T
he world doesn’t stand still, even in pipeline pigging operations
and materials.
Pigging has been in existence for over 100 years, with
first operations being the removal of deposits and to prove
lines were clear of restriction. Today, the variety of different types
of pigging operations has increased, yet many of the original pipeline
challenges remain and there continues to be a reportedly high incidence
of pipelines being in a vulnerable condition due to improper
maintenance.
Many existing and new lines are difficult to pig using
conventional pigging tools, due to significant diameter
changes, short radius bends, and a lack of pig launching
and receiving facilities.
With the current pricing challenge, there is a
growing need to investigate and utilise effective
and innovative methods and materials to provide
essential cost savings through both improved
production and reduced service costs.
Amidst this, the development and refinement of
pig technology has continued. Over the last five years,
Aubin has developed new materials and techniques in
response to limitations in existing methods, equipment and
materials. These include the introduction of the EVO-Pig range of
pipeline pigs, which shares some similarities with mechanical and foam
pigs but have a number of additional beneficial features. Aubin has also
developed and improved pipeline gel pig fluids, which are generally
used in conjunction with a pig. This article will provide an introduction
to these two related but different technologies, and includes short case
history summaries.
Novel pigs
Aubin’s EVO-Pigs (Figure 1) have unique properties which evolved for
applications outwith the capabilities of mechanical pigs.
They do not require conventional pig launching and receiving
facilities. Although very flexible to accommodate short radius bends
BREAKING WITH
Neil Johnston,
Aubin, UK,
introduces
two non-traditional
pigging technologies
that bring significant
benefits to the customer.
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