Abstract: A radiating beacon system includes a traced wire configured to produce a first magnetic field circulating around the traced wire. The system also includes a radiating beacon configured to produce a second magnetic field circulating around the radiating beacon, wherein the radiating beacon is coupled to the traced wire. The system further includes a locator transmitter configured to apply a tracing signal to the traced wire, wherein the locator transmitter is selectively coupled to the traced wire. The system includes a locator receiver configured to receive the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field, wherein the locator receiver produces an output in response to receiving the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field. Since digital decoders of digital network systems block valves from producing the second magnetic field, an underground irrigation system now includes the radiating beacon system to accurately locate the valves.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for use in determining at least one property of a flowing multiphase fluid involves comparing an initial signal and a pair of local reference signals with a set of flow characteristics extracted from reference sensor feature maps wherein the signals are related to the flow of the multiphase fluid as it passes through a flow passage which is continuously monitored, adjusted, and calibrated. Based upon the comparison, a decision is made to either resume monitoring of the flowing multiphase fluid by using a pair of local reference signals which are closely positioned and defined, or to adjust the flow passage area significantly in order to improve metering flow conditions. The invention is best suited for determining transport flow velocity and gas void fraction or relative proportions of the gas phase and the liquid phase within the multiphase fluid which subsequently can be used to quantify gas and liquid flowrates.

Abstract: The invention provides generally methods and systems in a bi-directional sphere prover for generating diagnostic information by calculating and using multiple meter factors (MF) from four detector switches. A Data Acquisition and Monitoring System gathers the signals of the four detector switches and calculates the base prover volume (BPV) for each section of the prover based on these readings. Then, the different base prover volumes are used to create multiple meter factors for each section of the prover to derive the diagnostic information. The Data Acquisition and Monitoring System displays, archives, and trends the meter factors. Depending upon what particular meter factor ratios are within the acceptable limit, the correct detector switch can be diagnosed and fixed without a substantial amount of down time for the prover. Trend lines for meter factors can also be analyzed for different process fluids that are sent through the prover.

Abstract: A pig loader device can include a breech assembly having a chamber body, a ramrod compartment, a breech, and a neck. A ramrod having a push plate, a rod, and a breech plate may be disposed within the ramrod compartment and configured to slideably traverse the ramrod compartment and the breech. In use, the device can be connected to an ancillary pipe via the neck, and a pig may be placed within the breech and aligned be to be slid within the breech and neck upon engagement with the ramrod to facilitate pigging operations of a pipeline. The ramrod may then be forced forward to an extended position, thereby urging the pig through the neck to be seated within the pipe. The device may then be detached from the pipe to enable continued pigging operations.

Abstract: A pig for movement within a pipeline comprising a cylindrical housing with annular seals circumferentially mounted to the housing and extending outwards for sealing engagement between the pipeline and the housing. An internal flow cavity passes through the housing, with a gate positioned within the internal flow cavity, initially obstructing flow through the cavity. A locking device, connected to the gate, prevents the gate opening. A sensing device is capable of receiving a signal and is connected to an unlocking device. The sensing device receives a signal activating the unlocking device, thereby removing the locking device, permitting the gate to open and flow to pass through the cavity.

Abstract: A tracking system for use with a pipeline includes a scraper having signal generation capability for generating acoustic signals, a plurality of acoustic pressure sensors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper, and a plurality of local processors positioned at intervals along the path traveled by the scraper. Each of the local processors is m communication with a respective acoustic pressure sensor. A central processor is in communication with the local processors and determines the location of the scraper using time-stamped acoustic signals received by the pressure sensors and a speed of sound, in a fluid within the pipeline.

Abstract: A system and method for retrieving a pipeline tool from a pipeline includes a speed control drive section that includes a primary bypass flow valve and a failsafe valve located in a central bypass flow passageway of the drive section. The failsafe valve is placed under the control of a controller. The controller is programmed to release the failsafe valve under prescribed failure conditions. An actuating means moves the failsafe valve between a normally opened positioned and a closed position in response to the controller.

Abstract: An instrumented pig comprises a foam body having an outer surface and an inner cavity in which, in use, is located a sealed unit housing at least a part of a parameter measurement apparatus configured to measure at least one parameter from which the extent of deflection of the outer surface of the foam body may be derived, the sealed unit including at least one sensor configured to generate an output signal representative of the at least one measured parameter.

Abstract: A pipeline pig and pig launching apparatus which allow the automatic launching of multiple pigs into a pipeline are claimed. The pipeline pig comprises an elongate body having first and second ends and a fluid passage defined therein. The fluid passage has an inlet at the first end of the body and an outlet at the second end of the body. At least two support members project radially outwardly from the body and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the body. A valve means is located within the passage and adapted to selectively move between a first position in which fluid is free to flow through the outlet and a second position in which fluid cannot flow through the outlet. A projecting member extends longitudinally from the first end of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for introducing a pig-like tool into an operating pipeline, such as a fluid pipe. According to the invention the pipeline is drilled during operation and the tool is injected into the pipeline through the drilled hole. During a corresponding tool removal from the pipeline a method is provided for prereconnaissance for the determination of a degree of contamination, cleaning, surveying, inspecting, repairing, etc. of pipelines by means of a corresponding, pig-like tool. The invention also relates to a device and a tool permitting the performance of the inventive method. Thus, otherwise unpiggable pipelines can be worked in a cost-efficient manner.

Abstract: A pig for movement within a pipeline comprising a cylindrical housing with annular seals circumferentially mounted to the housing and extending outwards for sealing engagement between the pipeline and the housing. An internal flow cavity passes through the housing, with a gate positioned within the internal flow cavity, initially obstructing flow through the cavity. A locking device, connected to the gate, prevents the gate opening. A sensing device is capable of receiving a signal and is connected to an unlocking device. The sensing device receives a signal activating the unlocking device, thereby removing the locking device, permitting the gate to open and flow to pass through the cavity.

Abstract: A pipeline pig and pig launching apparatus which allow the automatic launching of multiple pigs into a pipeline are claimed. The pipeline pig (30,32,34) comprises an elongate body (40) having first and second ends (46,44) and a fluid passage (42) defined therein. The fluid passage (42) has an inlet (47) at the first end (46) of the body (40) and an outlet (49) at the second end (44) of the body (40). At least two support members (48,50) project radially outwardly from the body (40) and are spaced longitudinally from one another along the body (40). A valve means (52) is located within the passage (42) and adapted to selectively move between a first position in which fluid is free to flow through the outlet (49) and a second position in which fluid cannot flow through the outlet (49). A projecting member (54) extends longitudinally from the first end (46) of the body (40).

Abstract: A spout opening cleaner for cleaning smelt spouts of recovery boilers and the like includes an actuation arm and self-aligning cleaning head. The cleaning head employs open bail designs for enabling continued flow of smelt during a cleaning cycle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a segment (15) of a sensor-supporting element for a scraper-type device, which comprises at least two pairs of runners (16a, 16b) that are arranged essentially parallel behind each other. A support plate (20) receiving sensors (21) is disposed between at least one pair of runners (16). The segment (15) can be combined with other such segments (15) so as to form a sensor-supporting element.

Abstract: A magnetic anomaly detector at a selected location on a pipe string detects the passing of a pig carrying a permanent magnet. To distinguish between a number of pigs, the magnets are differently oriented, in terms of which magnetic pole passes the detector first. To distinguish between a number of magnet carrying pigs, the magnets are oriented such that a planned series of field changes occur in preferred order for each pig passing the detector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a pig scraper for cleaning the inside wall of a coating agent conduit. The pig scraper includes a body insertable in the conduit and at least one sealing lip that seals against the inside wall of the conduit and extends parallel to a longitudinal axis of the body. A space is defined between the sealing lip and the body to form a pocket for enhancing the sealing of the sealing lip with respect to the conduit. The length of the sealing lip substantially prevents the lip from folding over on itself in response to a change in the direction of movement of the pig scraper in the conduit.

Abstract: A subsea pig launching apparatus for launching one or more pigs into a flowline which is fluidly connectable to a source of well fluid comprises at least one first hub to which the source of well fluid is connectable and which is in communication with the flowline, a first valve which is positioned between the first hub and the flowline, a second hub which is in communication with the flowline, and a pig launcher which is removably connectable to the second hub and which comprises at least one pig, at least one launch valve which is positioned between a pressure source and the pig, and a launch actuator for selectively opening and closing the launch valve. The launch actuator is controlled by a signal which is communicated through at least one of a number of external control and service lines that are connected to a control and service umbilical for the source of well fluid.

Abstract: A pipeline pig includes a central body member, a plurality of circumferentially spaced return path elements surrounding said body member and each extending axially relative to the body member, each return path element including a pair of axially spaced magnets from each of which projects a metallic bristle set, and means for connecting the return path elements to the body member whereby the free ends of the bristles, in use, resiliently engage the inner wall of the pipeline, the connecting means comprising a first carrier member mounted on, to be axially slidable relative to, the front extent of the body member and resiliently urged towards the rear of the body member, a second carrier member mounted on, to be axially slidable relative to, the rear extent of the body member and resiliently urged towards the front of the body member, and, for each return path element, a front link pivotally interconnecting the front of the return path element and the first carrier member, and a rear link pivotally interconnect

Abstract: A pig for evacuating pipelines is disclosed. The pig includes a body of a deformable material having an outer surface configured to contour to a pipeline to be evacuated. At least a portion of the deformable material is impregnated with a quantity of magnetic or magnetizable metallic particals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device 10 for scraping the inner walls of a pipeline. The device has (i) a flexible shaft 16 of elastomeric material, (ii) a plurality of groups of flexible radial scraping bars 14 which are spaced apart and offset angularly so that the bars are able to scrape substantially the entire inner surface of the pipeline, and (iii) a flexible covering 12 which coats the entire assembly formed by the said flexible shaft and by the bars, with the exception of the outer ends of the bars.