By: RK Energy
Pipelines are the main transportation method of the oil and gas industry. It’s essential for pipelines to be monitored and maintained in order to continue working effectively. A pigging system, which consists of PIGs and PIG launchers and receivers, cleans and inspects the pipeline without stopping the flow.
PIGs Separate Products within the Pipeline
PIGs are devices that are placed inside pipelines to clean, inspect and maintain them as they pass through. They are also used to separate products within the pipeline. They are usually cylindrical or spherical and sometimes bullet shaped.
There are two theories as to why they are called “PIGs”. One is that PIG is an acronym for Pipeline Intervention Gadget. The other is that the original PIGs were made from straw wrapped in wire and when they were sent through a pipeline they screeched against the walls creating a sound like a squealing pig.
PIG Launchers and Receivers
PIG launchers and PIG receivers are attached to an end of the pipeline and allow the PIG to enter and exit. They can be pressurized or released and then opened safely to insert or remove PIGs. They come with safety valves and a locking system to help prevent accidents. Most systems use two-way launchers and receivers that can work in either direction, as it is sometimes necessary to retrieve the PIG by the launcher if there is a clog in the pipeline which prevents it from getting to the receiver.
They are developed to be suitable to the needs of each pipeline and may be horizontal or vertical based on the requirements of the pipeline. Because every pipeline is different, there isn’t a set schedule for pigging a line. Two factors that may increase the regularity of pigging are the amount of build-up contained within a pipeline and deterioration from overuse.
Why is a Pigging System Important?
Maintenance
PIGs scour through pipelines to remove build-up and push it safely into the receiving catch. This process increases the movement and efficiency of the pipeline and avoids damage to the pipes.
Monitoring
Smart PIGs can examine and store information about the pipeline and provide data and locations in regards to defects or issues inside. The necessity to unearth functioning segments of the pipeline is greatly reduced because of this. It allows for close monitoring, including damage progression, of the affected sections.
Inspection
Some PIGs can inspect the pipeline for welding defects, fissures, internal flaws and other problems as well as provide estimates of the interior layout of the pipeline.
Separation and Environmental Benefit
PIGs can separate different products such as diesel fuel, gasoline, fuel oil and other liquids within a pipeline. Alternatively, without PIGs, the pipeline would need to be cleaned out, often with solvents, between products or risk contamination, both of which result in waste.
Safety
PIG launchers and receivers are essential to a pigging system. Their safety valves, security locks, and ability to pressurize and release ensure that PIGs can be loaded and removed safely without risk of damage to equipment, the pipeline or workers.
RK Energy specializes in fabricating PIG Launchers and Receivers in our 110,000 square foot climate controlled facility. If you are interested in finding out more about RK Energy’s products and services, contact us at rkenergy@rkindustries.com.
By: RK Energy
Excessive costs associated with maintaining oil and gas sites are risky, the smart solution is to rent equipment instead of purchase it.
Due to limited resources, profits can drop drastically because of the substantial up-front cost that comes with buying new equipment. Rental equipment is a great alternative that can also greatly reduce industry barriers allowing for multiple projects to occur simultaneously. In addition, many oil field and construction equipment suppliers rent out specialized equipment for individual needs and often streamline the process by delivering and installing it on site as well.
There are several hidden costs to owning oil and gas equipment.
Besides the decrease in value that comes with years of use, owners are also responsible for equipment repair, maintenance, transportation and more. Renting reduces these concerns and often allows renters the option to buy the equipment down the line. Ongoing maintenance costs are typically included with a rental which avoids unexpected expenses if a piece of equipment suddenly needs service.
During a downturn, companies focus on increasing production to remain competitive and profitable.
With an increase in production comes more exploration, projects and equipment to do the job. Renting equipment allows a business to have multiple on-going projects without tying up too much cash in equipment.
Companies should look beyond rental rates when deciding on a piece of equipment or rental company.
It’s important to understand the rental company’s ability to service and obtain parts quickly which can affect long-term savings and peace of mind. Customers should consider operating costs, emissions generation, increased performance and maintenance requirements as well.
Government regulations can also increase costs when purchasing equipment. Renting equipment ensures that operations are in compliance with regulations rather than having to invest in new equipment when a regulation changes.
Renting can help operators test out the latest technologies and models, gain equipment knowledge, obtain access to specialized or temporary-use equipment, analyze equipment before buying and avoid high start-up costs and maintenance.
By: RK Energy
Modular facilities and skidded equipment are manufactured and assembled indoors, at a fabrication facility, affording companies the opportunity to produce high-quality units while decreasing costs and often accelerating the project schedule. Organizations are increasingly innovating their construction and procurement processes by purchasing modular, mobile, prefabricated facilities and equipment.
Save Time and Money
Equipment is contained within a modular facility or skidded frame that allows it to be easily transported. Individual skids can house complete systems, or multiple skids may be combined to create larger modules. In cases where there are logistical constraints, large modules are split into multiple pre-assembled units that are interconnected at the site.
An Alternative to Traditional Construction
System parts can be shipped individually and installed on-site as needed. Because the systems are built off-site in a fabrication facility, improvements can be completed at the plant site simultaneously. Skidded process systems provide several advantages over traditional construction process systems:
Portability: Units are self-contained within frames, making it easier for them to be transported. Systems can be moved to another location as needed.
Space Saving: Custom frames allow equipment layering. All of the necessary equipment is able to fit into a smaller area.
Accessibility: Skids often contain a hallway in the center with the larger pieces of hardware placed around the periphery.
Better Organization: Skids are organized into one area at the site, making on-site connections easier.
Off-site Assembly: Skids are built in controlled conditions at a fabrication facility. Operations taking place at the plant are not affected by the new system fabrication.
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT): Testing is completed before systems are shipped. Equipment is ready to be used immediately upon delivery reducing startup time.
Maintain Productivity: Skidded systems allow facilities to remain functioning while maintenance is being performed.
Quality Control: There is a higher level of responsibility and quality control when a single party is responsible for the construction and installation of skidded equipment.
If you are interested in learning more about the advantages of modular facilities and skid-mounted equipment or systems, or if you would like a free project consultation, please contact us at rkenergy@rkindustries.com.
By: RK Energy
The recent decline in the oil and gas industry has many companies experiencing hardship. Those that have survived are working to reduce costs by selling equipment or letting it sit idly; others are bypassing well testing, equipment servicing, repairs and site maintenance.
While scrimping on equipment maintenance is tempting, companies should seriously consider retaining and maintaining their costly operating equipment and field sites. Used equipment can now be found at bargain-basement prices today. Selling equipment in a downturn will likely result in a large capital loss for the business. The benefits will lie only with the buyer. Oil and gas companies should consider that once the industry turns around, the cost of equipment will also rise.
By holding onto equipment and investing in preventative maintenance instead, operators can gain enormous savings on future repairs. Investing now in maintenance will reduce down time and extend the life of the equipment. It will also help identify potential site risks and reduce overall production costs.
If companies continue to market effectively, it could also be an opportunity to win some business from competitors who are downsizing. Rather than dismantling and selling equipment or slashing the maintenance budget, maintaining existing equipment can put companies in a position to gain market share when the industry picks up because they’ll be able to ramp up production more quickly.
Despite the significant slowdown, there is still plenty of oil to drill. When the industry is on the upswing, competitors who downsized will be forced to spend extra time and capital expense before getting back to work as they will have to replace their equipment and perform site maintenance. Those who sustained their equipment and sites will be able to get to work right away.
If you are looking for someone to maintain your oil field equipment and perform on-site maintenance, RK Energy would be happy to discuss our services with you. Contact RK Energy at rkenergy@rkindustries.com for more information.
By: RK Energy
The number of industries tapping into the advanced methodology of custom fabricated off-site constructed products and facilities are revolutionizing the way they are being built world-wide. From horticulture to data centers, housing and healthcare, prefabrication is a hot topic. This progression proves that regardless of the industry, companies continue to battle the same monsters: producing superior products, lowering costs and increasing productivity. These universal industry challenges make modular manufacturing and construction the golden ticket in which companies are willing to invest.
WHY IS MODULAR BETTER?
Modular and skidded buildings are built to last. These facilities are constructed in controlled conditions and engineered to comply with building codes and industry standards. Off-site construction projects are easier to manage and prefabrication eliminates the risks of building a facility on-site in unpredictable conditions. This gives companies the power to build any type of facility they need.
To learn more about RK’s robust prefabrication abilities, contact RK Energy at rkenergy@rkindustries.com.