PORTABLE TEMPORARYPIG LAUNCHER

thomas cornthwaiteinpipe products limited

THE SITUATION

portable temporary pig launcher – inpipe productsmore flexible and cost effective temporary pig launching

PTPL

Pipeline design and technology has not always been able to keep up with demand.

Tight timescales determined by market demands have in many cases caused consideration to pipeline pigging to be an afterthought.

Also with the process of pipeline pigging is still somewhat of a black art that many are not entirely familiar with, the general quality of pipeline design for pigging can at times lack the forward thinking required.

INTRODUCTION

THE PROBLEMpermanent launchers are, • costly• very specific to purpose• difficult to add to live lines• ideal for regular use

THE PROBLEM

A high pressure plug is not ideal for launching:• it has no reducer• it has no door• there is potential for internal damage• it is difficult to vent and drain• but it is cost effective

THE SOLUTION: PTPLfeatures of the PTPL • pressure based fixing• re-usable launcher• cost effective• fast installation• adaptable product• standardised along pipeline

PTPL ANATOMY

POSI-SEAL ASSEMBLY

sealing flange

pressure gaugeretaining flange

grit lined tyre – for gripping

ribbed tyre – for sealing

pig passage indicator

door (blind flange)

kicker line inpig holding area

posi-seal assembly

drain line out

reducer

ASSEMBLY

Design to pipe outside diameter

+ More useful along pipeline

+ Standardisation of components

+ More likely to be reliable

+ More cost effective

BENEFITS

TYRE BENEFITS

+ greater tolerance range+ better on corroded/damaged pipes+ quick and simple to fit

MAINTENANCE+ access to either end for cleaning

+ closure door optional

+ ease of pre-loading

UNOBTRUSIVE

CASE STUDY

PTPL developed for pigging a new line in the Norwegian North Sea

situation of temporary pig launcher below platform

SPECIFICS

TESTING

Testing to prove external posi-seal tyre, tested successfully to 25 bar

PTPL specifically supplied with: - clamp- pair of safety harnesses- water pump for energising- pair of ribbed tyres- pair of grit lined tyres

pigging on construction of new norwegian line successfully completed using ptpl

SUIT

ABIL

ITY

Permanent launcher

+ day to day use

+ regular pigging

+ hydrostatic testing

PTPL

+ occasional pigging

+ awkward circumstances

+ pigging during pipeline construction

SUITABILITY

• Provision to avoid tyre slippage

• Not a replacement for a permanent launcher

• Whilst useful on corroded pipes, caution to breakage

• Not to be pigged with gas/air

ACCUMULATION

• PTPL should not be used to receive in single, heavy runs• A strategy using low efficiency pigs should be used if this could be an issue

• 25 bar maximum pressure• Access consideration for cranes and loading• Consideration in case of being overloaded• Suitability for use in other applications• Incorporation of safety equipment

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

• External tyre system benefits pipeline maintenance• Standardisation of parts lowers costs• Larger tolerance band when using tyres.

+ isolation+ repair + testing + plugging

+ standardised design+ cost saving+ reliability

TYRE APPLICATIONS

+ launcher adaptability+ blank stations+ compact launching+ offline modification+ multiple pig/sphere launching

ADAPTABILITY

SUMMARYcustomer brief leads to product with many derived benefitsthe ptpl provides an alternative solution to pig launching and receiving

PTPLINTERNATIONAL PIPELINE PRODUCTS LTD