This 8-inch, 110 km gas pipeline operates under a working pressure of 40 bar, with a daily capacity of 7.94 MMcfd. Situated in the mountainous region of Northwest China, the pipeline encounters a total of 47 crossings, spanning mountains, rivers, and expressways. Along its route, there are 2 gas stations and 5 valve chambers.
Historically, this pipeline has never undergone a successful cleaning pig run due to persistent issues of the pig becoming lodged at unidentified locations. This predicament has posed significant challenges to the safety of pipeline operations and future inspections.

In an effort to pinpoint the locations where the pig becomes stuck, the PIGPROX team opted to deploy multiple intelligent pig tracking tools along the pipeline during cleaning pig runs. The intelligent pig tracking tool operates on the principle of vibration and infrasonic transmission. As the pig traverses the pipeline, whether it be a cleaning pig, caliper pig, or smart pig, it emits infrasonic sound waves through vibration. These waves are then captured by the tracking tool's highly sensitive sensors. Simultaneously, pig tracking software utilizes advanced AI algorithms to compute motion-related information, such as position and velocity. This information, along with feature signal diagrams, can be accessed via PC and mobile devices. This innovative intelligent pig tracking system proves invaluable in locating stuck pigs.
During a recent cleaning pig run, after 40 minutes from the launching station, an exceptional signal was detected. Upon prompt reporting, the client swiftly verified the presence of a slender steel tube measuring 1.8 meters in length with a diameter of 2.5 inches.
Following the restoration of normal pipeline operation, a subsequent cleaning pig run encountered another obstruction. Fortunately, the PIGPROX intelligent pig tracking tools were strategically deployed. The team replicated the successful steps from the initial run, leading to the verification of the second stuck position. Subsequent pipe cutting revealed a significant accumulation of grime and stones as the cause of the pig becoming stuck.

This pig tracking operation can be deemed a complete success, providing real-time tracking of the cleaning pig's position and operational status. In instances of unexpected blockages, the team demonstrated rapid responsiveness, deploying equipment, monitoring signals, and analyzing data. The team successfully and promptly identified blockage positions on two occasions, substantially reducing the workload and losses for the client. This eradicated uncertainties and risks associated with pipeline cleaning operations. Additionally, the team played a pivotal role in identifying the root causes of the obstructions, ensuring the safe ongoing operation of the pipeline and guiding future cleaning operations.