معرفی

What are cup-scraper pigs?

Cup scrapers pigs are one of the skeleton cleaning pigs. Usually, they have two to four cups. Cup scraper pigs are a specialized type of pipeline cleaning tool. They feature a robust design, often incorporating a metal skeleton. Typically, these pigs possess two to four resilient cups. These cups are key to their function, providing a tight seal against the pipe walls. Such a seal enables the pig to exert pressure, effectively scraping off deposits during transit. Cup scraper pigs can handle various types of debris, from sludge to scale. They excel in both cleaning and displacement tasks within the pipeline. Their versatility makes them suitable for diverse pipeline diameters and conditions. Operators often choose them for routine maintenance, ensuring efficient pipeline operation.

Cup Scraper Pigs‘ Cleaning

The transportation efficiency and service life of gas pipelines largely depend on the cleanliness of the inner wall and interior of the pipelines. Substances harmful to temperament and pipelines: such as condensate, apricot, sulfur content, mechanical impurities, etc., cause corrosion of the inner wall of the pipeline after entering the gas pipeline, increase the roughness of the pipe wall, and the accumulation of a large number of water and corrosion products will also locally block and reduce the flow section of the pipeline. In the construction process, the atmospheric environment will also make the uncoated pipeline rust, and, inevitably, some welding slag, soil, stones, and other harmful items will be left in the pipeline. After the pipeline water pressure test, it is difficult to drain the water completely using the pipeline height difference opening.

Solutions

To solve the above problems, it is necessary to clean the interior and inner walls of the pipeline. Therefore, the pigging process has always been an important process measure for pipeline construction and production management. The purpose of pigging can be summarized by the following four aspects:

(1) Remove liquid accumulation and debris (dust) in the pipe, reduce friction loss, and improve the transmission efficiency of the pipeline.

(2) Avoid water accumulation in low-lying places (because water fluctuation not only accelerates electrochemical corrosion due to the presence of electrolytes but also produces mechanical erosion, thinning the pipe wall, and resulting in corrosion rupture).

(3) Sweep away the sediment and corrosion products of the pipe wall, so that there is no additional corrosion electrode, and reduce the corrosion under the scale.

(4) Additionally, Cup Scraper Pigs serve to separate media within the pipeline. When transitioning from air to natural gas, or from pressure test water to natural gas, using a pig ensures a clear demarcation between the two. This separation is crucial for preventing explosive mixtures, reducing combustible gas losses, and enhancing overall work efficiency.

(5) Moreover, these pigs play a vital role in pipeline maintenance by facilitating the application of corrosion inhibitors and epoxy resin coatings. A pig can either push a liquid corrosion inhibitor or trail between two pigs to evenly distribute the coating along the pipeline’s inner walls during operation. For the more complex process of applying an internal epoxy resin coating—which includes pipeline wall cleaning, chemical treatment, and the coating itself—specialized pigs are instrumental in achieving each step, ensuring quality control and thorough inspection.

Accessories of cup scraper pigs

steel brushes

Steel brushes attached to cup scraper pigs enhance their cleaning capabilities. They aggressively remove tough deposits like scale and rust.

spring steel brush

Spring steel brushes offer flexibility, adjusting to pipeline irregularities. These brushes maintain contact with the pig skeleton, ensuring consistent cleaning action.

gauging disc

A gauging disc, often made of a thin metal plate, checks for pipeline diameter restrictions. It helps identify deformations or obstructions within the pipe.

magnetic steel

Magnetic steel components collect ferrous debris, such as metal shavings. They are crucial for maintaining the purity of the product being transported.

transmitter

A transmitter installed within the pig allows for tracking its location. This ensures precise monitoring of the pig’s progress and aids in immediate blockage detection.

نتیجه

In summary, Cup Scraper Pigs embody a critical solution for maintaining pipeline integrity and efficiency. These robust tools, with their adaptable cups and supplementary accessories like steel brushes and gauging discs, tackle a variety of contaminants head-on. Their design allows for aggressive cleaning, while the polyurethane material used in the cups demonstrates outstanding durability and resilience, as evidenced by the comprehensive test report. From small diameter pipes to large-scale conduits, these pigs ensure that pipelines remain free of obstructions and operational disruptions are kept to a minimum. Ultimately, incorporating Cup Scraper Pigs into regular pipeline maintenance schedules not only preserves the infrastructure but also enhances the safety and continuity of the essential flow of resources.