Abstract

RAMIREZ, Ricardo  and  DUTRA, Max. Evaluating drag force and geometric optimisation of pipeline inspection gadget (PIG) body with bypass. Ing. Investig. [online]. 2011, vol.31, n.2, pp.152-159. ISSN 0120-5609.

A pipeline inspection gadget (PIG) is a device used to run through pipelines for cleaning, measurement and inspection operations. By-pass is the name for one or a set of orifices allowing flow from back to front of a PIG. It is used for speed control or to improve cleaning operations results. By-pass prevents speed excursions in gas pipelines thereby avoiding damage to the PIG or the pipe. Studies and algorithms have been developed to simulate the dynamics of PIGs running inside pipes. Most studies have been for gas pipelines; these have helped to design some PIG models. This work summarises a particular stage during a PIG design project. This PIG will work in liquid pipelines and can stop in the line for inspection and maintenance tasks. Studying fluid force on a PIG when it has low or zero speed is needed for evaluating project feasibility and conceptual design. Selecting a PIG form to minimise the force of interaction with fluid allows a low weight design and lower energy loss.

Keywords : CFD; fluid structure interaction; optimisation; PIG; pipeline.

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