Intelligent Pigging & In Line Inspection
Intelligent Pigs or Smart Pigs are used to inspect and collect a variety of data about the condition of a pipeline, this is called an In-Line Inspection or ILI.
Examples of the data collected during an ILI are:
- Temperature
- Pressure Differential over a pig
- Pig Speed
- Pig Location and location of intrusions and debris
- Inertia of pig
- Location and depth of damage, wall thickness variation etc
- Debris location
A clean pipeline surface is needed in order to run an intelligent pig, and imperative to the integrity of the data collected.
Pipeline After Pre ILI Chemical Cleaning
Preparing A Pipeline for Intelligent Pigging – Pre Clean
Making assumptions that the pipeline is clean, using the wrong type of pig, or not performing enough pre-cleaning pig runs, can be detrimental to the pigging program and lead to costly problems when running smart pigs, or needing to re-run the smart pig, which immediately eliminates any gains which may otherwise have been made.
The types of pigs used for pre ILI cleaning depends on a variety of factors including the type and size of line, product running through the line, the existing maintenance pigging program. An experience pigging expert, like our team at Inline Services, can design a pre ILI cleaning program to meet your specific needs.
Our team will review your historical pigging information and provide guidance to ensure optimal performance of your intelligent pigging program such as recommending the best type of pipeline pig and most effective run frequency of each pig to ensure effective cleaning of the internal pipeline surface.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an In-Line Inspection and What Data Does It Collect?
An in-line inspection (ILI) uses intelligent or smart pigs to collect data on pipeline conditions. This includes temperature, pressure differential, pig speed, pig location, debris and intrusion locations, and the location and depth of damage or wall thickness variation.
Why Does a Pipeline Need to Be Clean Before an ILI Run?
A clean pipeline surface is required to run an intelligent pig and is vital to the integrity of the data collected. Debris and deposits can compromise the readings, which defeats the purpose of the inspection.
What Happens If You Assume a Pipeline Is Clean Before ILI?
Assuming the line is clean, using the wrong pig, or running too few pre-cleaning pig runs can hurt the program. It can lead to costly problems or a re-run of the smart pig, which immediately wipes out any gains.
What Factors Decide Which Pigs to Use for Pre-ILI Cleaning?
The pig type depends on the type and size of the line, the product running through it, and the existing maintenance pigging program. An experienced pigging expert can design a pre-ILI cleaning program to fit your specific line.
How Does Inline Services Help Plan a Pre-ILI Cleaning Program?
The Inline Services team reviews your historical pigging information. They recommend the best pipeline pig type and the most effective run frequency for each pig, so the internal pipe surface is cleaned well before the smart pig runs.
Contact Inline for Your Pre ILI Cleaning Needs
Inline Services specializes in helping customers determine the most effective pre ILI cleaning and ongoing pigging maintenance programs for any application. Click here to send us an email, or give us a call at (281) 401. 8142 | toll-free at (888) 973.007 to see how we can assist you with your next pipeline pigging maintenance program.