TD Williamson, Inc Pipe Line Solutions Pipeline Equipment
September 2007
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TDW Job-Site Solutions
Visit TDW's Web site to learn more about how professionals in your industry have teamed up with TDW to solve their pipeline maintenance problems! Visit TDW Job-Site Articles

Hot Tapping

Pipeline Pigging

PSI - Offshore


US Toll Free
1-888-839-6766

International
1-918-447-5100


Pipeline Performance(tm)


Custom Solutions Often Lead to New TDW Products

Finding new ways to solve troublesome problems for pipeline operators is nothing
out of the ordinary for TDW.  Our engineers have been doing it for more than half
a century.

Recently, a customer contacted the TDW engineering department with a request.  It seemed that operating a high-flow gas line was having a very detrimental effect on their pigging program.  For economic reasons, the flow rate could not be reduced while pigging tools were being utilized.

 
Marks on discs show damage from over-speed.

Two things kept happening – both of them bad.  The first problem was that pigging tools were literally being destroyed from heat being generated by friction as they raced through the lines.  Replacement costs were becoming significant.  The second problem was that pigging tools were moving too fast to be effective at performing their cleaning function.  The result was that lines needed to be pigged several times back-to-back and pigging had to be scheduled on a more frequent basis.  Once again, an expensive proposition.

After analyzing the nature of the problem, TDW engineering developed a prototype solution for testing.  When the prototype tool was assembled and ready to go, the customer agreed to allow testing of the new tool in their lines.  The objective was to reduce the velocity of a pigging tool inside a high pressure line without requiring the flow rate to be reduced.  If testing went well, the pigging tool would be able to maintain a reduced speed within a desired velocity that would allow the technical characteristics of the tool to efficiently perform its designed cleaning task.  The end result would be minimal wear on the tool, effective cleaning of the line, and at normal operating pressure, little or no impact on product flow and profitability.

The new tool is adjustable to existing flow conditions and once launched, functions at a desired velocity within the flow of high-pressure lines.  Velocity adjustments allow this special TDW tool to perform to optimal levels of effectiveness.


Customized Pig

Once on site with the test line in the Four Corners region of New Mexico, TDW engineer Robert Strong put the new prototype tool through its paces.  Working with a Senior Cross-functional Technician and two line technicians from the customer, runs were made and data collected.  With simple adjustments to a tool that had never before been used in high flow lines, velocity goals were easily achieved.

 
Unloading new pipeline pig at New Mexico test site.

Results achieved by Mr. Strong and the prototype tool provided concrete evidence that the custom solution designed for the client was successful at delivering the tool speed originally requested.  Results were so positive, the customer bought the prototype tool. 

Preparations are underway to offer the new technology to all TDW pigging customers. Lessons learned from testing the prototype tool are now being examined for possible use on a variety of TDW pigging products.

For follow-up information regarding the pending availability of the new adjustable velocity pigging tool, call 918-447-5400 or visit www.TDWilliamson.com to access the TDW pigging division.



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