A pig train driven by nitrogen is commonly run through a pipeline after dewatering is completed and dryness is confirmed. Once dewatering and drying is complete, air will be left in the pipeline unless swabbing is performed, whereby the pig train may be propelled by N2. In deep water and remote locations, or where N2 tanks are not desirable, N2 generation equipment will be required. Typically N2 generated from a membrane will have a dew point of -40°C. Liquid N2 tanks typically have a dew point of -70°C. Bottled pure N2 is preferred because of its low dew point, but logistics often do not allow for the use of bottled N2.To reduce the temporary equipment requirements, to fit on a vessel for example, and achieve suitable dewatering speed, it may be desirable to initially swab with dry air followed by N2 inerting. N2 is used to pack the system and form a barrier between the hydrocarbons and O2 at first introduction of production gas to the pipeline. Packing pressure is often determined to avoid large pressure drops over chokes at start up. N2 is used because it is inert, non-corrosive and has less risk of combusting compared to using air.
A minimum of 95% N2 purity is required to maintain the system below the Lower Explosion Limit (LEL) at start up. Ideally 97% should be used as the target. The LEL of Methane is 5%.
The final step for drying of a pipeline is the introduction of export gas per the receiver's specification. When the dry export gas is introduced it will sweep out the remaining N2 to the receiver during startup. Typically the moisture limit of export gas is around 2 lbs/mmscf.
Conclusions
A drying campaign is crucial to the commissioning of every natural gas pipeline. When done correctly, effectively and efficiently, the results can prevent hydrate formation during start up and also protect the ongoing integrity of the pipeline and save operating expense over the life of the system.