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What is Pig
Pipeline pigs are devices that are inserted into and travel
throughout the length of a pipeline driven by a product flow.
Today pigs are used during all phases in the life of a pipeline for
many different reasons.
Functions
Separation of products
Cleaning out deposits and debris
Gauging the internal bore
Location of obstructions
Separation of products
Meter loop Calibration
Liquid Removal
Gas Removal
Pigging
Functions
Internal Inspection
Corrosion inhibition
The pigs which are used to accomplish these tasks can be divided into
three categories:
Utility Pigs
which are used to perform functions such as cleaning, separating, or
dewatering.
Gel Pigs
which are used in conjunction with conventional pigs to optimize pipeline
dewatering, cleaning, and drying tasks.
Pipe pigging
The type of pig to be used and its optimum configuration for a particular task in
a particular pipeline should be determined based upon several criteria, which
include:
The purpose
Type, location, and volume of the substance to be removed or displaced
in conventional pigging applications,
Type of information to be gathered from an intelligent pig run,
Objectives and goals for the pig run.
The line contents
The contents of the line while pigging,
Available vs. required driving pressure,
Velocity of the pig.
Characteristics of the pipeline
The minimum and maximum internal line sizes,
Maximum distance pig must travel,
Minimum bend radius, and bend angles,
Additional features such as valve types, branch connections, and the
elevation profile.
Types of pigs
Conventional Pigs
UTILITY PIGS
Utility pipeline pigs can be divided into two groups based upon
their fundamental purpose:
Cleaning Pigs
which are used to remove solid or semi-solid deposits or debris
from the pipeline.
Sealing Pigs
which are used to provide a good seal in order to either sweep
liquids from the line, or provide an interface between two
dissimilar products within the pipeline.
Within these two groups, a further subdivision can be made to
differentiate among the various types or forms of pigs:
Types of conventional pigs
Cleaning Pigs
Cleans the pipeline by removing solid or semi solid deposits or
debris.
Examples - Mandrel pigs, foam pigs, solid cast pigs, spheres etc.
Sealing Pigs
Provides a good seal in order to sweep liquids or acts as an
interface between two dissimilar products in the same pipeline
Examples - Mandrel pigs, foam pigs, solid cast pigs, spheres
Pipe pigging
UTILITY PIGS
• Mandrel pigs
which have a central body tube, or mandrel, and various components which
can be assembled onto the mandrel to configure a pig for a specific duty;
• Foam pigs
which are molded from polyurethane foam with various configurations of
solid polyurethane strips and/or abrasive materials permanently bonded to
them;
GEOMETRY PIGS
A geometry / caliper pig is a configuration pig designed to
record conditions, such as
dents
wrinkles
ovality
bend radius
angle
Occasionally indications of significant internal corrosion is
recorded by making measurements of the inside surface of
the pipe.
De-waxing pig
Foam pigs
Functions
- Diameter/ Geometry measurement
- Curvature monitoring
- Temperature/pressure monitoring
- Bend measurement
- Metal Loss/Corrosion Detection
Types of intelligent pigging
In Line Inspection provides information on the condition of the pipe and/or its contents. With few
exceptions, the In Line Inspection Tool itself is simply the tool which gathers the data, which is
then analysed by the engineers and technicians to determine and report on the condition of the
line.
Although the two most common requirements are for geometry/diameter measurement and for
metal-loss/corrosion devices, the information which can be provided by these intelligent pigs
covers a much wider range of inspection and troubleshooting needs which include:
Geometry Pigs
(eg.-Kaliper Pig, Electronic Gauging Pig, Cal Pig, Geo Control Pig,
Deformation survey tool)
UltrasonicPigs
(eg Ultrascan, Microprobe, RPITT, Flow sonic)
Ultrasonic crack detection tool
Pipe pigging
PLUGS
A plug is a specialist pig that can be used to isolate a section of pipeline at
pressure while some remedial work is undertaken.
The plugs can withstand pressures up to 200 bars typically.
The plug works by gripping into the line pipe and then having a separate
sealing system.
Lower pressure techniques include High Friction pigs, which provide a barrier
for de- pressurised systems.
High pressure plug pig
Pipe pigging
GEL PIGS
Gel pigs are a series of gelled liquid systems which have been developed for
use in pipeline operations, either during initial commissioning, or as a part of
a continuing maintenance program.
Most pipeline gels are water-based, but a range of chemicals, solvents, and
even acids can be gelled. Some chemicals can be gelled as the bulk liquid and
others only diluted in a carrier.
Gelled diesel is commonly used as a carrier of corrosion inhibitor in gas lines.
There are four main types of gel that are used in pipeline applications:
Batching, or separator gel
Debris pickup gel
Hydrocarbon gel
Dehydrating gel
Gel pig
Pipe pigging
GEL PIGS
As a liquid, although highly viscous, the gel can be pumped through any line
which will accept liquids.
Gel pigs can be used alone (in liquid lines), in place of batching pigs, or in
conjunction with various types of conventional pigs.
When used with conventional pigs, gelled pigs can improve overall
performance while almost eliminating the risk of sticking a pig.
Specially formulated gels have also been used to seal valves during
hydrostatic testing. Gels have been developed with a controlled gellation
time and a controlled viscosity for temporary pipeline isolation purposes.
Pipe pigging
PIG TRAPS/LAUNCHERS/RECEIVERS
Pig traps are used for inserting pigs into a pipeline then launching, receiving,
and finally removing them without flow interruption.
Pig traps are not generally proprietary products and are usually made to a
specification drawn up by the user. However, pig trap closures are proprietary
products and form a critically important part of a pigging system.
All closures must have a built-in safety lock which prevents them being opened
while the trap is pressurised.
Debris being received in pig receiver
Pig receiver & launcher arrangement
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