Page 361 - Pipeline Pigging Technology
P. 361
Pipeline Pigging Technology
The effect of the latest technology is even more pronounced in data
analysis. Initially, the IBM AT's graphics' speed was slow and annoying for the
evaluating technician. The desired work flow speed was only realized with
the introduction of the Compaq Deskpro 386 series PC, which has a 20MHz
clock frequency. The story is similar for the various storage mediums. The
floppy discs, streamers, and Winchester discs available at the beginning of the
pig's development were not suitable to store and handle the vast amount of
data subsequently made available. The problem was solved only when the
optical disc with a storage capacity of SOOMBytes was introduced. This disc
has a large storage capacity, random access, and is handy for archiving
purposes.
The situation becomes even more problematic when pigs for smaller
pipelines, e.g. 6-in (150-mm), are designed. Only those electronic compo-
nents which are based on SMD, Hybrid, and LSI technology can be used. The
magnetic tape recorders that are used in these smaller-diameter pigs are based
on relical scan recorders which have appeared only recently on the market.
CONCLUDING REMARKS
The UltraScan corrosion pig is the first internal pipeline inspection tool
that permits direct quantitative measurement of remaining wall thickness and
scans the entire inner surface area of a pipeline. The development was well
timed, with the 16-bit microprocessor technology and other advanced com-
ponents required for the building of small-diameter tools having only just
appeared on the market.
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