Following on from the successful cleaning and gauging of a newly laid line, the hydro test takes place followed by the subsequent dewatering and, potentially, drying of the line. At this stage, it is vital operators can collate the necessary data to allow them to move efficiently between these stages and minimise costs.
Many pipeline systems consist of challenging internal geometry – the combination of tee pieces, wye pieces and complex subsea fittings found in manifolds & heavy wall pipe on FPSO topsides combined with the usual bends require careful pig design consideration. In addition, the appropriate pig tracking, locating and signalling methodology needs to be selected.
Lost or stuck pigs can result in extensive downtime and significant additional expense. For this reason, pigs are frequently monitored during launch and receipt and when passing points in a pipeline that are deemed to pose a risk such as a valve, river crossing or other feature. This could be the case for all sizes and locations of pipelines regardless of whether managing a pipeline onshore or subsea, a buried pipeline, pipelines of varying wall thickness or a pipeline with geometric or operational challenges.
Online Electronics (IK Group) range of compact magnetic signallers detect magnetic pigs in any pipeline medium, removing any uncertainty over pig passage allowing operations to continue on schedule. Minimal set up is required ensuring that time is not wasted setting up various parameters.
Events are signalled as they occur via a graphical display and high brightness LEDs positioned around the perimeter of the display. The unit logs the time and date of up to 99 events. Logged events can be viewed locally on display or transmitted remotely.
We provide an integrated pigging solution by combining a full range of pre-commissioning pigs along with tracking and locating devices. Pigs can be fitted with magnets to remove ferrous debris from the inside of the pipeline or to operate magnetic non-intrusive signallers. Majority of our pigs can be designed to house Online Electronics tracking devices.
Once a pipeline has been commissioned and is operational, pipeline pigging is still an important consideration. Routine maintenance is vital in order to ensure regular, safe & efficient operation throughout a pipeline’s lifetime.
Regular pipeline cleaning and inspection will improve the efficiency of a pipeline resulting in:
- Reduced operating and maintenance costs
- Increased pipeline lifetime
- Improved product output
- Improved pipeline performance, flow assurance and integrity
Routine pigging can present several challenges, and the risk of a pig becoming lost or stuck should always be considered. Until located, lost or stuck pigs can result in considerable downtime and significant extra expense.
As an exclusive Channel Partner for IK in WA/NT, Royal Oil and Gas promotes the use of IK products within Australia. Our collaborations assists to finalise the most appropriate solution for your pre-commissioning needs.