production. The drivers in the food industry remain strong.
The oil sector is the third key industry where the technology appears to have a strong pull. As with the water sector, the low risk of using ice to clear pipes is an attractive proposition for an industry that operates with an inherently hazardous and valuable liquid product.
Following testing for one of the world’ s largest oil companies, projects are now being studied that will inevitably stretch the technical limits of the technology. This includes projects involving delivery of ice pigging on oil platforms, the decommissioning of sub-sea oil pipelines, and cleaning pipes in some of the remotest parts of the world.
The experience with ice pigging is that many industries usually describe themselves as conservative, risk-averse, and slow to change— and probably with good reason. At the same time, the same industries often show great interest in innovation as a means of saving money, time and effort. The challenge is to recognise the paradox that this presents, remain patient with early adopters, and have the legs to stay in the game long enough until the innovation becomes the norm. u
Suez
Going global: ice pigging is now being used in 11 countries, including Australia, Spain and the UK.
environment
About the author
Matthew Stephenson is ice pigging unit director for Suez.
“ The challenge is to recognise the paradox that this [ ice pigging ] presents.”
January / February 2017 33