Pig Calibration Spool
Hunt Pipeline Products has designed and manufactured a product that is utilized in qualifying smart pigs.
Our Calibration Spools are designed to replicate anomalies such as dents, metal loss features and combined features with dents and metal loss features to create anomalies like a mechanical strike with equipment.
We worked closely with one of our customers to create a device that could be manufactured to simulate features that a smart pig would locate. With further discussions it became apparent that pipeline companies were relying on the information that was presented to them from the smart pig.
As we progressed through these discussions it became clear that device in question needed to be evaluated on its ability to define an anomaly and to the extent of the damage in question.
With this information in front of our team we decided to manufacture a “test spool” that could be utilized above ground at the customers location in an environment that was safe and productive.
To create the “test spool” we started with a section of pipeline material, installed flanges on both ends and then designed and machined in house the anomalies at specific locations to designed sizes, shapes and depths. We created anomalies to include dents, metal loss due to corrosion simulations, co-located anomalies, internal as well as external versions. Each of the anomalies were cataloged and included in a data package to the customer, basically the “answer log” to the questions the spool will present.
How is this device used?
Prior to this tool, companies would occasionally take a smart pig and take it to a location where a known anomaly existed, excavate the section, and launch the pig and retrieve the data, then compare the data from the pig to the known anomaly.
As you could imagine this was an expensive option with very limited feedback.
Hunt Pipeline Products decided to create a tool that the industry could use in a controlled environment that was cost effective to evaluate upcoming smart pig events. Our test spools contain 50-70 known anomalies that the testing company will locate and provide data for, this information will be compared to the “test log” to see how accurate the smart pig is. Basically, the customer will be able to determine if the pig is truly “smart” and invest in repairs that are confirmed and necessary.
Please contact our team if we can be of assistance to your pipeline repairs.
