Method of scarifying an interior surface of a pipeline

Abstract

This application discloses an automated apparatus for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other similar elongated passageway. The apparatus includes a vehicle that propels itself down the inside of the pipe. A scarifying assembly is removably secured to the vehicle and uses arms to reach the walls of the pipe. At the end of each arm there is a fluid nozzle assembly equipped with fluid nozzles. The fluid nozzle assembly rotates or oscillates to scarify the pipe surface. The arms and fluid nozzle assembly interchange with other such scarifying assemblies depending on the shape or type of pipe and the desired scarifying technique. The apparatus is tethered to a source of fluid under pressure and a power source, both of which are located off-board the apparatus at a remote location. An operator supervises the operation of the apparatus, controlling the speed and direction of travel of the vehicle, the speed and direction of oscillation and rotation of the scarifying assembly, and the fluid pressure delivered by the fluid nozzles.A method for scarifying the interior surface of a pipe or other elongated passageway is disclosed. The method includes the steps of a) providing a vehicle having a scarifying assembly, which includes an assembly of nozzles; b) positioning the nozzle assembly so that the nozzles are proximate a first selected region of the interior surface of a pipe; c) rotating or oscillating the nozzle assembly; d) applying pressurized fluid to the nozzles; and e) moving the vehicle and/or the nozzle assembly to scarify a swath of the interior surface of the pipe.