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.

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 client’s 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.

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

Even in the early 21^st 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 it’s not broken then don’t 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

“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