PORTABLE TEMPORARY

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PORTABLE TEMPORARY PIG LAUNCHER
thomas cornthwaite inpipe products limited
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THE SITUATION
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PTPL
portable temporary pig launcher inpipe
products more flexible and cost effective
temporary pig launching
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Pipeline design and technology has not always
been able to keep up with demand. Tight
timescales determined by market demands have in
many cases caused consideration to pipeline
pigging to be an afterthought. Also with the
process of pipeline pigging is still somewhat of
a black art that many are not entirely familiar
with, the general quality of pipeline design for
pigging can at times lack the forward thinking
required.
INTRODUCTION
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THE PROBLEM

• permanent launchers are,
• costly
• very specific to purpose
• difficult to add to live lines
• ideal for regular use

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• A high pressure plug is not ideal for launching
• it has no reducer
• it has no door
• there is potential for internal damage
• it is difficult to vent and drain
• but it is cost effective

THE PROBLEM
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THE SOLUTION PTPL

• features of the PTPL
• pressure based fixing
• re-usable launcher
• cost effective
• fast installation
• adaptable product
• standardised along pipeline

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PTPL ANATOMY
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POSI-SEAL ASSEMBLY
pressure gauge
retaining flange
grit lined tyre for gripping
ribbed tyre for sealing
sealing flange
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pig passage indicator
posi-seal assembly
reducer
door (blind flange)
kicker line in
pig holding area
drain line out
ASSEMBLY
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Design to pipe outside diameter More useful
along pipeline Standardisation of components
More likely to be reliable More cost effective
BENEFITS
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greater tolerance range better on
corroded/damaged pipes quick and simple to fit
TYRE BENEFITS
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MAINTENANCE
access to either end for cleaning closure
door optional ease of pre-loading
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UNOBTRUSIVE
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CASE STUDY
PTPL developed for pigging a new line in the
Norwegian North Sea
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SPECIFICS
situation of temporary pig launcher below platform
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TESTING
Testing to prove external posi-seal tyre, tested
successfully to 25 bar
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• PTPL specifically supplied with
• clamp
• pair of safety harnesses
• water pump for energising
• pair of ribbed tyres
• pair of grit lined tyres

pigging on construction of new norwegian line
successfully completed using ptpl
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SUITABILITY
Permanent launcher day to day use regular
pigging hydrostatic testing
PTPL occasional pigging awkward
circumstances pigging during pipeline
construction
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• Provision to avoid tyre slippage
• Not a replacement for a permanent launcher
• Whilst useful on corroded pipes, caution to
  breakage
• Not to be pigged with gas/air

SUITABILITY
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• PTPL should not be used to receive in single,
  heavy runs
• A strategy using low efficiency pigs should be
  used if this could be an issue

ACCUMULATION
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• 25 bar maximum pressure
• Access consideration for cranes and loading
• Consideration in case of being overloaded
• Suitability for use in other applications
• Incorporation of safety equipment

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
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TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS

• External tyre system benefits pipeline
  maintenance
• Standardisation of parts lowers costs
• Larger tolerance band when using tyres.

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TYRE APPLICATIONS
isolation repair testing plugging
standardised design cost saving reliability
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launcher adaptability blank stations
compact launching offline modification
multiple pig/sphere launching
ADAPTABILITY
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SUMMARY
customer brief leads to product with many derived
benefits the ptpl provides an alternative
solution to pig launching and receiving
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INTERNATIONAL PIPELINE PRODUCTS LTD
PTPL