| 摘要 |
A method of removing a layer of encrustation from an inner surface of a pipe, comprising the following steps in order: (a) providing a pipe cleaning device 1 such as a pig, having a propelling piston 10 attached to at least one cleaning tool 100 that comprises circumferentially spaced moveable working surfaces (200, fig 1b) for removing deposits from the inner surface of the pipe, wherein the working surfaces (200, fig 1b) are urged apart; (b) inserting the pipe cleaning device 1 into the pipe; (c) driving the pipe cleaning device 1 along the pipe and thereby remove a layer of encrustation; (d) removing the pipe cleaning device 1 from the pipe. (e) repeating steps (b) to (d) until the thickness of the layer of encrustation has reduced to a required thickness. The method is particularly applicable in the field of alumina production from bauxite. Various pipe cleaning devices and kits of parts are also disclosed. |
