Investigation of Dynamics and Vibration of a Three Unit PIG in Oil and Gas Pipelines

Abstract

In this paper, the transient motion of a three unit intelligent Pipe Inspection Gauge (PIG) while moving across anomalies and bends inside gas/oil pipeline has been investigated. The pipeline fluid has been considered as isothermal and compressible. In addition, the pipeline itself has also been considered to be flexible. The fluid continuity and momentum equations along with the 3D multi body dynamic equations of motion of the pig comprise a system of coupled dynamic differential equations which have been solved numerically. Pig’s position and velocity profiles as well as upstream and downstream fluid’s pressure waves are presented as simulation results which provide a better understanding of the complex behavior of pig motion through pipelines. This study has been conducted as a part of the design procedure for the Pig which is currently under construction.