WO2000030773A1 - Pipeline pig - Google Patents
Pipeline pig Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000030773A1 WO2000030773A1 PCT/GB1999/003907 GB9903907W WO0030773A1 WO 2000030773 A1 WO2000030773 A1 WO 2000030773A1 GB 9903907 W GB9903907 W GB 9903907W WO 0030773 A1 WO0030773 A1 WO 0030773A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pig
- tubular
- blades
- fluid
- bore
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B08—CLEANING
- B08B—CLEANING IN GENERAL; PREVENTION OF FOULING IN GENERAL
- B08B9/00—Cleaning hollow articles by methods or apparatus specially adapted thereto
- B08B9/02—Cleaning pipes or tubes or systems of pipes or tubes
- B08B9/027—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages
- B08B9/04—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes
- B08B9/053—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction
- B08B9/055—Cleaning the internal surfaces; Removal of blockages using cleaning devices introduced into and moved along the pipes moved along the pipes by a fluid, e.g. by fluid pressure or by suction the cleaning devices conforming to, or being conformable to, substantially the same cross-section of the pipes, e.g. pigs or moles
- B08B9/0557—Pigs with rings shaped cleaning members, e.g. cup shaped pigs
Definitions
- This invention generally relates to mechanical pigging devices, commonly referred to simply as "pigs", for use in pipelines or other tubulars .
- pigs are known to find utility in a diverse range of applications, including for cleaning purposes and for conveying equipment in the case, for example, of pipeline monitoring.
- a unique pig suitable for use in the cleaning of internal surfaces of a pipeline or tubular and, in a variation thereof, suitable for applying coatings or other fluids to the aforesaid surfaces.
- Pigs typically have a flexible cylindrical body made, for example, from a polyurethane foam. Other materials have also commonly been used, including rubber, metal, plastics and combinations and composites.
- the rear and front end walls of the cylindrical body may be covered with an impervious coating designed to form a moving seal with the inner wall of the pipe.
- the pig essentially acts as a piston as it is conveyed through the pipeline or tubular; the fluid on its rear side having a higher pressure head than the fluid at its front side.
- pigs propelled through pipelines or the like in the manner described above are intended to prevent propelling fluid from flowing through or around the pig. Implicated by this, pigs used for cleaning purposes have, in the past, been intended to physically push and forceout debris m advance of the pig as it travels through the pipe bore. At best, the pig itself provides an additional wiping function on the pipe walls.
- An object of the present invention is to obviate or at least mitigate these and other disadvantages associated with pipeline or tubular cleaning pigs.
- the invention seeks to achieve this by creating an alternative means for the propulsion of the pig through the pipeline or other tubular.
- a further object of the invention herein is to employ the novel propulsion features disclosed herein m relation to pigs for use m respect of other functions, including pigs intended to act as mechanical applicators.
- a pig for use m a tubular bore wherein the pig is provided with one or more blades having a profile that encourages both forward movement and rotation about a longitudinal axis of the pig when acted upon by a propulsion fluid travelling through the tubular.
- the pig may comprise of a cylindrical elongate body having an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the tubular, wherein the body supports a plurality of blades.
- the pig is a cleaning pig and the peripheral edges of the blades are adapted to perform a cleaning function as the pig rotates and travels through the tubular.
- the blades of the pig are designed to scrape the internal surfaces of the tubular bore upon the rotation and passage of the pig.
- the blades are provided in composite, such as kevlar, carbon, glass fibre, although any other suitable material may be used.
- the peripheral edges may be adapted to perform alternative functions.
- the pig may be provided as a means for the mechanical application of a coating or fluid to a tubular bore and, optionally, the blades or at least the edges thereof may support a suitable applicator material having a high capacity for carrying by absorption or other means the coating or fluid to be applied.
- a pig for use m a tubular wherein the pig is comprised of a stabiliser body wherein the stabiliser body supports a plurality of blades and is conveyed mechanically through a tubular.
- the pig is a cleaning pig wherein the blades of the pig are designed to scrape the internal surfaces of the tubular bore whilst the stabiliser body provides centralisation.
- the blades may be adapted so that they do not exhibit any abrasive qualities thereby reducing the risk of damage f the pig is to be used in tubing which is plastic coated.
- the blade properties can be pre selected to be adapted to flex through a profiled restriction m the tublar bore thereby providing a means of confirming the position of a pig within the tubulars .
- a pig for use in a tubular wherein the pig is adapted to rotate m its longitudinal axis under the influence of a propulsion fluid as it is displaced through the tubular.
- the pig may be further adapted to rotate m orbit within the tubular bore.
- a pig for use in a tubular, the pig comprising reaction surfaces adapted for forward propulsion of the pig under the influence of a positive pressure applied by propulsion fluid travelling through the tubular, characterised in that the reaction surfaces are spaced and orientated so as to provide for a net positive velocity of the propulsion fluid relative to the pig m the direction of travel through the tubular.
- the reaction surfaces may be provided on a plurality of respective blades, such as turbine blades.
- the blades define a fluid by-pass path, the blades being separated by void areas which permit the relative flow of fluid through the pig in a forward direction.
- reaction surfaces also encourage the rotation of the pig around its longitudinal axis when acted upon by the propulsion fluid.
- a pig for use m a tubular wherein the pig is provided with one or more blades having a profile that precludes rotation of the pig while travelling through the tubular.
- the blades are typically of varying diameter, the largest blade or blades potentially, having a diameter greater than the internal diameter of the tubular.
- the largest blade or blades are sufficiently flexible to allow entry and passage of the pig through the tubular yet sufficiently robust to carry out and withstand the rigours of the cleaning process.
- Figure 1 shows, in perspective view, a pig intended for the cleaning of the internal surfaces of coiled tubing as the pig is propelled along the tubular by a propulsion fluid.
- Figure 2 shows, m perspective view, a pig intended to provide stabilisation and cleaning of the internal surfaces of tubing as the pig is conveyed mechanically along a tubular.
- a pig generally depicted at 1 , comprises substantially of a body 2 and a plurality of turbine blades 3.
- the body 2 is generally elongate and cylindrical.
- the pig body 2 is suitably made of a robust material m view of its need to withstand substantial impact loads, while also functioning m an aggressive cleaning manner.
- the blades 3 are afforded a turbine or impeller like profile, having reaction surfaces 4 that react to the influence of a propulsion fluid pumped through the coiled tubing in which the pig 1 is intended to travel.
- the blades 3 can be provided on the body 2 such that the reaction surfaces 4 are presented at an acute angle to the linear direction of the fluid flow, thereby imparting a reaction torque to the body 2 m addition to a reaction force in the axial direction.
- the pig 1 when acted upon by a propulsion fluid, is caused to travel through the coiled tubing m a generally axial direction, but to also rotate about its longitudinal axis while so doing.
- the outside diameter of the pig 1 can be sized to have a degree of clearance within the internal bore of the tubular. That is to say, the maximum outside diameter of the pig is less than the internal diameter of the tubular, allowing for radial displacement of the pig 1 during its travel through the tubing. In fact, it is recognised m the present invention, that such dimensioning of the pig 1 relative to the tubing causes the longitudinal axis of the pig 1 to orbit or rotate about the substantially parallel longitudinal axis of the tubing.
- This third dynamic path is associated with a number of advantages. For instance, where it is intended that the peripheral edges 5 of the blades 3 contact the internal surfaces of the tubing, the radial displacement of the pig 1 as it orbits around the longitudinal axis of the tubing allows for such contact over a range of tubing diameters. This means that it is not essential that a respective pig, incorporating the invention hereto, need be provided to correspond to each size of coiled tubing or other tubular.
- a pipeline can be cleaned using a combination of two pigs.
- the first pig having an outer diameter less than the internal diameter of the tubular, passes through the pipeline removing major restrictions.
- the second pig removes additional debris and m effect polishes the internal surface of the pipeline.
- a further advantage which applies also to the other rotational movement of the pig about its own axis, is that the relative velocity of the blade edges 5 is considerably higher relative to the tubing surfaces than that of a pig merely designed for linear movement. This is particularly advantageous where the pig is intended for use as a mechanical cleaning device.
- the cleaning pig 1 is designed to clean the internal bore of coiled tubing. More particularly, the pig 1 is adapted to apply a rotational cleaning action suitable for removing scales and other deposits located on the internal surfaces of the tubing.
- the pig may be used to prepare the surface of a tubular, by removing scale or rust not removed by other cleaning methods, prior to the application of a coating fluid or material.
- the propulsion fluid having a positive velocity relative to the pig.
- the propulsion fluid also removes the debris created by the cleaning of the coiled tubing.
- the removal of this debris has the advantage of preventing the build up of potential blockages m the coiled tubing.
- debris is also cleaned from the blades of the pig itself.
- reaction surfaces 4 and most particularly peripheral edges 5 of the blades 3 are provided with a material suitable for the application of a coating of other fluid material.
- an alternative embodiment of the present invention generally depicted at 7 comprises a stabiliser body 8 which has a plurality of blades 9 mounted in a similar configuration to the embodiment shown in figure 1.
- the stabiliser body 8 has coupling means 10 which allow attachment to mechanical driving means (not shown) so that the stabiliser body 8 is propelled through a tubular.
- the mechanical driving means may be a pipe string, for example.
- the blades 9 are mounted on the stabiliser body 8 in a watermelon shaped configuration which assists entry into and retrieval out of profiled restrictions.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AU15717/00A AU1571700A (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-24 | Pipeline pig |
GB0018066A GB2348690B (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-24 | Pipeline pig |
US09/600,902 US6792641B1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-24 | Pipeline pig |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9825714.0A GB9825714D0 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1998-11-24 | Improved pipeline pig and applications for use thereof |
GB9825714.0 | 1998-11-24 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000030773A1 true WO2000030773A1 (en) | 2000-06-02 |
Family
ID=10842949
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1999/003907 WO2000030773A1 (en) | 1998-11-24 | 1999-11-24 | Pipeline pig |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6792641B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU1571700A (en) |
GB (2) | GB9825714D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000030773A1 (en) |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1293266A2 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2003-03-19 | Pipeline Engineering Limited | Paddle support |
WO2011070321A3 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2011-09-15 | Industrial Brushware Limited | Pipe cleaning apparatus |
CN110005875A (en) * | 2019-03-14 | 2019-07-12 | 爱喏工业科技(苏州)有限公司 | A kind of PPR nano-antibacterial pipe and its production technology |
CN111099394A (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2020-05-05 | 甘信华 | Anti-blocking device for ash bucket of coal economizer |
Families Citing this family (19)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CA2420476C (en) * | 2003-02-28 | 2010-07-27 | Robert Bonthron Durward | Method and apparatus for enhancing fluid velocities in pipelines |
US7874435B2 (en) | 2005-08-23 | 2011-01-25 | Integris Rentals, L.L.C. | Pipeline pig storage rack apparatus |
US7588644B1 (en) | 2006-08-30 | 2009-09-15 | Integris Rentals, L.L.C. | Method and apparatus for cleaning pipeline pigs |
US8001858B2 (en) | 2007-01-19 | 2011-08-23 | Cogen William | Pipeline inspection apparatus and method using radio frequency identification and inertial navigation |
US9009905B2 (en) * | 2008-07-31 | 2015-04-21 | On Stream Technologies Inc. | Pipe pig and method of cleaning a pipe |
US7644463B1 (en) | 2008-09-02 | 2010-01-12 | James Robert Crawford | Spear method for retrievable pig |
US8650695B2 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2014-02-18 | Tdw Delaware Inc. | Pipeline cleaning pig with self-energizing diagonally oriented scrapers |
US20100205822A1 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2010-08-19 | Munden Bruce A | Method of drying a tubular string to prevent bedwrap corrosion |
US20100205757A1 (en) * | 2009-02-18 | 2010-08-19 | Munden Bruce A | Bypass pig |
US8668642B2 (en) * | 2010-11-23 | 2014-03-11 | Covidien Lp | Port device including retractable endoscope cleaner |
GB2501312B (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2017-04-26 | Cokebusters Ltd | Improvements in or relating to pipeline pigs |
RU2531396C1 (en) * | 2013-04-19 | 2014-10-20 | федеральное государственное бюджетное образовательное учреждение высшего профессионального образования "Пермский национальный исследовательский политехнический университет" | Pipeline cleaning device |
US10277094B2 (en) | 2015-09-16 | 2019-04-30 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Self-powered pipeline hydrate prevention system |
US9375765B1 (en) | 2015-10-09 | 2016-06-28 | Crossford International, Llc | Tube scraper projectile |
US10794161B2 (en) | 2017-03-28 | 2020-10-06 | Pep Energy Systems Ltd. | Bidirectional electromagnetic propelled thruster device for use in tubulars |
CN106862198B (en) * | 2017-03-29 | 2023-05-26 | 成都理工大学 | Multi-process coupling type pipe inner wall bionic cleaning device and cleaning method thereof |
CN107321730A (en) * | 2017-08-14 | 2017-11-07 | 西南石油大学 | A kind of rotary plug-removing wiper |
WO2022087518A1 (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2022-04-28 | GI Scientific, LLC | Variable pressure cleaning device and method |
CN114798622B (en) * | 2022-05-28 | 2023-06-02 | 延安大学 | Self-rotating pipe cleaner for pipeline |
Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4081875A (en) * | 1975-11-15 | 1978-04-04 | Eizo Nishino | Scale removal device |
US4122575A (en) * | 1977-05-09 | 1978-10-31 | Nihon Pipeline Service Kabushiki Kiahsa | Tube cleaning material |
DE2944709A1 (en) * | 1979-11-06 | 1981-05-14 | Ruhrkohle Ag, 4300 Essen | PIPE CLEANING DEVICE |
US5379475A (en) * | 1993-07-05 | 1995-01-10 | Sivacoe; Orlande | Scraper for a pipe pig |
US5600863A (en) * | 1995-09-21 | 1997-02-11 | Curran; Ed. | Pipe scraper assembly |
Family Cites Families (10)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3480984A (en) * | 1968-06-17 | 1969-12-02 | Joseph V Kidd | Pig apparatus |
US3619844A (en) * | 1970-08-03 | 1971-11-16 | Oil States Rubber Co | Disc type pipeline scraper and batch separator |
US3939519A (en) * | 1974-01-16 | 1976-02-24 | Muirhead Walter B | Condenser tube cleaning plug |
US4603449A (en) * | 1985-05-03 | 1986-08-05 | Knapp Kenneth M | Unitized pig body for parafin removal |
US5068142A (en) * | 1989-01-31 | 1991-11-26 | Teijin Limited | Fiber-reinforced polymeric resin composite material and process for producing same |
US5244505A (en) * | 1990-07-13 | 1993-09-14 | Pipe Rehab International, Inc. | Method for cleaning pipe |
GB9517829D0 (en) | 1995-09-01 | 1995-11-01 | Oiltools Int Bv | Tool for cleaning or conditioning tubular structures such as well casings |
US5657820A (en) | 1995-12-14 | 1997-08-19 | Smith International, Inc. | Two trip window cutting system |
US5964004A (en) * | 1996-09-24 | 1999-10-12 | Bean; Douglas Colin | Device for cleaning medical endoscopic tubes |
US5797993A (en) * | 1997-07-16 | 1998-08-25 | Chevron U.S.A. Inc. | Expandable pipeline pig assembly |
-
1998
- 1998-11-24 GB GBGB9825714.0A patent/GB9825714D0/en not_active Ceased
-
1999
- 1999-11-24 AU AU15717/00A patent/AU1571700A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-11-24 GB GB0018066A patent/GB2348690B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-11-24 WO PCT/GB1999/003907 patent/WO2000030773A1/en active Application Filing
- 1999-11-24 US US09/600,902 patent/US6792641B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4081875A (en) * | 1975-11-15 | 1978-04-04 | Eizo Nishino | Scale removal device |
US4122575A (en) * | 1977-05-09 | 1978-10-31 | Nihon Pipeline Service Kabushiki Kiahsa | Tube cleaning material |
DE2944709A1 (en) * | 1979-11-06 | 1981-05-14 | Ruhrkohle Ag, 4300 Essen | PIPE CLEANING DEVICE |
US5379475A (en) * | 1993-07-05 | 1995-01-10 | Sivacoe; Orlande | Scraper for a pipe pig |
US5600863A (en) * | 1995-09-21 | 1997-02-11 | Curran; Ed. | Pipe scraper assembly |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1293266A2 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2003-03-19 | Pipeline Engineering Limited | Paddle support |
EP1293266A3 (en) * | 2001-08-22 | 2003-07-09 | Pipeline Engineering Limited | Paddle support |
US6695537B2 (en) | 2001-08-22 | 2004-02-24 | Pipeline Engineering And Supply Company Limited | Paddle support |
WO2011070321A3 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2011-09-15 | Industrial Brushware Limited | Pipe cleaning apparatus |
CN110005875A (en) * | 2019-03-14 | 2019-07-12 | 爱喏工业科技(苏州)有限公司 | A kind of PPR nano-antibacterial pipe and its production technology |
CN111099394A (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2020-05-05 | 甘信华 | Anti-blocking device for ash bucket of coal economizer |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2348690B (en) | 2003-02-12 |
GB2348690A (en) | 2000-10-11 |
AU1571700A (en) | 2000-06-13 |
GB9825714D0 (en) | 1999-01-20 |
US6792641B1 (en) | 2004-09-21 |
GB0018066D0 (en) | 2000-09-13 |
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