Storing TDW Pigs and Unispheres
TDW Pigs/Spheres are constructed with strength, flexibility, and resistance to hydrocarbons. In Volume 2, we cover guidelines for storing TDW pigs and unispheres.
TDW PIGGING INSIGHTS - Episode 2
Overview of Storage of TDW Pigs and Unispheres
TDW assorted pigs
TDW Pigs/Spheres are constructed with strength, flexibility, and resistance to hydrocarbons. For TDW pigs to do the job they were designed for, they must be stored correctly. This blog gives a brief overview, with areas of consideration.
To learn more about TDW Pigs or find Resource guides, see the
TDW Pig Resource page.
tips for storing pigs
Humidity and temperature can have a negative effect on the shelf life of urethane. Shelf life maximized when temp is 75F and humidity less than 50%.
Assembled pigs are ideally stored on a stand supporting the pig’s weight.
Brush/blade pigs should be stored standing on their end. If they are stored on the side, the blades, springs, cups and the supporting the weight of the pig on the ground can lead to deformation.
Cups can be stacked upside down if the weight is not enough to distort lower stacked cups.
Spheres – new spheres are best left in the shipping carton until use. After use, any liquids can be left in the sphere pressurized.
If pigs are stored long term, before using it is important to inspect them carefully. Look for softened/darkened urethane that will compromise performance. For example, if a flat blade screw can be pushed into the material, it is safest to discard the pig.
If you have questions, please contact the Kerr Engineered Sales Company who are also available for team for presentations, lunch and learns and customer visits.
Running pigs through a pipeline? TDW REALSEAL® is the best.
Are you looking for the most effective seal possible when running pigs through your pipeline? The multi-lip RealSeal® cups are designed to provide the most effective sealing surface of any cups on the market.
TDW PIGGING INSIGHTS - volume 1
REALSEAL® – Are you looking for the most effective seal possible when running pigs through your pipeline?
TDW has the answer. The multi-lip RealSeal® cups are designed to provide the most effective sealing surface of any cups on the market. Whether it's a nitrogen purge, commissioning or filling and dewatering for hydrostatic testing, TDW pigs equipped with RealSeal® cups save time and money and perform better than conventional cups.
Features & Benefits
The RealSeal® l option features multiple sealing lips, which means a more effective seal through the pipeline run.
Girth welds in the pipeline allow for multiple leak paths.
Using TDW's RealSeal® cups seals these leak paths where conventional cups do not.
Example of OptionALL 4 Cup 2 Brush Pig with REALSEAL Cups
Typical applications for the RealSeal® options include:
Nitrogen purges
Line filling for hydrostatic testing
Dewatering after hydrostatic testing
Commissioning
Decommissioning
Conversion of pipeline from one product to a different product
Removal of water or other liquids from low points in pipeline
Batch separation
Cleaning
If you have questions, please contact the Kerr Engineered Sales Company who are also available for team for presentations, lunch and learns and customer visits.
NEW - TDW Flange Protection
TDW is now adding protectors like the one pictured on all of their flanges to protect the gasket face. They can be left on during weld procedure and do not need to be removed until the valve is ready to be attached.
TDW now places protectors like the one pictured below on all of their flanges to protect the gasket face. They can be left on during weld procedure and do not need to be removed until the valve is ready to be attached. This helps protect the gasket face while installing. From now on, all TDW fittings will have these protectors fitted.
TDW Flange Protectors
The KERR team is available for presentations, lunch and learns and customer visits.
We at Kerr Engineered Sales Company know how important it is for operators to ensure safe and optimized operations for pipeline products and services. Our team has been offering solutions to pipeline operators for over 70 years, and has represented TD Williamson since 1952. TDW has been providing superior products and services to the industry for over 100 years. We stand behind the promise that TDW offers the best in class Closures in the industry.
Troubleshooting for the TDW PIG-SIG® V
PIG-SIGs detect pigs, spheres, scrapers, and other tools as they pass distinct points along the pipeline. They can also alert operators if a pig is lost or stuck. This blog has tips and solutions to the most common issues with the TDW Pig Sig V.
tips and solutions FOR issues with TDW Pig-Sig V.
Pig passage indicators are commonly referred to as “PIG-SIGs,” a term TDW originated more than 60 years ago. They accurately detect pigs, spheres, scrapers, and other tools as they pass distinct points along the pipeline and when they reach the receiver, and can also alert operators if a pig is lost or stuck.
The weatherproof and corrosion-resistant PIG-SIG® V pig passage indicator is built to withstand most environments. All components exposed to pipeline products are completely sealed to prevent leaks.
PIG SIG V OPERATIONS GUIDE
NOTE: It is very important to read these troubleshooting guidelines in conjunction with the Pig Sig V Operating and Maintenance instructions PIG- SIG V Guide
ISSUE: The Plug assembly won’t thread on to the THREAD-O-RING ™ Nipple
Verify that it is indeed a TDW THREAD-O-RING. The hole in the pipe may be too small or not centered. The TDW THREAD-O-RING may be swedged due to over-tightening of a valve or cap. Measure the inside dimension (ID) to ensure it is not swedged or egged.
ISSUE: PIG-SIG V has never worked correctly
Verify that the proper TDW THREAD-O-RING was used to correspond with the wall thickness of the pipe. Measure the height of the THREAD-O-RING as it is mounted to the pipe and then add that measurement to the wall thickness of the pipe. The measurement should not exceed 4.50 inches but needs to be greater than 4.25 inches.
ISSUE: The Plug stopped working correctly
If the plug is contaminated, install a new filter pack version. If there is wax build up in the plug: consult with the TDW factory regarding other plug options.
If The Trigger is damaged, the first step is to verify that the proper TDW THREAD-O-RING was used for corresponding wall thickness of pipe. Measure the height of the TDW THREADO-RING as it is mounted to the pipe and then add that measurement to the wall thickness of the pipe. This measurement should not exceed 4.50 inches but needs to be greater than 4.25 inches.
The plug may have wax or other buildup that is preventing the trigger from moving. This can lead to the plug being damaged.
ISSUE Electrical or Combo Electrical switch is not sending electrical signal
Check for the proper switch adjustment. Please refer to electrical switch instruction in the manual and ensure that the switch is adjusted properly.
Ensure that the double torsion spring is still installed correctly.
Verify that the indicator is properly installed. Check the indicator installation by removing a set screw and looking for the groove on the plug.
Verify that the plug is fully installed. Measure the distance the plug extends above the THREAD-O-RING Nipple; the distance should be 1 3/8 inches.
In the event of freezing weather, the seal on the indicator may have been compromised allowing water to enter the upper position of the plug. This water can freeze and not allow the magnet to move.
ISSUE: Indicator - The All Types Flag doesn’t raise after assumed pig passage
Verify that the indicator is properly installed: check indicator installation by removing a set screw and looking for the groove on the plug.
Verify that the plug is fully installed: Measure the distance the plug extends above the THREAD-O-RING nipple (should be 1-3/8 inches).
In the event of freezing weather: the seal on the indicator may have been compromised allowing water to enter the upper portion of the plug. This water can freeze and not allow the magnet to move. Remove indicator and check for moisture.
IN THE EVENT OF FREEZING WEATHER:
Remove indicator to check for moisture. 65 Section VII – Maintenance Table 11. PIG-SIG V Maintenance Intervals Item Interval Seal Inspect every six months for tears or cracks.
Replace annually (order seal kit).
Magnet Inspect annually.
Replace if cracks or chips are present.
Indicator O-ring is recommended to be replaced annually.
Plug O-ring Inspect any time the plug is removed. Replace annually.
Plug Backup Ring should be replaced each time the plug is removed.
NOTE: Times may vary depending on the pipeline product and the environment that the unit is exposed to.
ISSUE:Flag does not raise after assumed pig passage/switch does not actuate or release (reset)
Proper switch adjustment: refer to electrical switch instruction in the manual and ensure the switch is adjusted properly. The gap between polymer slider and switch plunger should be between 0.005 and 0.02 inches (0.1 to 0.6mm).
To discuss issues with your Pig Sig V please contact any of the KERR team.
Kerr Engineered Sales Company has been representing leading pipeline repair and performance companies in Eastern US since the company was founded in 1952. Seventy years later, the company is still a family run business serving customers with the highest quality service and support.