Sponge rubber removal from manifold pipe of HRSG

[beyee]

Dear,
It found case that during welding manifold use sponge rubber for supporting backing gas during weld process ( material P-91 ), the sponge rubber left in the nipple of manifold and no hand access to remove it.

Questions :
1. Can I apply heating (max. 1450 F) to help sponge rubber removing ?
2. If it still remainder left sticky at pipe wall, can it removing by chemical acid / cleaning ?
3. What kinds of chemical cleaning can I use ?

Regards / Bobby

 

[butelja]

This doesn't help your present problem, but may prevent its re-occurance. There are water soluble purge gas dams available.