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

At the present time pipeline systems are the most efficient method for the bulk transportation of both liquids and gases.

 However to maintain a pipelines efficiency the following two basic rules need to be followed.

 1/ The pipeline needs to run continuously.

 2/ Pipeline throughput must be obtained at both the lowest capital investment and lowest  operational cost.

To maintain the two basic rules a pipeline should be ‘pigged’ on a regular basis using one or more types of pipeline pigging tool, depending upon the operational parameters.

 The running of pipeline pigging tools helps to maintain the two basic rules as follows:

• Removes any harmful media.
• Removes liquid and solid debris.
• Prevents build up of flow restrictions.
• Prevents the need for long term, costly shutdown periods.

Regular pipeline pigging operations should form part of a pre-determined maintenance plan to be carried out at set time intervals and culminating in a inspection programme utilising an inline inspection tool that with provide definitive wall thickness measurement data.

“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?

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

How many times do we see or hear that we need to cut down on this or that to prevent our arteries from furring up that could lead to a blockage with potential fatal consequences.

The same can be said of pipeline systems, although one of the most cost effect remedies may be to fight fire with fire.

Oh no PIGS!

In the past pigging tools have sometimes been viewed with suspicions as a basic description for a pig as given in ‘All about Pigging’ is ‘a moving blockage’.

The past suspicions of having ‘a moving blockage’ in a pipeline and the potential problems that the blockage could cause i.e. the product stops moving and therefore the money stops too; seems to be on the wane and finally operators are coming around to the value of carrying out pigging programmes. read more and post your comment

The year of the PIG?

Pipeline Cleaning Pigs

It would seem that a new era in pigging is unfolding at the present time.

With many pipelines now operating well after their originally planned design lifespan, the use of inspection vehicles to prove their integrity and therefore continue the pipelines safe operational use seems to be on many operators’ agendas. Read more and post your comment