Why Pipeline Pigging is an Essential Service for the Community and Environment
Posted by on July 15, 2020 in Blog.
There is no doubt that pipelines are the safest and most environmentally friendly way to transport oil and natural gas.
However, this level of safety can only be guaranteed by proper inspection and maintenance of these pipelines.
Enter the pig – the Pipeline Inspection Gauge that performs in-line inspections as part of a pipeline’s regular maintenance routine.
When an in-line inspection identifies a potential issue that could lead to a leak or spill, investigative digs can then be conducted to inspect the issue and carry out any necessary repairs.
Without pipeline pigging, these early signs of issue or irregularity may not be detected in time.
But when they are, operators can stop pipeline flow within minutes to prevent further disaster from affecting the environment and the community.
What is the Purpose of Pigging?
Pipeline pigs serve two important purposes: to clear out built up debris or deposits in a pipe and detect any cracks or flaws in its structure.
And there are specific pigs for specific jobs. Engineers must consider a number of criteria before selecting the right pig for the job.
This is determined based on what task the pig will be performing as well as the size and operating conditions of the pipeline and what the pipeline layout is.
Pipeline pigs are used by introducing them into the pipeline through a pig trap, a specialized section of pipe that includes a launcher and receiver. The pig is then forced or towed through the product flow without interrupting it.
Pigs that are designed for cleaning sweep the line by scraping the sides of the pipeline and pushing debris ahead. Others can be equipped with inspection tools to collect digital data on the condition of the pipe’s interior.
Pipeline pigging is used throughout all phases of a pipeline’s life-span.
Inside the Smart Pig
As mentioned above, pigs can be equipped to gather invaluable data on the interior condition of a pipeline.
These are called smart pigs (or “intelligent pigs”) and were first developed in the 1960’s by pipeline operators in order to “see” inside the pipelines.
Smart pigs are a sophisticated tool used by oil and gas companies to identify potential issues before they happen – and they can pinpoint these issues within few inches.
This way, problems can be repaired before there is any danger to the community and environment.
A smart pig consists of the following components:
- Onboard battery. The onboard battery powers the pig’s data collection.
- Data canisters. This component stores the data collected by the pig.
- Sensors. These sensors detect any defects or anomalies along the interior surface of the pipe.
- Magnets. High-powered magnets emit a magnetic field to detect any metal loss within the pipes.
- GPS tracking. This component allows operators to track the pig’s precise location.
- Odometer wheel. The odometer wheel tracks the speed and distance of the pig.
- Sealing discs/cups. These sealing elements ensure that the pig flows with the product.
By using pigs to inspect the conditions of a pipeline, operators are not required to shut down production in order to do so.
This means that the flow of product can continue and oil and gas operators can conduct regular and frequent inspections and repairs on the pipelines.
Efficiency and Safety
Pipeline pigging is essential to assure safe and continuous operation of the pipeline system. For the oil and gas companies, this means better performance of the pipeline, lower installation and maintenance costs, longer pipeline lifetime and improved product capacity.
For the community and environment, this means that pipelines continue to transport oil and natural gas in a safe manner with virtually no risk of leaks or spills.
Apache Pipeline Products specializes in pigging and pig-related products. We understand the importance of maintaining a safe and efficient pipeline.
Our team is dedicated to providing the oil and gas industry with the highest quality pipeline cleaning and maintenance.
Check out our catalog or contact us today for more information!