PROCESS

PIGGING

2Process – Pigging

In this course you will learn:

• The functions of pigging

• Terminology

• The different types of pigs

• In-line inspection by intelligent pigs

• Pigging representation and data

• Pigging auxiliaries

• Dimensioning

• Operating parameters

• The pigging operation

• Troubleshooting

3Process – Pigging

The functions of pigging

• Pigging operations are not only used for cleaning pipelines

• The operation will vary according to the type of pig that is used

• Pigging is carried out to ensure that the pipelines are still in their

initial condition (cleanness, size, surface condition, corrosion…)

• The following are usually found in a hydrocarbon pipeline : Sand Wax and/or asphaltenes Water, which causes corrosion Mineral scale

4Process – Pigging

The functions of pigging

• To perform these pigging operations we use a pig

• Pigging must ensure a certain number of functions: During construction: ensure that the pipeline bore is of the correct

size (detection of restrictions, crushing, etc.) Before commissioning, create a water slug for the pipeline

pressure test During operation :

– removal of liquid slugs and condensates– cleaning the pipeline walls– separation of products– pipeline inspection

at the end of the pipeline's operating life: the pipelines will be cleaned if the effluents change and pigs will be used for blocking the pipelines with cement

5Process – Pigging

The functions of pigging

• Conventional pigs They perform a maintenance function:

– pipeline cleaning– batching (effluent separation)– dewatering

6Process – Pigging

The functions of pigging

• Intelligent pigs Provide data on a pipeline's physical integrity:

– Corrosion– Crushing– …

7Process – Pigging

Terminology

• PIG : Generic term for all swabs, scrapers, spheres and foam devices

which are sent through pipelines

• CONVENTIONAL PIG : A pig with physical functions such as: cleaning, drying, batching,

etc.

• INTELLIGENT PIG : It is an instrumented pig. Provides data on the integrity of a

pipeline: internal and external corrosion, ovality, etc

8Process – Pigging

Terminology

• GEL PIG : Viscous liquid pig, generally polymer-based, used to remove debris

or improve sealing. In some cases these gel pigs are biodegradable

• FOAM PIG : This is a pig made of foam consisting of a cylindrical polyurethane

foam body of variable density and whose surface coating varies according to the model

• MANDREL PIG : It is built around a customisable central mandrel. Cups, brushes,

etc. can be attached to it (MECHANICAL PIG)

9Process – Pigging

Terminology

• SOLID PIG : For diameters of 14" or less, these pigs are cast in one piece. They

are disposable

• BIDIRECTIONNAL PIG : Symmetrical pig which can work in both directions

• MULTIDIAMETER PIG : Pig which can operate in a pipeline whose diameter is not constant

• CLEANING : All cleaning operations

10Process – Pigging

Terminology

• BATCHING PIG : A piston designed to separate two different effluents flowing

through the same pipeline

• SWABBING : Swabbing of a liquid

• GAUGING : Calibration operation performed either during pipeline

commissioning or operation, e.g. before launching an intelligent pig

11Process – Pigging

Terminology

• PIG BY PASS It is an accidental or voluntary effluent leak through a pig. This leak

is from the front to rear of the pig, or vice versa

• SPHERE PIG : Solid or inflatable sphere

12Process – Pigging

Conclusion

• PIG Is used for process pipeline cleaning and minimize corrosion due

to foreign material inside diameter pipeline.

• OPERATION Flow from upstream to downstream as according to differential

pressure inside pipeline area.