One of the most valuable tools in the pipeline industry is the Pipeline Inspection Gauge, or PIG. Pigging has become a verb recognized by everyone in association with pipeline transportation, especially for pipeline companies such as Western Pipeline Corporation. It is important for fuel, energy, and resource providers to keep pipelines clean, safe, and running properly to insure profitability and public health. For this reason, PIGs are extremely important to the pipeline industry.
Pipeline Inspection Gauges have four principle uses. They provide physical separation between different liquids in transport through particular pipelines, and clean pipelines internally. There are also more sophisticated PIGs which are able to perform such tasks as inspecting the interior conditions of pipeline walls through Inline Inspection Tools, and recording geometric information about the pipelines, such as size and position.
PIGs were first developed from straw that was wrapped in wire. Similar to a typical pipe cleaner, these early PIGs were used only for scrubbing pipeline interiors, for the purpose of cleaning. Because of this scrub or scratch motion (while being pulled through the pipe), PIGs produced a shrill squealing noise, thus the name. It was actually not until much later that the descriptive term Pipeline Inspection Gauge was incorporated to fit with the title as an acronym.
Today, there are several different types of PIGs. There are bullet-like PIGs of polyurethane that are pushed through pipeline systems to separate various products, and there are also many varieties of cleaning PIGs. Some of these have wire mesh and others tungsten studs for scrubbing the insides of pipes. Still others come in a polyurethane plastic material. PIGs utilized for pipeline inspection have several of methods of gathering information. Sizing PIGs use notched, rounded, metal plates, which allow parts of the plate to bend when it contacts blockage or restriction. This is one of the simplest forms of inspection PIGs. Smart pigs employ sensors to record scientific data. Using technologies such as ultrasound, Magnetic Flux, and calipers, smart PIGs are able to report accurate data about the conditions and forms of pipeline interiors.
PIGs provide the oil and natural gas pipeline industry with a reliable way of inspecting and maintaining pipelines. Without the squealings of such devices, blockages and hazards would create an amazing amount of turmoil in the industry. The data collected by smart PIGs also helps companies to reevaluate current construction methods and possible advances. As we consider natural gas investments or the safety of people and children near pipeline rights of way, we should recall that PIGs are protecting and serving much more than just pipelines.
About the Author: Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation
Western Pipeline Corp is a successful, private independent producer of oil and natural gas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Jent
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Pipeline Construction Phase
Once a pipeline company like Western Pipeline Corporation obtains all of the necessary permits and satisfies all regulations, the actual pipeline construction phase may begin. Because extensive surveying of the proposed route occurred, there should be no surprises that slow down production in the construction process, rather, installing the pipeline is similar to a fast assembly line with different stages.
The pathway for the pipe must be completely cleared of all impediments, such as trees and root systems, rocks, brush, or anything else, not just for the pipeline itself but also for the equipment that needs to access the site. Then, sections of pipe are placed along the path. This is known as "stringing" the pipe. Each section may vary in length from 40 to 80 feet in length and is designed specifically for the location, taking into account coating material and thickness requirements.
Next, the trench digging process will commence. Each trench is usually five or six feet deep because it is required that the pipe be at least 30 inches below the ground. In some circumstances the pipeline must be buried even deeper such as intersections or water sources. After the trenches are sufficiently dug, the pipeline is assembled and bent slightly to fit the path. The sections must be welded together and because a coating mill usually leaves the ends clean for welding purposes, the ends must be coated. Once the coating is complete, it is inspected for any defects.
After this phase of assembly is complete, the pipe is ready to be lowered into the trenches. The pipeline must be lifted and lowered uniformly to prevent any pressure on the welded joints. This is accomplished with specialized construction equipment with track systems that move in sync when lifting and lowering. When the pipeline is in place, the trench is carefully filled in, taking every precaution not to damage the pipe or the coating material.
The hydrostatic test is the final step in the construction phase of pipeline placement. This test is conducted by running water through the pipe at pressures that exceed any amount that might be needed when transporting natural gas. The entire length of pipe must undergo the hydrostatic test to insure the strength of the pipeline. It will also determine if there are any leaks or fissures before any natural gas is sent through the line.
The construction phase of laying pipeline is actually one of the quickest and simplest parts of putting in a new pipeline. Once the path and "right of way" are determined, all permits and regulations are followed, and the pipes have been assembled in the mill, the construction phase is quite efficient.
About the Author: Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation
Western Pipeline Corp is a successful, private independent producer of oil and natural gas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Jent
The pathway for the pipe must be completely cleared of all impediments, such as trees and root systems, rocks, brush, or anything else, not just for the pipeline itself but also for the equipment that needs to access the site. Then, sections of pipe are placed along the path. This is known as "stringing" the pipe. Each section may vary in length from 40 to 80 feet in length and is designed specifically for the location, taking into account coating material and thickness requirements.
Next, the trench digging process will commence. Each trench is usually five or six feet deep because it is required that the pipe be at least 30 inches below the ground. In some circumstances the pipeline must be buried even deeper such as intersections or water sources. After the trenches are sufficiently dug, the pipeline is assembled and bent slightly to fit the path. The sections must be welded together and because a coating mill usually leaves the ends clean for welding purposes, the ends must be coated. Once the coating is complete, it is inspected for any defects.
After this phase of assembly is complete, the pipe is ready to be lowered into the trenches. The pipeline must be lifted and lowered uniformly to prevent any pressure on the welded joints. This is accomplished with specialized construction equipment with track systems that move in sync when lifting and lowering. When the pipeline is in place, the trench is carefully filled in, taking every precaution not to damage the pipe or the coating material.
The hydrostatic test is the final step in the construction phase of pipeline placement. This test is conducted by running water through the pipe at pressures that exceed any amount that might be needed when transporting natural gas. The entire length of pipe must undergo the hydrostatic test to insure the strength of the pipeline. It will also determine if there are any leaks or fissures before any natural gas is sent through the line.
The construction phase of laying pipeline is actually one of the quickest and simplest parts of putting in a new pipeline. Once the path and "right of way" are determined, all permits and regulations are followed, and the pipes have been assembled in the mill, the construction phase is quite efficient.
About the Author: Bob Jent is the CEO of Western Pipeline Corporation
Western Pipeline Corp is a successful, private independent producer of oil and natural gas.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Bob_Jent
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