The manifold and loader (photo: iNPIPE PRODUCTS™)

UK pipeline pigging specialist – iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ – has successfully completed an integrated sea water inlet cleaning system for a series of inlet pipelines in what is believed to be the largest pigging project in the world.

Commissioned by a South Korean conglomerate, the North Yorkshire based company has supplied a first of its kind integrated solution including cleaning tools, loading equipment, launching equipment together with an integrated tracking that will be used on some of the world’s largest pipelines, measuring an impressive 90 inch in diameter.

The cleaning tool – commonly known as a pig or scraper – will be delivered for use at an Algerian power plant for five pipelines carrying cooling water. The pig will maintain the pipeline’s integrity and prevent internal build of contaminants to facilitate optimum through-put capacity within the pipeline.

And the company has also been busy behind the scenes conducting a company rebrand, which was launched in late 2016. The new sophisticated logo represents the company’s progressive and global capabilities, which has been rolled out across its facilities and communications.

Speaking about the contract, Peter Fretwell, Director of Pigging Services at iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ says, “In my 40 years of experience in the industry, this is by far one of the largest and most technically complex projects that I have ever been involved in. We are delighted to have developed an integrated cleaning and loading/launching system that has never before been created on this scale.”

“We believe we were awarded this contract based on having built our reputation as being the premier supplier of pigging products and services on a worldwide basis. Our experienced and flexible workforce, combined with our integrated state of the art design, manufacturing and testing facilities makes us the supplier of choice,” says Fretwell.

The unique full turnkey solution included the design, manufacture and vigorous testing using some of the principals from its internationally patented wet-buckle pipeline intervention system, which was designed for the world’s largest oil and gas development, the Inpex Ichthys project based in Australia.

The scope of supply to the Algerian power plant, in addition to deploying the 90-inch cleaning tool or pig, included providing pig loading facilities and launching facilities right through to delivering flexible manifold delivery system to accommodate site installation delivery tolerances of ±500 mm.

Once the capital plant is delivered, iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ will further provide technical support and expertise for ongoing pipe cleaning purposes throughout the life of the project.

And in what has been a challenging time for companies operating in the oil and gas sector, iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ has bucked the trend with its sales growing by in the Middle East and South East Asia. The company exports 84% of its turnover to six continents worldwide.

Simon Bell, Managing Director at iNPIPE PRODUCTS™ says, “We are extremely pleased with the company’s performance over the last year. We have systematically improved delivery performance since relocation into to our larger, 60,000-foot state of art facility. We firmly believe that we have showcased our ability to adapt to changing market conditions and to deliver our world-renowned cost effective solutions to any part of the world.”

“This project demonstrates that we are an innovative and progressive company that will continue to break new barriers in delivering first of its kind solutions across the globe,” adds Bell.

Tags: iNPIPE PRODUCTS™