TECH TALK
Overall , these stations are complex , and operating them can be equally complex .
Pitfalls Using Conventional Pig Barrel Traps
Conventional Barrel Trap Pig Stations allow operators to maintain pipelines through pigging . However , there are many limitations and risks . In addition to the noted complexity , Barrel Traps pose a significant risk to operator safety . The horizontal alignment places the operator in a potentially precarious position . If there is a mistake in the operation and the barrel is not depressurized correctly , the Pig can become a projectile , flying out of the barrel , potentially striking the operator . 5 , 6 The speed and force of the Pig in this situation can lead to severe injury and death . There are several documented events of such occuring . 7 The complexity of the operation , in combination with the severity of the consequences of an error , makes pigging with a Barrel Trap very hazardous .
From an operations standpoint , the station ’ s footprint and emissions can also limit its viability in certain situations . The space the infrastructure requires can make it difficult or impossible to introduce onto specific lines . The costly infrastructure can also make it impractical from a financial perspective . Venting and flaring of the relatively large volumes of media necessary to operate these stations also pose an environmental problem as they are high emitters of GHG emissions . The combination of size , heavy emission releases , and safety concerns may lead operators to consider an otherwise “ piggable ” pipeline “ unpiggable .”
A Different Way to Pig
Pipeline operators can find themselves in a bit of a catch-22 with pigging . If they do not maintain their lines , they risk failures that can compromise the integrity of their infrastructure , leading to profit loss , safety risks , environmental damages , and much more . 1 , 2 , 3 However , the conventional barrel trap system has limitations . It can pose safety concerns for operators , release significant emissions , and be impractical , if not impossible , to implement due to size and other constraints . Fortunately , there is a solution in the form of Pig launching or receiving ball valve technology , also known as Pig Valves .
Figure 2 : Typical setup of a conventional barrel trap pig station ( bottom left ), Argus Pig Valve station ( top left ), and a Multi-Pig Launcher ( right ).
A station utilizing a Pig Valve ’ s size is also very compact , negating the large footprint associated with a barrel trap . An Argus Pig Valve also results in a substantially smaller volume of vented media , allowing operators to reduce their pigging emissions dramatically . A substantial reduction in emissions can help companies reach their emissions targets and meet regulatory requirements . Based on findings from an investigation into unauthorized or excessive emissions , the United States Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) has even recommended Pig Valves or multiple pig launchers as potential engineered solutions , shown in Figure 2 , to reduce emissions associated with pigging . 9
Conclusion
Pipelines require proper maintenance to ensure their integrity and longevity . Without appropriate programs , pipelines are susceptible to liquid loading , wax buildup , excessive corrosion , and many other issues . 1 , 2 , 3 These issues can cause blockages , leaks , and a complete shutdown of operations , causing astronomical environmental , safety , and economic harm . 1 , 3 Operators can avoid these situations by implementing pipeline-pigging programs .
Unfortunately , conventional Pig Launcher / Receiver Stations ( known as Pig Barrel Traps ) have many limitations , which can cause operators to reconsider introducing pigging to maintain their pipelines . By using a valve design instead of a barrel , operators can cut down on infrastructure size , reduce emissions by up to 91 %, and eliminate the projectile safety risks of barrels . 8 It is just one more way valve technology supports continuous innovations for better operations .
REFERENCES
1 . D . Dall ’ Acqua , M . Benucci , F . Corvaro , M . Leporini , R . Cocci Grifoni , A . Del Monaco , A . Di Lullo , C . Passucci and B . Marchetti , “ Experimental results of pipeline dewatering through surfactant injection ,” Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering , pp . 542-552 , 2017 .
2 . T . Archarya , “ A Review of Wax-Formation / Mitigation Technologies in the Petroleum ,” SPE Production & Operations , August 2018 .
3 . L . Weidong , H . Qiyu , W . Wenda and G . Xuedong , “ Advances and Future Challenges of Wax Removal in Pipeline Pigging Operations on Crude Oil Transportation systems ,” Energy Challenges , 2020 .
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
4 . I . Sutton , Plant Design and Operation , Gulf Professional Publishing , 2017 .
5 . National Energy Board , “ Pipeline Pigging Operations : Open to Injury ,” National Energy Board , Calgary , 2007 .
6 . N . McKnight , R . Poe and P . Harrison , “ Keeping Safety Grounded in Hydrogen Takeoff : Revisiting Risk in Pig Launching and Receiving ,” Pipeline Technology Conference , 2022 .
7 . Occupational Safety and Health Administration , “ Accident Report ,” 25 June 2012 . [ Online ]. Available : https :// www . osha . gov / ords / imis / accidentsearch . accident _ detail ? id = 33816.015 .
8 . Argus , “ Pigging Valves ,” 2022 . [ Online ]. Available : https :// www . argusinnovates . com / products / viewproduct / pigging-valves .
9 . United States Environmental Protection Agency , “ EPA Observes Air Emissions from Natural Gas Gathering ,” Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance , 2019 .
Nicolaas Ainsworth is a seasoned marketing professional with expertise in market research and business analytics , particularly in the petroleum industry . His career journey started with in-depth analysis and reporting , gradually transitioning into leadership roles . At Argus , he leads the marketing department , orchestrating successful campaigns and initiatives to spread the word about opportunities in the midstream sector . Nicolaas ’ strategic thinking , industry knowledge , and passion for educating and informing the industry on new solutions have established him as a respected authority in marketing and petroleum .
The Pig Valve is a trunnion-mounted , quarter-turn ball valve with an added closure that can be used to send and receive Pigs . 8 These Pig Valve stations allow operators to maintain their lines while overcoming many obstacles of conventional stations . For example , the design of the Argus Pig Valve uses a top-entry mechanism to introduce and remove Pigs 8 . The entry point eliminates the safety risks of the traditional Barrel Trap by no longer putting operators in a position where they risk being struck by a pressurized projectile . 8 Furthermore , any pressurization will have already been released when the valve opens and the Pig is exposed . www . valve-world-americas . net • April 2024 | Valve World Americas 21