Pipeline chemical cleaning process inefficiencies are a major cause of cost increases for both online and offline oil, gas and industrial pipeline pigging/maintenance projects. Advanced analytical techniques have been established that improve the evaluation methods and define the specific formulated compounded products that affectedly improve the effectiveness of pipeline chemical cleaning. Through the systematic identification of line contaminants conducted at a laboratory or in the field and through an onsite evaluation of the pipeline system's conditions, individual protocols can be engineered to insure a successful chemical cleaning regimen recommendation for any classification of pipeline foulant. Specific processes have been initiated for handling, treating and disposing of discarded materials from the cleaning runs that allow the pipeline operator or industrial company to maximize the usage of chemical products, minimize waste costs and lower their environmental impact. The first part of the presentation will discuss the ongoing issues concerning the chemical cleaning of pipelines and the analytical innovations that have been developed to address those issues. The second part will illustrate case history data where these new chemical formulations and analytical processes were successfully implemented. The final part of the presentation will discuss future chemical products and diagnostic innovations that are in research and development that will shorten the number of required pigging-runs to insure the cleaning process is considered successful and ecologically safe.

Advanced chemical and analytical options to improve oil, gas or industrial pipeline cleaning flow assurance efficiency

247th National Meeting (2014)

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