Customer Challenges
- A long-standing client required support for an integrity In-Line Inspection (ILI) pig run on a 30-inch, 60-mile natural gas pipeline with no existing flow
- The objective was to deploy a smart pig at a controlled velocity while ensuring effective pipeline separation in the event of liquid or solid sweep-through
Expro Excellence
- The client initially requested Expro to provide flare support at a flow rate of 100 MMSCFD to move the smart pig at a velocity of 3 mph under 700 psig in their 30” pipeline, along with separation support
- Expro proposed a more efficient approach by regulating the pipeline pressure down to approximately 475 psig. This allowed the pig to maintain the required velocity while significantly reducing natural gas waste
- Expro introduced a newly developed system, Velonix®, to precisely monitor and control pipeline velocity. This ensured smooth and highly accurate pig movement, greatly reducing the risk of speed excursions and the need to re-run the ILI smart tool
Value to Client
- Approximately $187,000 USD saved through reduced natural gas waste by regulating pipeline pressure
- 152.16 million lbs of CO₂-e emissions avoided by flaring gas instead of cold venting
- 6.77 million lbs of CO₂ emissions reduced through optimized pressure control
- Estimated $1.1 million USD in potential savings by avoiding ILI re-runs, thanks to precise velocity control with Velonix™
- Improved visibility of pipeline flow parameters during pigging operations
- Higher resolution ILI data enabled by consistent and stable flow velocity
- Faster, more informed decisions during pig runs through real-time data streaming and Data to Desk integration
- Automated flow control delivers rapid and accurate adjustments, outperforming traditional manual methods
