portable temporary pig launcher
DESCRIPTION
PORTABLE TEMPORARY PIG LAUNCHER. thomas cornthwaite inpipe products limited. THE SITUATION. PTPL. portable temporary pig launcher – inpipe products more flexible and cost effective temporary pig launching. Pipeline design and technology has not always been able to keep up with demand. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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