Design and implementation of 30„ geometry PIG

Abstract

This paper introduces the developed geometry PIG (Pipeline Inspection Gauge), one of several ILI (In-Line Inspection) tools, which provide a full picture of the pipeline from only single pass, and has compact size of the electronic device with not only low power consumption but also rapid response of sensors such as calipers, IMU and odometer. This tool is equipped with the several sensor systems. Caliper sensors measure the pipeline internal diameter, ovality and dent size and shape with high accuracy. The IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) measures the precise trajectory of the PIG during its traverse of the pipeline. The IMU also provide three-dimensional coordination in space from measurement of inertial acceleration and angular rate. Three odometers mounted on the PIG body provide the distance moved along the line and instantaneous velocity during the PIG run. The datum measured by the sensor systems are stored in on-board solid state memory and magnetic tape devices. There is an electromagnetic transmitter at the back end of the tool, the transmitter enables the inspection operators to keep tracking the tool while it travels through the pipeline. An experiment was fulfilled in pull-rig facility and was adopted from Incheon LT (LNG Terminal) to Namdong GS (Governor Station) line, 13 km length.