Fluidic Pig Launcher and Method Of Its Use

摘要

A pig launcher/receiver includes a fluid distribution grid arranged above a floor of the pig launcher/receiver's barrel to define a fluid chamber between the floor and the fluid distribution grid. The distribution grid has a plurality of ports arranged to form jets that discharge at least a portion of the fluid which enters the fluid chamber. A predetermined number of the ports are inclined relative to vertical and in a direction opposite a closure door of the barrel. The fluid distribution grid, which is preferably semi-circular shaped, can be a permanent weldment, bolted on, or removable. When used in launching a pig, the ports provide a differential pressure that lifts the pig and overcomes friction as the pig moves forward. Because a number of the ports are blocked by the sealing elements (cup or disc) of the pipeline pig, the number of pigs residing in the launcher/receiver can be determined.

主权项

1. A pig launcher/receiver having a barrel located at one end which is arranged to launch or receive a pipeline pig, the pig launcher/receiver comprising:
a fluid distribution grid arranged above a floor of the barrel to define a fluid chamber between the floor and the fluid distribution grid, the fluid distribution grid having a plurality of ports, the plurality of ports arranged to form jets that discharge a slip stream portion of the fluid entering the fluid chamber.