METHOD FOR THE EXPLOSION-SAFE CLEANING OF PIPELINES CONTAINING TRACES OF HYDROCARBONS

摘要

The invention relates to the field of mechanical engineering and can be used in the construction and repair of main pipelines. A method for the explosion-safe cleaning of pipelines containing traces of hydrocarbons consists in moving a cleaning device inside a pipeline cavity using compressed air from a compressor. Supply air is pre-fed under pressure through a gas distribution plant in order to remove oxygen. The oxygen-depleted air, having an oxygen concentration which is reduced to an explosion-safe level in combination with light hydrocarbon vapours, is fed into a pipeline. The device comprises a first air filter at an air-receiving inlet of an internal combustion engine, a second air filter at an air-receiving inlet of a compressor, and a gas distribution plant. The gas distribution plant comprises two outlets, one of which has two branches. The first branch is connected via a first stop valve to an inlet of the compressor. The second branch is connected via a second stop valve to the pipeline in order to enable the movement of cleaning devices. A second outlet of the gas distribution plant is connected via a third stop valve to the air-receiving inlet of the internal combustion engine. Technical result: an increase in the explosion safety of a pipeline cleaning method, and an increase in specific power and specific fuel economy.