Unpiggable

The safe cleaning of high-risk and unpiggable pipelines is a critical operational requirement and a key application where SANCCUS Pipeline Gels and Gel Pigs deliver proven value.

Throughout the lifecycle of an asset, pipelines often undergo maintenance and modifications that can introduce multi-diameter sections or remove pigging facilities, rendering certain pipelines unpiggable.

Additionally, when cleaning pipelines from subsea to topside via long, narrow downlines, mechanical pigs are generally not a viable option. Accumulated debris, wax, or other deposits can further elevate the risk of conventional pigging, making remedial treatment a necessary first step. Under these challenging conditions, gel-based cleaning solutions become especially valuable.

Case History

There was a subsea choke skid which was due to be replaced. Our Gel Pig train fulfilled 3 objectives in a single application - deoiling, environmental barrier and dewatering. It also enabled the treatment of the lines with multiple diameters.

SANCCUS Solutions

Our Gel Pigs are ideal for situations where deploying mechanical pigs is not possible or too risky, for example:

Variations in pipeline internal diameter
No Launcher or Catcher facilities
High risk of sticking due to wax, debris or scale build-up
Coiled tubing

Gel Pigs can extrude through bore restrictions and chokes down to half their diameter and safely break apart in tighter sections so the risk of sticking is virtually zero. They can also be chemically broken down if required, providing operators with extra peace of mind.

Used alone or alongside our Pipeline Gels and Industrial Hygiene products, our solutions deliver optimal cleaning results without compromising safety.

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.

Atlas Pig

Atlas Pig is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be applied. It is also capable of withstanding pressures up to 600 barg for up to 72 hours. This allows Atlas Pig to be installed during pre-commissioning.

Atlas Pig HT

Atlas Pig HTD is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory, capable of withstanding pressures up to 600 barg for up to 72 hours. Storage up to 55°C, maximum working temperature 75°C.

Atlas Pig HTD

Atlas Pig HTD is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory and added trace dye for improved visibility, capable of withstanding pressures up to 600 barg for up to 72 hours. Designed for use at higher ambient temperatures up to 55°C.

Hydro Gel Pig

Hydro Gel Pig is a pipeline pig made from a mixture of gelatine and water. Having a melting point of around 25°C it is typically used in colder climates and as with all gel pigs it is used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be.

Hyper Gel Pig

Hyper Gel Pig is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory which is specifically designed for use in environments of extreme temperature. This means that Hyper Gel Pig can be applied under extreme pipe conditions and can also be stored in very hot or very cold climates without damage.

Hypergel A

HyperGel A is a flexible silicone gel pig with shape memory which is designed for use in environments where standard gel pigs are not suitable. Due to its composition, it can be used over a wider range of temperatures circa -15 to +110°C.

M-GeL Pig

M-Gel Pig is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be applied. It is capable of extruding through chokes and restrictions up to 50% of its diameter and returning undamaged to its original size and shape once through.

M-GeL Pig Breaker

M-Gel Pig Breaker is an oxidising agent in liquid solution which chemically attacks the polymer structure of the M-Gel Pig and eventually turns the previously elastic solid pig into a liquid.

M-Gel Pig HT

M-Gel Pig HT is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory, used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be applied. Storage up to 55°C, maximum working temperature 75°C.

M-Gel Pig HTD

M-Gel Pig HTD is a highly flexible gel pig with shape memory and added trace dye for improved visibility, used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be applied. Designed for use at higher ambient temperatures between 40°C and 55°C.

Mono Gel Pig

Mono Gel Pig is a pipeline pig made from a mixture of gelled monoethylene glycol and water. Having a melting point of around 30°C it is typically used in colder climates and as with all gel pigs it is used in situations where a mechanical pig cannot be.