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PORTABLE TEMPORARY PIG LAUNCHER thomas cornthwaite inpipe products limited THE SITUATION PTPL portable temporary pig launcher – inpipe products more flexible and cost effective temporary pig launching 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 THE PROBLEM permanent launchers are, • costly • very specific to purpose • difficult to add to live lines • ideal for regular use 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 THE SOLUTION: PTPL features of the PTPL • pressure based fixing • re-usable launcher • cost effective • fast installation • adaptable product • standardised along pipeline PTPL ANATOMY POSI-SEAL ASSEMBLY retaining flange pressure gauge grit lined tyre – for gripping ribbed tyre – for sealing sealing flange posi-seal assembly pig passage indicator reducer door (blind flange) pig holding area drain line out kicker line in ASSEMBLY Design to pipe outside diameter + More useful along pipeline + Standardisation of components + More likely to be reliable + More cost effective BENEFITS + greater tolerance range + better on corroded/damaged pipes + quick and simple to fit MAINTENANCE + access to either end for cleaning + closure door optional + ease of pre-loading UNOBTRUSIVE CASE STUDY PTPL developed for pigging a new line in the Norwegian North Sea SPECIFICS situation of temporary pig launcher below platform TESTING Testing to prove external posi-seal tyre, tested successfully to 25 bar 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 PTPL + day to day use + occasional pigging + regular pigging + awkward circumstances + hydrostatic testing + pigging during pipeline construction SUITABILITY Permanent launcher • 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 ACCUMULATION • 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 • • • • • 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 TECHNOLOGY APPLICATIONS • External tyre system benefits pipeline maintenance • Standardisation of parts lowers costs • Larger tolerance band when using tyres. TYRE APPLICATIONS + isolation + repair + testing + plugging + standardised design + cost saving + reliability + launcher adaptability + blank stations + compact launching + offline modification + multiple pig/sphere launching ADAPTABILITY SUMMARY customer brief leads to product with many derived benefits the ptpl provides an alternative solution to pig launching and receiving PTPL INTERNATIONAL PIPELINE PRODUCTS LTD