Subsea Pigging
As mentioned before at this post
https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ahmedbassiounymohamed_subsea-subseaengineering-
offshore-activity-7091393717135155200-
t8w7?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop about the way to launch and install
PLR at subsea structures, at this post, subsea pigging's process and purposes will be defined
and illustrated.
Subsea pig launchers are commonly used in the pre-commissioning of pipelines and
frequently considered for production scenarios. Pigging during pre-commissioning and
commissioning often involves launching pigs via a downline from a vessel. The most
common mediums are water, MEG and Nitrogen. To ensure that the operation is successful,
it is important that each pig is launched at the right time and that two pigs are not pushed into
the line simultaneously.
At Figure 1 shows an example of cleaning pig (scrapper pig) and subsea pig launcher.
Figure 1
At Figure 2 shows cleaning pig with the internal view of the pipeline.
Figure 2
Subsea pigging is a form of flow assurance (will be discussed in details here
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedbassiounymohamed/) where pipeline pigs are used to
purge, clean, and/or inspect pipelines to keep them running smoothly.
The different scenarios for launching subsea pigs are as follow:
1- Launching with utilizing MEG downline - This involves pushing the next pig in sequence
as far as the production tee using MEG. The aim is to push the first pig as far as the
production tee, from where the gas flow will take over and drive the pig. Figure 3 shows –
Set up with liquid launch from a vessel and downline
Figure 3
2- Launching with utilizing N2 downline - The aim is as same as MEG – to push the next pig
as far as the production tee but this time using pressurized nitrogen from the vessel. This is
less common but is a potential solution especially for deep water. The aim is to push the first
pig as far as the production tee, from where the gas flow will take over drive. The system is
shown in Figure 4
Figure 4
3- Launching using production - This may be optimal for deeper water developments where it
could become impractical to deploy a down line from a vessel. Other examples of when such
a launch may be the best proposition would be for remote operations with a long step from
the host facility or if it is not possible to deploy a downline of sufficient diameter to achieve
the necessary flowrate into the launcher. The method assumes that the system is designed to
allow re-routing of production into the pig launcher.
Figure 5 Launching from subsea with production flow directed into the kicker line from
process or direct from a well.
Figure 5
The following Functional Requirements are set out in respect of sizing and layout of the unit:
1. The pigs must be capable of being loaded into the correct position within the launcher.
Kicker spacings are not necessarily equal depending on the project;
2. The pigs must not move during deployment, installation or operation except when required
to be launched. It must be possible to launch each pig separately;
3. The kicker line sizing must allow the pigs to be pushed forward effectively even when
bypass pigging is considered (A bypass pig requires a higher flowrate and a percentage of the
gas or liquid will pass through the pig);
4. The major barrel Internal Diameter (ID) must allow the pigs to be held positively but not
over-stress the discs or cause them to be ineffective during the pig run;
5. The following operations must be possible:
• Deployment and recovery of the launcher;
• Connection and disconnection to the manifold or riser base;
• Kicker lines to launch pigs individually; o Venting; o Purge air or seawater;
• Chemical injection (for example, MeOH for hydrate control);
• Pressure test of the connections and / or the unit;
• Drain and purge hydrocarbons before recovery.
6. A protection or temporary cap could be provided for the connector downstream of the pigs.
The following sets out advantages and disadvantages of each option that could help make the optimum choice: -
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Launching using nitrogen downline * Independent of production flow * Risk of choking the flow in
and may not require production downline, if the hose diameter is not
turndown; correct. Sizing of the line is
* Only a single main connection to important;
the manifold required (less leak * There can be high differential
paths); pressures across the main connection
* Other than the main connection, valve;
the launcher is independent of the * There is a possibility of high-
production manifold; pressure hydrocarbon gas migrating
* Helps avoid hydrocarbons from to the vessel with associated risks;
entering the launcher making * A more costly vessel may be
recovery easier (but some level of required with flare;
hydrocarbons should be expected in * If hydrocarbon gas is a risk on
the launcher following launch); deck, then equipment may need to be
zone rated;
Launching using MEG downline *Relatively small equipment *Sizable volume of MEG entering
footprint on board the vessel the production flowline;
compared with nitrogen and could be *May require large bore, dedicated
performed using a support vessel; downline to get required flowrate
*Lower pressure at the pumps due to into the launcher;
the head of liquid compared with the *MEG volumes enter dry gas
nitrogen downline case; pipeline and cause problems;
*Helps keep hydrocarbons from *Increased weight of the hose
entering the launcher making potentially;
recovery easier; *Risk of hydrocarbons to the vessel
*Since liquid is already in the is present due to line between
launcher from deployment, then production system and vessel;
complications with multiphase flow
is avoided;
Launching using production (from *No side loads at the tee as it is *Requires a reduction in production
process or using well) closed or the flowrate is reduced to get necessary differential pressure
considerably; to push the pigs due to the small size
*Hydrocarbon gas cannot migrate to of the kicker line;
the support vessel; *Hydrocarbons enter the launcher
*Use of a ready store of energy; making recovery more difficult;
*No liquid into the line or not *Hydrocarbons may contact
introducing additional fluids into the seawater in the launcher and hydrate
system; mitigation is necessary;
*Downline may be required for
venting, purging, testing during
installation and for a one-off pig run
(inspection), it may be easier to use
the downline to launch the pigs;
