Pipeline pigs

The cup pipeline pigs are a major product of the LCQZ electronic pig. Its main body has a steel skeleton. Equipped with an ultra-low frequency radio transmitter and covered with 2-4 leather cups. We can use different materials according to the length of the pipeline and the internal conditions of the pipeline. Such as polyurethane cups, fluoroprene rubber cups, or other rubber cups suitable for special conveying media. So it has the characteristics of strong passing ability and good cleaning ability. Also widely used in pipeline cleaning, sweeping, and other cleaning operations.

Pigging can effectively remove impurities inside the pipeline and delay corrosion of the inner wall. Moreover, it has the functions of reducing frictional resistance; Reducing oil transportation energy consumption; Removing stagnant water in low-lying areas; And preventing accidents.
There are many types of pigs currently in use. There are also differences in their application conditions and functions. Therefore, before the pigging operation, the staff should select the pig based on the pipeline type, status, and pigging target. Only in this way can we achieve the goal of efficient operation.

Background:

Factors such as gas-liquid mixing and gathering, temperature, and pressure reduction affect the pipeline transportation process, and natural gas. Liquids and impurities are prone to accumulate in low-lying areas of the pipeline. The main method used on site is to use a pig (ball) to clean the liquid and impurities. This reduces the degree of corrosion on the inner wall of the pipeline and reduces the pressure difference at both ends of the pipeline. This can improve transportation efficiency and gas well production.

Type of Cup Pipeline pigs:

Two-cup type pig:

It has good sealing performance and strong passing capacity. Suitable for short-distance operations. It can pass elbows with a minimum curvature radius of 1.5D.

Three-cup type pipe cleaner:

It has good sealing performance and a good cleaning effect. Suitable for medium to long-distance pigging operations. It can pass elbows with a minimum curvature radius of 1.5D

Four cup type pipe cleaner:

Especially suitable for the full line ball sweeping of pipelines and the replacement of pipeline production processes. It has good sealing and wear resistance and is thoroughly cleaned. It can pass elbows with a minimum curvature radius of 4D.

Our common pipeline cleaners have the following types.

1. Foam pig

The foam pig is the first and relatively safest step in the pigging operation. Because it is made of soft materials, and polyurethane is poured on the surface. Once the blockage occurs, the foam pig can be broken by increasing the operating pressure of the pipeline, without causing the phenomenon of pipeline shutdown and blockage.

2. Cup cleaner

It is composed of a sealed cup, a supporting straight cup, an isolation pad, and a skeleton, with strong passing ability. Compared to a straight plate pig, the cup pig has better sealing performance but does not have bidirectional properties.

3. Straight plate cleaner

It is composed of a sealed straight leather bowl, a supporting straight leather bowl, an isolation pad, and a skeleton, with strong passing ability. So the straight-cup pig has bidirectional characteristics. Then if the pig gets stuck, it can be returned to the launcher through pipeline medium reverse transportation.

4. Steel brush pipe cleaner

It is composed of a sealed cup, a supporting cup, an isolation pad, a steel brush, and a skeleton, suitable for cleaning operations where impurities or wax are attached to the inner wall of pipelines. The cleaning ability of the steel brush cleaner is stronger than that of the straight plate cleaner and the cup cleaner.

5. Caliper plate cleaner

Install an aluminum plate with a diameter gauge on the cup or straight plate cleaner to check for any deformation inside the pipeline. So if the diameter gauge plate cleaner is scratched or deformed after removal, a geometric detector needs to be sent to inspect and confirm the pipeline.

6. Magnetic cleaner

It can adsorb rust and all magnetic media inside the pipeline. It is suitable for situations where there is welding slag, or iron material. Or other ferromagnetic substances inside the pipeline. The magnetic cleaner has a strong magnetic block placed in the middle of the skeleton. Which can effectively adsorb magnetic media.