FAQ
Above Ground Marker FAQs
An Above Ground Marker (AGM) is a sensor device used in pipeline integrity management to detect and track pigs as they move through the pipeline. AGMs detect magnetic, acoustic, or RF signals emitted by the pig, recording the time and GPS location of its passage. This data is transmitted in real-time to central monitoring systems and stored locally for backup. AGMs are crucial for accurate pig tracking, ensuring pipeline inspection integrity, and identifying anomalies. They are typically installed at key locations like bends and valve stations, and can be powered by batteries, external sources, or solar panels.
An Above Ground Marker (AGM) detects the magnetic field generated by a pig’s magnets, Signals form an EM Transmitter, or the acoustic signal produced as the pig moves through the pipeline. This detection is achieved through sensors embedded in the APEX AGM that can pick up specific magnetic, acoustic, or radio frequency (RF) signals.
Once a signal is detected, the AGM records the exact time and location of the pig’s passage. This data is then transmitted to a central monitoring system for real-time tracking and analysis. AGMs help pipeline operators maintain accurate records of pig movements, ensuring thorough inspection and maintenance of the pipeline.
AGMs are crucial in inline pigging because they provide precise tracking of the pig’s position, which is essential for maintaining the integrity of the pipeline inspection process. By accurately recording when and where a pig passes, AGMs enable operators to identify the exact locations of any detected issues or anomalies within the pipeline. This precise tracking helps ensure that all potential problems are detected in time and necessary maintenance and repair activities are planned. It enhances the overall safety and reliability of the pipeline infrastructure.
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AGM locations are determined based on several factors, including the geometry of the pipeline, specific inspection requirements, and accessibility. Pipeline bends, valve stations, and other critical points are often chosen to ensure comprehensive coverage. Additionally, operators consider the need to monitor areas where pipeline conditions might change, such as transitions in diameter or material. The goal is to strategically place AGMs to provide accurate and consistent tracking of the pig’s journey through the entire pipeline, ensuring that all potential issues are detected and recorded for further analysis and maintenance planning.
Yes, APEX Above Ground Markers (AGM) can be used in both liquid and gas pipelines to track pigs during inline inspections. Their ability to detect magnetic, acoustic, and RF signals makes them versatile tools suitable for different types of pipeline contents. The detection mechanisms and installation procedures remain effective regardless of whether the pipeline transports liquids or gases. This versatility allows pipeline operators to use the same technology for a wide range of pipeline inspection and maintenance tasks, ensuring consistent and reliable tracking and data collection across different pipeline systems.
The APEX AGM can track pigs equipped with Trident EM Transmitters, rare earth magnets, or those using acoustic signals with a geophone input. This versatility ensures that the AGM can be used in various pipeline pigging applications, allowing for accurate tracking of different pig types based on their unique signal emissions. This compatibility is crucial for operators to conduct thorough pipeline inspections with diverse pigging tools.
The APEX Above Ground Marker (AGM) employs advanced digital signal processing (DSP) methods to provide robust and false-alarm free passage information. By analyzing the detected signals with sophisticated algorithms, the AGM can distinguish between actual pig signals and potential noise or interference. This reduces the likelihood of false positives, ensuring that operators receive accurate and reliable data about the pig’s passage, enhancing the inspection’s overall reliability.
The APEX Above Ground Marker AGM streams raw data to the cloud via cellular connection or satellite radio, allowing for real-time monitoring. Additionally, the data is stored on an internal Micro SD card with a standard capacity of 16 GB, providing a secure backup. This dual data handling approach ensures that even if real-time communication is disrupted, the data remains safe and can be accessed later for analysis, ensuring comprehensive data integrity.
The APEX AGM offers a battery life of 144 hours in active mode and up to 400 hours in low power mode, depending on factors such as temperature, cell coverage, and electromagnetic conditions. This extended battery life ensures that the AGM can operate continuously during long inspections without frequent battery replacements, providing consistent tracking and data collection throughout the pigging process.
The APEX Above Ground Marker (AGM) supports multiple communication methods, including Cellular LTE, Iridium Satellite, and Bluetooth. These options enable flexible and reliable data transmission, whether in remote locations where satellite communication is necessary or in areas with cellular coverage. Bluetooth allows for easy local configuration and data access, making the AGM adaptable to various field conditions and operational requirements.
The internal GPS of the APEX Above Ground Marker (AGM) has an accuracy of 3 meters, providing precise location data for the pig’s passage. This high level of accuracy is essential for correlating the pig’s position with inspection data, allowing operators to pinpoint exact locations of any detected anomalies or issues within the pipeline. Accurate GPS data enhances the effectiveness of the pipeline inspection and maintenance processes.
APEX Vector is designed as a fully integrated, multi-axis AGM rather than a collection of external sensors and accessories. It combines geophone, magnetometer, electromagnetic sensing, GPS time-stamping, and wireless connectivity in a single unit. This reduces setup errors, improves signal reliability, and delivers cleaner, more repeatable data across different crews and field conditions.
Yes. APEX Vector was specifically engineered for challenging environments where electromagnetic noise, soil variability, or nearby infrastructure can interfere with pig detection. Its dual-coil, three-axis electromagnetic sensing and directional signal awareness help distinguish true pig signals from background interference, reducing false positives and improving confidence during pig runs.
Yes. APEX Vector detects electromagnetic transmitters across all EM frequencies, including common pigging ranges such as 22 Hz and 10–30 Hz, while also capturing acoustic signals through its integrated ultra-low-noise 3-axis geophone. This allows a single device to support multiple pig types and tracking methods without changing hardware.
EM Transmitter FAQs
Intelligent Electromagnetic Transmitters, developed by Propipe North America, are essential tools used for identification, tracking, and locating of pipeline pigs. They are specifically designed to produce high power and efficient waveforms, allowing for precise and reliable detection and monitoring of pigs as they travel through pipelines. This functionality ensures the integrity and safety of pipelines by accurately tracking the movement of pigs, which are used for cleaning, inspection, and maintenance tasks.
Trident intelligent electromagnetic transmitters operate in a frequency range of 10Hz to 30Hz, providing versatile and robust performance for various pipeline applications. This wide range of frequencies allows for the customization of the transmitter settings to match specific project requirements and pipeline conditions. The ability to operate within this frequency range ensures that the Trident transmitters can effectively communicate and provide accurate data, regardless of the pipeline environment or the type of material being transported.
The standard activation method for intelligent EM transmitters is manual activation, which allows users to easily start the transmitters as needed. Additionally, optional delayed activation methods are available, including wet-start, pull-pin, or pressure switch activation. These methods provide greater flexibility and control, enabling the transmitters to be activated automatically under specific conditions. For example, a pressure switch can activate the transmitter at a predetermined pressure level, ensuring precise and timely operation in critical pipeline applications.
The housing of Trident EM transmitters is made from high-quality Stainless Steel 316L, which offers excellent corrosion resistance and durability, making it suitable for harsh pipeline environments. For applications requiring high-pressure resistance, an optional titanium housing is available. Titanium provides superior strength and corrosion resistance, making it ideal for extreme conditions. The robust construction of the transmitter housing ensures reliable performance and longevity, even in the most challenging pipeline conditions.
The battery life of our intelligent electromagnetic transmitters varies depending on the model and usage conditions. For continuous operation, battery life ranges from 12 hours for smaller models to 22 days for larger models. When operating in pulsing mode (1/3s), battery life extends significantly, ranging from 30 days to 50 days. This extended battery life ensures that the transmitters can operate for extended periods without needing frequent battery replacements, enhancing their practicality and reliability for long-term pipeline monitoring and inspection projects.
Our electromagnetic transmitters can be seamlessly integrated into other products to provide dual rate transmission and switching functions. This integration allows the EM transmitter to automatically change its transmission rate or frequency based on specific conditions or requirements. By connecting the transmitter to other pipeline equipment via a cable, it can enhance the functionality and versatility of the overall system, providing more detailed and accurate data for pipeline monitoring and maintenance tasks. This capability makes our EM transmitters highly adaptable and useful for a wide range of pipeline applications.
Trident transmitters are designed to be compatible with a variety of pig sizes, ranging from 6 inches to 16 inches and above, depending on the specific model. This versatility ensures that Trident transmitters can be used in a wide range of pipeline diameters, making them suitable for diverse pipeline projects and conditions. By accommodating different pig sizes, Trident transmitters provide reliable and accurate tracking and monitoring capabilities, regardless of the pipeline dimensions or the type of pig being used.
Trident electromagnetic transmitters are built to withstand high pressure conditions, with standard maximum operating pressures ranging from 220 Bar to 400 Bar, depending on the model. For even more demanding applications, high-pressure models are available, capable of operating at pressures up to 1000 Bar. This exceptional pressure resistance ensures that Trident transmitters can perform reliably in extreme pipeline environments, providing accurate and consistent data even under high-pressure conditions. This capability is essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of pipelines, especially in critical and challenging applications.
PigView Software FAQs
The PigView Software Suite includes a complete set of integrated applications designed to support every stage of pipeline pig tracking operations. The suite includes:
PigView Web — cloud-based pig tracking and AGM management software for centralized oversight, reporting, and long-term data storage
PigView Desktop — field-based software for direct AGM connectivity and offline data retrieval
PigView Mobile — portable smartphone and tablet access for lightweight, on-the-go field support
PigView Analytics — post-run data visualization and analysis for reviewing pressure, temperature, vibration, and gauge plate data
Together, these tools integrate with Propipe APEX Above Ground Markers and EM transmitters to create a unified, end-to-end pig tracking ecosystem, from device configuration and field detection to cloud management and long-term pipeline integrity analysis.
Users can access real-time and historical tracking data through the web-based software portal PigView-Web. This portal allows for live pig passage tracking and comprehensive data analysis from any online device, providing operators with the flexibility to monitor pipeline inspections remotely and analyze historical data for insights into pipeline conditions. This accessibility ensures that critical data is always available for decision-making and maintenance planning.
Users have access to the PigView suite of software products, including PigView-Web for real-time tracking, PigView-Mobile for mobile device configuration and monitoring, and PigView-Analytics for post-analysis of passage data. These tools provide comprehensive capabilities for managing and analyzing pigging operations, offering user-friendly interfaces for both real-time and historical data access, configuration, and in-depth analysis of inspection results.
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