Pipeline hydrostatic testing can easily be performed by just about any contractor that can rent a test pump. However, most pipeline contractors don’t realize how important the proper selection of pipeline cleaning pigs is to the rapid completion of the hydrostatic testing and drying process. The use of the correct pigs and back pressure control are critical to completely filling a pipeline. If the pigs selected are a poor choice for the filling phase, and back pressure is not properly controlled, this combination will allow for excessive bypass, resulting in large air voids. This entrapped air will influence the test chart readings, which will not give the owner the confidence the line does not have a leak. Stric-Lan’s experienced personnel know what pipeline pigs make the best filling pigs to assure the pipeline is completely packed with water. In the timeframe Stric-Lan Pipeline Services personnel may have tested and moved on to the drying phase of a project, many contractors are still trying to figure out why they can’t achieve an acceptable test chart.
Pipeline cleaning pig selection is also critical in the dewatering and drying phase of a project. Just about any contractor can run a few pigs to dewater a pipeline. However, for applications where dehydration to Dew Points of minus 20 or minus 40 degrees are necessary, only companies like Stric-Lan Pipeline Services have the experience necessary to truly dry pipelines to this level. The use of cleaning pigs like Girard’s Maxi-Brush and Knapp’s Power Brush are just one in a series of cleaning pigs that must be used to remove Mill Scale. Removal of debris such as Mill Scale is critical to rapidly drying a pipeline, along with other proprietary drying knowledge used by Stric-Lan personnel.
Simple procedures like controlling the water source during line fill, appropriate compressed air accessories, pig selection and experience in their proper use, are critical to the successful completion of hydrostatic testing and drying projects. If this type of work is not performed correctly the first time, it can be extremely expensive for both the operator and the customer. Stric-Lan Pipeline Services has actually been contracted to dry and clean a natural gas pipeline that was already hydrostatically tested, “cleaned”, “dried” and commissioned. Unfortunately for the pipeline operator and their customer, the pipeline was not properly dried and cleaned. It did not take long for problems to develop which were extremely expensive for all concerned. With the proper resources and knowledge in place, Stric-Lan cleaned and dried the pipeline over a weekend and had the companies back on-line with gas that was now clean and dry. This was a very expensive lesson that no company should face.
The proper drying and cleaning of a pipeline are critical to the life expectancy of that asset. Without it, problems such as microbiological induced corrosion, also known as MIC, can cause pipeline failures or maintenance cost that are not only expensive, but potentially deadly. Let Stric-Lan Pipeline Services show you how we can cost effectively complete your next pipeline hydrostatic testing and drying project. Please feel free to contact us for budgetary pricing, a firm quotation, or questions on how to approach your next potential project.
Jim Burris – Phone: 281-633-8887 E-mail:
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Hydrostatic Testing & Drying 
