Experience and lessons in crude oil pipeline pigging: Case studies from field practices

In flow assurance of crude oil pipeline transportation, pig stalling and wax blockage in pigging could cause complete shutdown of the whole pipe. In consequent wax remediation, thumb rules of the operators usually play a crucial role due to the lack of theoretical understanding of wax removal and accumulation mechanisms. Therefore, learning from previous wax remediation practices becomes necessary to avoid these accidents. In response, this paper extensively surveys multiple field pigging operations and summarizes the experience and lessons obtained from these incidents. Several typical scenarios such as long-unpigged pipe and back flow in pig rescue are investigated. Some puzzling phenomena where the pig moves in front of the wax plug and occurrence of wax blockage without pigging are also analyzed. The drawn experience and lessons could be helpful in scheduling pigging program and enhancing the security.

Automated summary

This paper focuses on the issues in flow assurance of crude oil pipeline transportation, particularly on pig stalling and wax blockage. By extensively surveying multiple field pigging operations, it summarizes the experience and lessons obtained from these incidents. The drawn experience and lessons are helpful for scheduling pigging program and enhancing the security of pipelines.