Pipe line pigging

Roadmap of the presentation

 What is Pigging?
 Pig Selections
 Types of Pigs
 Uses of pigs.
 Hazards and risks involved in pigging operation
 Precautions to be taken during pigging operations
 Pigging problems.
 Smart pigging Technologies operations.
What is pigging?
 What is pigging?

 Pipeline pigs are devices that are inserted into and travel
throughout the length of a pipeline driven by a product
flow. They were originally developed to remove
deposits which could obstruct or retard flow through a
pipeline. Today pigs are used during all phases in the
life of a pipeline for many different reasons.
 Why is it called pigging?

 The term “PIG” originated in the U.S.A but why the word was
chosen has never been satisfactorily explained . . .
 The most widely accepted explanation comes from the screeching
sounds made by the early pigs as they went through the line.
 The theory is that two pipelines were standing next to a line when a
pig went past. As the pig travelled down the line pushing out debris,
one of them made the comment that it sounded like a pig squealing.
 The pig in question consisted of leather sheets stacked together on a
steel body.
 Another theory is that PIG stands for Pipeline Intervention Gadget.
 Why pig a pipe line?

 There are basically three reasons to pig a pipeline:

* To batch or separate dissimilar products;
* For displacement purposes;
* For internal inspection.
 Pig Selection

Are you sure that’s the right one ?

 pig selection

 The type of pig to be used and its optimum configuration for a particular task in a
particular pipeline is determined based upon several criteria, which include:

• THE PURPOSE .
– Type, location, and volume of the substance to be removed or displaced in conventional pigging applications,
– Type of information to be gathered from an intelligent pig run,
– Objectives and goals for the pig run.
• THE LINE CONTENTS.
– The contents of the line while pigging,
– Available vs. required driving pressure,
– Velocity of the pig.
• CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PIPELINE.
– The minimum and maximum internal line sizes,
– Maximum distance pig must travel,
– Minimum bend radius, and bend angles,
– Additional features such as valve types, branch connections, and the elevation profile.
 Types of pigs.

 Pigs can be broadly divided into three categories:

• Utility Pigs:
which are used to perform functions such as cleaning, separating, or dewatering .
• In Line Inspection Tools:
which provide information on the condition of the line, as well as the extent and location
of any problems.
• Gel Pigs:
which are used in conjunction with conventional pigs to optimize pipeline dewatering,
cleaning, and drying tasks.
 1- Utility pigs.

 Utility pipeline pigs can be divided into two groups based

upon their purpose:
• Cleaning Pigs:
which are used to remove solid or semi-solid deposits or debris from the pipeline.

• Sealing Pigs:
which are used to provide a good seal in order to either sweep liquids from the
line, or provide an interface between two dissimilar products within the pipeline.
 Utility Pigs may also be classified as under:

• Mandrel pigs, which have a central body tube, or mandrel, and various
components which can be assembled onto the mandrel to configure a
pig for a specific duty.

• Foam pigs, which are molded from polyurethane foam

with various configurations of solid polyurethane strips and/or
abrasive materials permanently bonded to them.

• Solid cast pigs, which are molded in one piece, usually from
polyurethane.

• Spherical pigs or spheres, which are of either a solid composition

or inflated to their optimum diameter with glycol and/or water.
 2- IN LINE INSPECTION TOOLS (ILI) / SMART PIGS

In Line Inspection provides information on the condition of the pipe and/or its contents. With
few exceptions, the In Line Inspection Tool itself is simply the tool which gathers the data,
which is then analyzed by the engineers and technicians to determine and report on the
condition of the line.
Although the two most common requirements are for geometry/diameter measurement and for
metal-loss/corrosion devices, the information which can be provided by these intelligent pigs
covers a much wider range of inspection and troubleshooting needs which include:

1- Diameter / geometry measurements.

2- Curvature monitoring.
3- Pipeline profile.
4- Temperature / pressure recording.
5- Bend measurement.
6- Metal-loss / corrosion detection.
7- Photographic inspection.
8- Crack detection.
9- Wax deposition measurement.
10- Leak detection.
11- Product sampling.
12- Mapping.
 3- GEL PIGS

Gel pigs are a series of gelled liquid systems which have been developed for use in
pipeline operations, either during initial commissioning, or as a part of a continuing
maintenance program. Most pipeline gels are water-based, but a range of chemicals,
solvents, and even acids can be gelled. Some chemicals can be gelled as the bulk liquid
and others only diluted in a carrier. Gelled diesel is commonly used as a carrier of
corrosion inhibitor in gas lines.
There are four main types of gel that are used in pipeline applications:
- Batching, or separator gel
- Debris pickup gel
- Hydrocarbon gel
- Dehydrating gel
As a liquid, although highly viscous, the gel can be pumped through any line which will accept
liquids. Gel pigs can be used alone (in liquid lines), in place of batching pigs, or in conjunction
with various types of conventional pigs. When used with conventional pigs, gelled pigs can
improve overall performance while almost eliminating the risk of sticking a pig. Gel pigs do not
wear out in service like conventional pigs. They can, however, be susceptible to dilution and gas
cutting. Care must be taken, therefore, when designing a pig train that incorporates gel pigs to
minimize fluid bypass of the pigs, and to place a conventional pig at the back of the train when
displacing with gas.
The principle pipeline applications for gel pigs are as follows:
- Product separation - Condensate removal from gas lines
- Debris removal - Inhibitor and biocide laydown
- Line filling/hydro testing - Special chemical treatment
- Dewatering and drying - Removal of stuck pigs

Specially formulated gels have also been used to seal valves during hydrostatic testing. Gels have
been developed with a controlled gelation time and a controlled viscosity for temporary pipeline
isolation purposes
 Uses of pigs.

1- Hydrostatic testing .
Pigs are used during Hydrostatic testing operations to allow the pipeline to be
filled with water, or other test medium, without entrapping air. The pig is inserted ahead of the fill
point, and water is pumped behind the pig to keep the pipe full of water and force air out ahead of the
pig. Pigs are then used to remove the test waters and to dry the pipeline.
2- Pipeline cleanup.
Operations may conduct pigging on a regular basis to clean solids, scale, wax
buildup (paraffin), and other debris from the pipe wall to keep the pipeline flow efficiency high. In
addition to general cleaning, natural-gas pipelines use pigs to manage liquid accumulation and keep
the pipe free of liquids. Water and natural-gas liquids can condense out of the gas stream as it cools
and contacts the pipe wall and pocket in low places, which affects flow efficiency and can lead to
enhanced corrosion.
 Uses of pigs.

3- Batch transportation .
Pigs are used in product pipelines to physically separate, or “batch,” the variety of
hydrocarbons that are transported through the line. Product pipelines may simultaneously
transport gasoline, diesel fuel, fuel oils, and other products, which are kept separated by
batching pigs.

4- Prevention of solid accumulation and corrosion .

Crude-oil pipelines are sometimes pigged to keep water and solids from accumulating
in low spots and creating corrosion cells. This can be especially necessary when flow
velocities are less than 3 ft./sec. Multiphase pipelines may have to be pigged frequently to
limit liquid holdup and minimize the slug volumes of liquid which can be generated by the
system.
 Uses of pigs.

5- Coating.
Pigs may be used to apply internal pipe coatings, such as epoxy coating
materials, in operating pipelines. Pigs may also be used with corrosion inhibitors to
distribute and coat the entire internal wetted perimeter.

6- Inspection .
Pigs are being used more frequently as inspection tools. Gauging or sizing
pigs are typically run following the completion of new construction or line repair to
determine if there are any internal obstructions, bends, or buckles in the pipe. Pigs can
also be equipped with cameras to allow viewing of the pipe internals. Electronic
intelligent, or smart, “pigs” that use magnetic and ultrasonic systems have been
developed and refined that locate and measure internal and external corrosion pitting,
dents, buckles, and any other anomalies in the pipe wall.
 PIG TRAPS/LAUNCHERS/RECEIVERS

 Pig traps are used for inserting pigs into a pipeline then launching, receiving, and
finally removing them without flow interruption. Pig traps are not generally
proprietary products and are usually made to a specification drawn up by the user.
However, pig trap closures are proprietary products and form a critically important
part of a pigging system. Safety is a major consideration in the selection of a
closure. All closures must have a built-in safety lock which prevents them being
opened while the trap is pressurized.

 YouTube - Pipeline Launcher and Receiver [Link]

 Hazards and risks involved in pigging operation

The following hazards and risks are typically linked to pigging operations:

* Exposure to high pressure hydrocarbon gas or condensate.

* Physical exertion required to operate manual process valves or handling pig.
* Potential loss of containment of hydrocarbons through leaking flanges or opened
valves.
* Risk of igniting released hydrocarbon gas or condensate
 Precautions to be taken during pigging operations

* Wear standard Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

* All personnel should minimize their exposure to the open launcher barrel.
* Never assume that a launcher barrel is depressurized, as pressure can
accumulate over time; always check the pressure gauges.
* Never attempt to open the barrel unless it is certain that it is at atmospheric
pressure.
* Always check that the launcher barrel is completely depressurized before
draining to the drain/vent K.O. vessel.
* Use a trolley to assist on the insertion or removal of the pig where possible.
* Follow manual handling requirement to avoid injuries.
Pigging problems (STUCK PIGS)
Pigging problems (STUCK PIGS)
 Smart pigging Technologies

Currently, two technologies are used for IPS :

 Ultrasonic type:
This type of survey requires the introduction of a liquid into the pipeline to couple
the sensor signal to the pipe wall.
 Magnetic Flux leakage (MFL) type:
MFL method involves introduction of a magnetic field on the pipe wall and
sensing the leakage of field. Presently MFL technique is the most commonly used
technique for Inline Inspection
surveys.
Smart pigging operation

 YouTube - [Link]