Dual Purpose PIG for Cleaning and Internal Integrity Assessment for Pipelines (RFT-765)

Invention Summary

While cleaning pigs effectively maintain pipeline integrity, most don't conduct condition or integrity assessments. In-line inspection (ILI) pigs, on the other hand, are specifically designed for such tasks, identifying potential risks from in-line defects. However, ILI pigs come with significant drawbacks, including the need for specialized technical expertise, higher operational costs, and often necessitating the pause of pipeline operations for extended periods, resulting in inefficiencies. The proposed dual-purpose pig addresses these limitations by integrating an inspection attachment into the cleaning pig. This innovation enables inspection to be performed simultaneously with regular cleaning, reducing the reliance on ILI pigs and minimizing associated costs. By streamlining cleaning and inspection processes, this dual-purpose pig offers a cost-effective and efficient solution for maintaining the pipeline integrity without frequent interruptions.

 
Dual Purpose PIG | NDSU Research Foundation

 CAD drawing of the design

Benefits

  • Easy-to-install attachment converts existing cleaning pigs into dual-purpose tools that clean and inspect pipelines.
  • Provides a cost-effective, efficient solution across all pipeline types

Applications

  • Oil and gas transmission pipelines: combine routine cleaning with defect detection.
  • Refined product pipelines: monitor for corrosion or dents while clearing deposits.
  • Water and wastewater pipelines: inspect for cracks, leaks, or buildup during cleaning.
  • Chemical and industrial pipelines: check for wall thinning or blockages while removing residue.
  • Long-distance gathering lines: reduce downtime by merging cleaning and inspection runs.
  • Offshore and subsea pipelines: limit costly interruptions by performing both tasks in one pass.
  • Pipeline integrity management programs: support compliance and reduce reliance on specialized ILI pigs.

Patent

This technology has a Patent pending and is available for licensing/partnering opportunities.

Contact

NDSU Research Foundation
info(at)ndsurf(dot)org
(701) 231-8173

NDSURF Tech Key

RFT, 765, RFT765

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