PIPE COATING REMOVAL APPARATUS

Abstract

A pipe coating removal apparatus (1) for removing all or some of the coating on a pipe, the pipe coating removal apparatus (1) having a pipe support means (2) for supporting a length of pipe. and further having a tool carriage (3). The tool carriage (3) being capable of supporting two or more different types of pipe coating removal tools (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (80), (81), (82) and/or (70). The pipe coating removal apparatus (1) being capable of causing relative movement between the tool carriage (3) and the pipe support means (2) to remove all or some of the coating on the pipe that is supportable by the pipe support means (2).

Claims

1. A pipe coating removal apparatus for removing all or some of the coating on a pipe, the pipe coating removal apparatus comprising a pipe support means for supporting a length of pipe, and a tool carriage, the tool carriage being capable of supporting two or more different types of pipe coating removal tools, the pipe coating removal apparatus being capable of causing relative movement between the tool carriage and the pipe support means to remove all or some of the coating on the pipe that is supportable by the pipe support means.

2. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the two or more different types of pipe coating removal tools comprises any two of a scraping tool, a cutting tool and/or an abrasive tool.

3. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool carriage is configurable to support at least eight tools.

4. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the tool carriage is moveable along the pipe support means.

5. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a longitudinal cutting tool to create a longitudinal cut along the pipe coating of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

6. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the longitudinal cutting tool is configurable to work in both longitudinal directions allowing the pipe coating removal tool to operate from either end of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

7. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a circumferential scraping tool configurable to remove all or some coating on a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

8. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises one or more abrasive tools.

9. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the one or more abrasive tools comprise one or more wire brushes and/or one or more flap wheels and/or one or more belt sanders.

10. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 2, 5, 7 or 8 wherein, the cutting tool(s), scraping tool(s) and/or abrasive tool(s) comprise at least one hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder configurable to raise and/or lower the cutting tool(s), scraping tools) and/or abrasive tool(s) towards and/or away from a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

11. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 2, 5, 7, 8 or 10 wherein, the cutting tool(s), scraping tool(s) and/or abrasive tool(s) can be operated independently.

12. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the two or more tools comprise a tool arm and a tool head extending from the tool arm wherein the tool head is configurable to remove all or some pipe coating from a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

13. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein, the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a guide means to guide engagement of at least one of the two or more tools with a surface of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

14. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the guide means is releasably attachable to at least one of the two or more tools.

15. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 13 to 14, wherein the guide means comprises a guide roller configurable to engage with the external surface of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

16. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 13 to 15, wherein the guide means is configurable to move radially towards and/or away from a pipe supportable on the pipe support means depending on the contour of that pipe.

17. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 13 to 16, wherein the guide means is configurable to cause radial movement of the tool head of the at least one tool towards and/or away from a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

18. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 13 to 17, wherein the guide means is configurable to adjust the height of the tool head in response to deformations such as welds and/or protrusions on the external surface of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

19. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 13 to 18, wherein the guide means is configurable to adjust the height of the tool head in response to deformations such as dents on the external surface of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

20. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 13 to 19, wherein the guide means comprises a guide shoot configurable to guide removed pipe coating away from the tool head.

21. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 13 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the at least one circumferential scraping tool comprises a guide means.

22. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a control means for controlling one or more components of the pipe coating removal apparatus and a control panel for operating the control means and/or one or more components of the pipe coating removal apparatus.

23. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a cabin for an operator, the cabin comprising a window to enable vision from the cabin.

24. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the cabin is locatable at a level such that the window is overlooking the pipe support means.

25. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus is configurable to remove all or some of the coating on pipe with a single pass of the tool carriage relative to the pipe support means.

26. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe support means comprises at least one contact element for contacting the surface of a pipe supportable on the pipe support means.

27. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the pipe support means has two or more longitudinally spaced apart contact elements and wherein the two or more contact elements are moveable towards/away from one another to enable adjustment of the length over which a pipe is supportable on the pipe support means.

28. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 27, wherein each of the two or more contact elements comprise two or more rotators for rotating the pipe, the two or more rotators operably coupled to a common drive means and/or shaft.

29. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe support means comprises two or more longitudinally spaced apart mini contact elements capable of contacting and supporting lighter pipes.

30. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 29, wherein each of the two or more mini contact elements comprise at least one mini rotator to rotate lighter pipes.

31. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a loading means for loading/unloading a pipe onto/off the pipe support means and/or onto/off the two or more rotators.

32. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 31, wherein the loading means comprises at least one loading component having a receiving portion suitable for receiving and supporting a pipe, the receiving portion having a receiving surface which is contactable with a pipe during loading/unloading of the pipe.

33. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 32, wherein the receiving surface is shaped to accommodate the outer diameter of a section of a pipe.

34. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 31 to 33, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises an actuator for raising and/or lowering the at least one loading component.

35. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 32 to 34, wherein the receiving portion is operably connected to the actuator for the raising and/or lowering of the at least one loading component.

36. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 28 and 32, wherein the two or more rotators can only rotate when the at least one loading component is in a fully lowered position and is not being operated and/or the at least one loading component can only be raised and/or lowered when all rotators are not operational.

37. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a restraining means to restrain a pipe on the pipe support means, the restraining means being configurable to engage with one or both ends of a pipe to maintain the pipe at a predetermined position on the pipe support means.

38. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 37 when dependent on claim 26, wherein the restraining means is fixed to the at least one contact element.

39. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claims 37 to 38, wherein the restraining means comprises one or more end restraints to prevent end float of a pipe and/or one or more internal restraints configurable to hold a pipe down on the pipe support means.

40. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises one or more sensors for ensuring a desired amount of pipe coating is removed.

41. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least one of the two or more pipe coating removal tools have associated pressure sensors.

42. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a visual feedback mechanism to observe operation of the two or more pipe coating removal tools.

43. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises an air handling system for controlling circulation of dust and/or other pollutants resulting from the pipe coating removal process.

44. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 43, wherein the air handling system comprises an extraction unit for extracting air from the tool carriage, at least one suction duct located within the tool carriage and at least one extraction conduit extending between the extraction unit and at least one suction duct.

45. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a waste collection system for collecting waste resulting from the pipe coating removal process, the waste collection system having one or more conveyors for delivering waste away from the tool carriage and/or for carrying the waste to a hopper.

46. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to claim 45, wherein the waste collection system comprises a shredder for reducing the size of waste coating.

47. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus comprises a cleaning carriage having at least one water jet for cleaning the pipe and/or at least one internal water jet for cleaning the internal surface of the pipe, at least one internal brush for cleaning the internal surface of the pipe and wherein the cleaning carriage is configurable to store cleaning medium.

48. A pipe coating removal apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the pipe coating removal apparatus is modular such that it is configurable to be dismantled and/or compacted for relocation.

49. A method of removing pipe coating from a pipe, the method comprising the step of operating a pipe coating removal apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 48 for removing all or some coating on a pipe, the method comprising the step of operating a loading means of the pipe coating removal apparatus to load the pipe onto the pipe support means and operating the tool carriage to bring it into position over the pipe, the method then comprising the step of bringing the relevant pipe coating removal tool(s) into engagement with the coating on the pipe, activating the air handling system to extract dust particles from the pipe coating removal apparatus and tool carriage, operating the waste collection system to catch and remove waste coating and debris away from the pipe coating removal apparatus and tool carriage, operating the cutting tool to create a longitudinal cut in the coating along the length of a pipe supportable on the pipe coating removal apparatus, operating two or more rotator(s) to rotate the pipe when required, and simultaneously or independently operating the scraping tool and the one or more abrasive tools to remove all or some of the coating on the pipe, the method further comprising the step of bringing the pipe coating removal tool(s) and tool carriage out of engagement with and away from the pipe and operating the loading means to trigger sensors disconnecting the drive means to the rotator(s) and to safely unload the pipe from the pipe coating removal apparatus.

Description

[0521] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which shows by way of example only one embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

[0522] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pipe coating removal apparatus according to the invention.

[0523] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a tool carriage according to the invention.

[0524] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a pipe support means according to the invention.

[0525] FIG. 4 if a perspective view of the framework of a pipe support means according to the invention.

[0526] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tool carriage according to the invention.

[0527] FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a tool carriage according to the invention.

[0528] FIG. 7 is a control panel according to the invention.

[0529] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an air handling system according to the invention.

[0530] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention.

[0531] FIG. 10 is a side view of a pipe coating removal apparatus.

[0532] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a loading component according to the invention.

[0533] FIG. 12 is an exploded view of a loading component.

[0534] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a contact element according to the invention.

[0535] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a mini contact element according to the invention.

[0536] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an end restraint according to the invention.

[0537] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an internal restraint according to the invention.

[0538] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a cleaning arrangement according to the invention.

[0539] FIG. 18 is a second perspective view of a cleaning arrangement.

[0540] FIG. 19 is a side view of a second embodiment of a pipe coating removal apparatus.

[0541] FIG. 20 is a third perspective view of a cleaning arrangement.

[0542] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a tool frame according to the invention.

[0543] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a transverse wire brush.

[0544] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a scraping tool.

[0545] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a longitudinal wire brush.

[0546] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a cutting tool.

[0547] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a belt sander.

[0548] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a scraping tool having a guide means.

[0549] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a cutting tool.

[0550] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a flap wheel tool.

[0551] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the pipe coating apparatus.

[0552] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of an end restraint.

[0553] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a tool carriage drive arrangement.

[0554] FIG. 33 is a section view of a tool carriage drive arrangement.

[0555] FIG. 34 is a second section view of tool carriage drive arrangement.

[0556] FIG. 35 is a second perspective view of a tool carriage drive assembly.

[0557] FIG. 36 is a section view of a tool carriage.

[0558] FIG. 37 is a section view a contact element.

[0559] FIG. 38 is a schematic illustration of a control system for the pipe coating removal apparatus.

[0560] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a pipe coating removal apparatus indicated generally by reference numeral 1. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a pipe support arrangement 2 for supporting a length of pipe, and a tool carriage 3. The tool carriage 3 is capable of supporting a plurality of types of pipe coating removal tools and is also capable of moving relative to the pipe support arrangement 2 to remove all or some of the coating on a pipe that is supported by the pipe support arrangement 2. The pipe support arrangement 2 is capable of moving a pipe relative to the tool carriage to remove all or some of the coating on the pipe. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 is capable of moving the tool carriage 3 and a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 relative to one another. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 and/or tool carriage 3 supports a plurality of tools. The tool carriage 3 is configured to support at least two tools. In this embodiment, the tool carriage 3 can support eight tools. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 is capable of rotating a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage 3 as illustrated in FIG. 21 supports three different types of tools, more specifically the tool carriage 3 supports a cutting tool 4, a scraping tool 5 and abrasion tools 6, 7, 8, 80, 81 and 82. The tool carriage 3 as illustrated in FIG. 21 supports five different types of tools, more specifically the tool carriage 3 supports a cutting tool 4, a scraping tool 5, two transverse wire brush tools 81, 82, here longitudinal wire brush tools 6, 7, 80 and a flap wheel tool 8. By a transverse wire brush, we mean a wire brush having a tool head angled such that the plane of rotation of the wire brush is transverse to the longitudinal axis of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. By longitudinal wire brush, we mean a wire brush having a tool head angled such that the plane of rotation of the wire brush is parallel with the longitudinal axis of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage 3 may also have one or more spare tool holders 24 where another tool can be fitted. The location and/or type of tools is interchangeable on the tool carriage 3.

[0561] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a drive arrangement for driving one or more component parts of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. The drive arrangement is electrically, hydraulically and/or otherwise suitably powered. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has at least one electric motor 96 and at least one hydraulic motor 101. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a hydraulic fluid storage arrangement. In this embodiment, the hydraulic fluid storage arrangement is a tank 25. In this embodiment, the pipe coating removal apparatus has one tool carriage 3. However, the pipe coating removal apparatus may have multiple tool carriages. The tool carriage 3 is weighted by the hydraulic tank 25 to reduce vibration of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1.

[0562] The tool carriage 3 supports a tool frame 40 (illustrated in FIG. 21) and a plurality of tool holders 24. In this embodiment, the tool holders 24 are secured to the tool frame 40 via mechanical fasteners such as bolts and/or screws. In this embodiment, the two or more pipe coating removal tools are releasably attached to the plurality of tool holders via one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins and/or any other suitable means. Only one tool is attached to each tool holder at any one time. In this embodiment, the tool carriage 3 is constructed from steel. Constructing the tool carriage from steel provides a strong support for the tool frame 40 and tool holders 24. However, the tool carriage 3 may be constructed of any other suitable material such as metal alloy.

[0563] The pipe support arrangement 2 has a framework 16 for supporting a pipe and/or guiding movement of the tool carriage 3 along a pipe, when in use. The framework 16 is formed of two spaced apart, parallel beams, more specifically, the beams are I-section beams 18 formed from steel. Alternatively, the beams 18 may be formed of any other suitable material. The beams 18 are secured together by reinforcements 19. The reinforcements 19 include a plurality of spaced cross members extending between the beams 18. The framework 16 is supported off the ground by a plurality of supports 20. This enables sufficient room for other elements of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 to operate.

[0564] The tool carriage 3 is supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a tool carriage structural support frame 90, as indicated in FIG. 1. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 extends upright from one of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 of the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage structural support frame 60 extends across the pipe support arrangement 2 towards the other spaced apart parallel beam 18. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 is an inverted U shape. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 has a main frame which is an inverted U shape. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 extends upright from both of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 and across the structural support arrangement 2 to form an enclosure over at least part of the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 extends upright from both of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 and across the structural support arrangement 2 to form an enclosure over at least part of a pipe supportable on the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 has a plurality of stanchions, bars, beams and/or posts 91. The plurality of stanchions, bars, beams and/or posts 91 extend upright from one or both of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 and across the pipe support arrangement to create a hood and/or roof structure 42. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 is configured to support the tool carriage 3, the hydraulic fluid storage tank 25 and/or one or more other component parts of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. The tool carriage structural support frame 90 has one or more platforms 92 extending laterally from the inverted U shaped main frame, the platforms 92 are configured to support one or more other components of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1.

[0565] The tool carriage is moveable along the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage 3 is moveable along the spaced apart parallel beams 18 of the pipe support arrangement 2. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a tool carriage drive arrangement 93 configurable to cause movement of the tool carriage 3 along the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage drive arrangement 93 has a plurality of gear wheels 94 locatable on the tool carriage structural support frame 90 and/or one the stanchions, bars, beams and/or posts 91 of the tool carriage support frame 90. The tool carriage drive arrangement 93 has two or more gear plates 95. Each of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 of the structural support arrangement 2 has a gear plate 95 which run along the length of the spaced apart beam 18. At least one of the gear wheels 94 engages with a gear plate 95 of one of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 and at least one of the gear wheels 94 engages with the gear plate 95 of the other spaced apart parallel beams 18. The two or more gear wheels 94 have a plurality of radially projecting teeth 94a. The two or more gear plates 95 have a plurality of upwardly projecting crank teeth 95a. The plurality of teeth 94a of the two or more gear wheels 94 are configurable to slot between the plurality of teeth 95a of the two or more gear plates 95. In this embodiment, the tool carriage drive arrangement 93 has one or more electric motors 96 (illustrated in FIG. 34) to drive movement of the tool carriage 3 along the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage drive arrangement 93 has a tool carriage guide arrangement 97 configured to guide linear movement of the tool carriage 3 over the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage guide arrangement 97 is configurable to prevent slippage of the tool carriage 3 off the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage guide arrangement 97 is configurable to maintain engagement of the tool carriage 3 with the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage guide arrangement 97 has two or more carriage wheels 98 locatable on the tool carriage support frame 90 and two or more carriage rails 99. Each of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 of the structural support means comprises a carriage rail 99 which runs along the length of the parallel beam 18. The carriage rail 99 on each of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 runs along the length of the spaced apart parallel beam 18 parallel to the gear plate 95 on that spaced apparat parallel beam 18. At least one of the carriage wheels 98 engages with carriage rail 99 of one of the spaced apart parallel beams 18 and at least one of the carriage wheels 98 engages with the carriage rail 98 of the other spaced apart parallel beams 18. The two or more gear wheels 98 have a two circumferentially extending flanges 98a and a groove 98b which extends between the two circumferentially extending flanges 98a. The two or more carriage rails 99 extend outwardly from the spaced apart parallel beams 18. The two or more carriage rails 99 extend upwardly from the spaced apart parallel beams 18. Each of the carriage rails 99 extend into the groove 98b of the at least one engaging carriage wheel 98, between the circumferentially extending flanges 98a, to guide linear movement of the tool carriage 3.

[0566] The tool carriage is moveable over a pipe that is supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool carriage 3 is hydraulically, electrically or any other way suitably powered. In this embodiment, the tool carriage 3 is driven by an electric motor 96 and a gear box on a steel wheel 94 and/or 98 with a gear plate system 94 and 95 and/or 98 and 99. The tool carriage 3 and/or tool carriage structural support frame 90 has a hood and/or roof structure 42 to protect the tools 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 80, 81 82 and/or 70 from external damage such as weather conditions. When a pipe is supported on the pipe support arrangement 2, the hood and/or roof structure 42 extends over the pipe.

[0567] The tool frame 40 is mounted on the tool carriage 3. The tool frame 40 is mounted on the tool carriage 3 and/or tool carriage structural support frame via one or more mechanical fasteners such as screws, bolts, pins and/or any other suitable means. The position of the tool frame 40 can be adjusted relative to the pipe support arrangement 2. The position of the tool frame 40 can be raised and lowered relative to the pipe support arrangement 2. The position of the tool frame 40 is slidably adjustable. The tool frame 40 is mounted on the tool carriage 3 and/or tool carriage structural support frame via two linear rails 83 (illustrated in FIG. 21). In this embodiment, the tool frame 40 can be raised and lowered relative to the pipe support arrangement 2 via hydraulic cylinders 100 (illustrated in FIGS. 33 and 36). However, the tool frame 40 may be raised and lowered by any other suitable means. The position of the tool frame can be adjusted from the cabin 23.

[0568] Each of the pipe coating removal tools have a tool arm 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 70a, 80a, 81a, 82a. The tool arm is releasably attached to the tool carriage 3 and/or tool holders 24. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the tool arm 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 70a, 80a, 81a, 82a of each of the two or more pipe coating removal tools is releasably attached to the tool holder 24 via a pin 85. The tool arm 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 70a, 80a, 81a, 82a is pivotable around the longitudinal axis of the pin 85. The tool arm 4a, 5a, 6a, 7a, 8a, 70a, 80a, 81a, 82a is configured to be raised and/or lowered via pivoting around the longitudinal axis of the pin 85. The tool arm of each of the two or more pipe coating removal tools extends from the portion of the tool carriage 3 and/or tool frame 40 and/or tool holder 24 to which it is attached. Each of the two or more pipe coating removal tools have a tool head 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 70b, 80b, 81b, 82b. The tool head extends from an end of the tool arm opposite to the end of the tool arm that is attached to the tool carriage 3 and/or tool frame 40 and/or tool holder 24. Preferably, the tool head is configured to be raised and/or lowered. The tool head 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 70b, 80b, 81b, 82b is configured to be raised and/or lowered via a hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder 51. In the embodiment illustrated, the hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder 51 is attached to the tool holder 24 at one end and to the tool head 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 70b, 80b, 81b, 82b at the other end. In use, at least a portion of the tool head 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 70b, 80b, 81b, 82b engages with the coating on a pipe being supported by the pipe support arrangement 2 to remove that coating.

[0569] In this embodiment, the pipe coating removal tools 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 are driven via hydraulic motors 101 (illustrated in FIGS. 22, 24 and 26). However, the pipe coating removal tools may be driven by any other suitable means and/or motor. The pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 can be operated independently and/or simultaneously from one another. The pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 have independent actuators and can therefore be actuated at the same time or independently when required. Each of the pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7 8, 80, 81, 82 have a hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinders 51 to enable the pipe coating removal tools to be raised and/or lowered independently and/or simultaneously. The hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinders 51 enable independent and/or simultaneously movement of each of the tool heads 4b, 5b, 6b, 7b, 8b, 70b, 80b, 81b, 82b towards and/or away from a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2.

[0570] In this embodiment, the cutting tool 4 is a longitudinal cutting tool 4 to create a longitudinal cut along the coating on a pipe being supported by the pipe support arrangement 2. The longitudinal cutting tool 4 has a blade 44. In this embodiment, the blade 44 is double acting. The blade 44 is located on the tool head 4b of the longitudinal tool head 4 so as to come into contact with the outer surface of the pipe.

[0571] In this embodiment, the scraping tool 5 is a circumferential scraping tool 5 for performing circumferential removal of coating on a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2, when in use. The circumferential scraping tool 5 has a scraping blade 71 located on the tool head 5b of the longitudinal scraping tool 5.

[0572] In this embodiment, the abrasion tools are wire brushes 6, 7, 80, 81, 82 and a flap wheel tool 8. Additionally, or alternatively, the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 may also have belt sanders indicated by reference numeral 70. In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 21, the tool head 6b, 7b and 80b of the wire brushes 6, 7 and 80 are angled transversely to the tool arms 6a, 7a and 80a. Therefore, the tool head 6b, 7b and 80b of the wire brushes 6, 7 and 80 are angled such that the plane of rotation of the wire brushes are parallel to the longitudinal axis of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool head 81b and 82b of wire brushes 81 and 82 are angled such that they are parallel with the tool arms 81a and 82a. Therefore, the tool head 81b and 82b of the wire brushes 81 and 82 are angled such that the plane of rotation of the wire brushes 81 and 82 is transversal to the longitudinal axis of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The tool heads 6b, 7b and 80b of the wire brushes 6, 7 and 80 are angled such that they are perpendicular to the tool heads 81b and 82b of the wire brushes 81 and 82. The wire brushes 6, 7, 80 81, 82 may be single head wire brushes and/or double head wire brushes.

[0573] The cutting tool(s) 4, scraping tool(s) 5 and/or abrasive tool(s) 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 have at least one hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder 51. The hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinders 51 are configured to raise and/or lower the tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70. The flap wheel tool 8 has a pneumatic cylinder 51. The belt sanders 70, as illustrated in FIG. 26 have hydraulic cylinders 51. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 21, the two or more pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 are adjacent to one another along the length of the tool frame 40.

[0574] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a guide arrangement 72 (see FIG. 27) to guide engagement of at least one of the two or more pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 with a surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a guide arrangement 72 to guide engagement of at least one of the two or more pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 81, 82 and/or 70 with a pipe coating on a surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2, as the tool removes the pipe coating. The guide arrangement 72 is releasably attached to the two or more pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 81, 82 and/or 70. The guide arrangement 72 is releasably attached to the tool arm of the two or more pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 81, 82 and/or 70. Referring to FIG. 27, the guide arrangement 72 is releasably attached to a side portion of the tool arm 5a of the circumferential scraping tool 5. However, the guide arrangement may be releasably attached to any other portion of the tool 5 such as the underside of tool arm 5a.

[0575] The guide arrangement 72 has a guide roller 74. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to engage with the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The guide roller 74 is configured to engage with the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to engage with the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 72, as the pipe rotates. The guide roller 74 is configured to engage with the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement, as the pipe rotates. The guide roller 74 is rotatable. The guide roller 74 is configured to engage with the external surface of a pipe and rotate in response to rotation of the pipe. The guide roller 74 is rotatable via rotation of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. This prevents friction between the guide roller 74 and the pipe. The guide roller 74 is configured to maintain engagement with the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 as the pipe rotates. The guide roller 74 is configured to follow the contour of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The guide roller 74 is configured to ride over any welds and/or dents on the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 while maintaining engagement with the external surface of the pipe. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to raise and/or lower depending on the contour of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to control the distance of the tool head 5b of the scraping tool 5 relative to the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to raise and/or lower the tool head 5b of the scraping tool 5 depending on the contour of the pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to raise the height of the tool head 5b in response to deformations such as welds and/or protrusions on the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. This prevents the tool head 5b digging into the external surface of the pipe and potentially causing damage to the pipe. The guide arrangement 72 is configured to lower the height of the tool head 5b in response to deformations such as dents on the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. This prevents the tool head 5b from coming out of engagement with the coating on the external surface of the pipe. Thereby, this ensures uniform removal of the coating from the external surface of the pipe. The guide arrangement maintains optimum distance of the tool head 5b relative to the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 to enable as much coating as possible to be removed from the external surface of the pipe, without damaging the pipe. The guide roller 74 engages with an uncoated surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The guide roller 74 is disposed laterally from the tool head 5b of the scraping tool 5. The distance of the guide roller 74 in relation to the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement is the same as the distance of the tool head 5b of the scraping tool 5. As illustrated in FIG. 27, the guide roller 74 is configurable to be positioned ahead of the blade 71 of the tool 5 such that the guide roller 74 engages with any deformations on the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 before the blade 71 engages with the deformation. The guide roller 74 is configurable to be positioned ahead of the blade 71 such that the guide roller is subject to any deformations on the external surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 before the blade 71 is subject to the deformation. The guide roller 74 precedes the blade 71 of the scraping tool 5 so that movement of the guide roller 74 due to the contours of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 is followed by the blade 71.

[0576] The guide arrangement 72 has an adjustable guide roller arm 76 configured to enable adjustment of the guide roller 74. Adjustment of the height and/or pitch of the guide roller 74 accommodates for different depth requirements based on blade 71 wear of the tool 5 and/or the depth of the coating of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The adjustable guide roller arm 76 is a telescopic arm. This enables the length of the guide roller arm 76 to be adjusted and therefore enables the position of the guide roller 74 to be adjusted. The adjustable guide roller arm 76 has two or more telescopic members 76a and 76b which are configurable to slide into and out of one another to enable length adjustment of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. Referring to FIG. 27, telescopic member 76b is configurable to slide into and out of telescopic member 76a. The guide arrangement 72 has a link arm 77 for attaching the guide arrangement 72 to the at least one tool (referenced as tool 5 in FIG. 27). The link arm 77 is an adjustable link arm. The link arm 77 is attached to the guide roller arm 76 at one end via a pin 78 and to the tool head 5b at the other end via a pin 79. The adjustable guide roller arm 76 is configured to pivot about the longitudinal axis of the pin 78 attaching it to the guide link arm 77. The guide link arm 77 is configured to pivot around the longitudinal axis of one or both of the pins 78, 79 attaching it to the adjustable guide roller arm 76 and the tool head 5b. Adjustment of the length of the adjustable guide roller arm 76 will cause the adjustable guide roller arm 76 and/or the link arm 77 to pivot around the longitudinal axis of the pin 78 attaching the adjustable guide roller arm 76 to the link arm 77 to accommodate for the length adjustment of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. Adjustment of the length of the adjustable guide roller arm 76 will cause the link arm 77 and/or the tool head 5b to pivot around the longitudinal axis of the pin 79 attaching the link arm 77 to the tool head 5b to accommodate for the length adjustment of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. The guide arrangement 72 has a locking arrangement 86 to prevent undesirable movement of the adjustable guide roller arm 76 and/or undesirable adjustment to the length of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. The guide arrangement 72 has an adjustable guide roller arm clamp 86 to prevent undesirable movement of the adjustable guide roller arm 76 and/or undesirable adjustment to the length of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. The adjustable guide roller arm clamp 86 is configurable to releasably clamp the adjustable guide roller arm 76 in position. The adjustable guide roller arm clamp 86 can be released to enable adjustment of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. The adjustable guide roller arm clamp 86 is a clamp, screw, bolt and/or any other means suitable to releasably fasten to prevent movement of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. The adjustable guide roller arm clamp 86 is a clamp, screw, bolt and/or any other means suitable to releasably fasten to prevent movement of the two or more telescopic members 76a 76b of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. The adjustable guide roller arm clamp 86 is configured to prevent movement of the telescopic member 76b in and/or out of the telescopic member 76a of the adjustable guide roller arm 76. In this embodiment, the clamp arm 86 is a screw configurable to screw into one or more apertures in the telescopic members to prevent movement therebetween. The guide link arm 77 is a turn buckle.

[0577] The guide arrangement 72 has a guide chute 75 configured to guide removed pipe coating away from the tool head 5b. In FIG. 27, the guide chute 75 is located behind the tool head 5b. In this embodiment, the guide chute 75 has a deflection surface 75a which engages removed pipe coating and deflects the removed pipe coating away from the tool head 5b and/or away from the tool frame 40. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a shock absorber to absorb any shock from height spots and/or deformations when processing the pipe. The guide arrangement 72 has a shock absorber 103 to absorb any shock from height spots and/or deformations when processing the pipe. The shock absorber 103 is a hydraulic accumulator.

[0578] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a cabin 23 (see FIGS. 1, 5 and 6) and a control panel 9, illustrated in FIG. 7, located within the cabin 23. Alternatively, the control panel 9 may be remote from the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 or located at any other suitable part of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. The cabin 23 has a window 43 to enable vision by the operator. The cabin 23 is located at a level overlooking the pipe support arrangement and the window 43 is located on the side of the cabin 23 that overlooks the pipe support arrangement 2 as the cabin moves along the pipe support arrangement 2. The cabin 23 is located at a level so that the window 43 of the cabin overlooks the pipe support arrangement 2. Locating the control cabin 23 to overlook the pipe support arrangement 2 ensures the section of pipe being operated on is visible to the operator. The cabin 23 mutually opposes the tool carriage 3. The cabin is supported on a platform 92 of the tool carriage structural support frame 90.

[0579] The pipe support arrangement 2 has a plurality of spaced apart contact elements 17, illustrated in FIGS. 1, 3 and 13, for contacting the outer surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The pipe support arrangement 2 may have any number of contact elements. The contact elements 17 are moveable towards/away from one another. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1, 3, 30 and 37, the contact elements 17 are slidably mounted on rail 50 to enable adjustment of the length over which a pipe can be supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. The loading components have an opening 27 (illustrated in FIG. 13) through which rail 50 extends. The opening is shaped to correspond to the shape of the rail 50. Adjusting of the length over which a pipe can be supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 enables accommodation of different sized pipes. Movement of the contact elements along the rail is via one or more hydraulic cylinders 102, illustrated in FIG. 37.

[0580] The contact elements 17 comprise two rotators 15 formed of rubber wheels. In this embodiment, the rotators 15 are forklift wheels. Alternatively, the contact elements may have any number of rotators formed of any suitable material. The rotators 15 of each contact element 17 are fixed to a common drive means to allow simultaneous rotation of the rotators 15. The rotators 15 of each contact element 17 are fixed to a common shaft to allow simultaneous rotation of the rotators 15. In this embodiment, the rotators 15 are driven via an electric motor 28 and gearbox. However, the rotators may also be driven by any other suitable means. The electric motor 28 has an inverter 29 to control variable speed of the rotators 15. In use, the rotators 15 contact the surface of a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement 2 and rotate it about its longitudinal axis. This ensures that the entire outer diameter of the pipe is exposed to the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 without manual intervention.

[0581] The pipe support arrangement 2 has mini contact elements 21 capable of contacting and supporting lighter pipes. The mini contact elements 21 have two mini rotators 22 lined with a non-damaging material such as rubber, nylon, plastic etc to rotate lighter pipes. In this embodiment, the mini contact elements 21 have hydraulic cylinders 52 to provide power to the rotators 22.

[0582] in one embodiment, the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has an internal rotator 69 to rotate the pipe internally. The internal rotator is illustrated in FIG. 15. The internal rotator 69 is configured to fit inside the pipe. The internal rotator 69 is configured or adjustable to fit inside a variety of pipes having different sized diameters. The internal rotator is configured to lock onto the internal diameter of the pipe or onto an insert on the pipe. The internal rotator 69 enables non frictional rotation of the pipe. In this embodiment, the pipe coating removal apparatus has two internal rotators 69.

[0583] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has two loading components 13 for loading/unloading a pipe onto/off the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. The loading components 13 are operable to load/unload the pipe onto/off the rotators. In this embodiment, the loading components are movably fixed to the pipe support arrangement 2. The loading components 13 have a receiving portion 30 for receiving and supporting a pipe. The receiving portion 30 has two raised end sections 33 and a dipped middle section 34. The receiving portion 30 has a receiving surface 31, shaped to correspond with the outer diameter of a section of a pipe, which is in contact with the pipe during loading/unloading. The receiving surface 31 has an impact bed runner 32 for absorbing shock from the pipe being loaded. The impact bed runner 32 is composed of shock absorbent materials such as nylon, rubber, or high polymer plastics etc. The impact bed runner 32 reduces vibration and damage to the pipe coating apparatus 1 caused by loading a pipe.

[0584] The loading components 13 can be raised and lowered. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has an actuator 35 for raising and lowering the loading components 13. The receiving portion 30 is operably connected to the actuator for the raising and lowering the loading component 13. The loading components 13 have hydraulic cylinders 35 which drive the raising and lowering of the loading components 13. In use, the rotators 15 can only rotate when the loading components 13 are in a fully lowered position as shown in FIGS. 1 and 11 and are not being operated. The loading components 13 can only be raised and/or lowered when all of the rotators 15 are not operational. The loading components 13 can only be raised and/or lowered when the tool carriage 3 is in home position. By home position, we mean any position where the tool carriage 3 is located at a position which does not overlap any part of the pipe.

[0585] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a restraining arrangement 14 to restrain a pipe on the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. The restraining arrangement 14 is adjustable to support different lengths of pipe. In this embodiment, the restraining arrangement 14 is fixed to the rotators 15. Fixing the restraining arrangement 14 to the rotators 15 enables adjustment of the position of the restraining arrangement 14 for position of different lengths of pipe. The restraining arrangement 14 has an end restraint 37 to prevent end float of the pipe. The restraining arrangement has internal restraints 36 to prevent lift of the pipe away from the pipe support arrangement 2 during rotation of the pipe. The internal restraints 36 are configured to hold down the pipe on the pipe support arrangement 2. The internal restraints 36 are configured to rotate the pipe internally. The end restraints 37 and the internal restraints 36 have abutment elements 38 for contacting the pipe. The abutment elements 38 of the end restraints 37 abut against a pipe being supported on the pipe support arrangement at or about the end of the pipe. The abutment elements 38 on the internal restraints 36 abut against the internal surface of the pipe. In this embodiment, the abutment elements 38 are nylon and/or steel rollers 39. The rollers 39 do not inhibit rotation of pipes. One embodiment of the end restraint 14, as illustrated in FIG. 15, also has the internal rotator 69 mounted thereto. In this embodiment, the head of the end restraint can be twisted to enable the use of the internal rotator for smaller pipes. A second embodiment of the end restraint 14 is illustrated in FIG. 31 and does not have an internal rotator. Embodiments of the end restraint can be used interchangeably.

[0586] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has an air handling system 10 for controlling circulation of dust and other pollutants resulting from the pipe coating removal process. The air handling system 10 has an extraction unit 45 for extracting air from the tool carriage. In this embodiment, the air handling system 10 has a plurality of suction ducts 46 located within the tool carriage 3. The air handling system has an extraction conduit 47 extending between the extraction unit 45 and the plurality of suction ducts 46. The extraction conduit 47 is a flexible conduit to allow adjustment of the tool frame 40. The extraction conduit 47 is configured to stretch to allow adjustment of the tool frame 40. The air handling system 10 has a plurality of intermediate ducts 47a which extend between the extraction conduit and the plurality of suction ducts 46. In this embodiment, each pipe coating removal tool 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 80, 81 82 and/or 70 has a suction duct 46 with a suction point at the front and a suction point at the back of each tool. In use, dust and airborne particles are collected via the suction ducts 46 and are transported along the conduit 47 to the extraction unit 45. The extraction unit 45 has a non-return valve 48 to prevent dust and particles returning back into the tool carriage 3. The extraction unit also has a spark arrestor 49 to prevent ignition of the dust particles and chemicals extracted from the pipe coating removal process.

[0587] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a waste collection system 11 for collecting waste resulting from the pipe coating removal process. The waste collection system 11 has a conveyor 26 for delivering waste away from the tool carriage 3. Multiple conveyors may be used if desired. In this embodiment, the conveyor 26 of the waste collection system 11 is located beneath the framework 16. Removed pipe coating is guided towards the waste collection system 11 and/or conveyors 26 by the guide chute 75 (illustrated in FIG. 27).

[0588] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a visual feedback mechanism. In this embodiment, each of the pipe coating removal tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 80, 81 82 and/or 70 have cameras which feedback to a screen in the cabin 23.

[0589] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a cleaning arrangement 68. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has at least one cleaning tool for cleaning the pipe. The cleaning arrangement 68 has at least one cleaning tool. In this embodiment, the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has at least one internal water jet 61 for cleaning the internal surface of the pipe and has at least one internal brush 60 for cleaning the internal surface of the pipe. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a cleaning carriage 63. The cleaning carriage 63 is configured to store cleaning medium. The cleaning carriage 63 has a hopper 64 to store cleaning medium. The cleaning carriage 63 is supported on the pipe support arrangement 2. In this embodiment, the cleaning carriage 63 is moveable along the pipe support arrangement 2. In other embodiments, the cleaning carriage 63 may be static. The cleaning carriage 63 is electrically, hydraulically, or any other way suitably driven. The pipe support arrangement 2 is configurable to move the pipe relative to the cleaning carriage 63. The at least one cleaning tool 60,61 is supportable on a boom 65. The boom 65 extends from the cleaning carriage 63. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has an internal support arrangement 66 for supporting the boom 65 inside the pipe. In this embodiment, the internal support arrangement 66 has one or more support wheels 67. The internal support arrangement 66 is adjustable to suit the internal pipe diameter. The cleaning carriage 63 has a control panel for controlling the at least one cleaning tool 60,61, boom 65 and or internal support arrangement 66.

[0590] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has walkways and ladders 104 for safe access to the various components of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. This embodiment of the pipe coating removal apparatus has a plurality of automatic and manual stop triggers located at spaced locations around the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 has a fire suppression arrangement 105 such as one or more fire extinguishers 105 (illustrated in FIG. 5), sprinklers and/or any other suitable arrangement.

[0591] Referring to the drawings and now to FIG. 38, the overall control system 200 of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 comprises a hybrid of an electrical system with a hydraulic system described more fully below with reference to the schematic drawing of FIG. 38. The basic requirements of the electrical system for the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 are a stable 3 phase power supply in a range between 100 kw and 1000 Kw and most preferably 400 Kw comprising dedicated earthing. Portable generators 201 are suitable for providing the power requirements or alternatively fixed three phase electrical supplies 201 can be used. The hydraulic system is powered by two separate hydraulic pumps 208 operably coupled to the primary electrical supply source 201.

[0592] The pipe coating removal apparatus 1 is controlled primarily through use of a human machine interface (HMI) 204. The HMI 204 itself consists of a LED display surrounded by buttons 205, switches 205 and joysticks 206 and toggle switches 205. The display is capable of moving between different pages or screens which depending on the screen assigns the surrounding buttons to different functions of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1. By cycling through the screens and using the buttons correctly this allow the user to control the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 functions. Some functions on the machine also have a dedicated button 205 on the control panel, or a dedicated joystick 206. Using either of these dedicated controls will also allow use of the relevant function without an action being required on the HMI 204.

[0593] When a signal is received from the controls of the HMI 204, this is converted by the built in PLC 207 to produce an output to the relevant hydraulic or electrical system, performing the function of the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 as required by the operator.

[0594] The hydraulic system comprises two primary hydraulic pumps 208 which are electrically coupled to the primary electrical power supply 201. The hydraulic pumps 208 provide hydraulic power to hydraulic motors 210 on pipe rotator drives 221 and provides hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic cylinders 35 of the pipe loading components 13 via the HMI 204.

[0595] The tool carriage 3 is moved longitudinally along the pipe support arrangement 3 by electric drive motors 96, and can be moved vertically by hydraulic rams 100. The tool frame 40 is raised and lowered by hydraulic rams 100 on either side of the frame. The rams 100 are controlled by a set of buttons on the HMI 204 inside the cabin. The first step for setting up the tool frame 40 is to determine a suitable height for the pipe to be processed. The height of the tool frame 40 is important as it will affect how each tool interacts with the pipe during processing. There is a height guide on the right-hand side when viewed from the cabin of the tool frame 40, allowing the operator to easily adjust the height to the required level, while controlling the hydraulic rams 100 inside the cabin via HMI 204.

[0596] The pipe coating removal tools 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 are driven via hydraulic motors 101.

[0597] The tools 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 70, 80, 81, 82 are configured to be raised and/or lowered via a hydraulic and/or pneumatic cylinder 51. The pipe coating removal tools 6, 7, 8, 80, 81, 82 and/or 70 are driven via hydraulic motors 101. The longitudinal scraper 4 is engaged on the pipe with the tool frame at a suitable predetermined height, and at suitable pressure. The carriage is then moved from right to left, so that the cutting edge of the scraper moves through the PE. The cutting edge removes the PE so that a strip is fully removed. The tool frame height and pressure should be constant throughout this movement. The longitudinal scraper is controlled from within the cabin via HMI 204. A toggle switch 205 allows the operator to raise and lower the scraper 4, engaging and disengaging the scraper with the pipe as needed. Once the scraper 4 is engaged on the pipe, the pressure through the tool 4 can be adjusted down or up via the pressure control dial inside the cabin via HMI 204. The pressure is displayed on both the operator interface on the carriage control screen, and a pressure gauge built into the cabin.

[0598] The rotational scraper tool 5 is controlled from within the cabin via HMI 204. A toggle switch 205 allows the operator to raise and lower the scraper, engaging and disengaging the scraper with the pipe as needed. Once the scraper is engaged on the pipe, the pressure through the tool can be adjusted down or up via the pressure control dial inside the cabin via HMI 204. The pressure is displayed on both the operator interface on the carriage control screen, and a pressure gauge built into the cabin. During processing, the pressure can be adjusted to account for rises and falls in the pipe.

[0599] The longitudinal brushes 6, 7 and 80 are individually controlled from within the cabin via HMI 204. A toggle switch 205 allows the operator to raise and lower the brushes, engaging and disengaging the brushes with the pipe as needed. A 205 switch allows the operator to spin the brushes clockwise or anticlockwise as appropriate.

[0600] The transverse brushes 81, 8, 82 are the sixth and seventh tools used during the processing of pipes. The brushes are spun by hydraulic motors 101, spinning at up to 3000 rpm removing FBE from the pipe as the rotation of the pipe and lateral movement of the carriage move the brushes across the pipe. The transverse brushes are individually controlled from within the cabin via HMI 204. A toggle switch 205 allows the operator to raise and lower the brushes, engaging and disengaging the brushes with the pipe as needed. A 205 switch allows the operator to spin the brushes clockwise or anticlockwise as appropriate.

[0601] A pneumatic system comprises a compressor 231 electrically coupled to the primary electrical power supply 201 via PCB 207 and provides pneumatic power to the fans 232 of the dust extraction system 241 and the pneumatic cylinders 51 of the tools. The dust extraction hood is controlled from within the cabin via HMI 204. A toggle 205 switch allows the operator to raise and lower the hood, engaging and disengaging the hood with the pipe as needed. Power to the main dust extraction unit 241 is required for the extraction hood to work delivered from main power source 201 via PCB 207.

[0602] The safety system of the machine consists of two major systems. The first is the Emergency stop function of the machine. This consists of numerous mushroom head E-Stop buttons 210, E-Stop pull chords 211, Key Activated buttons 212 and safety sensors 213 for access restriction. Activation of any of these E-Stops or breaking of the safety sensor 213 will cause the E-Stop circuit to be activated by way of a safety relay 214. This will cause the machine to immediately stop. The E-Stop circuit will have to be reset along with any activated buttons before the machine is able to be restarted. The Key Activated E-Stop buttons can be pushed then have the key removed, this effectively locks out the machine preventing its use until the key is replaced and the button and circuit is reset.

[0603] The second is the machine securities built into the control system 200 which prevents certain actions taking place unless various conditions have been met. This serves to prevent activation of some functions at times when that might be damaging or dangerous. Examples include the restriction of the carriage movement when the Vee Blocks are not in their home position.

[0604] In use, an operator enters cabin 23 to control the pipe coating removal apparatus 1 via control panel 9. A pipe is moved onto the loading components 13, by a preloading frame and/or external vehicle for example, and the loading components 13 are operated to lower the pipe onto the rotators 15. The tool carriage 3 is operated to move into position over the pipe. The waste collection system 11 and air handling system 10 are operated. The cutting tool 4 is operated, if and when required, to create a longitudinal cut in the coating along the length of the pipe, prior to the rotation of the rotators 15. The rotators 15 are operated to rotate the pipe when required. The scraping tool 5 is operated, if and when required, to scrape off the coating on the pipe as the pipe is being rotated. Simultaneously or independently, the abrasive tools 6, 7, 8, 80, 81 82 and/or 70 are operated, if and when required, to removed coating on the pipe and create a smooth finish over the pipe as the pipe is being rotated. The tools 5, 6, 7, 8, 80, 81 82 and/or 70 may be operated to remove coating on the pipe at the same time or independently of each other. Once all or some of the coating on the pipe is removed as desired, the tool carriage 3 is moved away from the pipe and the loading components 13 are operated. causing the rotators 15 to stop rotating, and the pipe is raised off the rotators 15 by the loading components 13. Alternatively, the rotators 15 may be prevented from rotating, prior to operating the loading components 13. by the operator in the cabin 23.

[0605] In relation to the detailed description of the different embodiments of the invention, it will be understood that one or more technical features of one embodiment can be used in combination with one or more technical features of any other embodiment where the transferred use of the one or more technical features would be immediately apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art to carry out a similar function in a similar way on the other embodiment.

[0606] In the preceding discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of the values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of the parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of the alternatives, is itself preferred to the less preferred value and also to each value lying between the less preferred value and the intermediate value.

[0607] The features disclosed in the foregoing description or the following drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing a disclosed function, or a method or a process of attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may separately, or in any combination of such features be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.