Ball Valve for Pig Launching and Receiving | Neway

Neway Ball Valve for Pig Launching and Receiving

The Neway pigging ball valve is a purpose-built ball valve for pig launcher and pig receiver stations on transmission pipelines. The ball port and bore geometry are selected to allow pig passage without obstruction, local bore reduction, or interference with the pig cups, discs, brushes, or gauging plates.

Typical applications

• crude oil and refined product pipelines
• natural gas transmission lines
• hydrocarbon export and gathering systems
• onshore and offshore pipeline facilities
• pig launcher, pig receiver, and scraper trap isolation service

Suitable media and service conditions

• natural gas, crude oil, condensate, product fuels, and compatible multiphase fluids
• high-pressure pipeline service, typically specified by ASME or API pressure class
• temperature range and material selection defined by process fluid, ambient conditions, and elastomer compatibility
• sour service execution available when specified to NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156

Construction

The valve is normally supplied in trunnion-mounted design for large bore and high differential pressure service. Body materials may include carbon steel, stainless steel, alloy steel, or duplex stainless steel, depending on corrosion allowance, chloride content, sour service requirements, pressure class, and design temperature.

End connections may be flanged or butt-welded according to the pipeline specification. Full-bore execution is required where pig passage is part of the operating procedure.

Standards and design references

• API 6D / ISO 14313 for pipeline valves
• ASME B16.34 for pressure-temperature rating, where applicable
• ASME B16.5 or ASME B16.47 for flanged ends
• ASME B16.25 for butt-weld ends
• API 607 or API 6FA fire-safe testing when required
• anti-static design and stem blowout prevention according to project specification

Technical characteristics

• full and unobstructed pig passage
• low pressure drop in open position
• availability for high pressure classes and large pipeline diameters
• double block and bleed configurations, where specified
• emergency sealant injection for seat and stem sealing, where required
• drain, vent, and body cavity pressure relief arrangements according to pipeline philosophy

Actuator options

• manual gearbox for smaller or low-cycling duties
• pneumatic actuator for station automation and ESD integration
• hydraulic actuator for high torque or remote pipeline operation
• electric actuator where electrical control, position feedback, or modulating logic is required

Variant selection

• Flanged body: easier removal for maintenance, requires flange space and bolting access.
• Welded ends: reduced flange leakage points, commonly used on buried or high-integrity pipelines.
• Soft seated: tight shutoff for clean hydrocarbon service within elastomer limits.
• Metal seated: considered for abrasive, high-temperature, or contaminated service.

Selection criteria

Valve selection shall consider pig diameter, nominal pipeline size, pressure class, design temperature, medium composition, pigging frequency, differential pressure during operation, leakage class requirements, actuator torque, and the pipeline operator specification.

FAQ

Is a standard full-bore ball valve sufficient for pigging?

Not always. The bore, ball geometry, seat arrangement, and internal transitions must be checked against the pig type and dimensional tolerances.

When is emergency sealing specified?

It is typically specified for critical pipeline isolation where temporary seat or stem sealing may be required before planned maintenance.

Can the valve be integrated into an ESD system?

Yes, when supplied with a suitable pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric actuator, limit switches, solenoids, and control accessories.