Rohrfernleitungstechnik

Pipeline cleaning across Alaska

Pipe blockages are not uncommon when transporting crude oil in cold environments. This cannot really be prevented. However, we at Wenzel have of course found a way. We made our cross-industry expertise available and developed components for the new "pig" in close cooperation with an external team of engineers.

How we did it:

With its particularly large cross-section, the pig is immediately impressive. The pipe wall inside the pipeline can therefore be cleaned more thoroughly and it simply follows the internal pressure and flow of the pipeline.

Thanks to Wenzel's experience, it was possible to develop the optimum flow geometry for the pig within a very short space of time in order to detach the wax from the pipe wall with the highest possible impact and high propulsion at the same time. The efficiency of the new Wenzel geometry was confirmed using CFD simulation and the pig was replicated on a smaller scale for test purposes.

After successful testing under real conditions on site, Wenzel supplied all relevant engineering and process data to the customer. The pig has since been used in so-called mega-pipelines.