A major natural gas pipeline that runs through North Dakota will be at reduced capacity for a few days in September.
TC Energy will be using what are called in the industry “pigs” to clean the Northern Border pipeline.
"Think of a cleaning tool, like a really high-tech grill brush," said North Dakota Pipeline Authority executive director Justin Kringstad.
Kringstad said once that “pig” goes through, a second device – called a “smart pig”—will check for leaks.
"Think of that like a 'super computer' that they run through," Kringstad said. "It puts a magnetic field, or current, along the inside of the pipeline. They're able to detect anomalies — any type of corrosion, dings — any issues will get flagged by that system running through."
Kringstad said the pipeline will be able to operate while this procedure takes place.
So – how did these tools get the “pig” moniker?
"One of the original thoughts was the sound they make as they travel through the pipe," Kringstad said. "It has a squealing sound."
Kringstad said the industry has now created an acronym — 'pipeline inspection gauge" or 'pipeline inspection gadget.'
"But I think the old squealing sound is the one I'd like to stick with," Kringstad said.
