In the field of pipeline maintenance, innovative techniques are essential for ensuring efficiency and safety. One such method is Ice Pigging, which effectively cleans pipelines by utilizing a unique ice slurry to remove stubborn deposits and contaminants.

Pipeline Pigging

Pipeline pigging is a flexible technique used in many different industries to guarantee the safe and effective operation of pipework. Pigs are inserted into the pipeline and forced through by the product’s flow or an external propellant. Pigs vary in size and shape.

The three main kinds of pipeline pigging are inspection, batching, and cleaning pigs.

Cleaning pigs

Cleaning pigs are made to get rid of deposits, silt, and debris that build up in pipelines over time. Ice is used as the “pig” in Nivalis’s novel Ice Pigging technique. These pigs guarantee complete contamination removal to preserve pipeline efficiency.

Batching pigs

Batching pigs are used to separate different products within the pipeline, preventing cross-contamination. These pigs are particularly valuable in pipelines that transport multiple products sequentially.

Inspection pigs

Inspection pigs are essential for evaluating the integrity of pipelines because they are outfitted with sophisticated sensors and cameras. They allow operators to proactively address possible issues and avert expensive failures by detecting anomalies, corrosion, and structural problems.

what is Ice Pigging?

Ice Pigging is a method of cleaning pipelines that uses a two-phase ice and liquid slurry to create an Ice Pig, a semi-solid blockage inside the pipe.

It is modern technology that cleans common pipeline problems like sediment, deposits, and biofilms using an ice slurry rather than solid pigs. Compared to flushing with water alone, ice is 1,000 times more effective.

Key Features of Ice Pigging

Non-abrasive cleaning:

Ice Pigging is non-abrasive, making it ideal for delicate pipelines and those transporting sensitive materials.

Minimised waste generation:

The ice slush used in this technique melts during the process, leaving behind minimal waste and reducing environmental impact. There is very low risk – at the very worst the ice melts!

Versatility:

Ice Pigging can be used in various pipework, including metal, plastic and composite. Ice can negotiate topologies that traditional pigs can’t, such as valves, pumps and changes in diameter, making it a versatile solution for diverse industry needs.

Benefits of Ice Pigging

Effective deposit removal:

Ice pigging effectively eliminates difficult-to-remove deposits, guaranteeing that pipelines run as efficiently and as fully as possible.

Decreased downtime:

Because Ice Pigging is non-destructive, it requires less downtime, which boosts operational effectiveness.

Cost-effective maintenance:

Ice pigging is an economical and ecologically friendly maintenance choice due to its low waste production and decreased environmental impact.

Low risk:

Since ice melts quickly, ice pigging is less dangerous than traditional pigging, which can cause pigs to become stuck or even break apart in the line.

Advantages of Ice Pigging

Flexible to the varied topography of pipes

Ice Pigging is adaptable to a variety of varying pipe sizes and obstructions, such as pipe bends, because of its nearly liquid form, which makes it behave like a solid. Additionally, an ice pig is unaffected by butterfly valves.

Exceptional low risk will never get stuck permanently

As the name implies, the primary component of Ice PiggingTM is ice, so even if the slurry becomes obstructed, the “pig” will melt away.

Faster than traditional pigging for underground pipes

Since there is no need for a launcher and catcher to be placed at either end of the pipeline, ice pigging requires less physical setup than traditional pigging. In most situations, the ice is added using already-existing fixtures like air release valves, fire hydrants, or even manual air bleeds and washouts. It takes twenty minutes or less to inject the ice into the pipe, provided that the opening is two inches or

Disadvantages of Ice Pigging

Not as aggressive as a traditional hard pig

Because of its lack of aggression, the ice pig is unlikely to remove calcified fats, oils, and grease (FOG) or hard tuberculation.

Not very successful for large diameter piping

The diameters that work best for ice pigging are 1.5″, 3″, and 24″. Traditional pigging is typically a better choice for larger diameters, provided that there aren’t too many turns or obstructions that a hard pig can’t get past.

Not likely to discover obstructions

The likelihood of identifying obstacles that might indicate a more serious problem is reduced because the ice slurry is less likely to become stuck and become untrackable. But during the ice insertion procedure, a complete blockage or an unidentified closed valve on the system will be promptly identified.

Case Studies on Ice Pigging for Water Mains

Cleaning the uncleanable with United Utilities

United Utilities, managing the regulated water and waste water network in North West England, faced a challenge with a build-up of manganese and iron in four lengths of water main. Traditional cleaning methods, such as swabbing or air scouring, were difficult to implement due to inaccessibility. Ice Pigging was proposed as a more efficient solution, allowing it to easily flow through changing pipe diameters, bends, and fittings without excavations. The operation resulted in 96.7kg of sediment removal.

Eliminating cryptosporidium in water mains

South West Water successfully resolved cryptosporidium contamination in its water mains by partnering with SUEZ, the exclusive provider in the UK of Ice Pigging technology. The technology uses a unique ice and liquid slurry to form a semi-solid plug, effectively scouring sediment and contaminants from pipe networks. Despite access challenges in remote locations, the flexibility of Ice Pigging allowed for efficient cleaning using smaller tankers. The success was complemented by other measures, including mains replacement and the installation of microfilters and UV treatment systems.

Conclusion

Ice Pigging represents a significant advancement in pipeline cleaning technology, offering a non-abrasive and environmentally friendly solution for maintaining pipeline efficiency. Its ability to adapt to various pipe configurations and effectively remove difficult deposits makes it a valuable tool for industries facing contamination challenges. As demonstrated in numerous case studies, Ice Pigging not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the longevity of pipeline systems, proving its worth in modern maintenance practices.

To explore the latest innovations in water and energy technologies, and discover a wide range of products and solutions from around the world, you can visit the virtual exhibition AQUA ENERGY EXPO which featuring leading companies in water treatment, desalination, and sustainable energy through the following link:

https://aquaenergyexpo.com/