Pipeline Blockage Unplugging and Locating Equipment

This paper describes the development of a pulsed hydraulic system, specifically designed to unblock plugged piping. It uses the differences between the resonant vibrations of the fluid column and pipe walls to separate the blockage from the pipe wall, break it up, and clear the line. Using resonant frequencies, the system can stay below the design pressure of the system, preventing pipe failures from occurring, which is a major concern with DOE radioactive waste transfer lines.