How Portable Valve Actuators Enhance Pipeline Pigging Efficiency

19 June 2024

PVA Options PVA Sector PVA Safety PVA Range

Pipeline pigging is a crucial process for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of pipelines in the oil and gas industry. These cleaning and inspection tools travel through the pipeline, removing debris and identifying potential problems. But efficient pigging hinges on the safe and effective operation of the valves involved.

Growing Demand for Pipeline Pigging Services

Rising concerns over pipeline safety and energy infrastructure, driven by incidents like leaks and spills, have fueled demand for pipeline pigging services. Government and regulatory pressure to ensure safe oil and gas transport further amplifies this demand as companies strive for compliance and accident prevention through pipeline maintenance and monitoring.

 

pigging

The Challenge of Manual Valve Operation

Traditionally, valves have been operated manually during the pigging launch process. This can be time-consuming, labor-intensive, and even risky for personnel.

Consider a large-diameter pipeline with six manually operated valves. Each valve might take 20-30 minutes to open or close safely, requiring two workers. That's potentially 2-3 hours spent on valve operation alone, excluding other essential pigging steps.

Manual valve operation poses several challenges:

➡️Safety Risks: Large valves often require significant force to operate, increasing the risk of fatigue and injury.

➡️Time Consumption: Manually turning valves, especially for large diameters, is a slow and inefficient process.

➡️Labor Costs: Multiple workers may be needed to operate larger valves simultaneously, adding to labor costs.

➡️Inconsistent Operation: Manual operation can lead to variations in valve positions, potentially causing leaks or damage.

 

JA73 woman at work GIF

 

JA73 Portable Valve Actuator with Torque reaction system

Portable Valve Actuators is your essential tool for efficient Pipeline Pigging

Portable valve actuators offer a powerful solution to these challenges. These lightweight, handheld devices take the strain off workers, ensuring safety and reducing fatigue. They enable quick and controlled valve operation, saving valuable time during pigging procedures.

 

Example: The Efficiency Boost

In the same scenario with six valves, using portable valve actuators could reduce valve operation time to just 2 minutes per valve with a single worker. This translates to a time saving of 2 hours, significantly boosting overall pigging efficiency.

We used MC89 Portable VAlve Actuator + FSB Spoke Adaptor

Key Advantages of Portable Valve Actuators:

➡️Enhanced Safety: Reduced risk of injuries for personnel.

➡️Improved Efficiency: Faster valve operation speeds up pigging completion times.

➡️Cost Savings: Portable actuators eliminate the need for dedicated equipment for each valve, reducing costs.

➡️Streamlined Operations: A single, versatile tool simplifies pigging procedures.

 

Investing in the Future

By incorporating portable valve actuators into your pigging operations, you invest in the safety and efficiency of your workforce and pipeline infrastructure. These innovative tools empower your team to perform pigging operations with greater control, speed, and significantly reduced risk.


Efficiency and safety are paramount in the pipeline industry. Portable valve actuators offer a simple yet transformative solution.

They make work easier and safer, improving pipeline upkeep. These tools are important, especially as we need pipelines more than ever.

 

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Olivier Ben Soussan
Olivier Ben Soussan

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