Pigging and In-Line Inspection Techniques

Introduction:

The use of inline cleaning and inspection devices is of utmost importance in carrying out safety and operational-related activities on any pipeline system. Regulations require inspection within the pipeline using geometry pigs for changes in the internal diameter of the surface. Also, MFL pigs, ultrasonic pigs, and EMAT are employed to detect defects, anomalies, and metal loss in the pipes or welded sections of the pipe.

To ensure flow assurance and control topical deposits such as paraffin, black powder, hydrates, and asphaltenes in the marine environment, pigging and chemical treatment technologies are the two most dominant methods employed by operators. Inline inspection encompasses a range of tools and techniques used to examine the integrity of the pipeline system.

This training course offers an absolute introduction to utility and in-line inspection pigging, specifically designed to cover the subject with additional focus on its core components. Participants will easily comprehend complexities through illustrative content and hands-on demonstrations with actual pigs and models.

Objectives:

By the end of this Pigging and In-Line Inspection course, participants will be able to:

• Recognize the basic principles of pigging processes and their significance in pipeline maintenance.
• Identify the types of pigs used in different pipeline conditions and their purpose.
• Become familiar with in-line inspection methods used to monitor pipeline structures.
• Interpret data obtained from pigging and in-line inspection activities.
• Understand safe practices and guidelines for performing pigging.
• Be informed of the applicable standards and regulations regarding pigging procedures and inline inspections.
• Offer solutions to common issues encountered during pigging, ensuring containment and exposure control during inspections.
• Understand advanced pigging techniques and their potential applications in the industry.

Training Methodology:

• Interactive presentations
• Hands-on demonstrations
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Visual aids and illustrations
• Real-world pigging equipment inspection
• Data analysis workshops

Course Outline:

Unit 1: Pigging for Operation and Maintenance:

• Pigging practice and procedures during construction.
• Pigging practice and procedures in operation.
• Utility pigs and their purpose.
• Cleaning pigs and their uses.
• Sealing pigs and their uses.
• Gauging pigs: when and why they are used.
• Dual-diameter pigs: their purpose.
• Magnetic cleaning pigs: what they do.
• Considerations for pipeline pigging design.
• Pigging systems, including pig traps and pigging stations.
• Tracking and locating devices.

Unit 2: Developing and Setting Up an ILI Program:

• Choosing the right ILI tool.
• Using ILI tools with specific design requirements.
• Design for launch and receive traps.
• Bends, T’s, and valves.
• Publishing an inquiry.
• Scheduling requirements.

Unit 3: Readying for ILI:

• Controlling operating conditions during the inspection run.
• Contract development and negotiation strategies.
• Ideal specifications.
• Contingency planning for stuck pigs.
• Riser offshore.
• Gathering systems, flowlines onshore, mains, or lateral sections.

Unit 4: ILI Tools, Theory, Performance, and Detection Limits:

• Metal loss in-line inspection.
• Other in-line inspection tools.
• Devices for crack detection.
• Mapping tools.
• Geometry and bend detection pigs.
• Wax deposition measurement.
• Spanning pigs.
• Semi-intelligent pigs.

Unit 5: Post In-line Inspection Problems:

• QA of the data.
• Developing response protocols.
• Prioritizing the dig plan.
• Requirements of the US.
• Metal loss due to corrosion – criteria.
• Dents criteria.

Unit 6: Validation of Results:

• Preparing and planning for field NDE operations.
• Comparing ILI, field NDE, and actual scenarios.
• Corrosion, dents, and re-rounding effects.
• Generating a degree of confidence.

Unit 7: Fitness for Purpose: Assessment:

• Assessment of defects.
• Establish a long-term integrity management program.
• Incorporation of results in risk programs.
• Potential Repair Consideration.