A novel smart caliper foam pig for low-cost pipeline inspection – Part B: Field test and data processing

• Published in: Journal of petroleum science & engineering Vol. 133; pp. 771 - 775
• Main Authors: Ramella, C., Canavese, G., Corbellini, S., Pirola, M., Cocuzza, M., Scaltrito, L., Ferrero, S., Pirri, C.F., Ghione, G., Rocca, V., Tasso, A., Lullo, A. Di
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.09.2015
• Subjects: oil pipeline; pigging; pipeline integrity; utility pigs; oil pipeline; pipeline integrity; pigging; utility pigs
• ISSN: 0920-4105; 1873-4715
• DOI: 10.1016/j.petrol.2014.09.038

Pipe in-line inspection by “intelligent” pigs is a fundamental oil and gas industry practice but still considered as an exceptional operation. In fact, the instrumented pigs used for such purpose are expensive and delicate tools with non-negligible risks of sticking inside the pipeline, thus making their deployment rather rare. In Part A of this paper we presented a novel smart foam pig, with sensing capabilities analogous to those of a multi-channel caliper pig, but characterized by very low operating risks due to its high capability to negotiate restrictions and its very low likelihood of creating obstructions, hence encouraging more frequent pipeline inspection campaigns. The present Part B discusses the results of the pig field tests. The processing and visualization for interpretation of acquired raw data are carried out through a dedicated software. A comprehensive analysis of the data acquired on two test campaigns on an 8km pipeline in Italy is reported and the comparison with information gathered adopting a commercial In-line Inspection (ILI) pig is discussed. [Display omitted] •A novel low-cost caliper foam pig has been presented in Part A of the paper.•Two prototypes have been tested in operative condition showing good repeatability.•An ad-hoc software interface for data processing has been developed.•Comparison with a commercial caliper pig launched in the same conditions is presented.•The proposed smart foam pig showed better sensitivity and added capabilities.