Air Teaser: How Fast Can a Pig Travel?

By Ernie Parker, CFPAI, CFPSD, CFPS, CFPMM, CFPMT, CFPMIP, CFPMMH, CFPMIH, CFPE.

A gas pipeline was updated in my home area. The work included installing a line under the Minnesota River that runs to the residental area. In the final stages of the work, after checking for leaks or other problems, they ran a “pig” through the entire line to clean it before running natural gas through it. A pig is a plug that rubs the edges for cleaning. Normally a pig goes through at 0.2 MPa (30 psi) but may take as high as 0.55 MPa (80 psi).

The pressure in the pipeline will be 1.724 MPa (250 psi) but proof tested to 2.75 MPa (400 psi).
Using the followings specifications, how long would it take for the pig to travel the total distance at 0.2 MPa (30 psi ) and at 0.55 MPa (80 psi)?

Given:
Diameter: 607 mm (24 in)
Length: 2,134 m (7,000 ft)
Pressure required to move the pig: 0.2 MPa (30 psi) and at 0.55 MPa (80 psi)
Air compressor: 45,312 Nlm (1,600 scfm) screw compressor driven by a large diesel engine

psi = MPa x 145

See the Solution