Cleaning and Deoxygenation Process

The first stage of the purging and deoxygenation operation is the leak testing of the lines, which takes place before the pigging. Leak testing ensures the integrity of connections and the strength of pipes. In most tests, the detected leaks are often connected to the flanges of the pipelines, thus leaks are rarely seen at welds. During this stage of pipeline testing, nitrogen gas is used due to its neutral, harmless, and cost-effective properties..

What is Pigging in Purging?

The next stage in the deoxygenation process is pigging. In this process, a device called a pig is used, selected based on the pipe size and equipped with disks. When entering the pipe, the pig's disks engage under pressure against the pipe body, pushing the debris forward. The force used to move the pig or ball forward is the nitrogen gas pressure behind the ball. The maximum allowable pressure for this type of purging is determined based on the allowable pressure for the pipelines..

Other Applications of Pigging

Another application of pigging is measuring the thickness of pipes and identifying areas that have faced corrosion. In pigging tests or ball testing, liquid nitrogen is pumped or stored, which after passing through a vaporizer, is converted into gas. Consequently, the converted gas is used at the desired pressure in the pipelines. Importantly, the nitrogen pressure behind the ball should not exceed the maximum test pressure of the pipe..

Deoxygenation and Its Importance in the Oil and Gas Industries

The final stage of cleaning in pipelines or tanks is deoxygenation. This stage is usually for pipelines and tanks that need to remain ready for future use. For instance, in refinery and petrochemical projects, which may take several months or even years to construct. At each phase of the construction and preparation of pipelines and tanks, to prevent oxidation due to moisture and air oxygen, the oxygen inside them must be evacuated..

How This Stage Is Carried Out

In this stage, nitrogen gas is blown in from one side with a pressure of half to one bar into the desired environment. The outgoing gas is measured at the end of the pipe or tank using precision instruments. If there is no oxygen in the outgoing gas, both ends of the pipe are blocked or the inlet and outlet valves of the tank are closed for future readiness. Another benefit of deoxygenation is the prevention of contact and explosion of gases or flammable materials in storage tanks and pipelines. Therefore, deoxygenation is crucial for the maintenance and preservation of refinery and petrochemical equipment..

Storage of Sponge Iron

Another application of deoxygenation in the maritime transport industry and in the storage of sponge iron for transport and export. Sponge iron, due to its very high specific surface area, engages in re-oxidation and in some cases sudden combustion in environments with sufficient oxygen. The cavities and porous structure of the sponge iron surface increase its specific surface area and render it a combustible material in the environment. The use of inert gases, especially nitrogen, is a common method to prevent the ignition of sponge iron in storage and maritime transport. These gases create an oxygen-free atmosphere, thereby preventing ignition..

How Deoxygenation Works in Sponge Iron Storage

The method of deoxygenation in sponge iron warehouses is also similar to other nitrogen gas usage methods. Nitrogen enters the warehouse and expels the oxygen. This process continues until the oxygen level in the outgoing gases reaches the desired level..

Execution of Purging and Purging Projects by Suhail Gas

Suhail Gas Industrial Group, utilizing past experience and the latest global knowledge, is one of the leading companies in purging and deoxygenation operations in various industries. For consultation or to carry out related projects, you can contact our specialists through the registered numbers on the website..

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