In the dynamic landscape of pipeline projects, the choice between non-intrusive and intrusive pig signallers can significantly impact both costs and operational efficiency. The blog post addresses some common objections and highlights the strategic benefits non-intrusive offers in CAPEX projects.
Overcoming Magnet Objections in CAPEX Projects
A common objection to non-intrusive pig signallers (or a reason to choose acoustic signallers) is the assumption that the pigs don’t have magnets. While this holds some truth, a strategic approach during CAPEX projects involves ensuring that operational pigs come equipped with magnets. Consideration could be given to purchasing startup pigs as part of the CAPEX project during commissioning. Retrofitting magnets to existing pigs during their operational life is a complex task and generally this should be undertaken during manufacture in a competent facility with a proven design. Although this may slightly increase the total cost, the long-term savings and advantages of non-intrusive signallers often outweigh the initial investment. Alternatively, procuring new pigs with operator feedback incorporated into their design is a valuable exercise, contributing to enhanced operational efficiency.
Clarifying the Role of Foam Pigs in Operational Scenarios
Another common objection against magnetic pig signallers is their inability to detect foam pigs. However, it is crucial to recognize that foam pigs, while serving specific purposes, may not be the most effective operational pigs. The soft variety, commonly used for residual hydrotest water removal, can be supplemented by medium and high-density types for “rescue pig” or progressive cleaning operations. In these cases, electromagnetic tracking devices can be seamlessly integrated, especially during non-routine operations. This not only addresses the objection but opens up possibilities for optimised pigging strategies.
Cost and Schedule Consideration in CAPEX
At the CAPEX stage, the cost dynamics heavily favour non-intrusive pig signallers over their intrusive counterparts. Even before factoring in site fabrication, welding and non-destructive testing, intrusive systems tend to be more expensive. Contractors often avoid the complexities of issuing valves separately, preferring suppliers to provide a limited number of highly specified diameter valves. Non-intrusive signallers not only reduce costs but also minimizes schedule risks associated with acquiring pressurized fittings and valves.
The Need for Comprehensive Planning during FEED & EPC
Despite the obvious advantages of non-intrusive pig signallers, the nuances of pigging and the diverse challenges faced by operators throughout a pipeline’s lifespan are often overlooked during the FEED and EPC stages. industry tends to default to intrusive or even acoustic solutions without thoroughly exploring potentially superior alternatives.
In conclusion, embracing magnetic non-intrusive pig signallers in CAPEX projects proves to be a strategic choice, offering long-term savings, operational efficiency, and a more tailored approach to the unique challenges of pipeline operations. By challenging common objections and considering modern solutions, operators can pave the way for a more cost-effective and resilient pipeline infrastructure.
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With pig signallers, the real-world application is far more important than the often-inflexible specification and the need to standardise. To truly get the optimal solution and therefore the biggest return on your pig signallers, an understanding of the job at hand, the types of pigs utilized and why are paramount.
Datasheets clearly outline the capabilities of various pig signaller models: magnetic pig signallers highlight the need for magnets, ultrasonic units claim to detect all types of pigs in liquid systems and acoustic pig signallers go one step further by detecting any pig in any system. While these statements are true, they only paint part of the picture when it comes to the “best solution” perspective.
In this industry which typically operates on an EPC model for CAPEX developments and where standardization is often a requirement, the acoustic option appears to be the obvious choice. The benefit of the acoustic signaller certainly applies when dealing with pipelines that are well distanced from background or intermittent noise. However, in relatively “noisy” environments, challenges arise. Background or foreground noise can potentially mask the passage of the pig or generate noise falsely identified as a passing pig.
Consider scenarios like a helicopter causing background noise or noise related to the pig receiver’s operation and instrument proximity to the kicker line. The pig receiver process, valve alignment and changing acoustic profile during pig receipt contribute to the complexity. Therefore, a prudent approach involves tailoring the best solution to the specific application, considering multiple factors and opportunities.
For metal bodied pigs, fitting them with magnets and using a magnetic signaller provides a more direct response, minimizing false positives and missed pigs
In liquid systems, an ultrasonic sensor proves effective for all pig types, again offering a more direct response.
If using an ultrasonic signaller, strategic sensor placement at challenging locations such as pig launch and receipt points, allows for detection of stalled pigs.
In cases involving foam pigs in wet gas systems for liquid management, the acoustic pig signaller stands out as the most suitable choice.
If the acoustic is the chosen technology, false positives can be screened out by communicating with the signaller.
In conclusion, the key lies in aligning the pig signaller technology with the unique demands of the application, considering factors like pig type, system characteristics, and environmental conditions to ensure optimal performance and reliability.
Ian McGregor was recently promoted to Production Manager at IK Trax. We caught up with him to find out more about his new role and what a typical day looks like leading the Production Team.
Tell me a bit about yourself.
I’m Ian McGregor, Production Manager at IK Trax, based in Aberdeen. I oversee production, procurement, and the logistics departments. My job is to streamline everything, reduce obstacles, particularly for the technicians and make sure that production goes as smoothly as possible. Outside of work, I like going to the gym, I like rugby (a lot!) and I enjoy going for walks in the hills. Anything that involves being outdoors.
You have been at IK Trax for several years now and dipped your toe into different departments. Can you explain how you ended up in your current role?
I was a chef before I started at IK Trax and decided that I would like to go into electronics. I went to college and that’s where I first saw the advertised Electronics Technician role at IK Trax and that is where I started in 2007. After a few years, I moved into the R&D Department whilst studying night classes at university. I also did Technical Sales spending time in Australia setting up a regional office. After some time away from the company, I returned in 2019 in Hire & Service before moving into my current role.
I feel that my experience in multiple departments has its benefits. I have seen how other departments operate and I know what is involved. It can be easy for people to focus only on what is going on in their team and, especially in this role, I can help people see the bigger picture.
Is there such a thing as a typical day for you? What does that look like?
A typical day is very busy! My days are varied so I wouldn’t say there is such a thing as a typical day. I spent a lot of time ensuring that our processes and work instructions are streamlined so that we can ensure we are able to build products efficiently. I check in with Procurement and Logistics to ensure we have all the parts we need, and we can get orders shipped on time.
I also help with technical questions whether from our technicians or customers and I am involved in training and mentoring our new technicians and apprentices.
So there are a lot of things going on – every day is different but the main focus is always ensuring we have a smooth build process and we don’t experience delays.
What would you say is the biggest challenge for you?
I think the biggest challenge is ensuring that everything is lined up so that we can meet our customers’ targets and requirements as that is the most important thing. There are numerous aspects to this such as build times, delivery of parts, relationships with suppliers, managing customer expectations etc all whilst trying to minimse costs. Communication and openness between all departments is the key to managing this.
What do you enjoy most about your role and working at IK Trax?
I think variety is the main thing. I like problems and problem solving, both in electronics and in day-to-day aspects of this role. Customers come to us with specific requirements, and I like thinking outside the box and being a bit creative to help come up with a solution for them. I’m glad I have been able to maintain that hands-on approach.
Pigging plays a key role in the pre-commissioning, inspection, and maintenance of pipelines. Non-Intrusive Pig Signallers are used to confirm that pigs have been successfully launched, have passed critical or “tricky” sections along the pipeline and finally, have been safely received. In recent years, there has been a movement in the industry towards the use of non-intrusive pig signallers over their intrusive counterparts. Non-intrusive signallers offer a safer and more efficient tracking method. In this article, we will delve into the operation and benefits of non-intrusive pig signallers and their impact on pipeline management.
What Is A Pig Signaller?
Pig signallers, sometimes referred to as pig detectors, are devices designed to detect and indicate the passage of a pig. Their primary function is to signal to the operator when the pig has been launched and received and when it has passed a specific location, ensuring that the pigging process goes smoothly and that no pigs are lost or stuck inside the pipeline. If a pig does become lost or stuck in the pipeline, operators can use the pig signallers to narrow down the search area before a pig tracking system is used. For example, if Pig Signaller A triggers but Pig Signaller B doesn’t, the operator can assume the pig can be found somewhere between Signallers A & B. Simple, right?!
There are two types of pig signallers:
Intrusive
These are mechanical devices that signal a pig passage via an indicator when the pig pushes against the trigger (inside the pipeline) as it moves past.
Non-Intrusive
These devices, on the other hand, detect the presence of a pig without any intrusion into the pipeline. They utilise technologies such as ultrasonic or magnetic to detect the pig as it passes. Non-Intrusive pig signallers can be easily strapped to the line using ratchet straps or stainless steel banding.
Technology Overview
Before diving into the many smart features and benefits of non-intrusive signallers, we will outline the different technologies available and their application.
Magnetic
Magnetic pig signallers are certainly not a new technology but they have evolved over the years to become more reliable, customisable and smarter. Magnetic pig signallers will work with any pipeline medium – the only requirement is that pigs are carrying magnets. Here is how they function:
Magnetic Sensor: Magnetic signallers include a magnetic sensor which is typically integrated in the unit or alternatively can be provided on a cable for use on buried pipelines or where access is limited. As the pig nears, the rising magnetic field will be detected by the sensor and if it reaches the pre-set threshold level, it will register an “Approach” on the signaller.
Pig Detection: When the pig passes the signaller and continues along the pipeline, the magnetic signal will drop. This is the pig passage trigger.
Detection Alert: Once the pig has been detected, the signaller will activate an alert. This can vary from visual signals like flashing LED lights or remotely to a control room or a handheld device. The pig passage data will also be logged in the unit along with date and time for future review.
Reset and Readiness: After detecting a pig and sending out an alert, either locally or remotely, the signaller will reset after a pre-determined time, ensuring it is ready for the next pig. Alternatively, the unit can be reset manually via the push button or from the control room.
The sensitivity to magnetic changes ensures accurate and timely detection, making magnetic signallers a preferred choice for many pipeline operators.
Ultrasonic
Ultrasonic pig signallers offer a sophisticated approach to pig detection and have the added advantage of being able to detect the position of a stationary pig, not just the passage of a moving one. They also don’t require any magnets or transmitters on the pig to operate.
Ultrasonic Pulse Emission: The signaller is equipped with an ultrasonic transducer, provided on a cable, and uses the pulse-echo method to detect the time of flight of ultrasonic pulses through the pipe. An ultrasonic pulse is sent through the pipe wall and provided that the line is filled with liquid, the unit can see a reflection of the pulse from the other side of the pig.
Interruption and Detection: When a pig passes, the fluid path is disturbed, interrupting the reflection of the ultrasonic pulse. This interruption is processed, and the pig passage is detected.
Filtering: Calibration of the detection algorithm to change the filter, allows the passing of smaller objects, such as debris, to be ignored.
Detection Alert: As with the magnetic pig signallers, ultrasonic signallers have the capability to locally or remotely signal pig passage and log the pig passage data
Ultrasonic Locating: As pigs approach receivers, they can often lose momentum and stall immediately after the main line tee but prior to the pig receiver isolation valve. By moving the ultrasonic sensor along the pipeline, the precise position of the pig can be located, preventing lengthy delays establishing pig position.
Acoustic
Acoustic pig signallers operate on the principle of sound detection and can be used in any pipeline medium without the need for magnets or transmitters. Here is a breakdown of how they function:
Sound Detection: Acoustic Pig Signallers monitor the acoustic emissions created by the vibrational and acoustic noise generated as a pig moves through a pipeline.
Filtering and Processing: To avoid false alarms, the device employs an advanced detection algorithm. These filter out unrelated noises and focus on the characteristic sound signatures associated with pig movement. To avoid false triggers, it is recommended these units are not installed close to features that could potentially have a similar noise profile to a passing pig such as an opening valve. It is also recommended that a test run is completed to confirm successful installation and reliable detection.
Alert Activation: Once the device identifies the sound of a pig approaching, it will signal “Pig Approach.” Once the pig passes the detector and the sound level decreases to the required level, it will signal “Pig Passage.” This signal can be viewed remotely or in the control room.
System Reset: After a successful detection and alert, the signaller typically resets to its default state, readying itself for the next detection.
As you can see, there is no one size fits all. Depending on the specific needs and challenges of a given pipeline system, operators might opt for one or a combination of the technologies.
Key Advantages of Non-Intrusive Signallers
Converting to non-intrusive pig signallers brings with it a host of benefits that impact operations, the environment and the well-being of personnel and the surrounding community.
Cost Effectiveness: While non-intrusive signallers may (but not always) come with a higher initial investment, the long-term economic advantages are clear. Reduced maintenance needs, downtime and workforce requirements and longer equipment lifespan mean significant cost savings over time.
Environmental Benefits: Intrusive pig signallers require a nozzle hole to be cut into the pipeline before a pipe fitting is welded into it. Any weld is an emissions risk. Furthermore, intrusive signallers have multiple potential leak paths as a pressurized mechanical instrument.
Health and Safety: Non-intrusive signallers, by eliminating the need for direct physical contact and interventions, minimize risks associated with equipment failures. This ensures safer operational environments.
Advanced Features and Flexibility: Modern non-intrusive pig signallers come equipped with a range of advanced features like data logging, remote communication and accompanying apps allowing you to receive data and change parameters on a handheld device. Their flexibility ensures that operators have a versatile tool that can be tailored to specific operational needs.
Non-intrusive pig signallers represent a significant advancement in pipeline management, emphasizing safety, efficiency, and environmental awareness. Using technologies like magnetic, ultrasonic, or acoustic methods, these units streamline operations without compromising pipeline integrity. They mitigate operational risks, reduce environmental impact, and introduce modern features that enhance operational flexibility. The adoption of this technology is essential for a efficient and sustainable future.
Tracking and locating are crucial activities during pipeline pigging to ensure the pig’s location and progress through the pipeline. Pig Tracking and locating allow you to do the following:
Confirm a stationary pig is or is not at the expected location e.g launcher or receiver.
Locate a stationary pig at an unknown location.
Confirm the passage of a moving pig at a particular location.
The terms “pig tracking” and “pig locating” tend to be used interchangeably – for the context of this post we will use “pig tracking” for both operations and we will be exclusively discussing Electromagnetic (EM) Technology.
The EM transmitter null spot allows for precise locating, enhancing your confidence regarding pig location and eliminating time and costs associated with locating a stalled pig. EM systems are extremely versatile and can be used onshore, topside, or subsea with pipelines carrying liquid or gas and in trenched and pipe-in-pipe lines. They are suitable for almost every application. However, depending on the pipeline specification and the environment, challenges can arise.
1. Pipeline Depth and Wall Thickness
Pipeline depth and wall thickness are both factors that can affect the received signal strength of an EM transmitter.
Pipelines are often buried for several reasons such as to reduce the risk of third-party damage. However, the deeper the pipeline is buried, the harder it becomes to receive a signal from any tracking device fitted to the pig.
Heavy wall* pipes are often used to overcome technical challenges such as high pressure and temperature or use in deepwater applications. A heavier wall provides a greater barrier for EM signals to pass through, resulting in signal attenuation.
There are adjustments you can make to the equipment. For example, you can increase the gain on the EM receiver but this could lead to a poor signal-to-noise ratio – it is important to balance the sensitivity with accuracy of detection. Alternatively, you can increase the signal strength of the transmitter which sounds like an easy solution, but this will reduce battery life. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the length of your operation and how long you require a signal to be transmitted.
At present, the most reliable way to tell if a reliable signal will be received is to carry out representative testing under simulated project conditions.
*For the purpose of this article we discuss carbon steel only. Stainless steel signal attenuation is substantially less.
2. Pig Design
When it comes to pig design, it is crucial to find the right balance: selecting the most suitable design for the task is one aspect. On the other hand, choosing the correct EM transmitter and mounting it to the pig in a way that optimizes signal can pose challenges.
IK Trax recommend that as large a transmitter as possible is selected.
This is because a larger transmitter is fitted with more batteries – this can be used to increase signal lifespan or signal strength – maximizing flexibility in the respect that it makes pig tracking easier.
We can also provide guidance on mounting best practices such as the following:
Reducing the amount of magnetic material surrounding the transmitter. 316 Stainless steel pig bodies provide a good balance of properties and cost.
Adding slits to the body will help increase signal.
Leave as much of the transmitter exposed as possible, where practicable
The transmitter must be clamped to ensure no movement or vibration occurs as this could lead to damage.
We can work directly with customers and pig manufacturers to advise and ensure that the pig design does not compromise the performance of the transmitter and vice versa.
3. Small Diameter Pipelines
There are occasions when despite collaboration and communication between the customer, pig manufacturer and pig tracking supplier, fitting a transmitter to a standard pig is just not possible. This is quite often the case when dealing with smaller pipelines of around 4” to 6” and the transmitter is too large to fit inside the pig body. The temptation here could be to proceed without a transmitter and rely only on pig signallers or have no method of detection and hope that everything goes to plan…
The third option (and the one that ensures you sleep better at night) is to adapt the transmitter by fitting pig discs, effectively transforming the transmitter into the pig body. As well as overcoming the issue of lack of space, this design has the added bonus of increasing the signal as it no longer needs to propagate through the pig body in addition to the pipe wall.
4. Stuck pig – now what?
Finally, the biggest challenge of all – what happens if my pig gets stuck? A pig tracking system is often considered an insurance policy – it is there for peace of mind – but as we often experience in the “real world”, sometimes you just have to use it!
The implications of a stuck pig can be significant. It can halt operations and cause potential delays in product delivery. Retrieving a lost or stuck pig can be expensive and there are the additional costs associated with downtime and disruptions.
By following the recommendations provide earlier in this article, you increase your chance of a signal being detected but how do you increase the speed of detection to minimize these costs?
Firstly, you want to be able to narrow down the search area. This can be done by placing non-intrusive pig signallers at set distances and/or at pipeline features such as valve stations. They are fitted downstream of the valve so the operator knows that valve can be closed if needed.
You can also reduce the length of search area by tracking the pig as it moves using a method called “leapfrogging” whereby an operator travels ahead of the rest of the team to the next location, ready to detect the pig as it passes.
Secondly, you will want to know the range of your transmitter, also known as the detection envelope. The detection envelope is the standoff distance from the pipeline combined with the distance upstream and downstream of the transmitter.
To find a stalled pig, you would typically move along a pipeline, pausing at regular intervals to attempt signal detection. Without knowing the detection envelope of your transmitter, you run the risk of missing the signal (larger steps) or taking longer than is necessary (smaller steps). The optimum step size is roughly half the width of the detectable envelope which should help you not only locate the pig but also do so in a relatively short timeframe.
Conclusion
Electromagnetic (EM) pig tracking is vital for pipeline operations. While EM technology is versatile and accurate, it faces challenges like pipeline depth, wall thickness, and pig design. The potential of a pig getting stuck emphasizes the need for effective tracking to prevent costly delays. By addressing these challenges through equipment adjustments and effective strategies, setbacks can be minimized and pipelines can operate more efficiently.
Electromagnetic Pig Tracking systems have an array of advantages that can improve operational outcomes. In this article, we will explore six key benefits of using EM pig tracking systems and how they can transform your pipeline pigging operations.
1. Accurate Locating
One of the advantages of an electromagnetic pig tracking system is its accuracy. An inherent null spot is detectable using an EM Receiver meaning that the operator can confirm the location of the transmitter to within a few centimetres. This accuracy ensures that operators don’t have to second-guess the pig’s location.
2. Operational Efficiency
By knowing the exact location of a pig, whether at launch and receipt or in the rare occurrence it stalls, operators can progress other operational activities with assurance. This results in time and cost savings for the entire operation.
3. Reduced Operational Downtime
If a pig was to stall , being able to quickly locate and rectify the problem minimizes downtime. This is extremely beneficial as the operational and financial implications of prolonged downtime can be significant.
4. Enhanced Confidence
EM Pig Tracking systems are not just for locating stalled pigs. They can also provide you with the confidence and assurance that your pig is located precisely where you believe it is (and need it to be!) An example of this is confirming that a pig has been fully received and has safely passed the valve, allowing it to be closed.
5. Cost Savings
The initial cost of an advanced pig tracking system might seem high compared to older methods and models. However, its enhanced reliability and accuracy, combined with complementary Apps that facilitate the locating process, lead to long-term savings by reducing downtime and operational issues. This makes it a more cost-effective solution in the long run.
6. Adaptability
EM pig tracking systems are very versatile and provide reliable tracking and locating in a variety of different conditions. This includes onshore, topside or subsea, pipelines carrying liquid or gas and in trenched and pipe-in-pipe lines. This means that equipment can be used for multiple projects.
Electromagnetic pig tracking systems are crucial for modern pipeline operations. With their pinpoint accuracy and adaptability, they provide long-term cost savings and increased operational confidence.
Intrusive Pig Signallers have been around a long time and really haven’t moved forward to meet the needs of modern Pipeline Control or Pipeline Control Rooms. Typically, in the past the pig sig was tripped and a Field tech on site communicated the pig passed message and reset it for the next run…. Or did they? Sometimes, the Intrusive Pig Signaller didn’t trip due to poorly maintained internals or because of improper installation in the pipe. Later, to help cut some of the costs, the addition of relays in a junction box were added to provide some indication when the Intrusive Pig Signaller did trip to a SCADA RTU.
Meeting the needs of today and tomorrow
Non-Intrusive Pig signallers today provide local indication with Flashing RED lights upon pig passage, remote indication to control room via Relay outputs and Analog 4-20mA signals (if you don’t have relay input slots available on your RTU) . MODBUS RS485 is available so that data from any specific unit can be viewed in the control room live and after the event. The MODBUS connection allows data logging, information viewing & reprogramming.
If there is no tie in to the control room via SCADA or other operators require the information direclty, Long Range Radio connection (LoRaWan) high security (chirp spread spectrum) with daisy chain systems that can communicate for many miles/kilometres is. Equally Satellite Communication & GSM are available.
Non-Intrusive Pig Signallers are smarter, longer lived, more capable of describing the passage and as mentioned briefly in the 3rd instalment there are also many more options than just simple hall effect magnetic indication. 3 axis Magnetometers provide description and direction of detected magnetic signals. Settings can be customized to detect the approach of ILI tools as differentiated to simple maintenance pigs.
Ultrasonic Active pig trackers can be programmed to ignore sand and bubbles and just look for the appropriate amount of missing return pulses. Acoustic trackers can listen to the characteristic approach and pass characteristics a pig in a line.
Non-Intrusive trackers provide more detection options, more detection signal characteristics, more communication options, and easier installation than older generations of equipment. Non-Intrusive Pig Signallers are ready made to work with your digital twin representations in the SCADA control system and diagnostics to provide much more information to your Machine learning and AI predictive software.
Let us know your needs so we can arrange field trial units and training for your personnel.
Intrusive pig signallers, by definition, require pipe penetrations which provide potential Gas, Oil or other Hazardous material leak paths to the air, water or ground. Any of these leak paths could result in investigation costs, clean up costs and decreased public confidence in the safety of the facility.
Intrusive Pig Signaller maintenance, for any reason, involves exposing the Field Technician to potential pressure related and hazardous material related opportunities for injury. Proper instructions, training and experience can minimize this possibility but not eliminate it as seals or valves can malfunction and lose their capacity to protect against hydrocarbon pressure. Not only could the Field Technician and other employees be exposed, but so could the surrounding community.
Non-Intrusive Signallers do not require pipe penetrations. Enclosures for the sensors and relevant electronics are rated and clearly marked for safety in the environment in which they will be exposed by third party organizations independent of the manufacturer. Battery powered units can be lifted off the pipe easily and removed from the hazardous area for change out of batteries. Local power units can operate years without requiring entry into the enclosure. Non-Intrusive indicators offer local and remote indicators of pig passage without having to send a Field Technician into the area.
No pressure retention, therefore no leak paths, Minimal Field Technician exposure to the environment, and 3rd Party safety certification for the equipment.
It’s that simple.
Changing your Intrusive Pig Signallers to Non-Intrusive Pig Signallers improves the safety of your employees, processes, and the surrounding community.
Electromagnetic Pig Tracking is often considered to be a complex process, requiring savvy operators with years of experience. However, enhanced technology and the digital age have brought Applications for both Transmitters and Receivers into the market that can facilitate the whole process. Here are five reasons why you should add Applications to your pig tracking toolkit.
1. Reduces downtime and costs
Pig Tracking Receiver apps provide a graphical representation of the signal from the Receiver and, when used in conjunction with a multi-frequency model, provide a clear view of the different frequencies being received, allowing you to identify individual, multiple pigs. Additionally, they remove potential ambiguity over received EM signal further simplifying the process.
All of this can lead to faster detection and reduced vessel and/or downtime and subsequently, reduced costs.
2. Additional flexibility for the user
Historically, pig tracking users did not have the capability to change the settings on the equipment. Dependent on transmitter model, they may have had the option to toggle between two different (pre-determined) pulse rates but to change other parameters such as pulse length, frequency and power output, the unit had to be returned to the manufacturer. Without careful forward planning, this could result in delays and came with additional cost and inconvenience.
With software such as Online’s EMTx Config App, the operator now has the flexibility to easily make these changes on site without returning to the manufacturer. Additionally, Online EMRx receivers can be modified on site by changing the frequencies that are displayed on the LEDs using the Receiver Apps.
3. Ability to review data
Receiver Apps typically let the user pause, zoom, and scroll through past data, allowing them to customize their experience and gain further insight into the detected signals without any time pressure. It also means that, assuming the operator has placed the receiver on the pipeline, they do not have to be present to witness the signal being detected locally on the receiver itself.
4. Provides an exportable record of pig tracking operations
In addition to being able to review past tracking data, markers can typically be used in Receiver apps to highlight areas of interest. These markers along with the tracking log can be exported to provide a record of signal received during the pig run. This can be particularly useful as a means of providing supporting data to the client.
5. Make decisions on suitable pulse rate for the project
Before the introduction of Pig Tracking Apps, operators had to work closely with the manufacturer to determine the most suitable pulse rate for their transmitter based on their required battery life. However, it is now possible for the client to use the EMTx Config app to first determine the most suitable pulse rate and then make the adjustment. This saves time and is far more convenient for the client. It also ensures they are setting the transmitters at the appropriate rate for their specific project and not working with previous settings, which may not be optimal.
Contact us to find out more about our range of Android and Windows Applications.
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