Viscous Gels

Commonly used to remove debris from pipeline systems with limited access points. Easily disposed of and adaptable to a wide variety of pipeline diameters.

Crosslinked or Uncrosslinked...

Aqueous or glycol based gel available in a wide range of viscosities with excellent debris pick up properties.

A crosslinked gel is primarily used for removal of debris within pipeline systems removing materials such as sand, grit, stones, rubble and other materials that reduce the pipeline diameter and thus flow rates.

The viscous gel will lift and retain debris while being pigged out of a pipeline system. The base is formulated to be crosslinked to provide a wide range of viscous gels to suit a lot of applications.

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Applications

A viscous gel can be used for:

• Debris removal and pick up
• Pipeline De-watering or De-oiling,
• Product Separation
• Pipeline Cleaning
• Chemical Separation
• Blockage Release
• Releasing stuck pigs
• Fuel Separation

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Gel Volumes

Each project is assessed for many factors that can influence the total gel volume required. We can supply viscous gels in:

• Imperial Bulk Containers
• ISO tank for offshore shipment
• Pre-made kits for local manufacture
• Crosslinked gels are supplied with a crosslinker
• A breaking agent to aid disposal is available

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Viscous Gel Properties

Typical properties of a viscous gel are:

• Type: Aqueous, Glycol or seawater based
• Density: 1.1 g/cc
• Viscosity: 1000-40000cps
• Stability: Dependent on application
• Biodegradable

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Designed to match the application

Depending on the pipeline and the application one or more viscous gels can be utilised, each performing different duties. Each pipeline is assessed on a wide number of criteria to determine the optimal gel viscosities.

Gel technologies provide an efficient solution to increasing production (increased bore) and extending pipeline life (limit corrosion) by debris pick up.

Specifically targeting pipelines that require a low volume of cleaning material, low stress, fast solution for debris removal. Gel pipeline cleaning opens up a significant number of systems that are old or have never been cleaned or operate with a low pressure requirement.

Gel Pigs

Custom made aqueous or glycol based pigs, flexible and adaptable to a wide range of pipeline sizes. Used for pigging, sealing and product removal. .

The aqueous gel pig is biodegradable and normally is used within 4 weeks of supply. After use the gel will breakdown or can be placed in a production stream where heat and low pH will destroy the gel pig.

Gel pigs are made in various diameters to suit pipeline requirements and are supplied in a custom built canister to match the pipeline specification.

Benefits

Typical benefits of a gel pig include:

• Effective in pipelines where routine pigging out is required
• Flexible and adaptable to a range of diameters
• Custom made
• Removed through a much smaller orifice than the pipeline
• Effective when combined with a viscous gel for liquid and debris removal
• Pig can be critically balanced to aid difficult operations

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Removal and Disposal

Gel Pigs can be be extracted through a much smaller diameter outlet by increasing the line pressure causing the pig to shear, thus they won't get stuck. Gel Pigs can be made to soften specifically for small diameter removal.

We can advise on the best disposal route for your gel pig after your project.

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Properties

• Diameter: 2"-24"
• Length: Nominally 1.5D but can be 1D-2D
• Propelled with: MEG, Water, Methanol, Gas
• Density: 1.1 g/cc
• Temperature range: up to 65oC
• Shelf life: bepspoke to application

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Canister

Easy to load & launch as all gel pigs come in a preformed canister that can be matched to your pipeline specification.