Pivoting Pig Holder for Continuous-Flow Pipeline Diversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pig diverters in pipeline systems often disrupt fluid flow when diverting pigs, which is critical in subsea oil and gas pipelines where blockages can be complex and expensive to remediate, especially when pipelines are deep underwater.
Innovation Solution
A pig diverter comprising a hollow housing with a pivotable pig holder that aligns with the pig entry and exit openings, allowing fluid communication between inlet and outlet ports without interrupting flow, enabling seamless diversion of pigs between pipeline loops while maintaining continuous fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional pig diverter with a rotating ball or rotor is used to divert pigs, then the pig can be redirected from one pipe path to another, but the fluid flow is blocked during the diversion process
Solution Approach 1:
The pig holder is segmented into multiple positions (first position for receiving pigs from first pipeline, second position for receiving pigs from second pipeline, third position for launching pigs into first pipeline, and fourth position for launching pigs into second pipeline). This segmentation allows the system to handle pig diversion without blocking fluid flow, as each position is dedicated to a specific function and can operate independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The pig holder acts as an intermediary component between the two pipelines. It temporarily receives and holds pigs before redirecting them to the appropriate pipeline, enabling smooth transition without interrupting the overall fluid flow system. The pig holder mediates the diversion process by providing intermediate storage and routing capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pig holder is made movable between multiple positions to enable flexible pig routing, then pig management becomes more versatile, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pig holder is designed to be movable between multiple fixed positions rather than stationary. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different pig routing requirements by positioning the holder appropriately. The movement mechanism provides flexibility while maintaining relatively simple construction through defined positional states.
Solution Approach 2:
The pig holder serves multiple functions: receiving pigs from the first pipeline, receiving pigs from the second pipeline, launching pigs into the first pipeline, and launching pigs into the second pipeline. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each operation, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
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
The solution simplifies pig management by allowing uninterrupted fluid flow during pig diversion, reducing the risk of pipeline blockages and enabling efficient recirculation of cleaning pigs in wax control systems, thus extending pipeline lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure differential is created within the pipe between a volume ahead of the pig and a volume behind the pig, with respect to the intended direction of travel. Thus, a pig is driven along a pipe from a pig launcher to a pig receiver by a pressure differential in the pipe between upstream and downstream sides of the pig.
Data Source
AI summary
A pig diverter comprises a hollow housing having a flowline inlet port, a flowline outlet port, a pig entry opening, and a pig exit opening, all communicating with the interior of the housing. A tubular pig holder enclosed by the housing is pivotable between a receiving position and a launching position. In the receiving position, the pig holder is aligned with the pig entry opening to receive a pig and effects fluid communication between the pig entry opening and the flowline outlet port. In the launching position, the pig holder is aligned with the pig exit opening to launch a pig and effects fluid communication between the flowline inlet port and the pig exit opening.