Maintaining a routine pipeline pigging program will keep a pipeline in good condition, sustain optimal flow, reduce potential damage to the processing facility and avoid eventual failures. Consistent pipeline maintenance also costs far less than responding to a failure.
Developing A Pipeline Pigging Program Through Data Analysis
By performing a Pipeline Integrity Assessment, Inline Services can gather intelligence about the internal condition of the pipeline to determine the most efficient pipeline maintenance programs for the application. Using our proprietary technology, the assessment process will collect information such as:
- 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
The data collected will determine the type of pipeline pig or pigs needed, the order and frequency the pipeline pigs should be run through the pipeline and if chemical cleaning is needed in conjunction with the pigging program to keep the pipe in good condition and support ongoing pipeline maintenance. By analyzing the condition of the pigs and maintaining a complete record of runs, an informed approach can be taken to specifying future programs. Our pipeline pigging experts use that record to refine every run that follows.
Benefits of Routine Pigging for Pipeline Pigging Maintenance
Routine pigging is one of the most effective forms of pipeline maintenance because it removes the deposits that cause problems before they grow. Regular runs clear wax, scale, sand, water, and other debris that restrict flow and raise pumping or compression costs. Cleaner pipe also slows internal corrosion, since deposits trap moisture and corrosive agents against the pipe wall. A pipeline integrity assessment run alongside the pigging schedule shows whether the cleaning is working. A line cleaned on schedule is also ready for inspection, with fewer surprises when an in-line tool is run. The result is steadier throughput, fewer shutdowns, and longer asset life.
Working With Pipeline Pigging Experts on Long-Term Maintenance
Every line is different, so a one-size pipeline maintenance program rarely works. The pipeline pigging experts at Inline Services review your product, pipe diameter, operating conditions, and run history, then recommend the pig types, run order, and frequency that fit. We can supply the pigs, manage the runs, and track what each pig removed, so your maintenance plan improves with every run. If your line has changed products or flow rates, or has not been pigged in a while, a fresh pipeline integrity assessment is a good place to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does a Routine Pipeline Pigging Program Do for a Pipeline?
A routine pigging program keeps a pipeline in good condition and sustains optimal flow. It also reduces potential damage to the processing facility and helps avoid eventual pipeline failures, which makes it a core part of pipeline maintenance.
What Is a Pipeline Integrity Assessment in Pigging Maintenance?
A Pipeline Integrity Assessment gathers information about the internal condition of the pipeline. Inline Services uses proprietary technology to collect this data, which is then used to determine the most efficient pipeline maintenance program for the application.
What Data Is Collected During a Pipeline Integrity Assessment?
The assessment collects temperature, pressure differential over a pig, pig speed, and pig location. It also records the location of intrusions and debris, pig inertia, and the location and depth of damage such as wall thickness variation.
How Is Pig Type and Run Frequency Decided for a Pipeline?
The assessment data determines which pig or pigs are needed, the order and frequency they run through the line, and whether chemical cleaning should be added to the pigging program to keep the pipe in good condition.
Why Keep a Complete Record of Pipeline Pigging Runs?
Analyzing the condition of the pigs and keeping a complete record of runs supports an informed approach to future programs. Past results show what each run removed, so pig selection and frequency can be adjusted over time, which keeps pipeline maintenance on track.
Start Your Pipeline Pigging Maintenance Plan Today
From supplying pigs to managing the pigging programs, the pipeline pigging experts at Inline Services can tailor a complete Pipeline Integrity Assessment and Pipeline Pigging Maintenance package to assist with regular pipeline maintenance. Contact us today! Click here to send us an email, or give us a call at (281) 401. 8142 / toll-free at (888) 973.007.