PipeSense Launches Real-Time Pipeline Pig Tracking System
PipeSense has launched PipeTrack, a pressure-based monitoring system designed to provide real-time tracking of pipeline pigs and improve visibility during pigging operations.
(P&GJ) — PipeSense has introduced a new pipeline pig tracking technology designed to provide operators with real-time visibility of pigs moving through pipeline systems.
The U.S.-based pipeline monitoring company said its new PipeTrack system uses pressure monitoring and signal processing technology to track pig movement during pipeline maintenance operations.
PipeTrack analyzes pressure pulses created as a pig travels through the pipeline to determine its speed and location. The system integrates with leak detection software and displays data through a monitoring dashboard that records pigging events for analysis and verification.
According to the company, the technology is designed to provide operators with more reliable tracking during pigging runs and reduce reliance on traditional pig tracking methods.
Operators have historically used methods such as above-ground markers, acoustic monitoring and manual spot checks to locate pigs during pipeline operations. These approaches can create operational and safety challenges when pigs become stuck or their exact location is uncertain.
PipeTrack instead monitors pressure signals within the pipeline, allowing operators to maintain continuous visibility of pig movement.
The system is installed using sensors connected to above-ground small-bore branch connections spaced along the pipeline route. Once installed, the sensors track the pig’s movement throughout the entire pigging run.
Stuart Mitchell, President and Chief Technology Officer at PipeSense, said the goal of the technology is to modernize pig tracking processes used across the industry.
“Applying a common-sense approach to pipeline maintenance and integrity is the ethos at PipeSense. Like many other pipeline maintenance processes, pig tracking methodologies have long been outdated and ineffective. Operators have long been overdue a solution that shakes up pig-tracking and meets the modern demands of the industry, and we’re proud to provide it.
PipeTrack will help empower the industry with a field-proven and reliable solution that transforms time-consuming and resource-heavy manual efforts into an adept platform that offers live feedback.
For the last two+ years, we have been laser-focused on developing and introducing solutions that can help take midstream operations into the 21st century and beyond. PipeTrack is the latest worthy addition to that aim.”