PEI Articles

America's Energy Triumph: Record Oil and Gas Production

Thu, 25 Apr 2024 19:35:31 GMT

The United States oil and gas industry has reached unprecedented levels of production, setting new records and establishing the country as a preeminent energy superpower. This remarkable achievement is a result of relentless innovation, strategic policy decisions, and the industry's ability to adapt and thrive in a changing global landscape.

The Pinnacle of Energy Dominance

Recent data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) illustrates a significant milestone in domestic oil production. In September 2023, the U.S. shattered previous records by producing over 13 million barrels per day. This feat was not a one-off event but part of an ongoing trend of increasing production, with subsequent months seeing even higher outputs.

Technological Innovation and Efficiency

A critical factor in this surge is the industry's investment in technology and efficiency. The adoption of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling has unlocked vast reserves in shale formations. Meanwhile, improvements in operational efficiency have allowed for increased production even as the number of active drilling rigs has declined. This demonstrates the industry's capacity to maximize output from existing wells and continuously improve the cost-effectiveness of extraction methods.

Regulatory Landscape and Policy Shifts

The industry's growth has also been facilitated by a conducive regulatory environment. Key policy changes, such as the lifting of the export ban on U.S. crude oil, have opened up new markets and provided additional momentum. Moreover, the structure of land ownership and regulatory authority, particularly in states like Texas, has allowed for more nimble and responsive governance that supports industry growth.

The Broader Impact

The implications of America's energy dominance are profound. The U.S. is not only able to meet its own energy needs more reliably but also plays a pivotal role in global energy markets. This position enhances national security, contributes to economic stability, and provides leverage in international diplomacy.

Looking Ahead

As the industry looks to the future, the focus will remain on sustaining growth through innovation, strategic policy engagement, and maintaining a competitive edge in global markets. The expertise and resilience of those within the oil and gas sector are key to navigating the challenges and opportunities ahead.

The United States' achievement in reaching and sustaining record levels of oil and gas production marks a significant chapter in the country's energy narrative. It reflects a collective effort across the industry—from the drillers on the ground to the executives making strategic decisions—to secure America's position as an energy leader on the world stage.

The Future of Energy: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and PEI's Innovative Solutions

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 01:42:33 GMT

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Renewable Natural Gas: Enhancing Sustainability with PEI's Advanced Solutions

Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) is redefining sustainable energy, providing an eco-friendly alternative to conventional natural gas. PEI is at the forefront, offering specialized skid-mounted solutions for RNG measurement and regulation, featuring components from leading manufacturers for optimal efficiency and precision.

RNG: A Sustainable Energy Alternative

RNG is derived from sources like livestock waste, dairy farms, and landfills. Through biogas decomposition and biomethane upgrading processes, RNG is converted into a cleaner fuel, aligning with natural gas standards and significantly reducing carbon emissions.

PEI's Expertise in RNG Technology

PEI's custom skid solutions for RNG are designed to meet specific customer needs, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Their technology represents a blend of innovation and practicality, offering efficient management of RNG processes.

The Environmental Benefits of RNG

RNG plays a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation. Its production from renewable sources like dairy farms represents a significant step towards a more sustainable energy future.

The Growth and Potential of RNG

The RNG sector is experiencing rapid growth, driven by the increasing demand for cleaner energy sources. Supported by organizations advocating for renewable energy, the industry is poised for further expansion and innovation.

RNG's Diverse Applications

RNG's versatility is evident in its use across various sectors including heating, electricity generation, and as a vehicle fuel. This adaptability underlines its potential to replace conventional energy sources in multiple applications.

PEI's commitment to RNG technology highlights their role in advancing sustainable energy solutions. By focusing on custom, efficient, and environmentally responsible practices, they contribute significantly to the evolving landscape of renewable energy.

The Re-Emergence of Spherical Pigs

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:27:40 GMT

Many years ago spherical pigs were commonly used in natural gas pipelines to remove liquids – mostly water and condensates. The launchers were designed to only handle spherical pigs, using special valves such as the Wheatley Launch Valve and the Fitzpatrick Launch Valve. These resembled a check valve and were designed to release one spherical pig at a time by movement clapper with a lever. Then, with the implementation of Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) requiring that high pressure transmission lines be routinely inspected to prove integrity with inline inspection (ILI) tools, and with the installation of process equipment to remove these liquids, the spherical pigs slowly disappeared from the market. Today, however, with the drilling and development of the shale plays where producers found rich gas – containing large amounts of liquids such as butane, propane and ethane – the need to frequently pig to remove liquids has reappeared. The producers have learned that these rich-gas gathering systems are very profitable, but need to be pigged often – as many as four times a day – to keep production at high levels while capturing these liquids.

Another factor that determines the pigging frequency is the amount of liquid being delivered with each pig run, compared to the amount of liquid that could be handled with the liquid separation equipment. If 500 barrels of liquid was delivered with each pig run, and the separation equipment could only handle 500 barrels, it would be necessary to pig the line daily. So, what pigs can be loaded several (10-12) at a time and released automatically on a timed basis or remotely, one at time, several times a day or a week, that can remove liquids? Hence, the reemergence of the spherical pig. Spherical pigs are hollow round balls, most are made from polyurethane, others from rubber products like neoprene. Most are inflatable and equipped with two 180-degree opposed molded-in inflation valves assembly.

Today, there are also non-inflatable spheres appearing on the market. These require less pressure and less flow to move through a pipeline because they are not filled with liquid, have a thinner wall and vent holes to equalize pressure. The inflatable spheres must be filled and inflated with a liquid in order to hold their shape when exposed to high external pressure. With the use of an inflation pump the sphere is sized using a sizing ring at the pipe ID or slightly larger. They tend to roll and/or rotate while traversing a pipeline, which prolongs their wear life. Their wiping surface is all that touches the pipe and thus displaces most of the liquid within the pipeline. As a result, the wear life of an inflatable sphere will approach 1,000 miles.

One primary reason spherical pigs are used for this application is that they will roll into launch position. Therefore, in an oversize launch barrel inclined at a 10-15-degree angle, 6-12 spherical pigs, based on the operator’s preference, can be loaded, and with the use of two launch pins that can be either hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuated, one spherical pig can be released at any given time. The reduction in manpower alone will pay for an automated sphere launcher system in less than a year. In addition, less gas is released to the atmosphere by multiple-loading spheres when compared to loading a single standard-type displacement
pig one at a time. Less valve maintenance due to less cycling of valves and reduced safety hazards also helps to lower costs. These systems today are not restricted to just spherical pigs, but are designed to allow the launching of cleaning pigs and ILI tools.

A common problem with spherical pigs is that under low-flow conditions, they tend to stop in full-size branch connection tees, allowing the flow to bypass around the spherical pig through the branch connection. The non-inflatable spherical pig works best in low-flow conditions due to their flexibility, needing less pressure and lower flow to move them through the tee. However, the operator still needs to understand that spherical pigs are good at removing most, but not all liquids, and are not good at cleaning. Being round and when filled with liquid, they can be heavy, requiring special handling equipment such as sphere-handing tongs or a scissor-lift trailer that allows spherical pigs to be moved. Additionally, spherical pigs are used in metering proving skids and to separate product batches within a common line. Spherical pigs have become a useful tool in today’s gathering systems for removing valuable liquids and keeping well production at high levels.

The automated spherical pig launchers and receivers make it easy to launch and receive them. That’s why the return of spherical pigs is making a difference in today’s production of wet gas in the shale play markets. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

By Larry Payne, Director, Pipeline Equipment, Inc., Tulsa, OK

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. Announces Expansion of North American Sales Team

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:27:06 GMT

Tulsa, Oklahoma – Pipeline Equipment, Inc. (PEI), a leading provider of turnkey custom fabricated solutions, today announced the following additions to its North American Sales Team to meet client demand:

Darren Schwarz was hired as Senior Sales Representative. Mr. Schwarz is an expert in Measurement with multiple patents to his name. He will be based in Houston, Texas and joins Ray Brown and Duane Ellis on PEI’s Houston-based team.
Energy Equipment, Inc. is a Michigan based Manufacturers Representative that has represented Pipeline Equipment, Inc. for more than a decade.
Nelson Technologies, Inc. is a Minnesota based Manufacturers Representative with sales offices in Chicago, Illinois and Des Moines, Iowa. They have been in business for over 30 years and have long-standing relationships in the industry. They will represent Pipeline Equipment in Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin.

“Our goal is to provide our customers with hands-on expert sales assistance during every phase of the project lifecycle,” said Brent Lollis, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for PEI.

PEI’s expansion comes on the heels of several years of significant growth that recently landed the company on Inc. Magazine’s list of the fastest growing private companies in America. The company continues to expand its core business in the oil and natural gas industries while exploring new opportunities in the water, food, extraction and other emerging industries.

“The expansion we’re announcing today demonstrates our commitment to providing high quality local service to our customers,” said Lollis. “We will continue to invest in our team as our customers continue to trust us to provide quality equipment, every time.”

ABOUT PEI

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. was founded in 1995 as a small fabricator of launchers and receivers for customers in Oklahoma and surrounding states. Today, Pipeline Equipment, Inc. provides turnkey custom fabricated solutions to customers worldwide in the oil, natural gas, water, food and other emerging industries. The company is located on 35 acres and has over 150,000 square feet of production space. PEI has in-house Engineering and I&E teams that support the fabrication of launchers, receivers, measurement skids, valve settings, automation and the industry leading TWINLOCK Quick-Opening Closure. PEI also boasts a 30,000 square foot industrial coating facility and one of the only extrusion operations in North America with the ability to produce single and multiple outlet headers using the closed-die forming process. For more information, visit www.pipelineequipment.com

CONTACT

Brent Lollis
Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing
918-224-4144
877-914-4144
brent@pipelineequipment.com

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. Adds to Their Marketing Team

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:26:34 GMT

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC. ADDS TO THEIR MARKETING TEAM

TULSA, OKLAHOMA, August 1, 2019 – Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Pipeline Equipment, Inc. (PEI) today announced two add.

PEI has welcomed Mauricio J. Dominguez to the newly created position of Marketing Coordinator. With over 10 years of experience in the non-profit and private sectors, he brings a solid background to manage the marketing efforts of PEI. Mauricio holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications and Public Relations from the Universidad Don Bosco (El Salvador) and is responsible for managing and optimizing PEI’s digital content, as well as managing email campaigns and supporting a variety of other creative projects. Mauricio joins the PEI Marketing Department which is led by Brent Lollis, SVP of Sales and Marketing.

Mauricio is a travel aficionado and loves international cuisine and wine tastings.

“I’m excited to join the PEI team. I look forward to using my passion for storytelling to tell the stories of our great people and amazing products,” said Dominguez.

ABOUT PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC.

In 1995, after spending more than 25 years in the Oil & Gas Industry, PEI’s founder set out to build a company with integrity and a dedication to quality and customer service. Today PEI has over 150 employees in four divisions: Fabrication, Twinlock Closures, Extrusion and Industrial Coating. For more information, call 918-224-4144 or visit www.pipelineequipment.com

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. is the Largest Oklahoma Manufacturer on the 2019 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:25:23 GMT

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC. IS THE LARGEST OKLAHOMA MANUFACTURER ON THE 2019 INC. 5000 LIST OF AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES

TULSA, OKLAHOMA, August 14, 2019 – Pipeline Equipment, Inc., a leading fabricator for the oil and gas industry and the manufacturer of the TWINLOCK Quick Opening Closure, announced it has been named the largest manufacturer in Oklahoma on the annual Inc. 5000 list with three-year revenue growth of 78 Percent. The Inc. 5000 is the most prestigious ranking of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies. The list represents a unique look at the most successful companies within the American economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent small businesses. Microsoft, Dell, Domino’s Pizza, Pandora, Timberland, LinkedIn, Yelp, Zillow, and many other well-known names gained their first national exposure as honorees on the Inc. 5000.

“Being included in such a prestigious list is a great honor,” said Jack Lollis, president and founder of PEI. “Being the largest Oklahoma manufacturer on the list in terms of both revenue and number of employees is something we take great pride in. When we started the company, we set out to build a foundation of quality and integrity that would stand the test of time. Recognition like this makes us believe we’re on the right track. To be able to maintain such a high rate of growth over 25 years is very humbling. We would also like to congratulate all of the other honorees.”

Not only have the companies on the 2019 Inc. 5000 been very competitive within their markets, but the list as a whole shows staggering growth compared with prior lists. The 2019 Inc. 5000 achieved an astounding three-year average growth of 454 percent, and a median rate of 157 percent.

The Inc. 5000’s aggregate revenue was $237.7 billion in 2018, accounting for 1,216,308 jobs over the past three years.

“The companies on this year’s Inc. 5000 have followed so many different paths to success,” says Inc. editor in chief James Ledbetter. “There’s no single course you can follow or investment you can take that will guarantee this kind of spectacular growth. But what they have in common is persistence and seizing opportunities.”

The annual Inc. 5000 event honoring the companies on the list will be held October 10 to 12, 2019, at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona.

MEDIA CONTACT

Brent Lollis, SVP – Sales & Marketing
Pipeline Equipment, Inc.
918-224-4144
brent@pipelineequipment.com

ABOUT PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC.

In 1995, after spending more than 25 years in the Oil & Gas Industry, PEI’s founder set out to build a company with integrity and a dedication to quality and customer service. Today PEI has over 150 employees in four divisions: Fabrication, TWINLOCK Closures, Extrusion and Industrial Coating. For more information, call 918-224-4144 or visit www.pipelineequipment.com

ABOUT INC. AND THE INC. 5000

Methodology

The 2019 Inc. 5000 is ranked according to percentage revenue growth when comparing 2015 and 2018. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2015. They had to be U.S.-based, privately held, for profit, and independent—not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies—as of December 31, 2018. (Since then, a number of companies on the list have gone public or been acquired.) The minimum revenue required for 2015 is $100,000; the minimum for 2018 is $2 million. As always, Inc. reserves the right to decline applicants for subjective reasons. Companies on the Inc. 500 are featured in Inc.’s September issue. They represent the top tier of the Inc. 5000, which can be found at http://www.inc.com/inc5000 .

About Inc. Media

Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc. is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Inc. took home the National Magazine Award for General Excellence in both 2014 and 2012. The total monthly audience reach for the brand has been growing significantly, from 2,000,000 in 2010 to more than 20,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

The Inc. 5000 is a list of the fastest-growing private companies in the nation. Started in 1982, this prestigious list has become the hallmark of entrepreneurial success. The Inc. 5000 Conference & Awards Ceremony is an annual event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of these companies. The event also offers informative workshops, celebrated keynote speakers, and evening functions.

For more information on Inc. and the Inc. 5000 Conference, visit http://conference.inc.com

What Everyone Needs to Know About Building Pig Launchers, Receivers

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:24:38 GMT

By Larry D. Payne and Jack D. Lollis, Pipeline Equipment Inc.

Having been engaged for many years in running pigs, inspecting sites, designing and building pig traps worldwide, we have seen a variety of applications, locations and product types, along with a wide array of designs – some good, some bad. We believe natural gas and liquid pig launchers and receivers should differ in
design but share some common features. Certain applications require specially designed units. For example:

Offshore sites where space is limited, and vertical units are more suitable.
Wet gas gathering systems when lines may need to be pigged several times a day or week to remove liquids. Automating these units saves manpower, reduces gas releases, cuts valves maintenance cost, and addresses safety concerns.

Some companies attempt to design a combination pig launcher and receiver unit to perform both functions. This can be done. However, it is costly, complicates the launching and receiving process and very few pipelines flow bi-directionally.

Launching and receiving pigs is not as simple as some people think. You are venting or draining high-pressure gas or liquids, which requires certain valves to be opened and closed in the proper sequence. A quick opening closure must be opened to allow access to either the launcher or receiver for insertion or removal a pig. At this point, an explosive environment has been created and often the valves isolating the unit are leaking slightly.

What are the key considerations when building pig launchers and receivers?

1) Purpose of pigging

Pipelines are normally pigged for one or more of the following reasons:

Cleaning: To improve flow efficiency or reduce internal corrosion.
Displacement: To displace the line contents.
Batching: To separate different products within an operating pipeline.
Inline inspection: To perform an internal inspection with an inline inspection (ILI) tool for integrity purposes.

One must establish a need to pig a pipeline before investing in the installation and operation of a pig launcher and receiver.

2) Size

A typical designation for pig launchers/receivers would be:

10-inch by 12-inch 300# pig launcher or pig launch system
This would indicate a launcher for a 10-inch pipeline with a 12-inch oversize barrel that allows the operator to slide the pig into launch position. The maximum operating pressure could be 740 psi. The word “system” generally implies that all valves and associated piping are included.
20-inch by 24-inch 600# pig receiver or pig receive system
This would indicate a receiver for a 20-inch pipeline with a 24-inch oversize barrel and could have a maximum operating pressure of 1480 psi.

We recommend the oversize barrel be one size larger than the pipe size for pipe diameters up to 10-inch (i.e., 6-by-8, 10-by-12). On any pipe size of 12 inches or larger, the barrel size should be at least two pipe sizes larger (such as 16-by-20, 20-by-24). An odd sized barrel would be a reason to increase the barrel size to the next readily available pipe size, such as 24-by-30.

3) Length

The launcher or receiver length is determined by the type of pigs used. Today, most launchers and receivers are designed to accommodate the length of an ILI tool. A unit long enough for an ILI tool is certainly a sufficient length for cleaning, batching, and displacement pigs. The ILI tools have gotten longer due to multi-data set technologies. Each section of an ILI tool collects different types of data, which provides detailed information on the integrity of the pipeline. As a rule of thumb, we consider an ILI tool to be 15 feet long on average. Therefore, the oversize barrel should be slightly longer than 15 feet and the receiver should have a length of line size pipe to ensure the ILI tool has cleared the mainline trap valve. A receiver designed to handle an ILI tool will need to be over 30 feet long. The launcher can be shorter due to the line size portion being 8 feet to 10 feet shorter. If the pipeline is not to be designed for ILI tools, the length of the launcher and receiver can be reduced accordingly. Cleaning, batching, and displacement pigs are approximately two pipe diameters in length. Receivers should be designed to be long enough to hold at least two pigs.

4) Pressure rating

Launchers and receivers are normally designated to a flange rating of 300#, 600#, 900#, etc. However, the actual working pressure and test pressure are determined by the operating conditions and design code of the pipeline system. Most operators will designate the Max Operating Pressure (MOP) and set a pressure rating to which the launchers and receivers are to be designed. We recommend the design factor be at least 0.5 since launchers and receivers see multiple pressure cycles throughout their lifetime that the pipeline does not experience.

5) Launcher design vs. receiver design

We have already discussed why the launcher is generally shorter than the receiver. The launcher and receiver have the same number of nozzles but differ in location for a variety of reasons. The launcher should have a “kicker line” located near the closure, allowing flow to be directed behind the pig for a successful launch. This “kicker line” is normally sized one-third to one-half the size of the pipeline. A 12-inch pipeline would have a 4-inch to 6-inch kicker line. For a 12-inch line, we recommend a 6-inch kicker on a natural gas pipeline and a 4-inch kicker on a liquid pipeline.

On the receiver, we call this line the “receiver bypass line.” This line should be located near the reducer entering the oversize barrel. This location allows the flow to exit the receiver without the pig interrupting the flow, space for the pig to come to rest in the oversize barrel without striking the closure door and easy retrieval.

Both launchers and receivers should have a vertical vent line above head height located near the closure and a pressure gauge connection near the closure allowing the operator to view the line pressure within the unit. Liquid units should have a drain system that allows the liquid to drain into a sump tank. This drain system on the receiver should have a minimum of two drain connections in front of and behind where the pig comes to rest. This prevents the drains from being blocked by the pig and allows the entire barrel to be drained. These vents and drains should be appropriately sized to allow for the venting and draining to be achieved in a reasonable timeframe.

It is not ideal to drain a 36-inch by 40-inch receiver through a 2-inch drain. The other crucial nozzles on both the launcher and receiver are the equalization lines. These lines allow the pressure and product to be filled, vented and equalized on either side of the pig. The loading of long and heavy ILI tools can be difficult because the tools have flexible joints with several sections. These tools can be loaded using a tray or a system of nozzles and cables to assist with loading.

Pig indicators are critical in determining if the pig has been launched or received and must be installed in the correct position. The pig indicator on the launcher should not be installed on the launch barrel but downstream of the mainline bypass tee. The pig indicator on the receiver should be installed on the line size pipe near the reducer on the receiver barrel. Pig indicators are a critical component; we recommend that two be installed at each location for redundancy, should one fail.

6) Launcher/receiver systems vs. launcher/receiver barrels

The term “system” indicates the unit includes all valves and associated piping. Systems are normally skid mounted, and a completed pigging system requires two major field tie-ins to put it in service. The system is hydro-tested as a complete unit and functionally tested prior to delivery. The site is usually prepared by pouring concrete piers to support the skid weight, then set into position, then bolt connected to the inlet and outlet. This saves a tremendous amount of field installation cost. This also allows for easy access to all the major components for future maintenance needs. A launcher/receiver barrel does not include the valves, piping and skid mounted assembly, which must be assembled, fabricated and tested in the field. Complete pigging systems will save money in the short- and long-term and, if necessary, can be relocated.

7) Product type

Gas launchers and receivers differ from liquid launchers and receivers for some of the same reasons. The primary differences are:

Design Code (ASME B31.8 Gas vs. ASME B31.4 Liquid)
Drains and sump tanks are required on liquid launchers and receivers and may also be needed on gas receivers when handling liquids.

When pig launchers and receivers are designed correctly, the benefits you receive are:

The right design has safety features that eliminate accidents.
The right design reduces operation and field installation cost.
The right design eases the launching and receiving process.
The right design allows for consistency in launching and receiving procedures and operator qualifications.

The right design assures the unit complies with applicable codes and standards.

7 Most Important Questions to Ask a Fabricator

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:23:26 GMT

By Jack Lollis, Larry Payne and Ed Young, Jr., Pipeline Equipment, Inc.

Here are some questions every company should ask before they choose a fabricator:

Question 1: Have you ever built this product before? Do you plan to build it yourself?

The fabricator’s experience in building your product is critical. You do not want this to be the first time the fabricator has built this product. If the answer is yes, then how many years’ experience does he have? The more the better. Secondly, are you going to
build it or sub-contract it to another fabricator? Don’t be surprised to find that many companies outsource their fabrication work.

Question 2: What is your fabrication capability and capacity?

You need to know the size of the fabrication facility, the weights it can handle, and how many welders they have. If the facility cannot easily handle your product due to size and weight, or is limited by its number of production employees, chances are your project will be late and may not meet your specifications.

Question 3: What qualifications do you have?

If you are looking for a quality fabrication company, you want to hear things like ASME Section VIII qualified and ISO 9000 qualified. These qualifications cover everything from material buying and handling, welder and weld procedure qualifications, testing and documentation.

Question 4: Do you have an engineering staff and resident engineer?

The answer on both counts should be yes. If not, you will need to furnish drawings and ensure they are correct. The fabricator that maintains an engineering staff may save you money, already have a design available for you or offer enhancements of which you may not be aware. They can also furnish approval drawings, “as-built” drawings, and provide pressure calculations and certifications.

Question 5: Can you provide a user’s list with references?

If the user’s list is short and you’re unfamiliar with the businesses, this should be a red flag. If the list is lengthy and includes well-known companies, then you probably have a quality fabricator that you can trust.

Question 6: Can you provide in-house controls and instrumentation?

Some fabricators are just welders, while others that maintain engineering staff may be able to provide the design and instrumentation installation often required process vessels and skids. Some companies send this portion of a contract to a third-party, which can create delays and confusion over who is responsible.

Question 7: Do you provide a complete data package?

You should receive a complete data package with your shipment. This should include:

Material Test Reports (MTRs) that document and confirm the materials furnished meet specifications.
Weld procedures and qualifications documenting the procedures used and welder for each specific weld.
Non-destructive test (NDT) records, which documents the procedure used to examine each weld.
If instrumentation is furnished, the factory acceptance test (FAT) confirms all instrumentation is correctly installed and works as specified.
As-built drawing to document the final configuration of the unit shipped.
A final inspection report to certify the unit complies with specifications.

Data packages come in many formats. Some will be in large, three-ring binders and contain hard copies of all documentation. Some companies offer data packages electronically (CD, thumb drive, online, etc.), making it easier to maintain and store data. It also may be worth your time to visit the fabricator’s facility and meet the people who will be responsible for your project. There’s no substitute for seeing things for yourself. In many cases, touring a facility, seeing how it operates and meeting the people is the best method to evaluate a fabricator. Additionally, there are three differentiating factors in every industry: quality, price and delivery. You have to decide which are most important to you. Very few fabricators will offer the highest quality, at the lowest price, with the best delivery. So, evaluate carefully. It will save you time and money.

Originally published in the Vol. No. 245 - Issue No. 12 of Pipeline & Gas Journal. Click the button below to see the original article.

Steel is Going Up on New 20,000 Twinlock Facility

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:19:05 GMT

*EXCITING NEWS – STEEL IS GOING UP!

The TWINLOCK Quick-Opening Closure has quickly become the preferred closure for the Energy, Healthcare, Food & Beverage and many other industries. This photo shows the progress on our new 20,000 square foot facility that will be used exclusively for TWINLOCK production. This will bring the total square footage dedicated to TWINLOCK to 44,000.

We have also purchased 6 additional machines to increase our production capacity. In the last 90 days we have doubled the number of employees in the TWINLOCK Division. The new building, new machines and new employees will allow us to reduce lead times and produce more TWINLOCK closures to meet the growing demand. We want to thank all of our customers who have helped us create the most popular and safest closure on the market. If you have questions about the TWINLOCK closure, email twinlock@pipelineequipment.com or visit www.twinlock.com

More to Quick-Opening Closures Than Meets the Eye

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:18:32 GMT

DESIGN, SELECTION

When designing a quick-opening closure, one must follow the appropriate design code for the given application. Pig launcher and receiver closures are normally designed to pipeline design codes ASME B31.4 for liquid pipelines or ASME B31.8 for gas pipelines. Quick-opening closures installed on pressure vessels are normally designed to ASME Section VIII, Division 1.

These codes basically dictate the formula for calculating material thicknesses and allowable material types. The quick-acting design is determined, proven and tested by the supplier. However, certain design safety features are required by code within ASME Section VIII,

Division 1, paragraph UG-35b:

Designed such that a failure of a single locking component will not cause closure to leak or fail under pressure.
Equipped with a pressure-warning device to alert the operator to the existence of internal pressure.

There are 8-10 major closure manufacturers in the United States. Although the design features will vary with each supplier, there are basically three prominent designs commonly used:

Threaded type – A two piece closure with door and hub, using an acme-type thread for holding the door to hub, using an O-ring seal.
Door latch type – A two-piece closure with door and hub, using a latch-type mechanism for latching the door to hub, using an O-Ring seal.
Clamp ring type – A three-piece closure with door, hub, and clamp ring. The clamp ring is used to holding the door and hub, using an O-Ring seal.

The door latch type and clamp ring type are preferred, particularly in the larger sizes, for ease of operation. Some suppliers also offer a flanged closure that can simply be bolted on to a mating flange installed on the pressure vessel.

When selecting a quick-opening closure, the supplier needs to know the following information to ensure they supply what you need:

Size (12-inch, 16-inch)
Pressure rating ( 300#, 600#)
Maximum allowable operating pressure (MAOP)
Design code (ASME - 31.3, 31.4, 31.8, Sect VIII)
Design factor or safety factor (.72, .60, .50, .40)
Operating temperature (-20 degrees F to -100 degrees F)
Material type to which it is attached (x42, x60)
Wall thickness to which it is to be welded (.375, .500)
Corrosion allowance (.0625, .125)
Position to which it is to be attached (vertical, horizontal)
If horizontally installed, which is the preferred side for the hinge arm.
Bolt-on type

MAINTENANCE

All quick-opening closures need to be properly maintained to extend the service life.

All painted surfaces should be kept properly painted.
All non-painted surfaces should be coated with weather protectant.
All sealing surfaces should be coated with a lubricant such as a light coating of grease.
If equipped, grease zerks (fittings) on hinge arms, or latch mechanisms should be routinely greased.

It should be noted that all quick-opening closures normally use O-rings to maintain the pressure seal. It is critical that the O-ring be compatible with product. Buna N, fluorocarbon (Viton), hydrogenated Buna N, are the most common materials used. It is highly recommended that spare O-rings be kept in stock and readily available each time the closure door is opened.

Often times when a door is opened, the O-ring has deteriorated or swells when exposed to the atmosphere, which requires immediate replacement. Most quick-opening closures are difficult to open or close and may not be closed if the O-ring swells.

The pressure-warning indicator has a small O-ring that maintains a seal. This O-ring should also be checked routinely and replaced if necessary.

Some closures are equipped with adjustments on the hinge arm to correct door alignment with the mating hub. Should the door become difficult to open or close, it may require adjustment. This may occur after welding to the vessel, closure disassembly for post weld heat treatment (PWHT), mishandling of the closure or wear over a long period of time.

SAFETY

Of all the features of quick-opening closures, safe to operate should be considered the most important. A closure may be quick and easy to operate but if it is not safe, it should not be considered.

All closures, by code, should be equipped with a pressure-warning indicator, installed in such a manner as to not only give the operator an indication of internal pressure, but to prevent the operator from opening the door-latching mechanism as long as internal pressure exists. The design of the closure should allow the operator to stand to the side, opposite the hinge arm, to prevent a possible accident.

CONCLUSION

Quick-opening closures have been and will continue to be an important part of operating oil and gas pipeline systems. Each provider strives to improve and provide a quality product that is quick, easy and safe to operate. It is the responsibility of the operator to define the application, to maintain and follow the operation instructions to prolong the service life and operate the closure in a safe manner.

Originally published in the Vol. No. 244 - Issue No. 7 of Pipeline & Gas Journal

Built to Last

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:18:02 GMT

According to Hopkins, the magnet also serves as a trouble-shooting tool. “The magnet can identify problems faster than oil analyses. There is always going to be some metal on the magnet due to normal wear, but a 1- or 2-in. metallic ‘hair ball’ means that something is not right,” said Hopkins. “By the time oil analysis comes back showing there is iron in the oil, for example, the unit may already have gone down. If the mechanic finds metal on the magnet during routine servicing, he can find out where it is coming from right away and potentially avoid unplanned downtime.”

The centrifuge is a side-stream filtration system designed to remove carbon, dirt, metal, and other solids elements to 0.005 microns. “Oil pressure drives the centrifuge, meaning no air, gas, or electricity is needed to power it,” said Hopkins. “The centrifuge is designed to extend engine life by removing solids — even the carbon from blow-by from the rings that end up solids — in the bottom of the oil pan and darkens your oil leading to the bearings, cams, rings, and valves.” Each Duration Filtration System is designed to meet the requirements of the specific application. “Every location is its own beast,” said Hopkins. “We will design filter elements based on their needs for that particular application. We work with the customer, we analyze their product, and we find out what particulate size solids are in their systems. Once we know what particulate sizes we are dealing with, we design a system that meets their specific needs. And, they only purchase our system

According to Hopkins, the idea is to have one element for everything. “If an operator has 60 engines in a plant, they will each use the same Duration filter element regardless of the engine manufacturer. If they have any application and are running a 50-micron filtration, it’s also the same element. We make filtration simple by designing our filter elements to fit any of our housings. Spares are based on what is needed at the facility. They may only need four spares for 60 engines. When a mechanic comes in to do planned maintenance, they pull the filter element and put in the spare. They take the filter element they just pulled and clean it, and now that becomes the spare. It doesn’t matter if that element went to the engine or the amine or any other process, it is clean,” said Hopkins.“

The housing for the filter element can be designed to meet all required ASME codes for the application in which the system is being installed.

PEI Adds Sales Representatives

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:14:48 GMT

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. is pleased to announce the following additions to its sales organization:

V&P Sales
Mike Orgeron - morgeron@vandpsales.com
Territories: Louisiana

Western Gas Technologies
Michael T. Legittino - mtl@westerngastech.com
Vincent O'Conner - vpo@westerngastech.com
Territories: Northern California - North of San Luis Obispo, Kern, San Bernadino Counties, AK, AZ, HI, ID, NV, UT, OR, WA

For more information visit the Find a Rep section of this site.

PEI Introduces Quick Opening Closure

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 20:13:38 GMT

PEI INTRODUCES QUICK OPENING CLOSURE

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. introduces the TWINLOCK quick opening closure. Safe and easy to operate, it may be used in a broad range of applications. The closure can be operated by one man without the use of tools. The integration of locking segments, locking mechanism and door handle into the door provides a compact, efficient design. The door opens with only a quarter-turn of the handle. The o-ring seat area is recessed to protect the seat during operation. The safe operation of the closure is ensured by a "twin lock." The closure cannot be opened without the removal of the pressure alert valve and the movement of the safety lock.

For more information, please call 918-224-4144, or click here to download a PDF brochure.

Correct Pigs, Procedures for Hydrostatic Testing of New Pipelines

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 14:35:44 GMT

By Larry Payne, Business Development Executive, Pipeline Equipment, Inc.

Laying a cross-country pipeline is expensive. Many hours of engineering and planning must meet certain standards and regulations and receive federal government approval before starting construction. It costs approximately $100,000 per diameterinch-mile to build a pipeline in a reasonable lay area. This number can easily triple in marsh lands, hills, mountains and rocky terrain. In those areas it could cost about $20 million to lay 100 miles (161 km) of 20-inch pipe.

After taking several years to achieve all this, construction begins and the pipeline is laid in sections, with each one required to be hydrostatic-tested to prove the pipeline will withstand the operating pressure with a safety factor applied, and without leaking. These test sections will vary in length, depending on the elevation changes within a given test section to allow a near uniform test pressure throughout its length. Typically, the more level the terrain, the longer the test section.

Once the test sections are complete and ready for hydrotesting, the line must be cleaned of construction debris, filled with test water, dewatered, and dried to a given specification before it is tied into the other sections and put into service. This process is accomplished using pipeline pigs propelled with water pumps and high-volume air compressors. This can be a time-consuming and expensive process.

This article will focus on the best type of pigs to be used for the given new construction applications. However, hydrotesting existing pipeline is a method allowed by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to prove pipeline integrity, and the same pigs and procedures should be considered.

Cleaning

The first pigging application is to clean the line of construction debris, which includes dirt, rocks and used welding rods, among other items. Normally with the high-yield, thin-wall pipe being installed today, it is not uncommon to find 2 to 4 inches (0.051 to 0.102 mm) of out-of-round pipe after it has been laid and back filled. This out of roundness will usually go away after pressure testing or when the line is placed in service.

When selecting the cleaning pig to remove the construction debris, consider a disc/cup pig with brushes to remove the mill scale or surface rust. Select one capable of negotiating the above-mentioned reductions. It is always prudent to have a tracking transmitter on the first pig through in case it becomes stuck. Large, portable, high-volume air compressors are used to propel these pigs through the line.

Each test section should have a portable pig launcher and receiver installed. If you are going to make multiple pig runs, which is likely, this reduces the cost of having to cut and re-weld pipe caps on test headers for each run.

Do not run the pig into open-ended pipe. This is very dangerous and can result in serious damage. If fact, if the line can be pre-pressured (packed) to 50 to 70 psig (3.45 to 4.83 bar), the pig speed can be controlled by restricting the air flow at the receiver; the results will then be much better and safer. Dependent on the size of pig, the pressure needed to propel it is relatively low (10 to 40 psig [0.69 to 2.76 bar]).

The problem occurs when the pig is moving at 25 psi (1.72 bar) and enters a heavy wall fitting or pipe, needing another 10 psi. The pig may be 5 to 10 miles (8 to 16 km) from the launch site and the compressors need to compress that length of pipe another 10 psi. When the pig finally clears the restriction, the stored energy behind it may accelerate it at speeds upward of 50 mph (80 km/h).

Pigs do not do well at those velocities and you certainly do not want one entering the receiver at that speed. You should hold a back pressure at the receiver to reduce these speed excursions. It also is good practice to inject 10 to 15 barrels of wash water ahead
of the cleaning pig. This will allow more construction debris to be removed and should leave the line cleaner with less deferential pressure to move the pig.

Now the construction debris has been removed through a minimum of two cleaning runs. The second run confirms the line is clean from the construction debris.

Line Fill and Dewatering

The most critical phase of a hydrotest is getting a good line fill. Select a good seal pig that displaces the air with a solid column of water. Pig speed will not be as critical because it will only move as fast as the water being pumped behind it – usually 1 to 3 mph (1.6 to 4.8 km/h). Again, pig type is critical.

The pig should have four conical cups, which maintain a good seal because the driving pressure exerts an outer pressure on the sealing surface and the cups are flexible enough to maintain a seal in out-of-round pipe or dents and buckles. These conical-cupped pigs will traverse reductions of 20% to 30% and maintain a good seal when traversing the line. The person conducting the hydrotest will immediately know if they have a good line fill from the sound of the pressure pump and the rise in the line pressure.

Once the line has been tested, it is ready to be dewatered and dried. The same pig type used for line fill should be used to dewater. If fact, run it several times; the intent is to remove all standing water, leaving only a wet wall. This will greatly reduce the number of drying runs with foam pigs.

I strongly recommend a geometry tool inspection run for every newly constructed pipeline. Often called a caliper pig, it will find any dents or buckles that may have occurred during construction. These irregularities can now be sized, located and fixed.

Bare swab foam pigs are considered the drying pig of choice. These pigs will absorb the water due to the fact they are open-cell foam, like a sponge. They are run using hot, dry, compressed air to propel them through the line. They require very little pressure to move them – 3 to 5 psi (0.2 to 0.3 bar) – depending on size.

The line dryness (dew point) may be measured at the launch and receive sites, but the receive site measurement will determine the line dryness via penetration of liquid within the outer periphery of the foam pig.

These bare swab foam pigs normally have a density of 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 0.9 kg), i.e., 1 cubic foot (0.03 m3) weighs 1 to 2 pounds. I recommend medium density (4 to 5 pounds [1.8 to 2.3 kg]) for the first foam pigs. These denser pigs tend to squeeze more water from the pipe wall.

In Service

Once the dew point is achieved in this section, it is time to move to the next section. This same process will be used until all sections have been successfully cleaned, tested and tied together. Once this process is complete, it is time to fill the line with product and place it into the service for which it was intended.

When filling the line for service and displacing the air with product, again use a multicupped pig, depending on the product. Consider using two pigs with a nitrogen batch between them.

In summary, building a new cross-country pipeline is a large investment for pipeline companies. Pipeline contractors are usually the ones making the decision when selecting the methods and pig types for these new construction applications.

Not only will the right selection save the contractor time and money, it assures the owner that they are getting a pipeline properly prepared for the service for which it was intended.

Upcoming Shows & Events (Q42023)

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 13:16:32 GMT

We hope to see you soon!

Here is a list of upcoming shows and events. We hope to see you there.

Test - Date

Spread the Word! PEI is Hiring

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 13:14:59 GMT

PEI is hiring. And we're paying sign-on bonuses and referral fees.

Here's a list of positions we're hiring for as of 8/8/23. Help us spread the word.

Pipeline Equipment Celebrates 20 Years

Sat, 01 Nov 2014 20:16:11 GMT

PEI Articles

America's Energy Triumph: Record Oil and Gas Production

The Pinnacle of Energy Dominance

Technological Innovation and Efficiency

Regulatory Landscape and Policy Shifts

The Broader Impact

Looking Ahead

The Future of Energy: Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) and PEI's Innovative Solutions

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Renewable Natural Gas: Enhancing Sustainability with PEI's Advanced Solutions

RNG: A Sustainable Energy Alternative

PEI's Expertise in RNG Technology

The Environmental Benefits of RNG

The Growth and Potential of RNG

RNG's Diverse Applications

The Re-Emergence of Spherical Pigs

By Larry Payne, Director, Pipeline Equipment, Inc., Tulsa, OK

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. Announces Expansion of North American Sales Team

ABOUT PEI

CONTACT

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. Adds to Their Marketing Team

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC. ADDS TO THEIR MARKETING TEAM

Pipeline Equipment, Inc. is the Largest Oklahoma Manufacturer on the 2019 Inc. 5000 List of America's Fastest-Growing Private Companies

PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC. IS THE LARGEST OKLAHOMA MANUFACTURER ON THE 2019 INC. 5000 LIST OF AMERICA'S FASTEST-GROWING PRIVATE COMPANIES

MEDIA CONTACT

ABOUT PIPELINE EQUIPMENT, INC.

ABOUT INC. AND THE INC. 5000

What Everyone Needs to Know About Building Pig Launchers, Receivers

7 Most Important Questions to Ask a Fabricator

Question 1: Have you ever built this product before? Do you plan to build it yourself?

Question 2: What is your fabrication capability and capacity?

Question 3: What qualifications do you have?

Question 4: Do you have an engineering staff and resident engineer?

Question 5: Can you provide a user’s list with references?

Question 6: Can you provide in-house controls and instrumentation?

Question 7: Do you provide a complete data package?

Steel is Going Up on New 20,000 Twinlock Facility

***EXCITING NEWS – STEEL IS GOING UP!**

More to Quick-Opening Closures Than Meets the Eye

MAINTENANCE

SAFETY

CONCLUSION

Built to Last

PEI Adds Sales Representatives

PEI Introduces Quick Opening Closure

PEI INTRODUCES QUICK OPENING CLOSURE

Correct Pigs, Procedures for Hydrostatic Testing of New Pipelines

By Larry Payne, Business Development Executive, Pipeline Equipment, Inc.

Upcoming Shows & Events (Q42023)

We hope to see you soon!

Spread the Word! PEI is Hiring

PEI is hiring. And we're paying sign-on bonuses and referral fees.

Pipeline Equipment Celebrates 20 Years

*EXCITING NEWS – STEEL IS GOING UP!