Page 150 - Pipeline Pigging Technology
P. 150
The Zeepipe challenge
Fig.2. Zeepipe construction schedule.
in intelligent pigging technology have made it possible to inspect the total
810-km gas pipeline as one pigging section. This makes it possible to eliminate
the intermediate platform and make substantial savings, based on the conclu-
sion that conventional pigs will be capable of running this length during the
precommissioning and commissioning operations. Conventional pigging is
not envisaged during normal operations.
By adopting the long-distance pigging concept, the precommissioning and
commissioning operations will be simplified. The number of offshore opera-
tions will be reduced, and the need for special vessels andflotels is eliminated.
Most of the precommissioning and commissioning pigging operations will
now be performed from on-shore.
The tie-in of the future compressor platform will be performed using more
cost-effective alternatives, e.g. a subsea valve station or cold/hot tapping
techniques. This paper describes the long-distance pigging of the Zeepipe
system.
PIGGING IN ZEEPIPE
Definitions
Although most people will be familiar with the terminology used in this
paper, there are some words and phrases which are sometimes used in
131