Lubrication

When pigging a very long pipeline, or one with scale or corrosion that can increase wear on discs, there is always an elevated risk of the pig becoming stuck due to abrasion and loss of differential pressure from bypass. Increased friction can not only shorten the lifespan of mechanical pigs but also extend pumping time, and consequently, the overall operation duration.

SANCCUS Lubrication Gels are engineered to enhance pigging safety and efficiency by reducing friction along the pipeline.

SANCCUS Solutions

We offer a range of water-based and glycol-based Lubricating Gels which, when used in conjunction with mechanical pigs, significantly reduce the risk of pig sticking. Being gels, they offer four benefits in one:

Surface friction on the discs is reduced by 50% on average
Bypass on pig discs is minimised, improving pigging efficiency
Debris is collected and safely transported out of the line, further reducing disc wear
Thermal insulation helps prevent disc overheating

These Gels have also been successfully deployed for Degassing pipelines from vessels via long downlines. The same lubricating effect results in a threefold reduction in friction pressure through narrow downlines, enabling the application of far more viscous gels than previously possible in subsea-to-topside operations.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Pipelines Range

Gel technology is very versatile and can be applied anytime during the lifetime of a field from helping to remove hydrotest fluids when commissioning to the bulk removal of hydrocarbons and solids prior to maintenance or when preparing a pipeline for responsible decommissioning.

Aqualube Gel

Aqualube Gel is a blend of natural polysaccharides in aqueous solution with lubricating properties. It will reduce the friction on a mechanical pig by half on average. A lower-viscosity version is also available for narrower lines.

Glycolube D

Glycolube D is a linear gel made from a blend of natural polysaccharides in a Monoethylene Glycol solution with lubricating properties and added trace dye to make gel visible at point of discharge. It will reduce the friction on a mechanical pig by half on average.

Glycolube Gel

Glycolube Gel is a linear gel made from a blend of natural polysaccharides in a Monoethylene Glycol solution with lubricating properties. It will reduce the friction on a mechanical pig by half on average.

Mezzolube D

Mezzolube D is a dyed non-crosslinked pipeline gel with added lubricant designed to be neutrally buoyant in seawater. It significantly reduces friction pressure and thereby increases pump throughput compared to standard glycol based gels.

Mezzolube Gel

Mezzolube Gel is a non-crosslinked pipeline gel with added lubricant designed to be neutrally buoyant in seawater. It significantly reduces friction pressure and thereby increases pump throughput compared to standard glycol based gels.