Dual diameter HD camera Pigging – 42in x 48in pipeline

iNPIPE PRODUCTS was approached to carry out a gauging pig run on an ageing 42in pipeline system whose condition was completely unknown to the operator. Following a comprehensive design review, a foam pig was deemed the safest option to ensure minimal risk transit.

The pipeline was designed for sphere pigging and features an approximately 25m long launcher extending beyond the first topside bend, meaning conventional pig loading was not possible. The pig had to be inserted into the launcher by hand, adding further complication and ruling out the possibility of using a traditional dual diameter pig design.

Following client approval, the bespoke foam pig was manufactured at the company’s North Yorkshire facility. The foam pig comprised both low and medium density foam structures, with front and rear sealing discs designed to seal inside the 48in launcher and ensure navigation of a 36in tee. A gauge plate was installed on the rear, together with a transmitter and data logger to provide key information about the pig run and the internal pipeline condition.

Following delivery, the client asked whether PHOENIX Vision HD camera technology could be incorporated into the pig, with a turnaround of less than one week and using a design that could be retrofitted to the existing equipment. The engineering team promptly designed a retrofit bracket to securely accommodate the camera and battery alongside the existing data logger and transmitter. Using the exist- ing mounting points and requiring only profiling and bending, the design enabled subsequent local manu- facture, with the bracket produced the following day.

iNPIPE PRODUCTS personnel then mobilised to site to install and set up the HD camera technology and prepare the pig for delivery to the platform. The camera was activated and the pig was loaded into the launcher using an iNPIPE PRODUCTS manual pig loader. The pig was launched shortly afterwards and successfully received, confirming that the pipeline could be pigged. This allowed the operator to develop a cleaning plan in preparation for a full inline inspection survey.