Improving Pipeline Scraping Operation – A systematic Approach and Case Study

A critical step in ensuring that a pipeline is fit and healthy for operations is continuous scraping “cleaning” and frequent scraping inspection. If scraping activities are not properly performed, pipeline integrity can be at risk.
In a case study, numerous networks of pipelines were found to be operated with different experiences and internal guidelines. This variation led to impact on pipeline integrity in terms of metal loss as well as several other issues such as leaking doors, scraping tools being stuck or damaged, valves passing, and signal passage indicators “SPIs” failures. Therefore, a systematic approach was initiated to review the different practices, procedures in an internal comparison with various experiences, and benchmarking with international users.
The objective was to adopt best practices and develop consistent guidelines for scraping operation by focusing on the major areas such as standard piping layout of scraping facility, valve selection strategy, operation instruction of scraping activity, operation and maintenance of scraper doors, deployment of non-intrusive scraper passage indicator, and scraper tool design selection. A success criterion was also developed by defining the scraping efficiencies, which is the percentage of actual versus planned scraper runs.
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Pipeline Technology Journal 1/2019
The issue 01/2019 of the ptj focuses on the topic of Inline Inspection and Integrity Management.
Billions of kilometes of pipelines are laid out and they have to be in good condition. To save money and to protect the environment Pigs are running through pipes, coatings are being applied and systems are developed.
On it's 68 pages this issue features articles and news from 9 different companies presenting solutions, ideas and products for Inline Inspection and Integrity Management.