Pipeline Pigging Methods and Principles

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October 16th, 2009 in Pipeline Cleaning, Pipeline Pigging Methods and Principles | No Comments If regular pipeline pigging operations have not been carried out as mentioned in A Good Investment blog or historical pigging routines have lapsed due to operational changes, it would then be necessary, prior to any inline inspection programme being carried out, to execute a specialised cleaning programme.

This type of operation is normally referred to as a Progressive Cleaning Programme . In executing this type of activity several different pipeline pigging tools are required to be used.

These are (but not limited too) the following types of pigging tools: Low density foam pigging tools Medium density polyurethane coated foam pigging tools (Criss Cross, Wire Brush, etc.) Conical cup pigging tools Disc type pigging tools Both the conical cup and disc type tools can be fitted with the following attachments Seals and support discs Cleaning brushes Bypass facilities Gauging plates Note: Tracking equipment can be fitted to any of the above pipeline pigging tools excluding the low density foams if required.

Initial sizing of the pipeline pigging tools needs to be incremental as does the operational running sequence. This is to take into account any reduction in pipe bore that may have developed over time due to the accumulation of debris that would

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 Pipeline Pigging Methods and Principles

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prove problematic should a more conventional approach to the operation be undertaken.

Carrying out this type of operation minimises the amount of debris being removed at any one time which greatly reduces the possibility of the stuck pig syndrome and handling difficulties of the debris removed from the pipeline.

Progressive Pipeline Cleaning Part 2 to follow

October 16th, 2009 in Pipeline Pigging, Pipeline Pigging Methods and Principles | No Comments When designing a pipeline pigging tool for a specific operation it is essential that, as a minimum, the following parameters of the pipeline are known:

Maximum and minimum pipeline internal diameter Minimum bend radii Maximum bore of branch connections Operational parameters Pig launching / Pig receiving facilities (if any) Pipeline medium Pigging propellant Service conditions i.e. flowrates maximum and minimum operational temperature

Additional information will aid in the design process although non related data or data with spurious links to the operation can sometimes detract from the actual pigging requirements.

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However it has to be said that too much information is better than too little as the lack of information can result in a higher probability of the pigging tool being inefficient and not fulfilling the operational expectations.

With the above information it is possible to design a pipeline pigging tool that will meet both the clients operational requirements and comply with the manufacturers in-house design criteria. It will also ensure that the pigging tool is fit for purpose both operationally and fulfil the commercial requirements of the client.

June 26th, 2009 in Pipeline Pigging, Pipeline Pigging Methods and Principles | No Comments

A selection of metal bodied pigs, solid cast pigs and foam pigs

Even in the early 21st century why is it that pigging is sometimes regarded a medieval black art? For many years pigging and pigging manufacturers have only slowly moved forward. In a time when technology seems to move on at an ever quicker pace, the pigging industry seems to have had problems with getting some of its clients to use bi-directional disc tools opposed to cup tools. Why change things? It may be a case of if its not broken then dont try to fix it, but in a time when most product improvements are jumped upon, the pipeline industry seems to be ultra conservative. Is it a case of scepticism by the pipeline operators and if so why? Read More & Post Your Comment

June 26th, 2009 in Pipeline Cleaning, Pipeline Pigging, Pipeline Pigging Methods and Principles | 2 Comments
A good tradesman never blames his tools I remember being told by one of the old boys, after scrapping a job while I was an apprentice, but what happens when you need to dig a ditch and you are only provided with a spoon, the answer - it takes a long time, is difficult and the end result may not be very good. What is the answer?

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The same can be said for choosing the correct pigging tool for a pigging operation. Too many times a pig is requested based on very limited information and it is only when a problem occurs that suddenly the information may appear. Read more and post your comment

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