How does a pig launcher work?

This is accomplished by inserting the pig into a Pig Launcher – a funnel shaped Y section in the pipeline. The launcher is then closed and the pressure of the product in the pipeline is used to push it along down the pipe until it reaches the receiving trap – the ‘pig catcher’.

How do smart pigs work?

ILI smart pigs travel through a pipeline scanning and measuring a pipe’s walls looking for signs of dents, corrosion or cracking. Like diagnostic imaging at a doctor’s office, smart pigs can use magnetic resonance or ultrasonic waves to identify potential problems.

What is a pipeline pig and how does it move?

Pigs are loaded into a ‘pig launcher’ (or ‘launching station’) and are pushed through the pipeline by the pressure driven flow of the product until it reaches the ‘pig catcher’ (or ‘receiving station’).

How are pipelines monitored?

Aircraft, like helicopters and drones, are used to scrutinize pipelines from the air. Specially trained dogs are sometimes used to search for leaks, as their ultra-sensitive noses can detect leaks that machines can’t. Any changes are immediately transmitted to the control room, setting off alarms.

What is pig launching?

Procedures. Pig launchers are used to launch the pig into the pipeline, and pig receivers are used to receive the pigs after they have made a successful run. The choice of these pig traps will depend on the type of pig to be run and pipeline design conditions.

What is launcher and receiver?

Launchers and Receivers are used in process pipelines to facilitate the activity of Pigging the pipeline. A Launcher is located at the upstream end of the pipeline to launch the Pig into the pipeline. A Receiver is located at the downstream end of the pipeline to remove the Pig from the pipeline.

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.

How does a pipeline pig work?

Pipeline Pig design Pigs act like a pipe-cleaning squeegee, but instead of being forced through the pipe on a wire, the pipe-cleaning action uses forced air, nitrogen, or water that pushes the projectile and product through the piping.

How does a pipeline pig trap work?

A pig is then inserted into the launching station, also known as the “pig launcher” or “pig trap”, and pushed through the pipe using pressure from the well. The pig moves through the pipeline until it reaches the receiving station, or “pig catcher”, where it is removed along with any unwanted residue from the pipe.

What type of device is able to monitor and maintain a pipeline from within?

Smart pigs, also called In-Line Inspection pigs or Pipeline Inspection Gauges, contain an array of electronic devices to measure the thickness of the walls of the pipe that they are traveling through. They can also detect cracks and potential pinhole leaks.

How often do pipelines need to be checked?

Inspection and Enforcement The pipeline operator inspections are listed below and are required at least every five years. Each inspection can take anywhere from one week for smaller operators to 12 days for larger operators.

Why is it called a pipeline pig?

What are pipeline pigs? Early pigs were made from materials such as straw, barbed wire and leather and made a squealing sound while traveling through the pipes – for this reason, they were eventually called “pigs”. The name eventually became an acronym for “Pipeline Inspection Gauge” or “Pipeline Intervention Gauge”.

How are natural gas and oil moved through pipelines?

The oil is moved through the pipelines by pump stations along the pipeline. Natural gas (and similar gaseous fuels) are pressurized into liquids known as Natural Gas Liquids (NGLs). Natural gas pipelines are constructed of carbon steel.

What is the difference between natural gas and hydrogen pipeline?

Natural gas pipelines are constructed of carbon steel. Hydrogen pipeline transport is the transportation of hydrogen through a pipe. Pipelines conveying flammable or explosive material, such as natural gas or oil, pose special safety concerns and there have been various accidents.

What is the first line of protection for pipelines?

These are the first line of protection for pipelines. With these valves the operator can isolate any segment of the line for maintenance work or isolate a rupture or leak. Block valve stations are usually located every 20 to 30 miles (48 km), depending on the type of pipeline.

How much does it cost to transport oil by pipeline?

Pipelines are generally the most economical way to transport large quantities of oil, refined oil products or natural gas over land. For example, in 2014, pipeline transport of crude oil cost about $5 per barrel, while rail transport cost about $10 to $15 per barrel.