Mell What is the purpose of pigging a pipeline?
Pigging in the oil and gas industry is a form of flow assurance where pipeline pigs are used to purge, clean, and/or inspect pipelines to keep them running smoothly. Since the operation is hazardous, pigging must only be carried out by experienced professionals.
Why is pigging necessary?
It allows pipelines to be cleaned and inspected without having to stop the flow of product. It also allows the a pipeline to be completely inspected without having to send inspectors down its entire length. Finally, it provides cleaning and inspection services at the same time, saving companies both time and money.
What is hammering and pigging in pipelines?
More specifically, for full-flow pipes with a long slope, valves opening and moving pigs may cause liquid transients in a pipeline. Pigging process is subject to rapid pressure transients, resulting in water-hammer events. In a system, any change in flow velocity causes a change of pressure instantaneously.
What is pigging in engineering?
Pigging is a technology used to maintain, inspect and repair pipelines. A “pig” is a tool that is loaded into the pipeline with a launcher. Pigs can be either “smart” or “dumb”. Dumb pigs are predominately used for cleaning and are fitted with various brushes and disks to scrape the pipe wall.
How is pigging done?
HOW PIGGING WORKS. In its simplest form, a pigging system consists of a solid projectile or plug (the ‘pig’) with a diameter slightly larger than the pipeline or tubing that is transporting the liquid. Pigging works by introducing this pig into the pipeline and pushing it through the pipe.
Why is it called pigging?
Some early cleaning “pigs” were made from straw bales wrapped in barbed wire while others used leather. Both made a squealing noise while traveling through the pipe, sounding to some like a pig squealing, which gave pigs their name.
What is intelligent pigging?
Intelligent Pigging is an inspection technique whereby an inspection probe, often referred to as a “smart” pig, is propelled through a pipeline while gathering important data, such as the presence and location of corrosion or other irregularities on the inner walls of the pipe.
How many types of pigging are there?
There are four basic types of spheres: inflatable. Solid. Foam.
What is the meaning of pigging?
Pigging refers to a technique of cleaning or inspection of pipeline through recovering trapped products in the pipelines without stopping operation. A pigging system is also used in lubricating oils, paints, chemicals, toiletries, cosmetics and foodstuffs. It is also used to clean oil and gas pipelines.