Tracking pigs is crucial for accurately monitoring their location and progress through the pipeline. Any uncertainty regarding location can result in project and/or operational delays and potential additional costs due to these delays. An electromagnetic pig tracking system should be considered an insurance policy – you might not always need it, but do you want to take the risk of not having it? As with many aspects of life, having the right insurance can prove invaluable when things go wrong. Beyond contingency planning, these systems also play a role in confirming that operations have progressed as expected, providing reassurance and saving time.
Pig Tracking Technologies: Exploring the Options
Pig tracking allows you to confirm a stationary pig is (or is not) at the expected location such as in the receiver. This is when a pig tracking system’s second function may come into play – locating a stationary pig at an unknown location. Additionally, it can track the passage of a moving pig at a specific point in the pipeline, ensuring precise monitoring throughout the process. This is typically done by carrying a receiver from one location to the next and can often involve multiple people at different locations. This process is commonly referred to as “leapfrogging.”
Several technologies are available for pig tracking with acoustic pig tracking traditionally being the go-to option for subsea pipeline pre-commissioning. Acoustic works well when tracking pigs over long distances with detection possible across several kilometres. However, it is only suitable for a specific application: subsea pipelines that are liquid-filled and not buried or trenched. This makes it an unsuitable choice for onshore or topside pipelines and limits its use in certain subsea pipeline scenarios. Radio Active Isotopes (RAI) are an alternative technology that allow for more precise pig tracking and don’t rely on a power source, eliminating the risk of batteries depleting. However, this type of equipment requires strict safety protocols and handling procedures and the need for specialised equipment and expertise, all of which can drive up operational costs. Additionally, shipping this type of equipment can be complicated due to the regulations surrounding transport of radioactive material, adding another layer of complexity and potential cost.
What is Electromagnetic Pig Tracking?
Electromagnetic (EM) pig tracking has emerged as the most versatile technology on the market as it allows locating and tracking in any onshore or offshore pipeline whether it is carrying gas or liquid. It is also suitable for buried and trenched pipelines, pipeline bundles and pipe-in-pipe applications. Some systems are certified (e.g ATEX-certified) for use in hazardous areas without the need to obtain additional permits making them the ideal choice for use on platforms and in onshore facilities such as refineries.
EM pig tracking involves placing a transmitter inside a pig. This transmitter emits a signal that can be detected externally using an EM Receiver which has a series of LEDs to indicate signal detection and enables precise locating of the pig within the pipeline. Some systems offer specialised applications on handheld devices or laptops. These offer graphical signal representation and allow users to adjust transmitter and receiver parameters as needed to ensure suitability for each individual operation.
EM pig tracking systems allow for precise locating within a few centimetres through null spot detection. This precision reduces guesswork and enhances efficiency by allowing issues to be dealt with swiftly, minimizing downtime and supporting decision-making during critical operations. Although these systems come at a price, their long-term benefits make them a cost-effective solution (think back to the insurance policy analogy at the start of this article.) The key benefits include:
High Precision: Accurate locating within a few centimetres through null spot detection.
Reduced Downtime: Quick identification of issues to minimize operational disruptions.
Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined operations by eliminating guesswork and improving tracking accuracy.
Improved Decision-Making: Real-time data to support better decisions during critical operations.
Cost-Effective in the Long Term: Despite initial costs, the long-term savings and operational benefits make them a valuable investment.
Versatility Across Applications: Suitable for onshore, subsea, and complex pipeline configurations.
For a more detailed exploration of these advantages, check out our dedicated article “Six Benefits of Electromagnetic Pig Tracking and Locating.“
While EM pig tracking offers significant advantages, it does come with certain challenges. Factors such as pipeline construction, environmental conditions, and pig design can affect tracking performance. Here are the key challenges operators may face:
- Signal Attenuation: Buried pipelines and those with thick walls can weaken EM signals, making tracking more difficult.
- Battery Life vs. Signal Strength: Increasing receiver sensitivity or transmitter strength can improve tracking but may reduce battery life or signal accuracy.
- Pig Design and Materials: The design, materials and transmitter placement can affect signal strength, requiring careful consideration during system setup.
- Small Diameter Pigs: Fitting transmitters into smaller pigs (e.g., 4”-6”) can be challenging, potentially limiting tracking capabilities.
- Transmitter Compatibility: Collaboration with pig manufacturers is essential to ensure compatibility between the pig and transmitter.
- Environmental Factors: Pipeline diameter, temperature, and pressure can all influence tracking performance, requiring adjustments based on specific conditions.
To explore these challenges further and learn about solutions to overcome them check out our articles “Pipeline Pigging with Precision: The Role of Electromagnetic Technology and its Challenges” and “Key Pipeline Specifications for Optimising Electromagnetic Pig Tracking.“
Advancements in EM Pig Tracking Technology
EM pig tracking technology has significantly evolved over the years, offering innovative features to meet the demands of pipeline operations. For instance, EM transmitters can be fitted with specialised endcaps that enable delayed activation to conserve battery life as transmitters must typically be switched on prior to pigs being loaded into the launcher. Transmitter switch-on can be triggered by external conditions such as contact with liquid or when a pipeline reaches a specified pressure.
Additionally, transmitters can be integrated with external equipment like Smart Gauge Plates to confirm the integrity of a pipeline. Advancements in transmitter power and receiver sensitivity enable operators to track pigs even in challenging scenarios such as heavy walled or buried pipelines. The introduction of multi-frequency receivers enables the simultaneous tracking of multiple frequencies, making it possible to identify individual pigs within a pig train.
Enhancing Efficiency with Innovative Apps
One of the more revolutionary advancements in electromagnetic pig tracking has been the introduction of specialised Apps that can streamline processes, improve data accuracy and provide operational flexibility.
EM transmitter Apps such as IK Trax’s EMTx Config App allows operators to adjust transmitter settings such as pulse rate, frequency and power output, directly on-site. Traditionally, these adjustments would have had to be made by the manufacturer often leading to additional transit costs and potential delays without careful forward planning. The App also provides real-time feedback on how changes, such as increasing power or selecting a faster pulse rate, impact battery life. This allows the operator to strike a balance between performance and longevity.
EM Receiver Apps provide a graphical representation of the signal from the Receiver allowing you to track multiple EM frequencies as well as pigs fitted with magnets. This visualization can simplify the tracking process leading to faster detection. With IK Trax’s EMRx Receiver App, you can also adjust the settings of the receiver e.g change the frequencies selected to be shown on each of the LED bars and pause, zoom and scroll through past data as well as export.
To explore the full benefits of these innovative tools, check out our “Five Reasons to Use Pig Tracking Applications.”
Conclusion
EM pig tracking offers accuracy, versatility and operational efficiency. As technology advances, so do the capabilities of EM tracking systems, enabling precise monitoring in even the most challenging environments. While challenges remain, ongoing developments can help address these limitations. By integrating EM pig tracking technology, operators can enhance the reliability and effectiveness of their pipeline operations.
