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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