Automatic Pig Launch Timing Using Pipeline Pressure Waves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pipeline maintenance systems, particularly automatic multiple pig launchers (AMPLs), face limitations in determining optimal launch times for pipeline inspection gauges due to reliance on manual labor, pre-defined intervals, or operator experience, leading to inefficient use and high initial costs when future pigging requirements are unknown.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses dynamic pressure wave propagation to monitor the unobstructed hydraulic diameter and debris levels in pipelines, automatically determining the optimal time for launching pipeline inspection gauges by comparing pressure responses to clean simulation profiles and activating an AMPL for automated pig launch when criteria are met.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual labor and pre-defined intervals are used to determine pig launch times, then operational simplicity is maintained, but productivity and cost-efficiency deteriorate due to inefficient pig usage and high initial costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual determination of pig launch times with an automated electronic system that uses pressure wave propagation measurements and computer processing to determine optimal launch times, thereby improving productivity and cost-efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the pipeline maintenance system to determine its own optimal maintenance timing through automated pressure wave monitoring and computer analysis, eliminating the need for external manual assessment and improving operational efficiency
2Reliability
If pigs are launched frequently to ensure pipeline maintenance, then reliability is improved, but loss of substance and operational costs worsen due to unnecessary pig usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure wave propagation measurements are continuously monitored and analyzed by a computer system to determine when pigs are actually needed, allowing the system to launch pigs only when deposition reaches critical levels, thus maintaining reliability while reducing unnecessary pig consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-defined pig launch intervals to dynamic, condition-based timing where launch decisions are made in real-time based on actual pipeline deposition conditions measured through pressure wave analysis, optimizing both reliability and resource usage
3Ease of operation
If AMPL is used to automate pig launching, then ease of operation is improved, but initial costs worsen due to high equipment investment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional system where the pressure wave monitoring and computer-based analysis platform can serve multiple pipeline maintenance functions, allowing the initial investment to be amortized across various applications and reducing the effective cost per function while maintaining ease of operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces manual labor, optimizes pig launch times, and minimizes wear and tear on pipeline hardware by launching pigs only when necessary, thereby extending AMPL usage and reducing initial costs by ensuring maintenance is performed at the right time based on real-time data.
Implementation Method 1
generating a pressure wave in the pipeline and recording a reflex pressure pulse as a function of time in response to the pressure wave
Data Source
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AI summary
Dynamic pressure wave propagation can be used in pipelines to provide information about the available, unobstructed diameter and any partial or complete blockages in the pipeline. Based on this information, a system can automatically determine optimal times to launch pipeline inspection gauges for cleaning or other purposes. A pipeline inspection gauge is sometimes referred to as a pig. Certain aspects and features include a system that can launch pigs as needed automatically by activating an automatic multiple pig launcher at appropriate times.