Pipeline Unplugging Technology

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Pipeline Unplugging Technology
Waste Slurry Transport Organization
Edgard Espinosa FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL
UNIVERSITY MIAMI, FL
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Agenda

• Background Information
• Objective
• Technology Method of Testing

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Background Information

• Large underground pipeline network transport
  nuclear waste to disposal site at several DOE
  sites.
• Unplugging technologies are needed to remove the
  blockages in the transfer lines.

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Objective

• Assist DOE with pipeline unplugging technology
  evaluation and qualification
• Provide understanding of the underlying physics
• Propagation of pressure pulse
• Pressure amplification factor
• Effects of bends and expansion joint
• Determine whether the technology can unplug a
  pipe at 19,000 ft from the inlet

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Promising Technology

• Nu-Vision's (former AEAT) Fluidic Wave- Action
  Technology
• (current study)
• AIMM's Hydrokinetics Technology
• (future study)

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• Nu-Vision's Methodology

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Schematic of Test Beds 285ft 621ft
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Schematic of Test Bed1797 ft.
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Equipment Layout
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Nu-Vision Equipment Setup
Water tank
Inlet (simulated valve-pit)
Control valves
Jet Pump
Vacuum Pump
Control Unit
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Test Plugs

• Three blockage materials used
• Kaolin
• Aluminum gel
• Phosphate

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Test Run of Kaolin
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Results
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Thank you

• I would like to thank
• Dr. Leonel Lagos - ARC
• Dr. Dwayne E. Daniels ARC (mentor)

Questions !