Study of the Drive and Speed Governing Control for a Pipeline Pig

Abstract

Pipeline is widely used in oil industry, which is the most important facility for oil and gas transportation. Pipeline pigs are necessary devices used for cleaning and inspecting pipelines. The latest situation of research and development of the pipeline pig is analyzed. The movement principle of the pipeline pig is studied and the mechanical equation is given based on Newton's second law. The friction and the force-bearing area of the rubber cup are main factors that affect the speed of the pipeline pig. The friction is basically the same, but the speed of the pipeline pig can be adjusted by changing the stress area of the rubber cup. Based on theoretical analysis, the design parameters of the system are given, including moving speed, applicable diameter and obstacle crossing capability. The drive and speed governing mechanism of the pipeline pig is designed, which is mainly composed of a rubber cup, a rotary baffle, servo motors, gear set and counting wheel displacement detection unit, and its working principle is given. The control and detection system of the pipeline pig is designed, and the components are selected and designed. The simulation results show that the results of the motion analysis are reliable, and the drive and speed governing mechanism of the design is reasonable and correct.