Numerical study on the motion of pipeline investigation gauge inside oil pipeline
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Date
2016-06
Authors
Nurmizan Maidin
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Abstract
Pipeline pigging system is one of the common methods used to enhance flow rate and corrosion control. Pigging is made possible by the sealing element of the PIG, of which polyurethane (PU) is the main material used. The main aim of this research is to develop a better understanding of keeping the pipeline investigation gauge (PIG) as much as possible to its original condition. The structure of this research is divided into four parts. The first part involves the determination of suitable media to be used to drive the PIG inside the pipeline. These two different types of media are Tapis crude oil and Penara crude oil. The results obtained shows that the PIG model A is suitable to be used with Tapis crude oil media. The second part involves the determination of suitable Reynolds number to be applied to the PIG. There are four different Reynolds number to be analysed; 2.88E+5, 7.2E+5, 1.44E+6, and 2.88E+6. The results obtained indicates that Reynolds number 2.88E+5 and 7.25E+5 is the most suitable to be used to drive the PIG inside the pipeline. The third part involves the presence of bypass on the PIG body. PIG model B has a bypass system and PIG model A does not have a bypass system. The data recorded shows that PIG model B has a smaller reading on disc deformation rather than disc on PIG model A. The fourth part involves the study of suitable types of disc design for the PIG to achieve an efficient operation. Three types of designs were tested. The data recorded shows that PIG model D has the highest efficiency in pipeline pigging operation.