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The Benefits of Pipeline Pigging

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Pipeline pigging refers to the practice of utilizing devices or implements called pigs for performing a number of clearing, cleaning, inspection processes and operations of pipeline testing on pipelines that are either new or existing. For operational pipelines that are already existing, pipeline pigging is usually performed without stopping the flow of the product in the pipeline.

While there is an occurrence of build-ups in a pipeline it can result in transmittals that are slow or even plugging of the pipeline, flaws or cracks in the pipe can lead to disasters. A type of flow for gas and oil flow lines and pipelines, pipeline pigging assists in making sure that the line is running in a way that is smooth. The tool of maintenance, pipeline pigs are introduced into the line through a pig trap which involves a receiver and a launcher. Without the flow being interrupted, a person then forces the pig through it by the flow of a product, or a person can even tow it by another cable or device. Normally the pigs are either spherical or cylindrical and sweep the line through scrapping the sides of the pipes and also pushing debris ahead. As the pig travels along the pipe, there are different functions that are performed such as clearing the line and also inspecting the interior.

Pipelines are generally accepted as being the method that is most efficient in transporting liquids and gasses across different distances. They are a representation of a major commitment that is financial, environmental, and operational by all the stakeholders and for the investments that are valuable to be protected, maintenance that is ongoing needs to be undertaken on a regular basis to make sure that the pipeline will continue to deliver performance that is optimum.

In the case of pipelines that are new, one the construction has been completed, there is a need for a test that is hydrostatical for proving that the pipes will be able to meet the maximum allowable operating pressure that is designated. Pipeline pigs are utilized in the phase of testing to fill pipelines with water and then after completing the test in a manner that is successful the operations of the pies can start.

Additionally, pigs are used for removing debris of construction that can have accumulated during the phase of construction of the pipeline. In given cases like that if gas transmission of high pressure, pigs will be utilized to clean and dry further the pipeline for removing residue rust, moisture, debris, and scale so that they can be able to meet the minimum dew point as needed by the pipeline construction codes that are relevant.

There are reasons that are common why pipelines are pigged. The common ones are because of cleaning, clearing, service provision, testing pipelines that are new, finding efficiencies in poor pumping, and survey cleaning. Before a person makes a selection of the type of pipeline pigging that they can use, there is a need of taking into consideration that there are types of machinery in the market that are connected with technology that is powerful to make the work effective.