Pipeline inspection gauge transfer assembly for oil and gas pipeline networks

UDK: 622.692

DOI: 10.24887/0028-2448-2020-10-99-101

Key words: T-joint, pipeline inspection gauge, pipeline inspection gauge launch/trap station, non-standard geometry T-joint, pipeline cleaning and inspection, pipeline inspection gauge transfer assembly

Authors: K.Ya. Ivanov (RN-KrasnoyarskNIPIneft LLC, RF, Krasnoyarsk), A.N. Glubokaia (RN-KrasnoyarskNIPIneft LLC, RF, Krasnoyarsk), O.V. Zhuchkin (RN-KrasnoyarskNIPIneft LLC, RF, Krasnoyarsk)

During pipeline operation there is a tendency of internal contamination. Iron oxide, mechanical impurities and asphaltene sediments build up on pipe internal surface causing hydraulic pressure increment and cross-section reduction. In order to clean and inspect pipelines special device that is called pipeline inspection gauge is used. To launch and trap a pipeline inspection gauge special station need to be constructed. According to common rules, pipeline inspection gauge can be used only for unbranched pipeline sections having same diameter. Conventionally, pipeline from a well pad is connected to an oil-gathering line via T-joint. As a result of T-joint design, each well pad line is equipped with a trap station resulting in big number of stations nearby an oil-gathering point. Suggested in the article non-standard geometry T-joint allows to perform cleaning and inspection of pipelines with pipeline inspection gauge from 2 different well pad lines by means of joint branch bending. Use of the non-standard geometry T- joint reduces the number of units of technological equipment, required space; construction terms; CAPEX and OPEX. In addition, the suggested non-standard geometry T-joint with negligible modification can be used also for different diameter pipes. The modified joint allows to expand scope of application and consequently enforce economic impact.