Our solution and project implementation

If we used five launching station, the ingredient oil within the pipe which was before the launcher would be wasted. So we chose the 3-way diverter valves to replace the launching stations. This was a pigging project that product was transferred from one source to multiple targeting tanks. In order to save cost for the customers, at the same time, recovering product as much as we could, we recommended the following equipment: one launching station, five receiving stations, four piggable three-way diverter valves, 3D elbows. The distance from the launcher and receivers was about 100meters ,and the pipeline inner diameter was 2 inch, considering the long distance, we recommended two sets of pig speed controllers.

Features of the process

During production, the product do not pass the launcher, avoiding the remain of residue oil in the cavity of launcher. This helped to reduce the customers concerns. Because the customer worried that the launcher could not be cleaned thoroughly if there was a lot of oil. The Functions of the 3-way diverter valves: when one pipeline was conveying oil, the others were closed, reducing the possibility of product loss. Secondly, comparing with the hand-operated diverter panel, the piggable diverter valves were more flexible and efficient.They were automated control, do not need human interference, the odds for human error were minimized, too. The valve had a self-cleaning function, do not require disassembly.

Installation instruction on site

The customer’s installation team had no experience about pigging system installation. At the beginning, they made some mistakes. The pipes were not welded very well, causing unevenness and misalignment at the interface of the welding. Our engineer guided workers to re-weld the main pipelines, especially those that the pig would pass by. The second thing was that they planned to put the launching station on the second floor of the workshop, the place was not appropriate. After on site investigation, we persuade the customer to change their mind, and install the launcher on the first floor. Because our launcher had to be installed vertically, the pig had to run upwards at the beginning.

Automation commissioning and training

Hyperfore automation engineer came to the site for connection of signal lines with equipment , and signal lines with the electrical cabinet. Afterwards, they conducted the IO test. When IO test was Ok, the production was filled with water for production simulation test. At last, the production test was done. After the commissioning was successfully completed, we trained the customer operators for using the whole pigging system on the HMI. We also handed out an instruction manual with SOP and pigging system process inside for their reference. All the operators were able to use the pigging system in the end.