Two engineers travelled to commission six UV16 vacuum systems delivered to an offshore construction company that specialised in pipeline pigging and hydro-testing.

The pipeline in Ujjain measured 48 inches in diameter and extended 90 km in length.

The Project Engineer stated: “Thanks to Pneumofore having such a product like UV16, this is really a perfect product for our pipeline drying operation. We have completed 48” x 90 kilometres pipeline vacuum drying within 6 days without any major problem.”

The system included four double-stage vacuum units with variable-speed roots pumps (3000 m³/h capacity) and two standard double-stage vacuum systems (2500 m³/h capacity), achieving a maximum flow of 17,000 m³/h. Some units were containerised for safe transport and operation.

Pneumofore's vacuum systems efficiently evacuate water vapour and are air-cooled, enabling the pipeline to reach a dew point of -32°C. This method proved more economical than previous nitrogen drying techniques. The vacuum fleet can evacuate up to 400 kg/h of water vapour. 

The pipeline drying process follows dewatering with pigs, which also collect data on internal geometry. The engineers trained the local team on operation and maintenance, ensuring the Pneumofore systems are easy to operate.