Pipelines play an essential role in our everyday lives; they transport crude oil and natural gas from the ground to refineries that process them. That’s just one example of pipelines, which are used in a variety of industries. A pipe can transport food, beverages, household goods, pet foods, pharmaceuticals, and paint. Unfortunately, damage, clogged, or cross-contaminated can cost companies a lot of money. Pipe pigs are employed to maintain pipelines in a suitable condition for liquids.
Pipe pigs are used to transfer residual products through pipelines. Liquids or gases propel residual products instead of solids or liquids. Even though build-up in a pipeline can lead to transmission delays, cracks or flaws can lead to catastrophic results.
Pigging in oil pipelines and flowlines ensures proper flow. Pigs are introduced into pipelines using a pig trap, which consists of a launcher and a receiver. If the pig is forced through the product flow or is towed by another device, it can be moved without affecting the flow. Pigs generally sweep the pipeline by scraping the sides and pushing debris forward.
A pipeline pig can perform a variety of functions along the pipe run, including clearing debris and inspecting its interior as it travels.
Gas pipelines become clogged with debris, grease, corrosion, and fractures over time, affecting their flow integrity and having the potential to be an accident hazard. Pipeline pigs can help to prevent these problems so that optimal flow is guaranteed.
There is a variation in the rate of travel along the pipe. Pressure is one factor determining how fast the pig travels. As the pig approaches the bends, it may slow down at first, but then speed up as it nears the end of the journey.
Gas-propelled pigs move less smoothly than liquid-propelled pigs due to the compressibility of gas. The type of propellant used depends on the application, and there are a number of factors to consider. Common gases include compressed air, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide.
Pigging systems may use a liquid and a gas simultaneously. A product may be transported by a pig propelled by water. When the pig is delivered, a compressed air engine may propel it back to the source.
In the oil and gas industry, pipeline pigs are used for several purposes, including cleaning, inspecting, and purging pipelines. Pigging should only be carried out by professionals who have experience with the process.
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Accumulation of debris, grease, corrosion, and fractures in gas pipelines poses a significant threat to flow integrity — potentially leading to accidents. Fortunately, a specialized tool called a “pipeline pig” can help prevent these issues and maintain optimal flow assurance. Let’s discuss the pipeline pigging procedure, various types of gas line pigs, and their common applications.
Pipeline “pigs,” short for “pipeline intervention gadgets,” are devices used to clean or inspect pipelines in upstream, midstream, and downstream O&G operations. The name may have originated from the “squealing” sound of early pig models (made of straw, wire, or leather) produced while traveling through pipelines.
Pigging in the oil and gas industry is a form of flow assurance where pipeline pigs purge, clean, and inspect pipelines to keep them running smoothly. Since the operation is hazardous, pigging must only be carried out by experienced professionals.
The following are some justifications for pigging gas pipelines:
Pipeline pigging involves using “pigs” to clean, inspect, or perform pipeline maintenance tasks. The typical pigging system consists of a pig, a launcher, and a receiver, collectively known as the “pig trap.” The pig is a cylindrical device that travels the length of a pipeline by being pulled by a string or using the force of a fluid flowing through the line.
The pig launcher releases the pig from one end of the pipeline (launcher station), and the receiver retrieves it at the other end (receiver station). Pipeline pigging is a potentially hazardous procedure that should only be carried out by competent professionals.
In the oil and gas industry, various types of pipeline pigs are utilized for different purposes in pipeline maintenance and operation. Here are some common types:
Utility pigs are used for cleaning, dewatering, and sealing gas pipelines. To flush a gas line, a utility pig sweeps through the internal section, scraping off debris and semi-solids that obstruct or limit the flow of hydrocarbons.
When used for dewatering or sealing, the pig provides air and moisture-tight coupling to flush liquids from the line or separate different in-line media.
Utility pigs can be further divided into the following types:
Gel pigs consist of chemical substances such as rigid polymers and high-viscosity gels. They are typically used during pipeline commissioning or maintenance. They are the ideal option for so-called “unpiggable” lines – pipelines containing internal valves, sharp bends, or special structures that could result in a stuck pig.
Unlike other pig types, gel pigs do not require a launcher and receiver system. Gel pigs are often used alongside different types of pigs to improve the efficiency and prevent deterioration of the primary pig components. They can also help to retrieve a pig stuck in a pipeline.
Inspection pigs or “smart pigs” are used to inspect internal sections of gas pipelines ahead of remedial activities. They contain electronic components such as ultrasonic sensors, RF modules, and pig gauge plates, and can measure parameters such as diameter, curvature, thickness, pressure, metal loss, and temperature. Newer inspection pigs can detect issues in pipelines, such as leaks, cracks, wax deposition, and corrosion, with a high degree of accuracy.
These types of pigs, also called “plugs,” seal off entire sections of pipelines while remedial activities are being carried out. Specialty pigs are used by pipeline maintenance service companies for pipeline cleaning without completely restricting the flow of fluids through them.
Are you in need of pipeline-pigging solutions? NiGen provides pipeline decommissioning and commissioning services, including pipeline pigging operations for several petrochemical industries. Our highly trained technicians provide expert advice on choosing suitable pipeline pigs for any operation.
Contact us online today to learn more about our services or request a quote.