Pigs in the pipeline

MANILA, Philippines - Lest you get the absurd mental picture of porcine creatures futilely squeezing through narrow cylinders, it would be best to clarify at the outset that the “pigs” referred to here are pipeline inspection gauges. Used to inspect pipelines containing oil, fuel and other products, these devices are inserted or “launched” into the pipe for the purpose of cleaning the latter.

The concept is quite straightforward. After the pig is inserted, the pressure of the product flowing inside the pipeline pushes the device down the pipe to clean it. The apparatus then finds its way to a receiving trap, or “pig catcher,” where it will be retrieved. But these are technologically advanced times and a pig can do more than unclog or clean a pipeline. What are called “smart pigs” can separate impurities or “dewater” the products contained in a pipe. They are able to provide information on the condition of the line, as well as supply data on the extent and location of any problem. Working in conjunction with ultrasonic instruments, stress monitoring and computer-aided detection devices, the purpose of the pig is to promote pipeline safety.

The instruments are among those used by TUV SUD PSB Ltd. to ensure pipeline safety. The 140-year-old company, with origins in Germany, “provides testing, inspection, certification, training and knowledge services.” With a solid reputation for world-class service and over 16,000 employees in 600 locations worldwide, its goal is “to achieve the optimization of technology, systems and expertise.”

“Simply put, TUV SUD is a technical solutions partner,” explains Lim Teck Mong, vice president for industry services, inspection and failure analysis center of TUV SUD PSB Ltd. He tells us that pipeline safety is just one area of expertise for TUV SUD PSB. “We service a wide range of industries because our clients have very diverse needs.”

Among the services offered by the company are design appraisal (for plant, building, infrastructure, amusement rides and skyways); provision of site quality assurance and quality inspection teams and/or management for new investment products; consultancy services such as quality assurance/ quality control for health, safety and environment; and vendor inspection and expediting services. In addition the company provides risk base inspection/ plant integrity management; above ground storage tank inspection and certification; failure and stress analysis; pre/post- shipment inspections; and factory inspections. As one of the leaders in its field, the company makes use of state-of-the-art equipment to guarantee reliable results.

For pipeline inspections, in particular, the goal is to identify and quantify where the pipeline risks are, and to assess where material degradation (corrosion, for example) has occurred. This is so that remedial measures can be made to avert what could be environmental, financial or safety crises. “Pipeline safety should be a primary concern because the pipes usually conduct materials that can be hazardous,” confirms Lim Teck Mong. “Leaks and damage to the pipeline can threaten public health and safety.” He clarifies that his company is primarily concerned with “improving processes, assuring quality and raising safety standards.”

“Pipeline and vessel safety is non-negotiable,” agrees Chia Jen Wen, general manager of TUV SUD PSB Philippines. “There have been many industrial accidents where corroded, cracked pipes and vessels rupture or break apart, causing fatal accidents, destroying homes and endangering our environment.” He cites, as an example, the fuel leakage incident in Makati City last year that resulted in residents vacating their homes in a condominium building. “A pipeline’s mechanical integrity has to be known and documented, and regular assessments can catch potential pipeline and vessel irregularities before they deteriorate and compromise vessel integrity.”  He adds, “Regular inspections ensure that businesses remain sustainable and give continued safety and quality service.” In addition, safety consciousness can also protect Filipino companies from legal suits.

At a press conference introducing the services of TUV SUD to the media, however, we learned that the technology can also be applied to pipelines containing non-toxic materials. For example, inspection of water supply pipelines can identify weak spots so that maintenance work can proceed before a pipe bursts and streets are flooded. However, we realize that this is not practical at the moment. Testing becomes unnecessary when we know, for sure, that decades old water pipelines are long overdue for maintenance and need to be replaced.

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TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc. is at 1808 The Orient Square Bldg, F. Ortigas Jr. Rd, Ortigas Center, Pasig City, with telephone number 687-5673 to75. For more information, log on to www.tuv-sud-psb.ph.