PIG Station Pressure Pulse Generation for Deposit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for generating pressure pulses in pipelines to detect deposits and leaks either interrupt fluid flow or are ineffective in large diameter pipelines due to limitations of diagnostic ports.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) station with a large internal diameter valve to create pressure pulses without interrupting flow, by pressurizing a PIG barrel connected to the pipeline and suddenly releasing the pressure to generate a wave.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an inline valve is closed to create a pressure pulse, then a pressure pulse is generated for detection, but the fluid flow in the pipeline is shut off
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the pipeline inspection function from the main flow path by using a side-mounted PIG station with a barrel that can be pressurized independently. This allows pressure pulse generation without interrupting the main pipeline flow, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and production continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressurizable barrel acts as an intermediary device between the external pressure source and the pipeline. The barrel receives pressurized fluid externally and transfers it to the pipeline to generate pressure pulses, enabling deposition detection without directly blocking the main flow path.
2Measurement precision
If mass is injected through a diagnostic port to create a pressure pulse, then a pressure pulse is generated, but the method does not scale to larger diameter pipelines due to port size limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from injecting mass through a small port (one-dimensional limitation) to applying pressure through a large-side barrel (two-dimensional expansion). The PIG station barrel provides a large surface area for pressure application that scales with pipeline diameter, enabling effective pressure pulse generation in large diameter pipelines.
Solution Approach 2:
The PIG station barrel serves multiple functions: it acts as a pressure application interface, a flow distribution chamber, and a scalable component that can be adapted to different pipeline sizes. This multi-functionality allows the same basic design to work across various pipeline diameters.
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
Enables the generation of pressure pulses in large pipelines without shutting down production flow, allowing for effective detection and localization of deposits using the resulting pressure signals.
Implementation Method 1
opening an isolation valve between the barrel and the pipeline, thereby creating the pressure pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for creating a pressure pulse within a pipeline are disclosed. The method includes isolating a barrel of a pipeline inspection gauge (PIG) station from the pipeline, pressurizing the barrel up to a selected pressure, and opening an isolation valve between the barrel and the pipeline, thereby creating the pressure pulse.