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Pigging: Scrubbing, scanning, flow smoothing and maintenance protection of oil and gas pipelines

Pigging is a technique used in the oil and gas industry to clean, inspect, and maintain pipelines. A pig is a cylindrical device that is inserted into the pipeline and pushed through by the flow of fluid.Pigging is a crucial process in the oil and gas industry that involves using specialized devices called "pigs" to clean, inspect, and maintain pipelines. These pigs are inserted into the pipeline and pushed along by the flow of fluid, effectively removing debris and contaminants that can reduce pipeline efficiency and safety. By regularly pigging pipelines, companies can ensure smooth operations, prevent costly downtime, and maintain the quality of the transported oil and gas.

Pigging is a vital technique employed in the oil and gas industry for efficient pipeline maintenance. It involves the use of cylindrical devices called pigs that are inserted into pipelines and propelled by fluid flow. These pigs serve various purposes, including cleaning pigs that remove debris and contaminants, inspection pigs that detect defects like corrosion and cracks, in-line inspection pigs that provide detailed internal assessments, and batching pigs that separate different fluids within pipelines. Pigging contributes to improved pipeline efficiency by minimizing downtime and maintenance costs. Moreover, it enhances safety by identifying potential hazards and ensuring pipeline integrity. Ultimately, pigging plays a crucial role in maintaining the product quality of the transported substances within the oil and gas industry.

What is Pigging in the Oil and Gas Industry?

Pigging is a crucial maintenance process used in the oil and gas industry to clean and inspect pipelines. The term "pigging" comes from the "pigs" or devices that are inserted into pipelines to perform these tasks. These pigs are cylindrical tools, propelled by the pressure of the fluid inside the pipe, that travel through the pipeline to remove deposits, debris, or any buildup that may restrict flow. There are various types of pigs, each designed for specific functions, such as cleaning, monitoring pipeline integrity, or gauging internal conditions. Smart pigs, equipped with sensors, are often used to detect anomalies like cracks or corrosion, ensuring pipeline safety and efficiency.

Why Pigging is Important in the Oil and Gas Industry

Pigging is vital for maintaining the integrity and performance of pipelines, which are the lifelines of the oil and gas industry. Over time, pipelines accumulate debris, corrosion, or even blockages that can significantly reduce flow efficiency or lead to costly repairs and downtime. Regular pigging not only prevents these issues but also enhances the operational lifespan of pipelines, reducing the risk of leaks, spills, or hazardous situations. In addition to improving safety and minimizing environmental risks, pigging optimizes production rates by ensuring pipelines remain clear and fully functional, making it an indispensable practice in the industry.

Pigging operations

• What is Pigging and Why is it Important in the Oil and Gas Industry?
• Pig launcher and associated plant
• View the diagram of a pig launcher on the right in normal 
• Operation valves V2 and V4 will be open, all other valves and the door are closed and locked.
• To launch a pig
• Ensure pig launcher is drained and vented. Unlock and open, then close and relock the vent and drain valves.
• Load the pig into the launcher, unlock and open the door, then shut and lock it.
• Unlock and open valves V1 and V3, to create a flow path through the launcher.
• Open the "kicker" valve V2 partially to let the pig fly.
• The launch alarm XA will indicate when the pig has been launched.
• Open valve V2 fully.
• Close and lock valves V1 and V3.
• Unlock and open vent and drain valves. Allow launcher to depressurise and drain.
• Close and lock vent and drain valves.
• Pig launcher is then ready for the next pig to launch.
• Schematic of a pig receiver
• See diagram on the right representing a pig receiver.

To receive a pig

• To allow flow via the pig receiver, unlock and open valves V1 and V3.
• Open the "kicker" valve V2 partially to force flow through the receiver.
• The receive alarm XA will indicate when the pig has been received.
• Open valve V2 fully.
• Close and lock valves V1 and V3.
• Unlock and open vent and drain valves to empty the receiver.
• Close and lock vent and drain valves.
• Unlock and open door, remove pig from receiver, close and lock door.
• The next pig is then prepared for delivery by the pig receiver.

Pigging station

Pigging Station

What is Pigging and Why is it Important in the Oil and Gas Industry?The pigging installation shown (right) is known as an Above Ground Installation (AGI). It is part of the UK's National Transmission System for natural gas. It shows two pig launcher/ receivers at the end of two 610-millimetre (24 in) diameter pipelines that carry gas under the River Thames, between East Tilbury in Essex and Shorne in Kent. Should one pipeline be damaged, by a ship's anchor for example, that line can be isolated and the second pipeline allows gas to flow across the river

Raw petroleum Pipeline: 

• Evacuation of Wax, Sand, Bacterial Developments, Substance Buildup, Scale, Rust and different pollutants.

Transmission Pipelines for Gas:

• Expulsion of development garbage, water, rust, scale,Removal iron oxides, iron sulfides and iron carbonates.

Key benefits of pigging in oil and gas process:What is Pigging and Why is it Important in the Oil and Gas Industry?

• Improved safety: Pigging helps to prevent pipeline blockages and leaks, which can lead to safety hazards.

• Increased throughput: Clean pipelines can transport fluids more efficiently, which can improve throughput and production.

• Extended equipment life: Pigging helps to remove contaminants that can damage pipeline walls and other equipment.

• Reduced maintenance costs: Pigging can help to reduce the need for costly repairs and replacements.

• Improved environmental performance: Pigging can help to prevent oil spills and other environmental contamination.

Overall, pigging is a critical maintenance practice that helps to ensure the safe and efficient operation of oil and gas pipelines.

Here are some specific examples of how pigging is used in the oil and gas process:

• Cleaning pipelines: Pigs are used to remove wax, scale, sand, and other debris from pipelines. This helps to improve the flow of fluids and prevent blockages.

• Inspecting pipelines: Pigs can be equipped with sensors that can detect corrosion, cracks, and other defects in pipeline walls. Before they result in significant damage, problems can be found and fixed using this information.

• Separating fluids: Pigs can be used to separate different types of fluids in a pipeline, such as oil and water. This is important for ensuring that fluids are transported to the correct destinations and that environmental regulations are met.

• Draining pipelines: Pigs can be used to drain pipelines of fluids. This is useful for maintenance purposes or for preparing pipelines for new products.

Pig Launcher System

Pig launcher and receiver system 

A pig launcher system is a device that is used to insert a pig into a pipeline. Pigs are devices that are used to clean, inspect, or modify pipelines without having to shut down the flow of product. Pig launcher systems are typically pressure-containing vessels that are connected to the pipeline and are designed to handle the high pressures and flow rates of the pipeline.

Pig launcher systems typically consist of the following components:

• A pipeline closure device that enables the pig to be placed into the pipeline and launched downstream, such as a valve or quick opening closure (QOC).

• A pig launching mechanism, such as a kicker line or a piston, that uses pressure to propel the pig into the pipeline.

• A pressure relief system to prevent the launcher from exceeding its design pressure.

• A monitoring system to track the position of the pig as it travels through the pipeline.

Pig Receiving Barrel

Pig Receiver 

What is Pigging and Why is it Important in the Oil and Gas Industry?A container used to hold a pig after it has passed through a pipeline is called a pig reception barrel. Pigs are tools that allow you to clean, check, or change pipelines while keeping the product flowing. Pig receiving barrels are often found at the pipeline's termination and are built to resist the pipeline's high pressure and flow rates.

The following elements are frequently found in pig receiving barrels:

• A means of closing, such as a quick opening closure (QOC) or valve, which enables the pig to be contained inside the barrel.

• A pressure relief mechanism to stop the barrel from building up to its intended pressure.

• A method to keep track of the pig's location as it enters the barrel.

• Pig receiving barrels are employed in a number of sectors, including the petrochemical, water and wastewater, and oil and gas industries. They are a crucial component of pipeline integrity and efficiency maintenance.