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 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