flowing first product fluid.

Diese Bewegung kann selbstverständlich durch den gleichsam von den Elektromagneten 7 gebildeten Linearantrieb in Verbindung mit den magnetisierbaren Elementen bzw. Permanentmagneten 6 des Molches 5 unterstützt werden. Bei diesem Vorgang wird das rechts des ersten Molches 5 möglicherweise vorhandene zweite Produktfluid verdrängt. Dabei strömt das zweite Produktfluid an dem zweiten Molch 5 vorbei, welcher sich in einem dortigen querschnittserweiterten Bereich 9 befindet und generell den Querschnitt der Rohrleitung 1 freigibt. In der dargestellten Ausführungsform können die Molche 5 nicht aneinander vorbei bewegt werden, dies ist aber in einer nicht gezeigten Variante natürlich vorgesehen. Die Molche 5 selbst sind zuvor über eine nicht dargestellte Schleuse in die Rohrleitung 1 eingebracht worden. Eine zusätzliche endseitige Schleuse mag für ihre Entfernung aus der Rohrleitung 1 sorgen.Of course, this movement can be assisted by the linear drive as it were formed by the electromagnets 7 in conjunction with the magnetizable elements or permanent magnets 6 of the pig 5. In this process, the right of the first pig 5 possibly existing second product fluid is displaced. In this case, the second product fluid flows past the second pig 5, which is located in a local cross-sectional widened region 9 and generally releases the cross-section of the pipeline 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the pigs 5 can not be moved past each other, but this is of course provided in a variant, not shown. The newts 5 themselves have previously been introduced into the pipeline 1 via a lock (not shown). An additional end lock may provide for its removal from the pipeline 1.

In einer nicht dargestellten Variante ist der mindestens ein Molch 5 oder idealerweise alle Molche 5 mit einer zentralen Leitung versehen, welche von dem einen Ende des Molches 5 zu der anderen Seite des Molches 5 führt, in der Art einer Kurzschlussleitung. Diese Leitung ist mittels mindestens eines Ventils verschließbar und kann mindestens teilweise geöffnet werden. Im geöffneten Zustand des Ventils kann das in der Rohrleitung 1 vorhandene Fluid durch den Molch 5 hindurch strömen.In a variant, not shown, the at least one pig 5 or ideally all pigs 5 is provided with a central conduit which leads from one end of the pig 5 to the other side of the pig 5, in the manner of a short-circuit line. This line can be closed by means of at least one valve and can be at least partially opened. In the opened state of the valve, the fluid present in the pipeline 1 can flow through the pig 5.

Die in den Molchen 5 angeordneten Ventile sind dabei idealerweise als Sicherheitsventil ausgestaltet, welche abhängig von dem Fluiddruck in der Rohrleitung 1 oder dem Druckdifferenz, welche auf beiden Seiten des Molches 5 herrscht, ganz oder teilweise öffnet werden. Damit ist es möglich den Molch gegen eine stehendes Fluid zu fahren, ohne das Fluid zu fördern oder eine Schädigung des Leitungssystems sicher zu verhindern. Im einfachsten Fall ist ein oder beidseitig Berstelement vorgesehen, welches nach dem Bruch erneuert werden muss.The arranged in the pigs 5 valves are ideally designed as a safety valve, which depends on the fluid pressure in the pipe 1 or the pressure difference, which on both sides of the pig. 5 prevails, be opened in whole or in part. This makes it possible to drive the pig against a stagnant fluid without promoting the fluid or to prevent damage to the piping system safely. In the simplest case, one or both sides of the rupture element is provided, which must be renewed after the rupture.

Claims (10)

  1. A method for treating fluids guided in pipelines (1) whereby at least one pig (5) is displaced contactlessly inside the pipeline (1) by means of an electromagnetic field, the pig (5) being equipped with at least one magnetisable element and/or one permanent magnet (6) which interacts with at least one electromagnet (7) arranged on or in the pipeline (1), and the pig (6) also being moved by an electromagnetic moving field acting in the longitudinal direction of the pipelines (1), wherein the pig (5) seals the pipeline (1) fluid-tight.
  2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the magnetisable element or permanent magnet (6) of the pig (5) is arranged mainly in its longitudinal extension and in the longitudinal direction of the pipeline (1).
  3. A method according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the pig (5) is moved square to its longitudinal extension and secured in a cross-sectionally widened region (9) of the pipeline (1).
  4. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the pig (5) can be used to convey the fluid and/or to separate two fluids.
  5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein at least two pigs (5) are displaced against one another in the pipeline (1) and define a preferably sealed space of arbitrary extent between them in this way.
  6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the at least two pigs (5) can be moved past one another in the pipeline (1).
  7. A device for treating fluids guided in pipelines (1), in particular fluid mixtures comprising for example one product fluid and one cleaning fluid and/or two or more product fluids, having at least one pig (5) that is moveable inside the pipeline (1), with means (6, 7) being provided to create an electromagnetic field for the contactless driving of the pig (5), to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, said means (6, 7) being configured as on the one hand at least energisable [sic] electromagnet (7) and on the other hand at least one magnetisable element and/or permanent magnet (6) arranged on the one hand in or on the pig (5) and on the other hand in or on the pipeline (1), and with the pig (5) being displaced by an electromagnetic moving field acting in the longitudinal direction of the pipelines (1), wherein the pig (5) seals the pipeline (1) fluid-tight.
  8. A device according to claim 7 wherein at least one pig (5) comprises a central pipe which leads from the one end of the pig (5) to the other end of the pig (5) and which can be closed and at least partially opened by means of at least one valve such that the fluid present in the pipeline (1) can flow through the pig (5) when the valve is open.
  9. A device according to claim 8 wherein the valve is a safety valve which opens fully or partially depending on the fluid pressure in the pipeline (1) or on the differential pressure prevailing on either side of the pig (5).
  10. A device according to claim 7 wherein at least one pig (5) comprises a central pipe which leads from the one end of the pig (5) to the other end of the pig (5) and which by means contains at least one bursting element which seals the pipe during regular operation.
EP09719856A 2008-03-12 2009-02-25 Method and device for treating fluids guided in pipelines Not-in-force EP2268424B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
SI200930219T SI2268424T1 (en) 2008-03-12 2009-02-25 Method and device for treating fluids guided in pipelines

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102008013963A DE102008013963B3 (en) 2008-03-12 2008-03-12 Method and device for treating fluids carried in pipelines
PCT/EP2009/001311 WO2009112148A1 (en) 2008-03-12 2009-02-25 Method and device for treating fluids guided in pipelines

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2268424A1 EP2268424A1 (en) 2011-01-05
EP2268424B1 true EP2268424B1 (en) 2012-02-01

Family

ID=40679592

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP09719856A Not-in-force EP2268424B1 (en) 2008-03-12 2009-02-25 Method and device for treating fluids guided in pipelines

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2268424B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE543582T1 (en)
DE (1) DE102008013963B3 (en)
SI (1) SI2268424T1 (en)
WO (1) WO2009112148A1 (en)

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CN106224783B (en) * 2016-09-08 2019-01-18 湖北工业大学 A kind of magnetic drive pipe detection device
CN107377545A (en) * 2017-09-13 2017-11-24 京东方科技集团股份有限公司 The method cleaned to the exhaust pipe of dry pump and the device cleaned
CN111121294B (en) * 2019-12-26 2021-12-10 北京拓首能源科技股份有限公司 Oiling sleeve of coking heating furnace

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2268424A1 (en) 2011-01-05
DE102008013963B3 (en) 2009-07-30
ATE543582T1 (en) 2012-02-15
WO2009112148A1 (en) 2009-09-17
SI2268424T1 (en) 2012-05-31

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