Study Specifics
NPS 34 pipeline constructed in 1960’s, approximately 29 km in length Client removing pipe in Canada (approx. 2.4 km) and hauling to recycler Client abandoning in place in US (approx. 26.6 km)
Challenges
A complete lab analysis of a sample section of pipe would provide the basis for the optimum job design. – No pipe sample available. Pipe needed to be clean enough for removal and shipment to recyclers with no residual product leaking out of the pipe during removal or shipment. Decreased water consumption, volume and environmental impact of waste generated. Decreased number of mechanical pigs required resulting in decreased time for client to load pigs.
Solution
3 batch mixture of environmentally friendly debris gel and degreaser (tractor type motion) designed with 4 mechanical pigs.
Results
Significant cost and time savings, no re-runs required. Reduced disposal costs and Environmental impact, waste not classified as a hazardous waste for disposal, but a hazardous material for recycling. Pipe was returned to close to “As-Installed” condition, removed and shipped to recycler with no residual product leaking out of the pipe during removal or shipment. Zero safety incidents.
Study Specifics
NPS 20 pipeline constructed in 1960’s, approximately 3.2 km in length. Client decommissioning pipe in place (approx. 3.2 km).
Challenges
A complete lab analysis of a sample section of pipe would provide the basis for the optimum job design. – No pipe sample available. Small segment of pipe, needing appropriate economical design for small length. Decreased water consumption, volume and environmental impact of waste generated. Decreased number of mechanical pigs required resulting in decreased time for client to load pigs
Solution
2 Stage Approach
Stage 1: 1 batch mixture of environmentally friendly debris gel and degreaser (tractor type motion) designed with 2 mechanical pigs.
Stage 2: 1 Mechanical pig run to ensure all residual chemicals are removed from the line
Results
Significant cost and time savings, no re-runs required. Reduced disposal costs and Environmental impact, waste not classified as a hazardous waste for disposal, but a hazardous material for recycling. Zero safety incidents. Pipe cleaned to client’s requirements for decommissioning purposes. Client ran through 2 foam pigs after second stage, for a visual test.
Study Specifics
NPS 8 pipeline, approximately 1.1 km in length. Client cleaning pipeline to decommission pipe in place
Challenges
Line had been deactivated for many years, uncertain of how much, if any, residual product in the pipeline.1.5D bends in the pipeline, with an unknown amount of 90 Deg Elbows. No pipe sample available. A complete lab analysis of a sample section of pipe would provide the basis for the optimum job design. Small segment of pipe minimizes cleaning chemistry required by lowering pig speed.
Solution
Multi Stage Approach, with Foam Pigs:
Run 1: Super Light Swab Pig: Light Density Foam pig to determine pig ability of pipeline
Run 2: Medium Density Wire Brush Pig: Scraping of line with Medium Density Foam pig
Run 3: Super Light Swab Pig: Light Density Foam pig run before cleaning train
Run 4: Chemically clean with TSW Blend and follow with water rinse.
Purger II Pig’s: all urethane one-piece pigs with multiple seals. Provex Pig’s: Foam dewatering pig
Run 5: Super Light Swab Pig: Light Density Foam pig for drying/final pass with 2 mechanical pigs.
Results
No stuck pigs, all runs successful. No re-runs required. Pipe cleaned to client’s requirements for decommissioning purposes. Zero safety incidents.