A method of removing trapped hydrocarbons from pipework, the pipework comprising a through pipe (1) extending from an inlet to an outlet, and at least one up-pipe (2a, 2b) extending upwardly from the through pipe. The method comprises: flushing the through pipe with a water-based liquid (6) which has a density less than hydrocarbons; wherein the water-based liquid comprises a plurality of rigid containers, such as microspheres, the rigid containers each having a sealed void containing a gas. in this way, hydrocarbons in the up-pipes may be removed without hot-tapping them. The flushing may be performed by directing pipeline pigs (5a, 5b) in front of and behind the water-based liquid. The pigs may be a cross-linked gel, based pipeline pig with elastomeric properties. A kit of parts for such a method is also disclosed.

A pipe cleaning assembly has a connection fixture having a body defining a cavity. A first aperture, opposing first auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the first aperture, second aperture, and opposing second auxiliary aperture coaxially aligned with the second aperture are in fluid communication with the cavity. A first connection flange extends from and surrounds the first aperture, a second connection flange extends from and surrounds the second aperture, a third connection flange extends from and surrounds the first auxiliary aperture, and a fourth connection flange extends from and surrounds the second auxiliary aperture. A bonnet is inserted through the second auxiliary aperture and is positioned within the cavity of the body and includes a generally cylindrical wall and a plurality of openings formed through the cylindrical wall to direct fluid flowing through the connection fixture.

Disclosed are processes, apparatuses, and systems in natural gas pipelines to significantly reduce pigging and blowdown emissions. In an example, a process involves filtering and/or separating pigging or blowdown emissions. The filtered and/or separated pigging/blowdown products can then be stored in a storage, sent back into the natural gas pipeline at a downstream location, or sent to an adjacent pipeline.

A closed conduit system is provided for use in a water supply. The system may include a recirculating unit having a pump and a filter, and first and second pig launch and recovery apparatuses. Each pig launch and recovery apparatus includes a flow tube having a first flow end coupled with the recirculating unit, an opposing second flow end mounted to a hydrant, and a main flow valve. A launch and recovery tube has a first launch end coupled to the flow tube between the first flow end and the main flow valve, and a second launch end fluidly coupled to the flow tube between the main flow valve and the second flow end. An isolated section of the water supply system is defined between the hydrants with the recirculating unit, the pig launch and recovery apparatuses and the isolated section forming a closed circuit.

A closed conduit system is provided for use in a water supply. The system may include a recirculating unit having a pump and a filter, and first and second pig launch and recovery apparatuses. Each pig launch and recovery apparatus includes a flow tube having a first flow end coupled with the recirculating unit, an opposing second flow end mounted to a hydrant, and a main flow valve. A launch and recovery tube has a first launch end coupled to the flow tube between the first flow end and the main flow valve, and a second launch end fluidly coupled to the flow tube between the main flow valve and the second flow end. An isolated section of the water supply system is defined between the hydrants with the recirculating unit, the pig launch and recovery apparatuses and the isolated section forming a closed circuit.

A pig routing insert or drain is used in various subsea systems having a block structure, e.g., block manifolds, with a plurality of perforated fluid passages. The insert generally includes a substantially unrestricted flow opening configured to allow substantially unrestricted fluid flow and passage of a cleaning pig, and a partially restricted opening having at least one pig blocking structure, in which the partially restricted opening is configured to allow substantially unrestricted fluid flow through the partially restricted opening whilst blocking the passage of the cleaning pig through the partially restricted opening. A method for manufacturing and installing the pig routing insert or drain in a machined block manifold includes positioning a manufactured pig routing insert at an intersection of first and second perforated fluid flow holes formed in a body of a structure and fastening the manufactured pig routing insert within the intersection in the body.

A pig routing insert or drain is used in various subsea systems having a block structure, e.g., block manifolds, with a plurality of perforated fluid passages. The insert generally includes a substantially unrestricted flow opening configured to allow substantially unrestricted fluid flow and passage of a cleaning pig, and a partially restricted opening having at least one pig blocking structure, in which the partially restricted opening is configured to allow substantially unrestricted fluid flow through the partially restricted opening whilst blocking the passage of the cleaning pig through the partially restricted opening. A method for manufacturing and installing the pig routing insert or drain in a machined block manifold includes positioning a manufactured pig routing insert at an intersection of first and second perforated fluid flow holes formed in a body of a structure and fastening the manufactured pig routing insert within the intersection in the body.

It is a pig launcher (1) comprising a pig magazine (2), launcher mechanism (3) and a connector (7) being connectable to a fluid flow line. The pig magazine (2) is able to hold a number of pigs arranged side by side, control lines (4) being connected to the pig magazine in such a way that each control line (4) is able to provide control fluid to manipulate a pig. The pig launcher further comprises a pig selector (5) being able to receive source control fluid from one control fluid source line (9) and to channel the control fluid to one of a number of control lines (4) being connected to the pig selector, thereby being able to launch one of the number of pigs by means of the control fluid.

It is a pig launcher (1) comprising a pig magazine (2), launcher mechanism (3) and a connector (7) being connectable to a fluid flow line. The pig magazine (2) is able to hold a number of pigs arranged side by side, control lines (4) being connected to the pig magazine in such a way that each control line (4) is able to provide control fluid to manipulate a pig. The pig launcher further comprises a pig selector (5) being able to receive source control fluid from one control fluid source line (9) and to channel the control fluid to one of a number of control lines (4) being connected to the pig selector, thereby being able to launch one of the number of pigs by means of the control fluid.

A method of minimizing material mixing in a piping system during a transition between a first material and a second material includes providing a plurality of pipe pigs in a first pipe section with the plurality of pipe pigs being sufficient to substantially fill a cross-section of the first pipe section and to define a plug having a leading edge and a trailing edge such that the leading edge is in contact with a first material and the trailing edge is in contact with a second material. Each pipe pig has a nominal size that is smaller than an effective diameter of the first pipe section. The plug is moved through the piping system by moving the second material. Advantageously, mixing of the first material and the second material is inhibited by the plug.