PIGs, or Pipeline Inspection Gauges, are specialized tools used in the oil and gas industry to assess the condition of pipelines and other equipment. They are used to detect and measure corrosion and other defects in oil and gas pipelines, as well as to identify potential safety hazards.
This article will discuss the different types of PIGs, their uses in safety, and the benefits of using them in oil and gas operations.
Uses in Safety
PIGs are essential tools for ensuring the safety of oil and gas pipelines. The use of PIGs helps to detect any potential safety hazards in the pipeline before they become serious problems. The use of PIGs also helps to reduce the risk of accidents, as they can detect any potential problems in the pipeline system before they can cause any harm. PIGs are also used to monitor the condition of the pipeline on a regular basis, helping to ensure that it remains safe and operational.
Benefits of Using PIGs
The use of PIGs in oil and gas operations provides numerous benefits. PIGs can help to reduce the risk of accidents, as they can detect any potential problems in the pipeline before they can cause any harm.
PIGs can also help to reduce the costs associated with pipeline maintenance and repair, as they can detect problems before they become serious. PIGs can also help to ensure the pipeline system is operating at peak efficiency, as they can detect and measure any changes in the condition of the pipe.
Finally, PIGs can help to reduce environmental impacts, as they can detect any leaks or other types of contamination in the pipeline system before they can cause any harm.
According to NiGen, it is essential to select the appropriate pipeline pig for the job. The following are some common pipeline pig types used in the oil and gas industry today:
Utility Pigs
Utility pigs are used for cleaning, dewatering, and sealing of gas pipelines. To flush a gas line, a utility pig sweeps through the internal section, scraping off debris and semi-solids that obstruct or limit the flow of hydrocarbons.
When used for dewatering or sealing, the pig provides air and moisture-tight coupling to flush liquids from the line or separate different in-line media.
Utility pigs can be further divided into the following types:
- Mandrel Pigs – Consist of a steel mandrel body with a series of replaceable cups and discs (sealing elements). Mandrel pigs contain special brushes that remove debris from the internal sections of pipelines. A key benefit of this type of pig is its cost-effectiveness – worn-out components can be replaced resulting in a brand-new pig.
- Solid Cast Pigs – Consist of a single piece of polyurethane polymer or steel.
- Foam Pigs – Consist of a combination of polymer foam embedded with solid abrasive materials.
- Spherical Pigs – Consist of hollow, spherical balls made from polyurethane or neoprene. Spherical pigs are mostly inflatable and filled with liquids such as glycol or water to retain their shape when exposed to the high pressures within gas pipelines.
Gel Pigs
Gel pigs consist of chemical substances such as rigid polymers and high-viscosity gels. They are typically used during pipeline commissioning or maintenance. They are the ideal option for so-called “unpiggable” lines – pipelines containing internal valves, sharp bends, and/or special structures that could result in a stuck pig.
Unlike other pig types, gel pigs do not require a launcher and receiver system. Gel pigs are often used alongside other types of pigs to improve the efficiency and prevent deterioration of the primary pig components. They can also help to retrieve a pig stuck in a pipeline.
Inspection Pigs
Inspection pigs also called “smart pigs,” are used for inspecting internal sections of gas pipelines ahead of remedial activities. They contain electronic components such as ultrasonic sensors, RF modules, and pig gauge plates, and can measure parameters such as diameter, curvature, thickness, pressure, metal loss, and temperature. Newer inspection pigs can detect issues in pipelines such as leaks, cracks, wax deposition, and corrosion with a high degree of accuracy.
Specialty Pigs
These types of pigs, also called “plugs” are used to seal off entire sections of pipelines while remedial activities are being carried out. Specialty pigs are used by pipeline maintenance service companies for pipeline cleaning without completely restricting the flow of fluids through them.
Conclusion
PIGs are essential tools for the oil and gas industry, as they help to ensure the safety of the pipeline system and reduce the risk of accidents. They are also used to monitor the condition of the pipeline on a regular basis, helping to ensure that it remains safe and operational.
The use of PIGs also provides numerous benefits, including reduced costs associated with pipeline maintenance and repair, increased efficiency, and reduced environmental impacts. As such, PIGs are invaluable tools for the oil and gas industry and are an essential part of any safety program.
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