Pig Routing Insert Structure for Blocking Pig Deviation in Manifolds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning and unblocking fluid flow passages in machined block manifolds, commonly used in oil and gas industries, lack effective mechanisms to prevent cleaning pigs from entering unwanted pipes or holes, leading to potential damage and operational interruptions.
Innovation Solution
A pig routing insert is designed to be positioned at the intersection of two holes in a machined block manifold, featuring a substantially unrestricted flow opening and a partially restricted opening with pig blocking structures, allowing unrestricted fluid flow while blocking the passage of cleaning pigs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pig blocking structures are installed in welded pipes, then the pig can be guided along the desired route, but this method cannot be applied to machined block manifolds where pipes are not individually exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The pig routing insert is divided into multiple modular components including a body portion, flow diversion portion, and pig blocking structures that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the insert to adapt to different manifold configurations while maintaining ease of installation through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pig routing insert is designed as a universal component that can be installed in various manifold types (both welded and machined block manifolds) and performs multiple functions: guiding pigs, blocking unwanted flow paths, and maintaining fluid flow. The insert's standardized interface and adjustable pig blocking structures enable it to adapt to different applications without requiring custom designs.
2Reliability
If the opening is completely restricted to block pigs, then pig deviation is prevented, but fluid flow is also blocked causing operational interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The insert incorporates different opening configurations in different regions: fully restricted openings with pig blocking structures in directions where pig deviation must be prevented, and substantially unrestricted flow openings in directions where fluid flow continuity is prioritized. This local differentiation of opening qualities allows simultaneous achievement of pig protection and operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pig blocking structures are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing them to adapt to the passage of cleaning pigs while maintaining their blocking function. The structures can flex or move slightly to accommodate pig passage in restricted openings while still preventing deviation into unwanted paths, thereby maintaining both reliability and productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a pig routing insert is installed in a machined block manifold, then pig guidance is achieved, but the insert requires precise positioning at hole intersections which increases installation difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The pig routing insert incorporates pre-formed positioning features and alignment mechanisms that are manufactured in advance during insert production. These preliminary positioning elements facilitate accurate placement at hole intersections during installation, reducing the precision requirements during the actual installation process and thereby improving ease of manufacture.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the insert body is designed with multiple openings for different directions, then comprehensive pig routing control is achieved, but the structural complexity of the insert increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert body employs a nested structure where the flow diversion portion is integrated within the body portion, and pig blocking structures are positioned within recesses or cavities of the main body. This nesting arrangement allows multiple openings and functional elements to be accommodated in a compact configuration, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining comprehensive pig routing control in multiple directions.
Data Source
AI summary
A pig routing insert or drain is used in various subsea systems having a block structure, e.g., block manifolds, with a plurality of perforated fluid passages. The insert generally includes a substantially unrestricted flow opening configured to allow substantially unrestricted fluid flow and passage of a cleaning pig, and a partially restricted opening having at least one pig blocking structure, in which the partially restricted opening is configured to allow substantially unrestricted fluid flow through the partially restricted opening whilst blocking the passage of the cleaning pig through the partially restricted opening. A method for manufacturing and installing the pig routing insert or drain in a machined block manifold includes positioning a manufactured pig routing insert at an intersection of first and second perforated fluid flow holes formed in a body of a structure and fastening the manufactured pig routing insert within the intersection in the body.