Piggable pipe is constructed in such a way that it provides a definite path to the pigs which are used for cleaning and ILI (in-line inspection) of the pipeline. Controlled bore size, smooth inside transitions, and proper bending radius must be maintained to facilitate an unobstructed flow of the pig through the system. Depending upon the design of the pipeline system, piggable pipe system components include 3D-5D bends, full bore ball and gate valves, barred tees, and pig launcher and receiver traps. Piggable pipelines are employed in oil & gas and chemical processing industries and other pipelines that require cleaning and ILI. The components of piggable pipeline systems can be supplied in carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, and alloy grade materials in accordance with the respective standards. Amardeep Steel manufactures and supplies engineered piggable piping components for demanding pipeline applications.
Technical Data
Specifications of Piggable Pipe
Parameter | Technical Specification / Supply Capability |
|---|---|
Product Scope | Piggable Line Pipe, Induction/Long-Radius Bends, Barred Tees, Wall Transitions |
Piggable Bend Radii | 3D, 5D, 6D, 8D, 10D, and custom centerline radii (CLR) |
Nominal Pipe Sizes (NPS) | 2" NB to 36" NB (Larger custom sizes available on request) |
Pipe Schedules & Walls | SCH 10, SCH 40, SCH 80, SCH 160, STD, XS, XXS (Custom heavy-wall up to 50 mm) |
Governing Standards | ASME B16.49 (Induction Bends), MSS SP-75 (High-Test Fittings), API 5L (Line Pipe), ASME B16.9 |
Material Grades | API 5L (Gr B, X52, X65, X70 PSL2), ASTM A234 (WPB, WPC), ASTM A403 (WP304/L, WP316/L), Duplex S31803/S32205 |
Internal Surface Finish | Smooth, weld-bead trimmed, controlled ovality (< 3%), no internal step-protrusions |
Documentation & Quality | EN 10204 3.1 / 3.2 MTC, NDT (UT/RT), Hydrostatic Test Report, Ovality & Dimensional Clearance Report |
Chemical Compositions of Piggable Pipe
Grade / Standard | Carbon (C) | Manganese (Mn) | Phosphorus (P) | Sulfur (S) | Silicon (Si) | Chromium (Cr) | Nickel (Ni) | Molybdenum (Mo) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASTM A234 WPB | 0.30 max | 0.29 – 1.06 | 0.050 max | 0.058 max | 0.10 min | 0.40 max | 0.40 max | 0.15 max |
ASTM A234 WPC | 0.35 max | 0.29 – 1.06 | 0.050 max | 0.058 max | 0.10 min | 0.40 max | 0.40 max | 0.15 max |
ASTM A403 WP304 / 304L | 0.08 / 0.030 max | 2.00 max | 0.045 max | 0.030 max | 1.00 max | 18.0 – 20.0 | 8.0 – 12.0 | — |
ASTM A403 WP316 / 316L | 0.08 / 0.030 max | 2.00 max | 0.045 max | 0.030 max | 1.00 max | 16.0 – 18.0 | 10.0 – 14.0 | 2.00 – 3.00 |
Duplex S31803 / S32205 | 0.030 max | 2.00 max | 0.030 max | 0.020 max | 1.00 max | 22.0 – 23.0 | 4.5 – 6.5 | 3.00 – 3.50 |
Piggable Pipe Mechanical Properties
Material Grade | Tensile Strength, min | Yield Strength (0.2% offset), min | Minimum Elongation | Typical Delivery Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
ASTM A234 WPB | 415 MPa (60 ksi) | 240 MPa (35 ksi) | 22% | Normalized / Stress Relieved |
ASTM A234 WPC | 485 MPa (70 ksi) | 275 MPa (40 ksi) | 20% | Normalized / Stress Relieved |
ASTM A403 WP304 / WP316 | 515 MPa (75 ksi) | 205 MPa (30 ksi) | 28% | Solution Annealed |
ASTM A403 WP304L / WP316L | 485 MPa (70 ksi) | 170 MPa (25 ksi) | 28% | Solution Annealed |
Duplex UNS S31803 | 620 MPa (90 ksi) | 450 MPa (65 ksi) | 25% | Solution Annealed & Quenched |
Duplex UNS S32205 | 655 MPa (95 ksi) | 450 MPa (65 ksi) | 25% | Solution Annealed & Quenched |
Physical Properties of Piggable Pipe
Property | Carbon Steel (A234 / API 5L) | Austenitic Stainless (304 / 316) | Duplex Stainless (S31803) |
|---|---|---|---|
Density | 7.85 g/cm³ | 8.00 g/cm³ | 7.80 g/cm³ |
Modulus of Elasticity | 200 GPa | 193 GPa | 200 GPa |
Thermal Conductivity (at 100°C) | ~50 W/m·K | ~16.2 W/m·K | ~19.0 W/m·K |
Mean Thermal Expansion (0–100°C) | 12.0 × 10⁻⁶ /K | 16.5 × 10⁻⁶ /K | 13.0 × 10⁻⁶ /K |
Magnetic Property | Ferromagnetic | Non-Magnetic (Annealed) | Ferromagnetic |
Equivalent Grades of Piggable Pipe
ASTM / ASME Grade | UNS / Type | EN / DIN Grade | EN / DIN Material No. |
|---|---|---|---|
ASTM A234 WPB | Carbon Steel | P265GH | 1.0425 |
ASTM A234 WPC | Carbon Steel | P275NH | 1.0487 |
ASTM A403 WP304 | S30400 | X5CrNi18-10 | 1.4301 |
ASTM A403 WP304L | S30403 | X2CrNi19-11 | 1.4306 / 1.4307 |
ASTM A403 WP316 | S31600 | X5CrNiMo17-12-2 | 1.4401 |
ASTM A403 WP316L | S31603 | X2CrNiMo17-12-2 | 1.4404 |
Size Chart of Piggable Pipe
NPS (Inches) | Pipe OD (mm) | 3D CLR (mm) | 5D CLR (mm) | 90° Arc Length (3D) | 90° Arc Length (5D) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4" | 114.3 | 305 mm | 508 mm | 479 mm | 798 mm |
6" | 168.3 | 457 mm | 762 mm | 718 mm | 1197 mm |
8" | 219.1 | 610 mm | 1016 mm | 958 mm | 1596 mm |
10" | 273.1 | 762 mm | 1270 mm | 1197 mm | 1995 mm |
12" | 323.9 | 914 mm | 1524 mm | 1436 mm | 2394 mm |
16" | 406.4 | 1219 mm | 2032 mm | 1915 mm | 3192 mm |
20" | 508.0 | 1524 mm | 2540 mm | 2394 mm | 3990 mm |
24" | 609.6 | 1829 mm | 3048 mm | 2873 mm | 4788 mm |
Applications and Industrial Uses of Piggable Pipe
- Oil and Gas Transmission Pipelines
- Crude Oil Transportation Systems
- Natural Gas Distribution Pipelines
- Petrochemical Processing Pipelines
- Chemical Processing Plants
- Refined Product Pipelines
- Water and Slurry Transportation Systems
- Pipeline Inspection and Maintenance Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Piggable Pipe?
A Piggable Pipe is a pipeline designed with a clear, continuous internal bore that allows pigs to travel through it for cleaning, maintenance, or inspection.
What is a Piggable Pipeline used for?
Piggable Pipelines are used for cleaning, product recovery, flow maintenance, and in-line inspection of pipelines.
What makes a pipeline piggable?
A pipeline is piggable when it has a suitable internal diameter, smooth transitions, compatible bends, valves, and fittings that allow a pig to pass safely.
What type of valves are used in Piggable Pipelines?
Full-bore ball or gate valves are commonly used because they provide sufficient internal clearance for pig passage.
Can all pipelines be pigged?
No. Pipelines with tight bends, reduced-bore valves, unsuitable fittings, or obstructions may not be suitable for pigging.
What is the difference between Piggable and non-piggable pipelines?
Piggable pipelines are designed for safe pig passage, while non-piggable pipelines contain features that can restrict or prevent pig movement.
Are Piggable Pipes suitable for intelligent pigging and inspection?
Yes. Properly designed Piggable Pipes can accommodate intelligent pigs for detecting corrosion, cracks, wall loss, and other pipeline defects.
