In the past, TDW has designed and fabricated vertical, automated pig launchers, sloped, automated sphere launchers and horizontal pig launchers. TDW recently designed and fabricated a sloped, automated pig launcher. This product is new to the pigging industry and was inspired by a customer’s application that required this unique design solution.
An innovative products pipeline company operating in Chile just completed a new 130 km (16”) pipeline through which they are batching seven different refined products. The batches are relatively small, making it critical that batch mixing or product contamination be held to a minimum. Company personnel visited TDW’s Tulsa office and discussed their needs with our engineering staff.
The application required that four pigs be loaded into the launcher with the ability to launch single pigs at two-minute time intervals. The customer also required the launcher be capable of launching a corrosion inspection pig. The launch had to be conducted with either a remote or local signal. To avoid a vertical unit, which would be exceptionally tall, TDW conducted tests to determine the minimum angle required to slide the TDW VANTAGE® V-4CC Pig into launch position. The Vantage® V-4CC Pig, equipped with RealSeal® Cups, has proven to be the best pig on the market for this type of operation. Once this was determined, launch pins with automated controls were incorporated into the design. Prior to shipment, complete functional tests were performed to confirm the unit would operate as required. This particular application dictated the need for an effective batch pig.
TDW has the experience and capability to design and furnish products to meet our customers’ special requirements. |
