Verification of the theoretical model for analyzing dynamic behavior of the PIG from actual pigging

Abstract

This paper deals with verification of the theoretical model for dynamic behavior of Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) traveling through high pressure natural gas pipeline. The dynamic behavior of the PIG depends on the differential pressure across its body. This differential pressure is generated by injected gas flow behind the tail of the PIG and expelled gas flow in front of its nose. To analyze the dynamic behavior characteristics such as gas flow in pipeline, and the PIG position and velocity, not only the mathematical models are derived, but also the theoretical models must be certified by actual pigging experiment. But there is not any found results of research on the experimental certification for dynamic behavior of the PIG. The reason is why the fabrication of the PIG as well as, a field application are very difficult. In this research, the effectiveness of the introduced solution using the method of characteristics (MOC) was certified through field application. In-line inspection tool, 30 geometry PIG, was fabricated and actual pigging was carried out at the pipeline segment in Korea Gas Corporation (KOGAS) high pressure system, Incheon LT(LNG Terminal)-Namdong GS (Governor Station) line. Pigging is fulfilled successfully. Comparison of simulation results with experimental results show that the derived mathematical models and the proposed computational schemes are effective for predicting the position and velocity of the PIG with a given operational conditions of pipeline.