Inline Services Successfully Launches New 1.5D Capable Speed Control Pig (SCP)

Active Speed Control Pig

June 1, 2019 | 8:00 AM CDT

High velocity natural gas pipelines pose a unique challenge in terms of effective cleaning for corrosion mitigation purposes or pre ILI runs.   Studies show that the best cleaning occurs when the tool runs at approximately 8 mph ( 3.57 m/s) allowing brushes and discs to do their job, where at speeds over 10 mph (4.47 m/s) they can bypass the debris and liquids, proving ineffective.

To meet this challenge, Inline Services has designed and manufactured a new series of Speed Control Cleaning Pigs (SCP) ranging from 30” to 48”.  The SCPs onboard technology maintains optimal cleaning speeds of 6 to 10 mph within a gas flow velocity of up to 33 mph (14.75 m/s)  In addition, the SCPs IMU collects performance data that can be exported onsite.

Inline’s new SCP recently exceeded expectations during a run in 30” and 36” pipelines containing numerous 1.5D short radius bends.  While the normal gas flow velocity was maintained, the tool averaged an ideal control speed of 7 mph (3.1 m/s), allowing for both efficient cleaning and no interruption of gas delivery.  In addition, the pig played an integral part in the effective use of chemicals and inhibitors, determining quantities spread, recovery and liquids balance within the pipeline.

Following each run, the IMU data was downloaded and analyzed onsite.  In addition, the pigs were reconfigured on location with cups, discs, brushes, magnets and tracking transmitters to prepare for the next run.

For more information about this project, or to discuss how Inline Services can improve your Natural Gas Pipeline Integrity Program through dependable Speed Controlled Cleaning Pig (SCP) Tools and other pigging solutions contact one of our Pigging Experts at 888.973.0079, or use the “Ask An Expert!” form on this page to contact us via email.

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Simple Pigging System with Drop-Out

This animation demonstrates an Inline Services VIPRS pig running through a line where a JB pig receiver unit is present. Before the pig is placed in the line the valve has been closed so that no product is present behind the VIPRS pig. As the pig moves through the line the inside of the pipe is cleaned and excess product is pushed through to the destination. Once the pig triggers the magnetic pig senor and reaches the JB receiver unit, the unit is removed with the pig inside. Once the pig is removed, the receiver is returned to the pipe.

Simple Pigging System Closure

This animation demonstrates a simple pigging system closure. Inline’s VIPRS pig is positioned in the launcher as the product is run through the pipeline. At the end of the product run, the VIPRS pig is launched to remove all product from the line. The pig will trigger the indicator to alert that the pig has reached the end of the line.

Bi-Directional Pigging

This animation demonstrates Bi Directional Pigging. Inline’s VIPRS pig positioned in the launcher as product is run through the pipeline. At the end of the product run, the VIPRS pig is launched to remove all product from the line. When the VIPRS pig reaches the JB receiver, the propelling media is turned-off. When this happens the VIPRS pig is resting at the jail bar in the JB receiver; propellant is used on the receiver side of the pig to return it to the launcher.

Automated CIP System

This animation demonstrates a fully automated VIPRS bi directional pigging process system with CIP. Inline’s VIPRS pig is first positioned in the pig launcher. The product is pumped from the storage tank to the destination. The VIPRS pig is then launched to push the remaining product to the destination and captured in the VIPRS wash chamber at the destination station. Next, the CIP solution is pumped through the line to wash the chamber and pig. Finally, the pig pushes the CIP solution out of the piping and leaving the pig clean and ready for the next product run.